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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Bediwy EA, Elbeltagi R. Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:98468. [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
AIM To explore the genetic architecture of ASD, elucidate mechanistic insights into genetic mutations, and examine gene-environment interactions.
METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, integrating findings from studies on genetic variations, epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), and emerging technologies [including Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 and single-cell RNA sequencing]. Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.
RESULTS Genetic studies have identified numerous risk genes and mutations associated with ASD, yet many cases remain unexplained by known factors, suggesting undiscovered genetic components. Mechanistic insights into how these genetic mutations impact neural development and brain connectivity are still evolving. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, also play significant roles in ASD pathogenesis. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced bioinformatics are advancing our understanding by enabling precise genetic editing and analysis of complex genomic data.
CONCLUSION Continued research into the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of ASD is crucial for developing personalized and effective treatments. Collaborative efforts integrating multidisciplinary expertise and international collaborations are essential to address the complexity of ASD and translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Addressing unresolved questions and ethical considerations surrounding genetic research will pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31511, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Muharraq, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Eman A Bediwy
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Algharbia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Muharraq, Busiateen 15503, Bahrain
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McDermott CL, Taylor K, Sharp SDS, Lydon-Staley D, Leonard JA, Mackey AP. Sensitivity to psychosocial influences at age 3 predicts mental health in middle childhood. Dev Sci 2024; 27:e13531. [PMID: 38863439 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Children vary in how sensitive they are to experiences, with consequences for their developmental outcomes. In the current study, we investigated how behavioral sensitivity at age 3 years predicts mental health in middle childhood. Using a novel repeated measures design, we calculated child sensitivity to multiple psychological and social influences: parent praise, parent stress, child mood, and child sleep. We conceptualized sensitivity as the strength and direction of the relationship between psychosocial influences and child behavior, operationalized as toothbrushing time, at age 3 years. When children were 5-7 years old (n = 60), parents reported on children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Children who were more sensitive to their parents' praise at age 3 had fewer internalizing (r = -0.37, p = 0.016, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = -0.35, p = 0.021, pFDR = 0.042) problems in middle childhood. Higher average parent praise also marginally predicted fewer externalizing problems (r = -0.33, p = 0.006, pFDR = 0.057). Child sensitivity to mood predicted fewer internalizing (r = -0.32, p = 0.013, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = -0.38, p = 0.003, pFDR = 0.026) problems. By capturing variability in how children respond to daily fluctuations in their environment, we can contribute to the early prediction of mental health problems and improve access to early intervention services for children and families who need them most. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Children differ in how strongly their behavior depends on psychosocial factors including parent praise, child mood, child sleep, and parent stress. Children who are more sensitive to their parents' praise at age 3 have fewer internalizing and externalizing problems at age 5-7 years. Child sensitivity to mood also predicts fewer internalizing and externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy L McDermott
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sophie D S Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Lydon-Staley
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julia A Leonard
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Allyson P Mackey
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Sbeglia C, Smith CD, Frick PJ, Steinberg L, Cauffman E. Too sensitive or not sensitive enough? Sensitivity to context and justice-involved youths' response to violence exposure. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024; 34:658-669. [PMID: 38500240 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
With high rates of violence exposure among justice-involved youth, it is critical to identify factors that might impact the likelihood of youth engaging in violence themselves. One such factor is sensitivity to context, which describes how sensitive youth are to experiences in their environment. Using an ethnically diverse sample of justice-involved male adolescents (47% Latino, 38% Black/African American, 15% White) aged 13-17 at the time of their first arrest, the results of this study indicate that exposure to violence was related to increased violent behavior six months later, and this effect was strongest among youth who were low in sensitivity to context. These findings may help practitioners identify which youth are at greatest risk for violence in a policy-relevant population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul J Frick
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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4
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San Martín-González N, Moya-Higueras J, Eixarch E, Castro-Quintas Á, Marques-Feixa L, Crispi F, Daura-Corral M, de la Fuente-Tomás L, Monteserín-García JL, García-Portilla MP, Fañanás L. Intergenerational effects of maternal childhood maltreatment on newborns' stress regulation: The role of maternal depressive symptoms. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 155:106968. [PMID: 39116554 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal childhood maltreatment (CM) has been repeatedly associated with negative offspring's emotional outcomes. The dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis has emerged as the main underlying physiological mechanism. OBJECTIVE To explore the association between maternal CM and newborns' physiological and neurobehavioral stress responses, considering the role of perinatal maternal depression and bonding. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 150 healthy women were followed throughout pregnancy. 79 mother-infant dyads were included in the final analyses. Maternal CM was evaluated using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and depressive symptoms by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at each trimester. At 7 weeks postpartum, the EPDS and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were administered. Newborns' behavioral responses were assessed using "States Organization" (SO) and "States Regulation" (SR) subdomains of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Newborns' salivary samples were collected before and after the NBAS to study cortisol reactivity. METHODS A cross-lagged panel model was employed. RESULTS Infants born to mothers with higher CM presented more optimal scores on SO (β (0.635) = 0.216, p 〈001) and SR (ß (0.273) = 0.195, p = .006), and a higher cortisol reactivity after NBAS handling (β(0.019) = 0.217, p = .009). Moreover, newborns of mothers with higher CM and postpartum depressive symptoms exhibited a poorer performance on SR (ß (0.156 = -0.288,p = .002). Analyses revealed non-significant relationships between mother-infant bonding, newborns' cortisol reactivity and SO. CONCLUSIONS Newborns from mothers with greater CM present higher cortisol reactivity and more optimal behavioral responses, which may reflect a prenatal HPA axis sensitization. However, those exposed to maternal postnatal depressive symptoms present poorer stress recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea San Martín-González
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Moya-Higueras
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work, University of Lleida, Spain
| | - Elisenda Eixarch
- BCNatal - Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Águeda Castro-Quintas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Marques-Feixa
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fátima Crispi
- BCNatal - Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Daura-Corral
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Monteserín-García
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Portilla
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Spain
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER-SAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain.
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Lionetti F, Pluess M. The role of environmental sensitivity in the experience and processing of emotions: implications for well-being. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230244. [PMID: 39005030 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Several theories suggest that people differ significantly in their environmental sensitivity, defined as the capacity to perceive and process information about the environment. More sensitive people, who make up between 25% and 30% of the population, are not only more negatively affected by adverse experiences but also benefit disproportionately from positive ones, in line with differential susceptibility theory. Heightened emotional reactivity has been identified as one of the key markers of sensitivity. However, the current understanding of the relationship between sensitivity and the experience and processing of emotions remains limited. In the current paper we propose a new conceptual framework for the multiple ways in which environmental sensitivity may impact on different aspects of the experience and processing of emotions. This includes heightened perception of emotions, increased emotional reactivity, as well as the important role of emotion regulation for the well-being of highly sensitive people. In addition, we also consider rearing experiences in shaping sensitivity and emotion regulation. The reviewed empirical studies largely support the conceptual model but more research is needed to explore the dynamics between sensitivity and emotions further. Finally, we discuss several implications for well-being before making a case for the inclusion of individual differences in environmental sensitivity in affective science. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University, London, E1 4NS, UK
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6
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Chong LS, Yeo AJ, Lin B. Childhood Family Stress and Women's Health: Parasympathetic Activity as a Risk and Resiliency Factor. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024:10.1007/s10484-024-09661-2. [PMID: 39179946 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Childhood family stress (CFS) exacerbates risk for physical health problems across the lifespan. Health risks associated with CFS are particularly relevant for women who tend to endorse more CFS than men. Importantly, some evidence suggests that individuals may vary in their susceptibility to CFS. Parasympathetic activity, which helps to regulate automatic bodily activity (e.g., breathing, digestion), has been proposed to represent a marker of plasticity to environmental exposure. However, no research to date has tested whether parasympathetic activity may modulate the impact of early adversity on health. We examined whether parasympathetic activity would moderate the link between CFS and health complaints in a sample of 68 undergraduate women (Mean age = 19.44). Participants self-reported CFS and health complaints. Parasympathetic activity was indexed using high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and was evaluated by measuring changes in HF-HRV in response to and following a laboratory-based stress induction. Multiple regression analyses indicated that CFS was significantly associated with more health complaints. Further, HF-HRV in response to stress and during recovery relative to baseline significantly moderated relationship between CFS and health complaints. Specifically, more CFS was significantly associated with more health complaints among women who showed mean or greater decreases in HF-HRV in response to stress. Additionally, lower levels of CFS were associated with fewer health complaints among women who showed mean or greater HF-HRV during recovery relative to baseline. Findings highlight the importance of parasympathetic activity in modulating stress-health links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shen Chong
- Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA.
