This study examines the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and physical punishment/abuse (CPA) on mental health issues in early adulthood. The research analyzed data from a birth cohort of over 1,000 New Zealand young adults, tracking them up to age 25. Key findings include: 1. **CSA and Mental Health**: Exposure to CSA was associated with increased risks of later mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, conduct/anti-social personality disorder, substance dependence, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. After controlling for social, family, and individual factors, those exposed to CSA had rates of disorder 2.4 times higher than those not exposed. CSA accounted for approximately 13% of mental health problems in the cohort. 2. **CPA and Mental Health**: Exposure to CPA was also linked to increased risks of mental health issues, but the associations were weaker and less consistent. After adjustment, those exposed to harsh or abusive physical punishment had rates of disorder 1.5 times higher than those exposed to no or occasional physical punishment. However, these associations were largely explained by confounding factors such as CSA, family background, and individual characteristics. 3. **Methodological Considerations**: The study addressed methodological issues by using repeated retrospective reports, standardized diagnostic criteria, and extensive measurement of background and contextual factors. However, it is subject to limitations such as sampling, sample loss, measurement biases, and uncontrolled confounding factors. 4. **Conclusions**: The study suggests that CSA has a more significant and consistent impact on mental health outcomes compared to CPA. The findings highlight the need for programs addressing physical punishment and abuse to consider the broader social and family context in which such exposure occurs. Overall, the study provides robust evidence that CSA has a substantial and lasting impact on mental health, while CPA's effects are more nuanced and often explained by other factors.This study examines the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and physical punishment/abuse (CPA) on mental health issues in early adulthood. The research analyzed data from a birth cohort of over 1,000 New Zealand young adults, tracking them up to age 25. Key findings include: 1. **CSA and Mental Health**: Exposure to CSA was associated with increased risks of later mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, conduct/anti-social personality disorder, substance dependence, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. After controlling for social, family, and individual factors, those exposed to CSA had rates of disorder 2.4 times higher than those not exposed. CSA accounted for approximately 13% of mental health problems in the cohort. 2. **CPA and Mental Health**: Exposure to CPA was also linked to increased risks of mental health issues, but the associations were weaker and less consistent. After adjustment, those exposed to harsh or abusive physical punishment had rates of disorder 1.5 times higher than those exposed to no or occasional physical punishment. However, these associations were largely explained by confounding factors such as CSA, family background, and individual characteristics. 3. **Methodological Considerations**: The study addressed methodological issues by using repeated retrospective reports, standardized diagnostic criteria, and extensive measurement of background and contextual factors. However, it is subject to limitations such as sampling, sample loss, measurement biases, and uncontrolled confounding factors. 4. **Conclusions**: The study suggests that CSA has a more significant and consistent impact on mental health outcomes compared to CPA. The findings highlight the need for programs addressing physical punishment and abuse to consider the broader social and family context in which such exposure occurs. Overall, the study provides robust evidence that CSA has a substantial and lasting impact on mental health, while CPA's effects are more nuanced and often explained by other factors.