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Abo Hamza E, Tindle R, Pawlak S, Bedewy D, Moustafa AA. The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:597-617. [PMID: 38607658 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0163] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid Abo Hamza
- College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, 289293 Al Ain University , 64141, Al Jimi, UAE
- Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Richard Tindle
- JMS Allied Services, 1109 Coffs Harbour , NSW, 2452, Australia
| | - Simon Pawlak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dalia Bedewy
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, 59104 Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
- 59104 Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, 448704 Bond University , 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Neuner F. Physical and social trauma: Towards an integrative transdiagnostic perspective on psychological trauma that involves threats to status and belonging. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 99:102219. [PMID: 36395560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102219] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Current theories of psychological trauma assume that posttraumatic symptoms originate from stress reactions caused by extremely adverse life experiences. Since the diagnosis of PTSD is restricted to events that involve threats to the physical or sexual integrity of a person, such as accidents and physical and sexual violence, these theories are not well suited to explain the psychopathological consequences of severe violations of one's social integrity, such as emotional abuse and bullying. However, it is evident that social threats contribute to a broad range of mental disorders and increase symptom severity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. The aim of the Physical and Social Trauma (PAST) framework is to extend current memory theories of psychological trauma to incorporate threats to a person's social integrity. Within this perspective, the harmful effects of events that involve social threats result from violations of core social motives such as the need for status and belonging that bring about intense affective reactions, including despair and defeat. Within associative threat structures, these emotions are tied to the stimulus characteristics of the experiences and can be re-activated in social situations. The resulting psychopathology transcends PTSD criteria and other current classifications and suggests a transdiagnostic perspective of psychological trauma. Implications for treatment and further directions for research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Neuner
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Postbox 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Schuck AM, Chauhan P, Spatz Widom C. An Examination of Downward Drift as an Explanation of the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Residence in Unhealthy Neighborhoods in Adulthood: The Role of Psychiatric Symptoms. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 68:128-141. [PMID: 33534178 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to determine whether downward drift explains relationships among childhood maltreatment, psychiatric disorders, and residence in unhealthy neighborhoods. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, individuals with court substantiated cases of child abuse and/neglect (ages 0-11 during the years 1967-1971) and matched controls were followed up in adulthood. Mental health symptoms and neighborhood disadvantage were measured in young (Mage = 29) and middle adulthood (Mage = 40). Physical disorder and social cohesion were also measured in middle adulthood. Childhood maltreatment increased risk for more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use in young adulthood and depression and anxiety in middle adulthood. Childhood maltreatment negatively impacted neighborhood residence in young and middle adulthood, increasing a person's risk of living in neighborhoods with higher levels of physical disorder and economic disadvantage, and lower levels of social cohesion. Neighborhood disadvantage in young adulthood did not increase risk for psychiatric symptoms in middle adulthood. With one exception, neighborhood disadvantage earlier in life, not psychiatric symptoms, helped explain the relationship between childhood maltreatment and living in unhealthy neighborhoods. The negative impact of childhood maltreatment was evident earlier in life and continued into middle adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie M Schuck
- Department of Criminology, Law and Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Preeti Chauhan
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cathy Spatz Widom
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Carpi A, Nikulina V, Li X, Widom CS. Childhood maltreatment and lead levels in middle adulthood: A prospective examination of the roles of individual socio-economic and neighborhood characteristics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240683. [PMID: 33232365 PMCID: PMC7685468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead is a common environmental hazard because of its past use as an additive to gasoline and household paint. Some evidence suggests that children with histories of child abuse and neglect are at elevated risk for residence in communities and households with less desirable characteristics and high levels of exposure to environmental hazards and toxins. OBJECTIVES To understand whether childhood maltreatment leads to higher levels of household dust lead and blood lead in adulthood and the extent to which characteristics of a person's