| | - Anna J Yeo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- The Mirriam Hospital, Providence, RI, 02906, USA
| | - Betty Lin
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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7
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Blankenstein NE, Bouwmeester S, van Haeringen SL, van Klink RT, van der Meule LM, Jansen LMC. Who is at risk? Applying the biopsychosocial model to explain non-violent and violent delinquency in youth. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 69:101428. [PMID: 39180930 PMCID: PMC11385395 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has highlighted the relevance of biological measures in explaining antisocial behavior, but the inclusion of such measures in clinical practice is lagging behind. According to the integrative biopsychosocial model, biological measures should be studied together with psychological and social-environmental factors. In this data-driven study, we applied this comprehensive model to explain non-violent and violent delinquency of 876 at-risk youth (715 male, 9-27 years), by combining nine biological (autonomic-nervous-system; endocrinological), nine psychological, and seven social-environmental measures. Using latent-class-regression analysis we uncovered four distinct psychologically-driven biological clusters, which differed in non-violent and violent delinquency-risk, moderated by social-environmental variables: a biological-psychopathic traits; low problem; high problem; and biological-reactive group. Individual vulnerabilities to (non-)violent delinquency depended on social-environmental context that differed between clusters. These findings highlight the importance of biological and psychological factors, in the context of social-environmental factors, in explaining (non)-violent delinquency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeltje E Blankenstein
- Section Youth at Risk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.
| | - Samantha Bouwmeester
- Out of the Box Plot, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Developmental Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| | - Sterre L van Haeringen
- Section Youth at Risk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rowan T van Klink
- Section Youth at Risk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lieke M van der Meule
- Section Youth at Risk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lucres M C Jansen
- Section Youth at Risk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Li M, Xu T, Li M, Qiu L, He F, Lan Q, Zhang L, Wang L. Negative family expressiveness and adolescents' externalizing problems: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a moderator and anger regulation as a mediator. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39092856 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Family environment, emotion regulation and biological sensitivity have been shown to be associated with adolescents' externalizing problem behaviours. However, findings regarding respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity are mixed and sometimes contradictory. This study aims to clarify the roles of RSA reactivity and anger regulation in the relationship between negative family expressiveness (NFE) and adolescents' externalizing behaviour by measuring RSA reactivity during the Parent-Adolescent Interaction Task (PAIT), designed to simulate a naturalistic negative family environment. In this study, 125 Chinese adolescents (M = 13.95 years, SD = 0.95; 48% male) completed questionnaires assessing negative family expressiveness, anger regulation and externalizing problems. Additionally, we collected electrocardiogram and respiration data during both the resting period and a 10-min PAIT. Results showed that anger regulation mediated the relationship between NFE and externalizing problem behaviours. Moreover, adolescents' RSA reactivity moderated this mediation effect, even after controlling for baseline RSA. Greater RSA suppression potentially indicated greater susceptibility, with the relationship between NFE and anger regulation being more pronounced in adolescents with greater RSA suppression compared to those with lesser RSA suppression. These findings highlight the importance of considering physiological systems, especially within the context of adverse family environments, when studying the relationships with externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Li
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lirong Qiu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Science and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjiao He
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Science and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qili Lan
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Science and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Science and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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9
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Shan W, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Zhao L, Hall BJ, Tucker JD, Jiang F. Association between maltreatment, hair cortisol concentration, positive parent-child interaction, and psychosocial outcomes in Chinese preschool children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:2719-2730. [PMID: 38182921 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02355-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Children now are facing an increasing risk of early life stress (ELS), which leads to detrimental psychosocial outcomes. Behavior studies suggested that positive parental interactions might moderate the negative impact of ELS, but the related biological alteration remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether positive parent-child interactions moderate the association between maltreatment (as a severe form of ELS) and hair cortisol concentration (HCC), as well as between HCC and psychosocial outcomes in young children. Participants were 6-year-old Chinese children (N = 257, Mage = 6.2, 121 were male) selected by stratified cluster random sampling from a Shanghai population representative cohort. Proximal 3 cm hair strands were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for HCC. Children's psychosocial outcome was evaluated using the parental report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents also reported the frequency of positive parent-child interactions using the Chinese Parent-Child Interaction Scale (CPCIS) as well as the history of maltreatment. Multi-level logistic regression models adjusting for individual, kindergarten, and district confounders were used to evaluate the associations between maltreatment, HCC, and psychosocial outcomes. Interactions terms tested whether more frequent positive parent-child interactions moderates the association between maltreatment and HCC, as well as between HCC and psychosocial outcomes. Maltreated children exhibited higher levels of HCC (B = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.38,2.02; p = 0.004), and children with higher HCC exhibited poorer psychosocial outcomes (B = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18,0.51; p < 0.001). Positive parent-child interactions did not have a moderating effect on the association between maltreatment and HCC, but they demonstrated a moderating effect on the association between increased HCC and psychosocial outcomes (interaction term: B = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.75,-0.10; p = 0.01). These findings provide evidence that positive parental interaction may serve as a moderator between chronic cortisol exposure and psychosocial problems. It highlights the importance of frequent parent-child interactions, especially among children under a high risk of ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Shan
- Department of International Clinic, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunting Zhang
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of International Clinic, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian J Hall
- Center for Global Health Equity, NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fan Jiang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Blackwell CK, Wu G, Chandran A, Arizaga J, Bosquet Enlow M, Brennan PA, Burton P, Bush NR, Cella D, Cummins C, D'Sa VA, Frazier JA, Ganiban JM, Gershon R, Koinis-Mitchell D, Leve LD, Loftus CT, Lukankina N, Margolis A, Nozadi SS, Wright RJ, Wright RO, Zhao Q, LeWinn KZ. Longitudinal Changes in Youth Mental Health From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2430198. [PMID: 39186267 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.30198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Robust longitudinal studies of within-child changes in mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking, as are studies examining sources of heterogeneity in such changes. Objective To investigate within-child changes, overall and between subgroups, in youth mental health from prepandemic to midpandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used longitudinal prepandemic and midpandemic data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, collected between January 1, 2015, and March 12, 2020 (prepandemic), and between March 13, 2020, and August 31, 2022 (midpandemic). Data were analyzed between December 1, 2022, and June 1, 2024. The sample included 9 US-based observational longitudinal pediatric ECHO cohorts. Cohorts were included if they collected the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) School Age version before and during the pandemic on more than 20 participants of normal birth weight aged 6 to 17 years. Exposure The COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures Prepandemic to midpandemic changes in CBCL internalizing, externalizing, depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scores were estimated, and differences in outcome trajectories by child sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and poverty level) and prepandemic mental health problems were examined using established CBCL clinical score thresholds. Results A total of 1229 participants (mean [SD] age during the pandemic, 10.68 [2.29] years; 625 girls [50.9%]) were included. The sample was socioeconomically diverse (197 of 1056 children [18.7%] lived at ≤130% of the Federal Poverty Level; 635 (51.7%) identified as White, 388 (31.6%) as Black, 147 (12.0%) as multiracial, 40 (3.3%) as another race, and 118 (9.6%) as Hispanic). Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed minor decreases in externalizing problems (β = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.16 to -0.60), anxiety (β = -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.05), and ADHD (β = -0.36; 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.22), but a minor increase in depression (β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.35). Youth with borderline or clinically meaningful prepandemic scores experienced decreases across all outcomes, particularly externalizing problems (borderline, β = -2.85; 95% CI, -3.92 to -1.78; clinical, β = -4.88; 95% CI, -5.84 to -3.92). Low-income (β = -0.76; 95% CI, -1.14 to -0.37) and Black (β = -0.52; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.20) youth experienced small decreases in ADHD compared with higher income and White youth, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance In this longitudinal cohort study of economically and racially diverse US youth, there was evidence of differential susceptibility and resilience for mental health problems during the pandemic that was associated with prepandemic mental health and sociodemographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K Blackwell
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Guojing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aruna Chandran
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica Arizaga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Phoebe Burton
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco
| | - David Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Caroline Cummins
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Viren A D'Sa
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jean A Frazier
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jody M Ganiban
- Department of Clinical/Developmental Psychology, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Richard Gershon
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daphne Koinis-Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Christine T Loftus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Natalia Lukankina
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Amy Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sara S Nozadi
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco
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11
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Dragone M, Colella A, Esposito C, Bacchini D. Exploring the effect of environmental sensitivity on emotional fluctuations among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a three-wave longitudinal study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1443054. [PMID: 39105152 PMCID: PMC11298977 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1443054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the emotional well-being of adolescents worldwide. Some studies suggested that individuals with high Environmental Sensitivity may have been more likely to experience poor psychological adjustment during the pandemic than those with lower sensitivity. However, there is still limited research on how emotional responses varied across different stages of the pandemic and whether Environmental Sensitivity increased adolescents' vulnerability to the psychological impact of prolonged pandemic restrictions. Methods To address this gap, this study used a three-year longitudinal design (2020-2022) with a sample of 453 adolescents. They completed an online survey measuring their positive and negative emotions throughout the pandemic period, with Environmental Sensitivity considered a time-invariant covariate. Results The results revealed that all participants, regardless of their level of Environmental Sensitivity, experienced a decrease in positive emotionality between the first and second years. However, this trend reversed, showing an increase between the second and third years. Regarding negative emotions, highly sensitive adolescents experienced a significant linear increase over time. In contrast, low-and medium-sensitive adolescents exhibited a quadratic trend, with a notable increase in negative emotions between the first and second years, followed by a slight decrease between the second and third years. Discussion These findings provide further evidence of the negative impact of the pandemic on adolescents' emotional well-being. They also support the notion that Environmental Sensitivity is associated with individuals' ability to respond and adjust to adverse life events, with significant implications for future research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Dragone
