Adolescent aggression linked to accelerated biological aging and future health risks in adulthood

A University of Virginia study finds that aggressive behavior in teenagers predicts accelerated aging and chronic health risks by age 30.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:43 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from American Psychological Association

Longitudinal study tracks health from middle school to adulthood

Scientists followed a group of 121 students from diverse communities in the Southeastern United States over nearly two decades to observe the trajectory of their physical and social development. Starting at age 13, the research team collected self reports of aggression, parental accounts of family conflict, and peer reviews of relationship behaviors. Upon reaching age 30, participants underwent physical assessments where researchers utilized blood based biomarkers to determine their biological age, providing a more accurate predictor of mortality than chronological age.

Biological aging measured through complex biomarker algorithms

The research team employed two validated methods, the Klemera Doubal approach and PhenoAge, to assess how the body functions compared to its actual age in years. These assessments involved twelve specific markers including C reactive protein, blood sugar levels, white blood cell counts, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Lead author Joseph Allen of the University of Virginia explained that these algorithms combine indicators of inflammation and immune function to estimate biological wear. The study found that individuals with higher early aggression showed more advanced biological age by their third decade.

Relationship stability as a mediator for physical health

A critical finding of the study is that early aggression alone did not predict faster aging unless it evolved into ongoing relationship difficulties later in life. Teens who displayed higher levels of lashing out were statistically more likely to experience arguments with parents and mistreatment of friends as they matured. The researchers observed that these continued struggles in interpersonal connections were the primary drivers behind accelerated biological aging. This suggests that the social patterns established in youth create a lasting physiological impact through sustained relational stress.