physical environment or individual level socio-economic status (SES) (based on unemployment, poverty, and receipt of public assistance) contribute to understanding the relationship. METHODS A large prospective cohort design study in which abused and neglected children (ages 0-11) were matched with non-maltreated children and assessed in adulthood. Objective and subjective neighborhood characteristics were assessed at approximate age 40 and household dust lead (cleaned and less often cleaned) and blood lead levels were measured at age 41. Blood was collected through venipuncture by a registered nurse as part of a medical status exam. RESULTS Childhood maltreatment predicted higher levels of dust lead in less often cleaned household places, residence in worse neighborhoods defined by objective (census tract data) and subjective (reports of physical disorder and lack of social cohesion and control), and higher levels of poverty, receiving public assistance, and unemployment. Only objective neighborhood characteristics mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and dust lead level in adulthood. There were also significant paths from objective neighborhood disadvantage and individual level SES to higher levels of blood lead. DISCUSSION Thirty years after their childhood experiences, individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment are at higher risk for living in environments as adults with elevated lead levels that may impact other aspects of their lives and compromise their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Carpi
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Valentina Nikulina
- Psychology Department, Queens College, Queens, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Xuechen Li
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Cathy Spatz Widom
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, New York City, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Andersen SL. Stress, sensitive periods, and substance abuse. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 10:100140. [PMID: 30569003 PMCID: PMC6288983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the inter-relationship between drug abuse and social stress has primarily focused on the role of stress exposure during adulthood and more recently, adolescence. Adolescence is a time of heightened reward sensitivity, but it is also a time when earlier life experiences are expressed. Exposure to stress early in postnatal life is associated with an accelerated age of onset for drug use. Lifelong addiction is significantly greater if drug use is initiated during early adolescence. Understanding how developmental changes following stress exposure interact with sensitive periods to unfold over the course of maturation is integral to reducing their later impact on substance use. Arousal levels, gender/sex, inflammation, and the timing of stress exposure play a role in the vulnerability of these circuits. The current review focuses on how early postnatal stress impacts brain development during a sensitive period to increase externalizing and internalizing behaviors in adolescence that include social interactions (aggression; sexual activity), working memory impairment, and depression. How stress effects the developmental trajectories of brain circuits that are associated with addiction are discussed for both clinical and preclinical studies.
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The Effects of Neighborhood Context on Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Among Adolescents Involved in the Juvenile Justice System: Latent Classes and Contextual Effects. J Youth Adolesc 2018; 47:2279-2300. [DOI: 10.1007/s10964-018-0887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Alain M, Marcotte J, Desrosiers J, Turcotte D, Lafortune D. The thin line between protection and conviction: Experiences with child protection services and later criminal convictions among a population of adolescents. J Adolesc 2018; 63:85-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Chauhan P, Schuck AM, Widom CS. Child Maltreatment, Problem Behaviors, and Neighborhood Attainment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 60:555-567. [PMID: 29210471 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Using data from a prospective cohort design study of a group of children with documented histories of abuse and neglect (n = 908) and matched controls (n = 667), this paper examines whether problem behaviors (e.g., prostitution, crime, school problems, and homelessness) in young adulthood explain the link between maltreatment in childhood and living in high-risk neighborhoods in middle adulthood. Problem behaviors were assessed at mean age of 29 and neighborhood characteristics were assessed at mean age of 40. Child maltreatment predicted living in less desirable neighborhoods in middle adulthood. Problem behaviors in young adulthood partially mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and residence in less desirable neighborhoods in middle adulthood. The direct paths from child maltreatment to neighborhoods were not significant for Black children. For White children, there was a direct relationship between child maltreatment and living in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Problem behaviors were a stronger mediator between child maltreatment and living in more disordered and less socially cohesive neighborhoods for Black children, while the problem behaviors were a stronger mediator for living in more economically disadvantaged and less socially cohesive neighborhoods for White children. Further research is needed to understand these racial differences. Interventions should focus on preventing problem behaviors to minimize the risk of residency in high-risk neighborhoods.