- Faculty of Law, Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Colella
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Esposito
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Bacchini
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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12
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Whittle S, Zhang L, Rakesh D. Environmental and neurodevelopmental contributors to youth mental illness. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01926-y. [PMID: 39030435 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
While a myriad of factors likely contribute to the development of mental illness in young people, the social environment (including early adverse experiences) in concert with neurodevelopmental alterations is undeniably important. A number of influential theories make predictions about how and why neurodevelopmental alterations may mediate or moderate the effects of the social environment on the emergence of mental illness. Here, we discuss current evidence supporting each of these theories. Although this area of research is rapidly growing, the body of evidence is still relatively limited. However, there exist some consistent findings, including increased striatal reactivity during positive affective processing and larger hippocampal volumes being associated with increased vulnerability or susceptibility to the effects of social environments on internalizing symptoms. Limited longitudinal work has investigated neurodevelopmental mechanisms linking the social environment with mental health. Drawing from human research and insights from animal studies, we propose an integrated mediation-moderation model and outline future research directions to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Whittle
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lu Zhang
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Divyangana Rakesh
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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13
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Montoya RM, Kershaw C, Jurgens CT. The inconsistency of p-curve: Testing its reliability using the power pose and HPA debates. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305193. [PMID: 38990830 PMCID: PMC11239044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent works have called into question whether p-curve can reliably assess the presence of "evidential value" within a set of studies. To examine an as-yet unexplored issue, we examined the method used to identify p-values for inclusion in a p-curve analysis. We developed iterated p-curve analysis (IPA), which calculates and p-curves every permutation for a set of reported p-values, and applied it to the data reported in several published p-curve analyses. Specifically, we investigated two phenomena for which p-curves have been used to evaluate the presence of evidential value: the power pose and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) reactivity debates. The iterated p-curve analyses revealed that the p-curve method fails to provide reliable estimates or reproducible conclusions. We conclude that p-curve should not be used to make conclusions regarding the presence or absence of evidence for a specific phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Matthew Montoya
- Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Christine Kershaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Zhao L, Li Y, Wang Z, Wu J. Validation of the Chinese version of the adverse life experiences scale. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1403183. [PMID: 39049842 PMCID: PMC11266076 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1403183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to many mental health problems, and play important role in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Additionally, the developmental timing may also be critical in ACEs' impact on these problems. The Adverse Life Experiences Scale (ALES), as a recently developed measure, has demonstrated good reliability and validity in indexing cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission. This scale has not been used in China. The purpose of present study was to revise the Chinese version of the ALES and examine its psychometric properties. Methods A total of 527 parents (fathers n = 246, mothers n = 281) from families with at least one child (12-18 years) completed this online survey. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, correlations, regression models were examined for assessing the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the ALES. Results The Chinese version of the ALES showed acceptable internal consistency (children: α = .72, parents: α = .74) and test-retest reliability (children: r = .86, parents: r = .84). In terms of validity, both parents and children's ACEs scores (total score and most age intervals scores) were significantly correlated with their current symptoms; ACEs scores of some age intervals in early childhood and adolescence significantly predicted symptoms in regression models; and parents' ACEs total score significantly correlated with children's ACEs total score and symptoms (all, girls, boys) except boys' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total score. Conclusion The Chinese version of the ALES showed good psychometric properties for assessing ACEs cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission, and can serve as a reliable tool to evaluate ACEs in Chinese samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luowei Zhao
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- School of Teacher Education, Shandong University of Aeronautics, Shandong, China
| | - Yuling Li
- School of Education, Binzhou Polytechnic, Shandong, China
| | - Zhilin Wang
- Mental Health Education and Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
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15
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Buthmann JL, Miller JG, Uy JP, Coury SM, Jo B, Gotlib IH. Early life stress predicts trajectories of emotional problems and hippocampal volume in adolescence. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:2331-2342. [PMID: 38135803 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) has been consistently associated with adverse emotional and neural consequences in youth. The development of brain structures such as the hippocampus, which plays a significant role in stress and emotion regulation, may be particularly salient in the development of psychopathology. Prior work has documented smaller hippocampal volume (HCV) in relation to both ELS exposure and risk for psychopathology. We used longitudinal k-means clustering to identify simultaneous trajectories of HCV and emotional problems in 155 youth across three assessments conducted approximately two years apart (mean baseline age = 11.33 years, 57% female). We also examined depressive symptoms and resilience approximately two years after the third timepoint. We identified three clusters of participants: a cluster with high HCV and low emotional problems; a cluster with low HCV and high emotional problems; and a cluster with low HCV and low emotional problems. Importantly, severity of ELS was associated with greater likelihood of belonging to the low HCV/high symptom cluster than to the low HCV/low symptom cluster. Further, low HCV/high symptom participants had more depressive symptoms and lower resilience scores than did participants in the low HCV/low symptom, but not than in the high HCV/low symptom cluster. Our findings suggest that smaller HCV indexes biological sensitivity to stress. This adds to our understanding of the ways in which ELS can affect hippocampal and emotional development in young people and points to hippocampal volume as a marker of susceptibility to context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Buthmann
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica P Uy
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Saché M Coury
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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16
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Cuyvers B, Ein-Dor T, Houbrechts M, Freson K, Goossens L, Van Den Noortgate W, van Leeuwen K, Bijttebier P, Claes S, Turner J, Chubar V, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Bosmans G. Exploring the role of OXTR gene methylation in attachment development: A longitudinal study. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22496. [PMID: 38689124 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The current study explored longitudinally whether oxytocin receptor gene methylation (OXTRm) changes moderated the association between parental sensitivity changes and children's attachment changes over three waves. Six hundred six Flemish children (10-12 years, 42.8%-44.8% boys) completed attachment measures and provided salivary OXTRm data on seven CpG sites. Their parents reported their sensitive parenting. Results suggest that OXTRm changes hardly link to attachment (in)security changes after the age of 10. Some support was found for interaction effects between parental sensitivity changes and OXTRm changes on attachment changes over time. Effects suggest that for children with increased OXTRm in the promotor region and decreased methylation in the inhibitor region over time, increased parental sensitivity was associated with increased secure attachment and decreased insecure attachment over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bien Cuyvers
- Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tsachi Ein-Dor
- Social Sciences, School of Psychology, Reichman University Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | | | - Kathleen Freson
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Goossens
- School Psychology and Development in Context, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Karla van Leeuwen
- Family and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patricia Bijttebier
- School Psychology and Development in Context, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Claes
- Research Group Psychiatry, UZ Leuven-KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Viktoria Chubar
- Research Group Psychiatry, UZ Leuven-KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- William James Center for Research, ISPA University Institute of sychological, Social and Life Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Attachment Research, the New School for Social Research, New York, USA
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Marzolla MC, Thielen H, Hurks P, Borghans L, van Heugten C. Qualitative data on triggers and coping of sensory hypersensitivity in acquired brain injury patients: A proposed model. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:802-822. [PMID: 37616553 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2242616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Sensory hypersensitivity (SHS) is a frequently heard complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI) and is related to reduced quality of life and physical and mental health. This study aimed to identify triggers for SHS after ABI and investigate how individuals cope with SHS. Nineteen adults with ABI took part in 45-min individual interviews. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) A mismatch between resources and demands, (2) Altered experience of ordinary stimuli, (3) It affects all aspects of living, (4) Avoid, approach, accept, (5) It's highly heterogeneous. A model explaining the impact of triggers on subjective SHS after ABI is proposed, which states that SHS arises from a mismatch between the demands of a sensory environment (triggers) and the available biopsychosocial resources of an individual to meet these demands. The elicited SHS can affect and be affected by levels of fatigue, which limits the resources and creates a loop. Coping strategies can act on various stages of this model, i.e., to reduce the mismatch and potentially alter the loop. This model can contribute to the identification of mechanisms behind SHS in ABI patients and other populations, ultimately leading to evidence-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilien C Marzolla
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hella Thielen
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Hurks
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lex Borghans
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Heugten
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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18
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Mastromatteo LY, Lionetti F, Pluess M, Scrimin S. Moderate cardiac vagal tone predicts more cooperation in highly sensitive individuals. Psychophysiology 2024:e14638. [PMID: 38951737 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cooperation, as a mutual collaboration, is a defining feature of human social life. Individual characteristics can influence cooperation. Recent studies have shown a quadratic relationship between cardiac vagal tone (CVT), an index of self-regulation, and prosocial behaviors. Individual differences in cooperation might also vary as a function of people's environmental sensitivity (ES), i.e., may be influenced by individual differences in the perception and processing of inner and external stimuli. We tested the direct and interactive effect of CVT and ES on cooperative behaviors in two independent samples. We measured heart rate and engagement in cooperative acts in 80 young adults (M = 23.61; SD = 1.60) who were also asked to self-report on ES. We found an inverted-U relationship between CVT and cooperative behaviors. ES, on the other hand, did not predict differences in cooperative behaviors but moderated the relationships between CVT and cooperation, although the magnitude of this result was small. Specifically, only among individuals with higher ES cooperative behaviors change as a function of CVT. Highly sensitive individuals with lower or higher CVT, were less cooperative than low sensitive ones. Subsequently, we replicated the same study design in a second sample of 88 undergraduate students (M = 23.69; SD = 4.91). Once again, we found evidence supporting the presence of an inverted-U relationship between CVT and cooperative behaviors, and we also found that ES moderated the relationships between the quadratic CVT term and cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Sara Scrimin
