Findings from this study indicate that of the nine different childhood adversities examined, those in the category of abuse and neglect were associated with the greatest decrease in quality of life, followed by those in the category of parental psychopathology and life events during childhood. All nine adversities were associated with a greater decrease in quality of life compared to the general category of mental disorders. This study explored the cumulative effect of childhood adversities on the later mental and physical health of adults. Data for the study were obtained from a sample (n=7,076) of the general population in the Netherlands. Nine childhood adversities (four types of abuse and neglect, three types of parental psychopathology, and two life events before the age of 16) were examined to determine the degree to which they reduced the proportion of a healthy life in terms of years lost due to a disability in adulthood. The findings indicate that from a public health point of view, the combined effect of childhood adversities is more detrimental to mental and physical health of adults than all common mental disorders combined. Tables and references