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Widom CS. Long-Term Impact of Childhood Abuse and Neglect on Crime and Violence. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wilson HW, Samuelson SL, Staudenmeyer AH, Widom CS. Trajectories of psychopathology and risky behaviors associated with childhood abuse and neglect in low-income urban African American girls. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2015; 45:108-121. [PMID: 25869184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined patterns of psychopathology, drug and alcohol use, and sexual behavior associated with childhood abuse and neglect in a high-risk sample of low-income African American girls seeking mental health treatment. Participants (N=177) were African American girls recruited from mental health clinics serving low-income communities in Chicago, IL and followed over six waves of data collection (T1-T6) reflecting early (mean age 14) to late (mean age 17) adolescence. Child abuse and neglect history was determined from adolescent and caregiver reports. Latent curve modeling examined patterns of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, drug and alcohol use, sexual experience, and risky sexual behavior reported by girls and associations with reported child abuse and neglect. Overall, these trajectories indicated a decrease in internalizing and externalizing symptoms, stability of drug and alcohol use, and an increase in sexual experience and risky sexual behaviors over time. Child abuse and neglect was associated with increased internalizing symptoms and sexual experience at baseline and with externalizing symptoms and risky sexual behavior both at baseline and the final point. Child abuse and neglect was not significantly associated with alcohol or drug use. This study adds to the literature on the long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect by demonstrating patterns of psychopathology and risky behavior that persist over time in a high-risk group of girls with self or parent reported histories of abuse and neglect. Interventions that address externalizing problems and health risk behaviors may be of particular importance for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen W Wilson
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5718, USA
| | - Sarah L Samuelson
- PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Anna H Staudenmeyer
- Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Cathy Spatz Widom
- John Jay College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, Psychology Department, 524 West 59th Street, 10th Floor, New York City, NY 10019, USA
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Duncan DT, Palamar JJ, Williams JH. Perceived neighborhood illicit drug selling, peer illicit drug disapproval and illicit drug use among U.S. high school seniors. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2014; 9:35. [PMID: 25182042 PMCID: PMC4163623 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-9-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined associations between perceived neighborhood illicit drug selling, peer illicit drug disapproval and illicit drug use among a large nationally representative sample of U.S. high school seniors. METHODS Data come from Monitoring the Future (2007-2011), an annual cross-sectional survey of U.S. high school seniors. Students reported neighborhood illicit drug selling, friend drug disapproval towards marijuana and cocaine use, and past 12-month and past 30-day illicit drug use (N = 10,050). Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to explain use of 1) just marijuana, 2) one illicit drug other than marijuana, and 3) more than one illicit drug other than marijuana, compared to "no use". RESULTS Report of neighborhood illicit drug selling was associated with lower friend disapproval of marijuana and cocaine; e.g., those who reported seeing neighborhood sales "almost every day" were less likely to report their friends strongly disapproved of marijuana (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.49) compared to those who reported never seeing neighborhood drug selling and reported no disapproval. Perception of neighborhood illicit drug selling was also associated with past-year drug use and past-month drug use; e.g., those who reported seeing neighborhood sales "almost every day" were more likely to report 30-day use of more than one illicit drug (AOR = 11.11, 95% CI: 7.47, 16.52) compared to those who reported never seeing neighborhood drug selling and reported no 30-day use of illicit drugs. CONCLUSIONS Perceived neighborhood drug selling was associated with lower peer disapproval and more illicit drug use among a population-based nationally representative sample of U.S. high school seniors. Policy interventions to reduce "open" (visible) neighborhood drug selling (e.g., problem-oriented policing and modifications to the physical environment such as installing and monitoring surveillance cameras) may reduce illicit drug use and peer disapproval of illicit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, 6th Floor, Room 621, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Abstract
There is an implicit assumption of homogeneity across violent behaviors and offenders in the criminology literature. Arguing against this assumption, I draw on three distinct literatures [child abuse and neglect (CAN) and violence, violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and CAN and PTSD] to provide a rationale for an examination of varieties of violent behaviors. I use data from my prospective cohort design study of the long-term consequences of CAN to define three varieties of violent offenders using age of documented cases of CAN, onset of PTSD, and first violent arrest in a temporally correct manner [CAN → to violence, CAN → PTSD → violence (PTSD first), and CAN → violence → PTSD (violence first)], and a fourth variety, violence only. The results illustrate meaningful heterogeneity in violent behavior and different developmental patterns and characteristics. There are three major implications: First, programs and policies that target violence need to recognize the heterogeneity and move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Second, violence prevention policies and programs that target abused and neglected children are warranted, given the prominent role of CAN in the backgrounds of these violent offenders. Third, criminologists and others interested in violence need to attend to the role of PTSD, which is present in about one fifth (21 percent) of these violent offenders, and not relegate the study of these offenders to the psychiatric and psychological literatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Spatz Widom