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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19
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He J, Gao Y, Deng J, Wang MC. Resting heart rate moderates the relationship between parental emotion socialization and callous-unemotional traits in children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:2353-2363. [PMID: 38145444 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02338-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Although empirical findings have indicated that both familial and neurobiological risk factors contribute to the development of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in children, relatively few studies have investigated how these two factors interact to influence these traits. The current study focused on the combined effects of parental emotion socialization and child's resting heart rate on CU traits. Parents of Chinese children (N = 166) completed the Coping with Children's Negative Scale when children were 9.39 years old (SD = 0.92), while children's resting heart rate data were collected when they were 10.21 years old (SD = 0.72). When they were 11.15 years old (SD = 0.67), parents completed the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits Short-Form. Results showed that parental supportive emotion socialization was negatively associated with CU traits and Callous behaviors in particular. In addition, resting heart rate moderated the relationship between parental emotion socialization and child's CU traits. Findings provide further evidence that an interdisciplinary approach that combines both psychosocial and biological factors is essential to further our understanding of CU traits in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi He
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Jiaxin Deng
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Cheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Guangzhou, Guangzhou University, 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Minichiello H, Reasonover M, Fuglestad P. The indirect effects of perfectionism on athletes' self-views through maladaptive emotion regulation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1373461. [PMID: 38979064 PMCID: PMC11228339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1373461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In general, increased levels of perfectionism have been associated with increased levels of burnout, heightened levels of depression and anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and poorer overall performance, yet perfectionistic strivings within athletes have also been associated with lower burnout and better performance in some contexts. Methods The current study investigated whether emotion regulation strategies would indirectly link perfectionism with self-esteem in young adults who had participated in competitive athletics. Two hundred and fifty-three primarily white (60.0 %), female (83.0 %) undergraduate students who had participated in competitive athletics completed a series of questionnaires including: the Self-liking and Self-Competence Scale - Revised, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the short form of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Results The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to examine the indirect association between perfectionism and self-esteem through emotion regulation. Higher self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism were both indirectly associated with lower self-liking and self-competence through greater catastrophizing and self-blame. Discussion For individuals like athletes, who experience internal and external pressures, increased perfectionism may lead to negative self-views through maladaptive emotion regulation. However, longitudinal and experimental work is needed to establish this proposed pattern of relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Fuglestad
- Department of Psychology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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21
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Iffland B, Kley H, Neuner F. Effects of peer victimization on cortical processing of social-evaluative stress in patients with major depressive disorder. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae037. [PMID: 38874968 PMCID: PMC11182063 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Peer victimization contributes to the development of major depressive disorders (MDDs). While previous studies reported differentiated peripheral physiological responses in peer-victimized individuals with depression, little is known about potential alterations of cortical event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to social stimuli in depressive patients with a history of peer victimization. Using a social condition paradigm, the present study examined whether peer victimization alters conditioned cortical responses to potentially threatening social stimuli in MDD patients and healthy controls. In the task, we studied ERPs to conditioned stimuli (CSs), i.e. still images of faces, that were coupled to unconditioned socially negative and neutral evaluative video statements. Peer victimization was related to more pronounced P100 amplitudes in reaction to negative and neutral CSs. Attenuated P200 amplitudes in peer-victimized individuals were found in response to negative CSs. Cortical responses to CSs were not influenced by a diagnosis of MDD. The results suggest altered responsiveness to interpersonal information in peer-victimized individuals. Facilitated early processing of social threat indicators may prevent peer-victimized individuals from adaptive responses to social cues, increasing their vulnerability for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Iffland
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Hanna Kley
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Frank Neuner
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
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Zeng S, Liu C, Wang Z. The Effect of CRHBP rs10062367 Polymorphism and Parenting Styles on Internalizing Problems in Preschoolers: The Moderating Effect of Sensory Processing Sensitivity. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:644-654. [PMID: 36114994 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine how CRHBP rs10062367 polymorphism interacted with parenting styles and sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) to impact on preschoolers' internalizing problems. A total of 446 preschoolers (Mage = 4.55, SD = 1.07) participated in the study and their saliva were extracted to genotype the CRHBP rs10062367 polymorphism, and their parents were invited to complete a battery of questionnaires to assess parenting styles, preschoolers' SPS, and internalizing problems. Results indicated that high SPS preschoolers with A allele exhibited fewer internalizing problems under the condition of positive parenting while they exhibited more internalizing problems under the condition of negative parenting. The findings provide support for the Differential Susceptibility Model/Biological Sensitivity to Context Theory that A allele of rs10062367 and high SPS might be the "susceptibility markers" of children to environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Zeng
- School of Psychology, , Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Xi'an, China
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 199, South Chang'an Road, 710062, Xi'an, China
| | - Cuizhen Liu
- School of Psychology, , Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Xi'an, China
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 199, South Chang'an Road, 710062, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenhong Wang
- School of Psychology, , Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Xi'an, China.
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Research Center of Child Mental and Behavioral Health, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 199, South Chang'an Road, 710062, Xi'an, China.
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23
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Stinson EA, Sullivan RM, Navarro GY, Wallace AL, Larson CL, Lisdahl KM. Childhood adversity is associated with reduced BOLD response in inhibitory control regions amongst preadolescents from the ABCD study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101378. [PMID: 38626611 PMCID: PMC11035055 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by dynamic neurodevelopment, which poses opportunities for risk and resilience. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) confer additional risk to the developing brain, where ACEs have been associated with alterations in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) BOLD signaling in brain regions underlying inhibitory control. Socioenvironmental factors like the family environment may amplify or buffer against the neurodevelopmental risks associated with ACEs. Using baseline to Year 2 follow-up data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the current study examined how ACEs relate to fMRI BOLD signaling during successful inhibition on the Stop Signal Task in regions associated with inhibitory control and examined whether family conflict levels moderated that relationship. Results showed that greater ACEs were associated with reduced BOLD response in the right opercular region of the inferior frontal gyrus and bilaterally in the pre-supplementary motor area, which are key regions underlying inhibitory control. Further, greater BOLD response was correlated with less impulsivity behaviorally, suggesting reduced activation may not be behaviorally adaptive at this age. No significant two or three-way interactions with family conflict levels or time were found. Findings highlight the continued utility of examining the relationship between ACEs and neurodevelopmental outcomes and the importance of intervention/prevention of ACES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Stinson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
| | - Ryan M Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
| | - Gabriella Y Navarro
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
| | - Alexander L Wallace
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Christine L Larson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
| | - Krista M Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States.
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24
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Mandlik GV, Siopis G, Nguyen B, Ding D, Edwards KM. Effect of a single session of yoga and meditation on stress reactivity: A systematic review. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3324. [PMID: 37822096 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review synthesises the evidence for the effectiveness of a single session of yoga or its components including meditation and breathing techniques in reducing acute stress reactivity in healthy adults. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO on 30th July 2023 for randomised controlled or crossover trials of yoga components and reporting physiological and/or psychological outcome measure(s) related to stress reactivity. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2 tool. Data were synthesised narratively. Twenty-one out of 28 eligible studies (n = 2574) relating to 31 interventions (meditation [n = 22], breathing [n = 4] and yoga [n = 5]) reported outcomes in favour of the intervention. Stress reactivity was reported to be reduced by 71% of studies measuring physiological outcomes and 65% of studies measuring psychological outcomes. These studies show that a single session of yoga components is effective in reducing acute stress reactivity in adults and could be recommended for stress management. Future studies with larger populations and a more equal representation of genders and age groups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhar V Mandlik
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - George Siopis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Binh Nguyen
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ding Ding
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate M Edwards
