combining my answer to this w my answer for a previous question "how do u think if theres an au wheres ivan was raised well as a child, not having to be wary all the time, have adults to help him develop, will he be more secure than og alnst ivan?"

i dont actually know for certain //how// much of him would change but a different, more 'positive' environment/childhood could give him more of a chance to develop healthier coping mechanisms or at least not have as an abysmal outlook in life as in canon. ivan longed for warmth and affection all his life, and if he was given them early on AND consistently, he would at least know what healthy love given and received would look like. he would have a 'guide' on what type of love to gravitate to, and how to give out the love that he wants to give out. he would have a better chance at identifying when he is loved. would there be improvements in his communication style ? his attachment style ? his self-image ? i'd like to believe there would be.

there is no guarantee that he'd be free from trauma in a 'happier life' au but he would at least have the comfort of knowing that he was wanted, loved, and protected by people who genuinely want the best for him, that he HAS people he can turn to for help and they would do it, no questions asked. (though im not saying that he lacked any of those in canon JASDHGHJ. he was wanted and loved by many, he just didnt know.)