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Graduate Center, City University of New York
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Tarantino N, Lamis DA, Ballard ED, Masuda A, Dvorak RD. Parent-child conflict and drug use in college women: a moderated mediation model of self-control and mindfulness. J Couns Psychol 2014; 62:303-13. [PMID: 24660687 DOI: 10.1037/cou0000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examined the association between parent-child conflict and illicit drug use in a sample of female college students (N = 928). The mediating roles of self-control and mindfulness, as well as an interaction between self-control and mindfulness, were examined in a moderated mediation model for the purposes of expanding etiological theory and introducing targets for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse. Whereas deficits in self-control were found to facilitate the positive relation observed between parent-child conflict and the likelihood of experiencing drug-related problems, an interaction between mindfulness and self-control helped explain the association between parent-child conflict and intensity of drug-related problems. Parent-child conflict was related to low mindfulness when self-control was low, and low mindfulness in turn was related to a higher intensity of drug-related problems. This association did not exist for women with high self-control. Findings are consistent with developmental research on the etiology of drug use and the protective properties of mindfulness and self-control. Mindfulness as a potential target of intervention for drug users with low self-control to prevent drug-related problems is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorian A Lamis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Elizabeth D Ballard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Melton GB. Strong Communities for Children: A Community-Wide Approach to Prevention of Child Maltreatment. HANDBOOK OF CHILD MALTREATMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7208-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lijffijt M, Hu K, Swann AC. Stress modulates illness-course of substance use disorders: a translational review. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:83. [PMID: 25101007 PMCID: PMC4101973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood trauma and post-childhood chronic/repeated stress could increase the risk of a substance use disorder by affecting five stages of addiction illness-course: (a) initial experimentation with substances; (b) shifting from experimental to regular use; (c) escalation from regular use to abuse or dependence; (d) motivation to quit; and (e) risk of (re-)lapse. We reviewed the human literature on relationships between stress and addiction illness-course. We explored per illness-course stage: (i) whether childhood trauma and post-childhood chronic/repeated stress have comparable effects and (ii) whether effects cut across classes of substances of abuse. We further discuss potential underlying mechanisms by which stressors may affect illness-course stages for which we relied on evidence from studies in animals and humans. Stress and substances of abuse both activate stress and dopaminergic motivation systems, and childhood trauma and post-childhood stressful events are more chronic and occur more frequently in people who use substances. Stressors increase risk to initiate early use potentially by affecting trait-like factors of risk-taking, decision making, and behavioral control. Stressors also accelerate transition to regular use potentially due to prior effects of stress on sensitization of dopaminergic motivation systems, cross-sensitizing with substances of abuse, especially in people with high trait impulsivity who are more prone to sensitization. Finally, stressors increase risk for abuse and dependence, attenuate motivation to quit, and increase relapse risk potentially by intensified sensitization of motivational systems, by a shift from positive to negative reinforcement due to sensitization of the amygdala by corticotropin releasing factor, and by increased sensitization of noradrenergic systems. Stress generally affects addiction illness-course across stressor types and across classes of substances of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn Lijffijt
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Kesong Hu
- Human Neuroscience Institute, Department of Human Development, Cornell University , Ithaca, NY , USA
| | - Alan C Swann
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX , USA ; Mental Health Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center , Houston, TX , USA
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DeLisi M, Kosloski AE, Vaughn MG, Caudill JW, Trulson CR. Does childhood sexual abuse victimization translate into juvenile sexual offending? New evidence. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2014; 29:620-635. [PMID: 25199390 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-13-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The cycle of violence thesis posits that early exposure to maltreatment increases the likelihood of later maladaptive and antisocial behaviors. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) specifically has been shown to increase the likelihood of sexual offending, although less is known about its linkages to other forms of crime. Based on data from 2,520 incarcerated male juvenile offenders from a large southern state, hierarchical logistic regression models suggested that CSA increased the likelihood of later sexual offending nearly sixfold (467% increase). However, CSA was associated with an 83% reduced likelihood of homicide offending and 68% reduced likelihood of serious person/property offending. These findings suggest further support for the cycle of violence where CSA promotes sexual offending but novel findings regarding the linkages between CSA and other forms of crime.