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Ko CH, Lu YC, Lee CH, Liao YC. The influence of adverse childhood experiences and depression on addiction severity among methamphetamine users: exploring the role of perseveration. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1382646. [PMID: 38807693 PMCID: PMC11130423 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1382646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims This investigation aimed to clarify the intricate relationship among depression, cognitive function, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their combined influence on methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Methods Utilizing a battery of psychological tests, this study ascertained the impact of ACEs on the condition of 76 people with MUD who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, aged 42.17 on average. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Conners' Continuous Performance-II (CPT-II), the self-report Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used for these evaluations. Individuals involved in the study were categorized into two discrete cohorts, mild (ME) and severe (SE), based on the extent of their ACEs exposure. This study employed the PROCESS regression, the independent t-test andχ2 tests for the analysis. Results The findings revealed notable discrepancies in the psychological consequences between the two groups with different degrees of ACEs; however, no substantial differences were observed in the demographic parameters. The SE group exhibited elevated BDI-II scores, more evident indications of MUD, and a higher degree of CPT-II cognitive perseveration. The PROCESS model revealed that cognitive perseveration moderated the impact of depression on ACEs and subjective MUD severity, explaining 20.2% of the variance. The ACEs and depression predicted 28.6% of the variance in MUD symptoms. However, no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the parameters in the IGT-2 assessment. Conclusions These results indicate that the interaction between cognitive and depressive factors mediates the effect of ACEs on subjective MUD severity but not on MUD symptoms. The ACEs significant impact on mental health severity perception is explained by cognitive and depressive factors. This implies that MUD treatment and rehabilitation should address cognitive dysfunction and developmental trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hung Ko
- Department of Addiction and Forensic Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Lu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Lee
- Department of Addiction and Forensic Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Addiction Psychiatry, Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Prevention and Treatment of Internet Addiction, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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26
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Lionetti F, Calcagnì A, D'Urso G, Spinelli M, Fasolo M, Pluess M, Pastore M. A Bayesian approach for exploring person × environment interaction within the environmental sensitivity meta-framework. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38698763 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For investigating the individual-environment interplay and individual differences in response to environmental exposures as captured by models of environmental sensitivity including Diathesis-stress, Differential Susceptibility, and Vantage Sensitivity, over the last few years, a series of statistical guidelines have been proposed. However, available solutions suffer of computational problems especially relevant when sample size is not sufficiently large, a common condition in observational and clinical studies. METHOD In the current contribution, we propose a Bayesian solution for estimating interaction parameters via Monte Carlo Markov Chains (MCMC), adapting Widaman et al. (Psychological Methods, 17, 2012, 615) Nonlinear Least Squares (NLS) approach. RESULTS Findings from an applied exemplification and a simulation study showed that with relatively big samples both MCMC and NLS estimates converged on the same results. Conversely, MCMC clearly outperformed NLS, resolving estimation problems and providing more accurate estimates, particularly with small samples and greater residual variance. CONCLUSIONS As the body of research exploring the interplay between individual and environmental variables grows, enabling predictions regarding the form of interaction and the extent of effects, the Bayesian approach could emerge as a feasible and readily applicable solution to numerous computational challenges inherent in existing frequentist methods. This approach holds promise for enhancing the trustworthiness of research outcomes, thereby impacting clinical and applied understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Calcagnì
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio D'Urso
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Massimiliano Pastore
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Kochanska G, An D. The parent's and the child's internal working models of each other moderate cascades from child difficulty to socialization outcomes: Preliminary evidence for dual moderation? Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:504-517. [PMID: 36751863 PMCID: PMC10406975 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Infants' difficulty, typically characterized as proneness to negative emotionality, is commonly considered a risk for future maladaptive developmental trajectories, mostly because it often foreshadows increased parental power assertion, typically linked to future negative child outcomes. However, growing evidence of divergent developmental paths that unfold from infant difficulty has invigorated research on causes of such multifinality. Kochanska et al. (2019) proposed that parent and child Internal Working Models (IWMs) of each other are key, with the parent's IWM of the child moderating the link between child difficulty and parental power assertion, and the child's IWM of the parent moderating the link between power assertion and child outcomes. In Children and Parents Study (200 community mothers, fathers, and children), child difficulty was observed at 8 months, parents' power assertion at 16 months, and children's outcomes rated by parents at age 3. Parents' IWMs were assessed with a mentalization measure at 8 months and children's IWMs were coded from semi-projective narratives at age 3. The cascade from infant difficulty to maternal power assertion to negative child outcomes was present only when both the mother's and the child's IWMs of each other were negative. We did not support the model for father-child dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Kochanska
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242-1407, USA
| | - Danming An
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242-1407, USA
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28
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Collet OA, Orri M, Galéra C, Pryor L, Boivin M, Tremblay R, Côté S. Does early child negative emotionality moderate the association between maternal stimulation and academic readiness and achievement? Child Dev 2024; 95:948-961. [PMID: 38018650 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether child temperament (negative emotionality, 5 months) moderated the association between maternal stimulation (5 months-2½ years) and academic readiness and achievement (vocabulary, mathematics, and reading). We applied structural equation modeling to the data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (N = 1121-1448; mostly Whites; 47% girls). Compared to children with low negative emotionality, those with high negative emotionality had higher levels of academic readiness (6 years) and mathematics achievement (7 years) when exposed to high levels of maternal stimulation (β = 3.17, p < .01 and β = 2.91, p < .01, respectively). The results support the differential susceptibility model whereby highly emotionally negative children were more susceptible to the influences of low and high levels of maternal stimulation in academic readiness and mathematics achievement's developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélie A Collet
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Orri
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre Inserm U1219, University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cédric Galéra
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre Inserm U1219, University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Centre Hospitalier Perrens, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Pryor
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre Inserm U1219, University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
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29
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Boele S, Bülow A, de Haan A, Denissen JJA, Keijsers L. Better, for worse, or both? Testing environmental sensitivity models with parenting at the level of individual families. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:674-690. [PMID: 36734225 PMCID: PMC7616005 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
According to environmental sensitivity models, children vary in responsivity to parenting. However, different models propose different patterns, with responsivity to primarily: (1) adverse parenting (adverse sensitive); or (2) supportive parenting (vantage sensitive); or (3) to both (differentially susceptible). This preregistered study tested whether these three responsivity patterns coexist. We used intensive longitudinal data of Dutch adolescents (N = 256, Mage = 14.8, 72% female) who bi-weekly reported on adverse and supportive parenting and their psychological functioning (tmean = 17.7, tmax = 26). Dynamic Structural Equation Models (DSEM) indeed revealed differential parenting effects. As hypothesized, we found that all three responsivity patterns coexisted in our sample: 5% were adverse sensitive, 3% vantage sensitive, and 26% differentially susceptible. No adolescent appeared unsusceptible, however. Instead, we labeled 28% as unperceptive, because they did not perceive any changes in parenting and scored lower on trait environmental sensitivity than others. Furthermore, unexpected patterns emerged, with 37% responding contrary to parenting theories (e.g., decreased psychological functioning after more parental support). Sensitivity analyses with concurrent effects and parent-reported parenting were performed. Overall, findings indicate that theorized responsivity-to-parenting patterns might coexist in the population, and that there are other, previously undetected patterns that go beyond environmental sensitivity models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Boele
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| | - Anne Bülow
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| | - Amaranta de Haan
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| | | | - Loes Keijsers
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
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30
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Sörensen F, Kimmel MC, Brenner V, Krägeloh-Mann I, Skalkidou A, Mahjani B, Fransson E. Interactions of perinatal depression versus anxiety and infants' early temperament trajectories. Child Dev 2024; 95:721-733. [PMID: 38010823 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the interplay between maternal depression/anxiety and infant temperament's developmental trajectory in 1687 Swedish-speaking mother-infant dyads from Uppsala County (2009-2019), Sweden. The sample includes a high proportion of university-educated individuals and a low share of foreign-born participants. Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during gestational weeks 17 and 32 and postpartum at week 6. Multinomial regression explored associations between maternal variables and infant temperament trajectories at 6 weeks, 12 months, and 18 months. Prenatal anxiety is associated with the high-rising infant difficult temperament trajectory, while prenatal depression/anhedonia is associated with the stable-medium trajectory, attenuated postpartum. Associations between infant temperament and maternal mood depended on timing (pre/postpartum) and symptom type (depression/anhedonia vs. anxiety).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Sörensen
- Pediatric Neurology & Developmental Medicine, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mary C Kimmel
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Women's Mood Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vera Brenner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Krägeloh-Mann
- Pediatric Neurology & Developmental Medicine, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Behrang Mahjani
- Department of Psychiatry, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emma Fransson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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31
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Schreier HMC, Feinberg ME, Jones DE, Ganguli A, Givens C, Graham-Engeland J. Children's empathy moderates the association between perceived interparental conflict and child health. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:128-135. [PMID: 38408496 PMCID: PMC11008563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interparental conflict is known to negatively impact child well-being, including behavioral and physiological well-being. Children's empathy - that is, vicariously experiencing others' emotions - may increase children's sensitivity to and the biological repercussions of interparental conflict. Although empathy represents a valued trait and is an important part of socioemotional development, its influence on children's physical health is unknown. This study examined whether empathy moderates the association between perceived interparental conflict and both child systemic inflammation and parent-rated overall child health in a sample of children between the ages of seven to nine. Children and their parents participating in the long-term evaluation of the Family Foundations program, a randomized trial of a perinatal preventative intervention, provided data approximately eight years following enrollment into the program. We collected peripheral blood samples via dried blood spots, anthropometric measurements, and child and parent psychosocial questionnaires. Results indicated significant positive main effects of child empathy on both C-reactive protein (CRP; B = 0.26, SE = 0.11, p =.026) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6; B = 0.20, SE = 0.10, p =.045) levels. Further, child affective empathy moderated the associations between perceived interparental conflict and both CRP (B = 0.39, SE = 0.19, p =.050) and parent-reported child health (B = 0.30, SE = 0.13, p =.021), such that greater empathy strengthened the negative associations between interparental conflict and child health. Overall, findings suggests that there may be a biological cost of being more empathic in high-conflict environments and highlight the need for tools to help more empathic children appropriately manage vicarious emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M C Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States; Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, United States.
