While a direct "spanking-to-lupus" link is not established, researchers have found that high levels of childhood trauma—collectively known as ACEs—are associated with a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases later in life. Increased Risk Profiles 2009 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
: A study on the Association of childhood physical and sexual abuse with arthritis found that respondents who experienced childhood physical abuse had 1.36 times the risk of having arthritis—a condition frequently comorbid with or a symptom of lupus—later in life. 2. Biological Mechanisms spanking lupus link