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Sperry DM, Widom CS. Child abuse and neglect, social support, and psychopathology in adulthood: a prospective investigation. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2013; 37:415-25. [PMID: 23562083 PMCID: PMC3672352 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether child abuse and neglect predicts low levels of social support in middle adulthood and understand whether social support acts to mediate or moderate the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and subsequent outcomes (anxiety, depression, and illicit drug use). METHOD Using data from a prospective cohort design study, children with documented histories of physical and sexual abuse and neglect (ages 0-11) during the years 1967 through 1971 and a matched control group were followed up and interviewed in adulthood. Social support was assessed at mean age 39.5, and anxiety, depression, and illicit drug use at mean age 41.2. RESULTS Adjusting for age, sex, and race, individuals with documented histories of child abuse and neglect reported significantly lower levels of social support in adulthood [total (p < .001), appraisal (p < .001), belonging (p < .001), tangible (p < .001), and self-esteem support (p < .01)] than controls. Adjusting for age, sex, race, and prior psychiatric diagnosis, social support mediated the relationship between child abuse and neglect and anxiety and depression in adulthood. Four gender by social support interactions and one three-way [group (abuse/neglect versus control) × tangible social support × gender] interaction moderated levels of anxiety and depression, particularly for males who were more strongly affected by high levels of social support. CONCLUSIONS Social support plays a significant role in mediating and moderating some long term consequences of childhood maltreatment. Efforts to better understand the timing and mechanisms involved in these relationships are needed to guide preventive interventions and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Sperry
- Psychology Department, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, NY, USA
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Manly JT, Oshri A, Lynch M, Herzog M, Wortel S. Child neglect and the development of externalizing behavior problems: associations with maternal drug dependence and neighborhood crime. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2013; 18:17-29. [PMID: 23136210 PMCID: PMC3771700 DOI: 10.1177/1077559512464119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the high prevalence of child neglect among maltreatment subtypes, and its association with exposure to additional environmental adversity, understanding the processes that potentiate child neglect and link neglect to subsequent child externalizing psychopathology may shed light on key targets for preventive intervention. Among 170 urban low-income children (ages 4-9) and their mothers, this 5-year prospective study examined the effects of early neglect severity and maternal substance abuse, as well as neighborhood crime, on children's later externalizing behavior problems. Severity of child neglect (up to age 6 years) mediated the relation between maternal drug dependence diagnosis (MDDD), determined at children's age of 4 years, and children's externalizing behavior problems at age 9. Rates of neighborhood crime mediated the link between presence of child neglect and children's externalizing behavior problems. The roles of MDDD, child neglect, and community violence in the development of child psychopathology are discussed in terms of their implications for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Todd Manly
- University of Rochester, Mt. Hope Family Center, Rochester, NY 14608, USA.
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