| | - Mark E Feinberg
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Damon E Jones
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Aishwarya Ganguli
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Caitlin Givens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
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32
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Zhao J, Sun R, Shangguan M. Childhood psychological maltreatment and social anxiety in college students: The roles of parasympathetic nervous system activity and parent-child separation experience. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106723. [PMID: 38461709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood psychological maltreatment is a risk factor for social anxiety in adulthood. Parent-child separation, as one of the most serious adversities in early life, may exacerbate the risk of psychological maltreatment and influence the interactions between childhood psychological maltreatment and biological sensitivity to stress in relation to social anxiety. However, there has been a dearth of work on this issue. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the interactive effects between childhood psychological maltreatment and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity on social anxiety in college students by comparing those who experienced parent-child separation versus those who did not. Potential sex differences in the aforementioned associations were tested as an exploratory aim. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data were obtained from 264 college students (Mage = 18.45 years, SD = 0.69), including 156 students who experienced parent-child separation and 108 students without this experience. METHODS Participants completed measures of childhood psychological maltreatment and social anxiety and reported their parent-child separation experience. The data of PNS activity, measured by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity, were obtained during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in the lab. RESULTS Childhood psychological maltreatment was positively associated with college students' social anxiety. RSA reactivity moderated the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and college students' social anxiety, and the moderating role of RSA reactivity varied with parent-child separation experience and sex. CONCLUSIONS Parent-child separation experience influenced the biosocial interactions between childhood psychological maltreatment and PNS activity in relation to individuals' social anxiety, and this effect persisted in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengqi Shangguan
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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Eisen AM, Bratman GN, Olvera-Alvarez HA. Susceptibility to stress and nature exposure: Unveiling differential susceptibility to physical environments; a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301473. [PMID: 38630650 PMCID: PMC11023441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates nature exposure could be associated with greater health benefits among groups in lower versus higher socioeconomic positions. One possible mechanism underpinning this evidence is described by our framework: (susceptibility) adults in low socioeconomic positions face higher exposure to persistent psychosocial stressors in early life, inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a lifelong susceptibility to stress; (differential susceptibility) susceptible adults are more sensitive to the health risks of adverse (stress-promoting) environments, but also to the health benefits of protective (stress-buffering) environments. OBJECTIVE Experimental investigation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a mechanism facilitating greater stress recovery from nature exposure. METHODS We determined differences in stress recovery (via heart rate variability) caused by exposure to a nature or office virtual reality environment (10 min) after an acute stressor among 64 healthy college-age males with varying levels of susceptibility (socioeconomic status, early life stress, and a pro-inflammatory state [inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance to an in vitro bacterial challenge]). RESULTS Findings for inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance were modest but consistently trended towards better recovery in the nature condition. Differences in recovery were not observed for socioeconomic status or early life stress. DISCUSSION Among healthy college-age males, we observed expected trends according to their differential susceptibility when assessed as inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, suggesting these biological correlates of susceptibility could be more proximal indicators than self-reported assessments of socioeconomic status and early life stress. If future research in more diverse populations aligns with these trends, this could support an alternative conceptualization of susceptibility as increased environmental sensitivity, reflecting heightened responses to adverse, but also protective environments. With this knowledge, future investigators could examine how individual differences in environmental sensitivity could provide an opportunity for those who are the most susceptible to experience the greatest health benefits from nature exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Eisen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Saragosa-Harris NM, Guassi Moreira JF, Waizman Y, Sedykin A, Peris TS, Silvers JA. Early life adversity is associated with greater similarity in neural representations of ambiguous and threatening stimuli. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38602091 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is hypothesized to sensitize threat-responsive neural circuitry. This may lead individuals to overestimate threat in the face of ambiguity, a cognitive-behavioral phenotype linked to poor mental health. The tendency to process ambiguity as threatening may stem from difficulty distinguishing between ambiguous and threatening stimuli. However, it is unknown how exposure to ELA relates to neural representations of ambiguous and threatening stimuli, or how processing of ambiguity following ELA relates to psychosocial functioning. The current fMRI study examined multivariate representations of threatening and ambiguous social cues in 41 emerging adults (aged 18 to 19 years). Using representational similarity analysis, we assessed neural representations of ambiguous and threatening images within affective neural circuitry and tested whether similarity in these representations varied by ELA exposure. Greater exposure to ELA was associated with greater similarity in neural representations of ambiguous and threatening images. Moreover, individual differences in processing ambiguity related to global functioning, an association that varied as a function of ELA. By evidencing reduced neural differentiation between ambiguous and threatening cues in ELA-exposed emerging adults and linking behavioral responses to ambiguity to psychosocial wellbeing, these findings have important implications for future intervention work in at-risk, ELA-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João F Guassi Moreira
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yael Waizman
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Sedykin
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tara S Peris
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Silvers
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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McCormick BF, Glenn AL. Youth with Low Pre-injury Mental Health Symptoms Are at a Higher Risk for Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:488-496. [PMID: 36066656 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a growing public health concern, and it is a common injury amongst children and adolescents. Existing evidence suggests that mTBI in youth may be related to both externalizing and internalizing symptoms. However, many existing studies fail to control for pre-injury symptoms or consider the potential interaction between mTBI and pre-injury symptom levels. The current study employed data from a longitudinal sample (N = 1,803) of youth from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods to assess the interaction between pre-injury externalizing and internalizing symptoms and outcomes following mTBI in youth. The results showed, contrary to our expectations, that participants with lower pre-injury symptoms were at a greater risk for increased psychopathology following mTBI, compared to participants with higher pre-injury symptoms and non-injured participants. Potential explanations for the results and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon F McCormick
- Department of Psychology, Center for Youth Development and Intervention, The University of Alabama, 348 Gordon Palmer Hall, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
| | - Andrea L Glenn
- Department of Psychology, Center for Youth Development and Intervention, The University of Alabama, 348 Gordon Palmer Hall, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
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Liebert MA, Urlacher SS, Madimenos FC, Gildner TE, Cepon-Robins TJ, Harrington CJ, Bribiescas RG, Sugiyama LS, Snodgrass JJ. Variation in diurnal cortisol patterns among the Indigenous Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24056. [PMID: 38517108 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its primary end product, the glucocorticoid cortisol, are major components of the evolved human stress response. However, most studies have examined these systems among populations in high-income settings, which differ from the high pathogen and limited resource contexts in which the HPA axis functioned for most of human evolution. METHODS We investigated variability in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among 298 Indigenous Shuar from Amazonian Ecuador (147 males, 151 females; age 2-86 years), focusing on the effects of age, biological sex, and body mass index (BMI) in shaping differences in diurnal cortisol production. Saliva samples were collected three times daily (waking, 30 minutes post-waking, evening) for three consecutive days to measure key cortisol parameters: levels at waking, the cortisol awakening response, the diurnal slope, and total daily output. RESULTS Age was positively associated with waking levels and total daily output, with Shuar juveniles and adolescents displaying significantly lower levels than adults (p < .05). Sex was not a significant predictor of cortisol levels (p > .05), as Shuar males and females displayed similar patterns of diurnal cortisol production across the life course. Moreover, age, sex, and BMI significantly interacted to moderate the rate of diurnal cortisol decline (p = .027). Overall, Shuar demonstrated relatively lower cortisol concentrations than high-income populations. CONCLUSIONS This study expands the documented range of global variation in HPA axis activity and diurnal cortisol production and provides important insights into the plasticity of human stress physiology across diverse developmental and socioecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Liebert
- Department of Anthropology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Samuel S Urlacher
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
- Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felicia C Madimenos
- Department of Anthropology, Queens College (CUNY), Flushing, New York, USA
- New York Consortium of Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), CUNY Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Theresa E Gildner
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tara J Cepon-Robins
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Springs, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - J Josh Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Center for Global Health, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Bentele UU, Klink ESC, Benz ABE, Meier M, Gaertner RJ, Denk BF, Dimitroff SJ, Unternaehrer E, Pruessner JC. The effect of cognitive reappraisal and early-life maternal care on neuroendocrine stress responses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6837. [PMID: 38514744 PMCID: PMC10957921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is related to profound dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reflected in both, blunted or exaggerated cortisol stress responses in adulthood. Emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal might contribute to this inconsistent finding. Here, we investigate an interaction of early-life maternal care (MC), where low MC represents a form of ELA, and instructed emotion regulation on cortisol responses to acute stress. Ninety-three healthy young women were assigned to a low (n = 33) or high (n = 60) MC group, based on self-reported early-life MC. In the laboratory, participants received regulation instructions, asking to cognitively reappraise (reappraisal group, n = 45) or to focus on senses (control group, n = 48) during subsequent stress exposure, induced by the Trier Social Stress Test. Salivary cortisol and subjective stress levels were measured repeatedly throughout the experiment. Multilevel model analyses confirmed a MC by emotion regulation interaction effect on cortisol trajectories, while controlling for hormonal status. Individuals with low MC in the control compared with the reappraisal group showed increased cortisol responses; individuals with high MC did not differ. These results highlight the significance of emotion regulation for HPA axis stress regulation following ELA exposure. They provide methodological and health implications, indicating emotion regulation as a promising target of treatment interventions for individuals with a history of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike U Bentele
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany.
