Unpredictable Childhoods Shape Mental Health | San Jose News

San Jose News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 22, 2026 · 1m

New research reveals that chaotic childhoods—marked by unpredictability and lack of routine—can seriously impact long-term mental and physical health, even beyond traditional abuse screenings. By adding just five simple questions to standard checkups, scientists identified kids at risk for depression, obesity, and other struggles, highlighting how stability shapes brain development. Inspired by her own past, lead researcher Tallie Baram shows that even in poverty, predictable environments foster resilience. This breakthrough could empower doctors and policymakers to intervene earlier, proving…