"Troubled childhood" refers to a difficult or challenging upbringing, where a person may have faced various problems or hardships during their formative years. Full definition
She did have a very troubling childhood which in itself could have led to severe emotional difficulties but I could not help judging the means and methods she went through to accomplish her goals. (bookbrowse.com)
Attachment issues typically result from an early separation from parents, lengthy hospitalization, incidents of trauma, instances of neglect, or an otherwise troubled childhood. (goodtherapy.org)
Bobby Fischer Against the World (Director: Liz Garbus)-- The drama of late chess - master Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, as he careened from troubled childhood, to World Champion and Cold War icon, to a fugitive on the run. (firstshowing.net)