| | - Elea S C Klink
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Annika B E Benz
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Maria Meier
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Child- and Adolescent Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphaela J Gaertner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Bernadette F Denk
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | | | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Child- and Adolescent Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens C Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
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Rey A, Padrell M, Llorente M. Impacts of illegal trade on socio-emotional and behavioural skills in macaques. F1000Res 2024; 13:188. [PMID: 39257451 PMCID: PMC11384201 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.144232.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have illuminated the consequences of early adverse rearing experiences in laboratory macaque populations. However, limited knowledge exists about the impact of traumatic episodes in non-laboratory environments. This study delves into the repercussions of illegal trade on socio-emotional and behavioural skills in five macaque species, all victims of poaching. We categorised their past experiences into seven aspects, encompassing maternal care and interactions with conspecifics. We assessed social engagement and cooperation by analysing social behaviours and employing the Social Responsiveness Scale. Emotional resilience was evaluated by measuring anxiety levels and the occurrence of abnormal behaviours, supported by a welfare questionnaire. Additionally, the introduction of Cattell's 16PF questionnaire in macaques for the first time aimed to reveal the influence of traumatic experiences on their personality traits. Our findings emphasise the significance of early social exposure. The lack of juvenile social contact predicts reduced social behaviours and an inclination towards social avoidance in adulthood. Macaques raised by humans tend to exhibit more abnormal behaviours in social contexts, compromising their welfare. Deprivation of social exposure in infancy negatively impacts psychological stimulation and overall welfare. The duration of time spent in illegal trade correlates with heightened anxiety levels. Personality traits such as 'Calmness' and 'Unfriendliness' are influenced by rearing conditions, with macaques deprived of social interaction during their early years showing higher levels of introversion. In conclusion, the absence of social exposure during early life and hand-rearing due to illegal trade significantly shape macaques' personality traits and their social and emotional skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amapola Rey
- Fundació Universitat de Girona Innovació i Formació, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Maria Padrell
- Comparative Minds Research Group, Department of Psychology, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17004, Spain
| | - Miquel Llorente
- Fundació Universitat de Girona Innovació i Formació, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
- Comparative Minds Research Group, Department of Psychology, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17004, Spain
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Yano K, Oishi K. Individual differences in environmental sensitivity: associations between cognitive emotion regulation and mental health. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1322544. [PMID: 38524301 PMCID: PMC10957743 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1322544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental sensitivity is defined as the ability to perceive and process internal and external information. Previous studies have suggested that mental health-related factors differ by sensitivity level. This study aimed to investigate whether environmental sensitivity moderates the associations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination and blaming others) and mental health. Materials and methods In this three-wave longitudinal study, participants (N = 1,233, 585, and 349 at Times 1, 2, and 3, respectively) completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-short and Kessler 10 scale at all the measurement points as well as the 10-item version of the Highly Sensitive Person scale and some covariates only at Time 1. Results Latent growth model analyses indicated that the blaming others strategy had contrastive effects on changes in mental health by sensitivity level; the increase in refocusing on planning was associated with improved mental health over time only for highly sensitive individuals; and the rumination and catastrophizing strategies were the most important risk factors for mental health problems, although their effects differed slightly by sensitivity level. Conclusion The associations between some of the cognitive strategies and mental health differ by environmental sensitivity level. Future investigations based on individual differences in sensitivity could provide innovative insights into practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yano
- Research Center for Youth Education, National Institution For Youth Education, Tokyo, Japan
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Sperati A, Acevedo BP, Dellagiulia A, Fasolo M, Spinelli M, D'Urso G, Lionetti F. The contribution of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and internalized attachment representations on emotion regulation competencies in school-age children. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1357808. [PMID: 38505360 PMCID: PMC10949720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1357808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction As captured by the individual trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), highly sensitive children perceive, process, and responds more strongly to stimuli. This increased sensitivity may make more demanding the process of regulating and managing emotions. Yet, developmental psychology literature also showed that other variables, as those related to the rearing environment, are likely to contribute to the process of regulating emotions. With the current contribution, we aim to bridge two lines of research, that of attachment studies and that of SPS, by investigating the additive and interactive contribution of SPS and internal working models of attachment representations on emotion regulation competencies in school-aged children. Method Participants were N = 118 Italian children (mean age: 6.5, SD = 0.58 years, and 51.8% female) with their mothers. Children's positive attachment representations were rated observationally through the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task procedure during an individual session at school. Mothers reported on children SPS trait and emotion regulation competencies completing the Highly Sensitive Child Scale-parent report and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. We performed and compared a series of main and interaction effect models. Results SPS was not directly associated with emotion regulation but it was significantly associated with positive attachment representations in predicting emotion regulation. Highly sensitive children showed poorer emotion regulation when the internalized representations were low in maternal warmth and responsiveness. When driven by sensitive and empathic attachment representation, highly sensitive children showed better emotion regulation than less-sensitive peers, suggesting a for better and for worse effect. Discussion Highly sensitive children are not only more vulnerable to adversities but also show better emotion regulation competencies when supported by positive internal working models of attachment relationships. Overall, findings shed light on the link between SPS and attachment and suggest that working for promoting secure attachment relationships in parent-child dyads may promote better emotion regulation competences, particularly in highly sensitive children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Sperati
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Bianca P Acevedo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | | | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Giulio D'Urso
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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Ding W, Xu Y, Kondracki AJ, Sun Y. Childhood adversity and accelerated reproductive events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:315-329.e31. [PMID: 37820985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accelerated female reproductive events represent the early onset of reproductive events involving puberty, menarche, pregnancy loss, first sexual intercourse, first birth, parity, and menopause. This study aimed to explore the association between childhood adversity and accelerated female reproductive events. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched from September 22, 2022 to September 23, 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Observational cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies in human populations were included if they reported the time of reproductive events for female individuals with experience of childhood adversity and were published in English. METHODS Two reviewers independently screened studies, obtained data, and assessed study quality, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Dichotomous outcomes were evaluated using meta-analysis, and pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using random-effects models. Moderation analysis and meta-regression were used to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS In total, 21 cohort studies, 9 cross-sectional studies, and 3 case-control studies were identified. Overall, female individuals with childhood adversity were nearly 2 times more likely to report accelerated reproductive events than those with no adversity exposure (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.76; I2=99.6%; P<.001). Moderation analysis indicated that effect sizes for the types of childhood adversity ranged from an odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.09) for low socioeconomic status to 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.99) for dysfunctional family dynamics. Among the 7 groups based on different reproductive events, including early onset of puberty, early menarche, early sexual initiation, teenage childbirth, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, and early menopause, early sexual initiation had a nonsignificant correlation with childhood adversity (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-8.30; I2=99.9%; P<.001). Considerable heterogeneity (I2>75%) between estimates was observed for over half of the outcomes. Age, study type, and method of data collection could explain 35.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION The literature tentatively corroborates that female individuals who reported adverse events in childhood are more likely to experience accelerated reproductive events. This association is especially strong for exposure to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics. However, the heterogeneity among studies was high, requiring caution in interpreting the findings and highlighting the need for further evaluation of the types and timing of childhood events that influence accelerated female reproductive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Ding
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuxiang Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Anthony J Kondracki
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Cantave CY, Brendgen M, Lupien S, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Boivin M, Ouellet-Morin I. Concurrent and prospective associations between family socioeconomic status, social support and salivary diurnal and hair cortisol in adolescence. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:298-307. [PMID: 37795803 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to socioeconomic adversity is hypothesized to impact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and cortisol secretion, but existing evidence is inconsistent. Yet, few studies have investigated this association using a developmental approach that considers potential protective contextual factors. This study examined the role of stability and changes in family socioeconomic status (SES) in the prediction of multiple cortisol indicators and tested whether social support moderated these associations. METHODS Participants were part of a population-based sample of twin pairs recruited at birth. Family SES was assessed in early childhood (ages 0-5) and mid-adolescence (age 14). Social support was assessed at ages 14 and 19. Diurnal cortisol (n = 569) was measured at age 14 at awakening, 30 min later, in the afternoon and evening over four non-consecutive days. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC, n = 704) was measured at age 19. All data were collected before the pandemic and multilevel regression models were conducted to account for the nested data structure. RESULTS Youth exposed to lower family SES levels in childhood and mid-adolescence had a flatter diurnal slope and higher HCC compared with those who experienced upward socioeconomic mobility in mid-adolescence. Contrastingly, mid-adolescence SES showed no association with the diurnal slope or HCC for youth from higher-SES households in early childhood. Moreover, youth raised in higher-SES families in early childhood had a higher CAR in mid-adolescence if they reported greater social support in mid-adolescence. Social support also moderated the SES-cortisol association in mid-adolescence, with higher-SES youth showing higher awakening cortisol secretion when reporting more social support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that early socioeconomic adversity sensitizes HPA axis activity to later socioeconomic disadvantage, which may bear consequences for socioemotional and behavioral functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ginette Dionne
