This study examines the relationship between exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and childhood physical abuse (CPA) and mental health issues in early adulthood. Using data from a longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealand young adults followed until age 25, the research found that exposure to CSA was consistently associated with increased risks of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, conduct/anti-social personality disorder, substance dependence, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. After adjusting for social, family, and individual factors, those exposed to CSA had 2.4 times higher rates of mental disorders compared to those not exposed. In contrast, exposure to CPA had weaker and less consistent effects on mental health, with only a 1.5 times higher risk of mental disorders for those exposed to harsh or abusive physical punishment. The study estimated that CSA accounted for approximately 13% of mental health problems in the cohort, while CPA accounted for about 5%. The findings suggest that the association between CPA and mental health may reflect the broader family context, whereas CSA has a more direct impact on mental health. The study also highlights the importance of considering confounding factors and the limitations of retrospective reporting in assessing child maltreatment effects. Overall, the study concludes that exposure to CSA is strongly linked to long-term mental health issues, while CPA has a less consistent impact.This study examines the relationship between exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and childhood physical abuse (CPA) and mental health issues in early adulthood. Using data from a longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealand young adults followed until age 25, the research found that exposure to CSA was consistently associated with increased risks of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, conduct/anti-social personality disorder, substance dependence, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. After adjusting for social, family, and individual factors, those exposed to CSA had 2.4 times higher rates of mental disorders compared to those not exposed. In contrast, exposure to CPA had weaker and less consistent effects on mental health, with only a 1.5 times higher risk of mental disorders for those exposed to harsh or abusive physical punishment. The study estimated that CSA accounted for approximately 13% of mental health problems in the cohort, while CPA accounted for about 5%. The findings suggest that the association between CPA and mental health may reflect the broader family context, whereas CSA has a more direct impact on mental health. The study also highlights the importance of considering confounding factors and the limitations of retrospective reporting in assessing child maltreatment effects. Overall, the study concludes that exposure to CSA is strongly linked to long-term mental health issues, while CPA has a less consistent impact.