Hong Kong researchers have proven that chronic headaches in adulthood have a strong association with childhood physical and sexual abuse. In a study involving 18,000 subjects from 10 countries Hong Kong researchers have proven a link exists between childhood physical and sexual abuse and chronic headaches in adulthood. Researchers have also proven a linear relationship between the factors. Meaning the more adversity that one suffers in childhood, the more likely the victim will suffer adult onset headaches. It is postulated that the same areas of the brain activated in emotionally distressing situations are also activated during physical pain. Individual poor coping skills do make the problem worse.