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Pinto TM, Figueiredo B. Is lower fetal heart rate variability a susceptibility marker to the impact of negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity? Infant Ment Health J 2024; 45:153-164. [PMID: 38192018 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Lower fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) may be a prenatal endophenotypic susceptibility marker and increase the impact of both positive and negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity. This study analyzed the moderator role of FHRV in the association between positive and negative coparenting and infant regulatory capacity at 3 months. The sample comprised 86 first-born infants and their mothers and fathers recruited at a public Health Service in Northern Portugal. FHRV was recorded during routine cardiotocography examination at the third trimester of gestation. Mothers and fathers reported on coparenting and infant regulatory capacity at 2 weeks and 3 months postpartum. FHRV moderated the association between mother's and father's negative coparenting at 2 weeks postpartum and infant regulatory capacity at three months. Infants with low FHRV presented higher regulatory capacity when mothers or fathers reported less negative coparenting, while lower regulatory capacity when mothers or fathers reported more negative coparenting, than infants with high FHRV. Findings suggested lower FHRV as a prenatal endophenotypic susceptibility marker that increases the impact of negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Miguel Pinto
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
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Sun K, Cao C. The effects of childhood maltreatment, recent interpersonal and noninterpersonal stress, and HPA-axis multilocus genetic variation on prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms: A multiwave longitudinal study. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38389485 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Based on a multiwave, two-year prospective design, this study is the first to examine the extent to which multilocus hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis)-related genetic variants, childhood maltreatment, and recent stress jointly predicted prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. A theory-driven multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) was calculated to combine the effects of six common polymorphisms within HPA-axis related genes (CRHR1, NR3C1, NR3C2, FKBP5, COMT, and HTR1A) in a sample of Chinese Han adolescents (N = 827; 50.2% boys; Mage = 16.45 ± 1.36 years). The results showed that the three-way interaction of HPA-axis related MGPS, childhood maltreatment and recent interpersonal, but not noninterpersonal, stress significantly predicted prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. For adolescents with high but not low HPA-axis related MGPS, exposure to severe childhood maltreatment predisposed individuals more vulnerable to recent interpersonal stress, exhibiting greater prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. The findings provide preliminary evidence for the cumulative risk mechanism regarding gene-by-environment-by-environment (G × E1 × E2) interactions that underlie the longitudinal development of adolescent depressive symptoms and show effects specific to interpersonal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Sun
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cong Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Sperati A, Spinelli M, Fasolo M, Pastore M, Pluess M, Lionetti F. Investigating sensitivity through the lens of parents: validation of the parent-report version of the Highly Sensitive Child scale. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:415-428. [PMID: 36503569 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Children differ in their environmental sensitivity (ES), which can be measured observationally or by self-report questionnaire. A parent-report scale represents an important tool for investigating ES in younger children but has to be psychometrically robust and valid. In the current multistudy, we validated the parent-report version of the Highly Sensitive Child (HSC-PR) scale in Italian children, evaluating its factorial structure (Study 1, N = 1,857, 6.2 years, age range: 2.6-14 years) through a multigroup Confirmatory Factory Analysis in preschoolers (n = 1,066, 4.2 years) and school-age children (n = 791, 8.8 years). We then investigated the HSC-PR relationship with established temperament traits (Study 2, N = 327, 4.3 years), before exploring whether the scale moderates the effects of parenting stress on children's emotion regulation (Study 3, N = 112, 6.5 years). We found support for a bi-factor structure in both groups, though in preschoolers minor adaptations were suggested for one item. Importantly, the HSC-PR did not fully overlap with common temperament traits and moderated the effects of parenting stress on children emotion regulation. To conclude, the HSC-PR performs well and appears to capture ES in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Sperati
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pastore
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Fox MM, Hahn-Holbrook J, Sandman CA, Marino JA, Glynn LM, Davis EP. Mothers' prenatal distress accelerates adrenal pubertal development in daughters. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 160:106671. [PMID: 38000239 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Human life history schedules vary, partly, because of adaptive, plastic responses to early-life conditions. Little is known about how prenatal conditions relate to puberty timing. We hypothesized that fetal exposure to adversity may induce an adaptive response in offspring maturational tempo. In a longitudinal study of 253 mother-child dyads followed for 15 years, we investigated if fetal exposure to maternal psychological distress related to children's adrenarche and gonadarche schedules, assessed by maternal and child report and by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), testosterone, and estradiol levels. We found fetal exposure to elevated maternal prenatal psychological distress predicted earlier adrenarche and higher DHEA-S levels in girls, especially first-born girls, and that associations remained after covarying indices of postnatal adversity. No associations were observed for boys or for gonadarche in girls. Adrenarche orchestrates the social-behavioral transition from juvenility to adulthood; therefore, significant findings for adrenarche, but not gonadarche, suggest that prenatal maternal distress instigates an adaptive strategy in which daughters have earlier social-behavioral maturation. The stronger effect in first-borns suggests that, in adverse conditions, it is in the mother's adaptive interest for her daughter to hasten social maturation, but not necessarily sexual maturation, because it would prolong the duration of the daughter allomothering younger siblings. We postulate a novel evolutionary framework that human mothers may calibrate the timing of first-born daughters' maturation in a way that optimizes their own reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Jessica A Marino
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80208, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92868, USA
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Procyshyn TL, Leclerc Bédard LA, Crespi BJ, Bartz JA. CD38 genetic variation is associated with increased personal distress to an emotional stimulus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2571. [PMID: 38297097 PMCID: PMC10831108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation in CD38-a putative oxytocin pathway gene-has been linked to higher oxytocin levels, empathy, and sensitive parenting, but also to more negative interpersonal outcomes (e.g., alienation from friends and family, poorer romantic relationship quality). To reconcile these seemingly contradictory findings, we drew upon the idea that CD38 variation may heighten social-emotional sensitivity and, consequently, make individuals prone to negative emotions in distressing interpersonal situations. To test this hypothesis, we performed a secondary analysis of a dataset including participants' (n = 171; 94 females) empathic concern ("sympathetic") and distress-related ("anxious") responses to an emotional video. Distress responses were higher for the CD38 rs3796863 AA/AC group vs. the CC group (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.027); however, there was no significant effect of genotype for empathic concern responses to the video or for indices of trait empathy. These findings provide preliminary evidence that, in the face of an interpersonal stressor, CD38 genetic variation may predict more self-focused, aversive emotional reactions. More broadly, this finding highlights the need to adopt a more nuanced perspective in which the influence of oxytocin system variation (assessed by oxytocin-related genetic variation) should be considered in light of the social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya L Procyshyn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Laury-Ann Leclerc Bédard
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Bartz
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, H3A 1G1, Canada
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Skov H, Glackin EB, Drury SS, Lockman J, Gray SAO. Pre-COVID respiratory sinus arrhythmia moderates associations between COVID-19 stress and child externalizing behaviors: Testing neurobiological stress theories. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38273710 PMCID: PMC11272907 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic contributes to psychopathology risk, yet not all children are negatively impacted. The current study examined a parasympathetic biomarker of stress sensitivity, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), as a moderator of the effects of exposure to pandemic stress on child internalizing and externalizing behaviors in a sample of children experiencing economic marginalization. Three to five years pre-pandemic, when children were preschool-aged, RSA during baseline and a challenging parent-child interaction were collected. Mid-pandemic, between November 2020 and March 2021, children's exposure to pandemic stress and internalizing and externalizing behaviors were collected. Results demonstrated that children who, pre-pandemic, demonstrated blunted parasympathetic reactivity (i.e., no change in RSA relative to baseline) during the dyadic challenge exhibited elevated risk for externalizing behaviors mid-pandemic. Further, this risk was greatest for children exposed to high and moderate levels of pandemic stress. Consistent with diathesis stress and polyvagal frameworks, these conditional effects suggest that blunted parasympathetic reactivity in response to stress in early childhood may escalate the development of externalizing behaviors following stress exposure at school age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Skov
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Erin B Glackin
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Lockman
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah A O Gray
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA
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DeJoseph ML, Leneman KB, Palmer AR, Padrutt ER, Mayo OA, Berry D. Adrenocortical and autonomic cross-system regulation in youth: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106416. [PMID: 39081795 PMCID: PMC11286237 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Childhood and adolescence are salient periods for the development of adrenocortical and autonomic arms of the stress response system (SRS), setting the stage for subsequent health and adaptive functioning. Although adrenocortical and autonomic systems theoretically function in highly coordinated ways, the strength of the relationship between these systems remains unclear. We leveraged a multivariate mixed effects meta-analytic approach to assess associations between adrenocortical, sympathetic, and parasympathetic functioning at rest and reactivity during stress-inducing tasks across 52 studies (N = 7,671; 5-20 years old). Results suggested a modest positive relation between adrenocortical and sympathetic systems as well as between adrenocortical and parasympathetic systems. Moderation analyses indicated the strength of associations varied as a function of several methodological and sociodemographic characteristics. Environmental effects on cross-system regulation were less clear, perhaps due to underrepresentation of adverse-exposed youth in the included studies. Collectively, our findings call for greater methodological attention to the dynamical, non-linear nature of cross-system functioning, as well as the role of experience in their organization across development.
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Huang Y, Lü W. Nonlinear Moderation Effect of Vagal Regulation on the Link between Childhood Trauma and Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:217-228. [PMID: 37689613 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Childhood trauma is a leading early adverse environment that increases psychopathological symptoms. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) suppression to challenges as a marker of self-regulation is found to linearly moderate the link between early adverse experiences and psychopathological symptoms, but yielding mixed findings. The present study examined the relationships between childhood trauma and internalizing and externalizing symptoms via a 1.5-year longitudinal design and the quadratic moderation effect of RSA suppression on these relationships among adolescents. In November 2021 (T1), the final sample of 275 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.94, SDage = 0.79; 49.82% females) completed the short form of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Achenbach Youth Self-Report-2001 and underwent a speech task during which their baseline RSA and stress exposure RSA were obtained. In June 2023 (T2), 251 adolescents completed the Achenbach Youth Self-Report-2001. Results showed that childhood trauma at T1 was positively correlated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms at T1 and T2. RSA suppression to stress quadratically moderated these associations, such that adolescents with moderate rather than higher or lower RSA suppression had the least internalizing and externalizing symptoms at T1 and T2 when exposed to childhood trauma. The findings suggest that moderate RSA suppression to stress as a marker of optimal vagal regulation buffers the risk of developmental psychopathology from early adverse experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Huang
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Lü
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, Xi'an, China.
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