1
|
Zuo M, Ling XB, Wang SS, Ma K, Wan YH, Su PY, Tao FB, Sun Y. Lifestyle-specific association between adversity dimensions with group-based mental health trajectories. J Affect Disord 2024; 364:305-313. [PMID: 39142586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.015] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood adversity (CA) has a substantial correlation with mental health problems. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential for mental health interventions; it is unclear, however, how healthy lifestyle affect the relationship between CA and persistent mental health problems. METHODS This longitudinal study (n = 1112, 54.5 % male) collected the data on CA (measured through three dimensions: threat, deprivation and unpredictability), mental health problems, and lifestyle factors. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling (GBMTM) was utilized to estimate trajectories for three mental health problems (i.e., depression, ADHD and overanxiety). Close friendships, regular physical activity, appropriate sleep duration, shorter screen time, and healthy eating were combined to establish a healthy lifestyle score (which ranges from 0 to 5). Higher scores indicated a healthier lifestyle. RESULTS Three trajectories of mental health problems were identified: persistently low risk (24.9 %), persistently medium-high risk (50.0 %), and persistently high risk (25.1 %). Multinomial logistic regression showed that high adversity (high-threat: β = 2.01, P < 0.001; high-deprivation: β = 1.03, P < 0.001; high-unpredictability: β = 0.83, P = 0.001; high-overall adversity: β = 1.64, P < 0.001) resulted in a persistently high risk of mental health problems; these outcomes were maintained after robust control for covariates. Further lifestyle stratification, null associations were observed among children with a healthy lifestyle, irrespective of their gender; however, after controlling for covariates, the above associations remained relatively stable only among boys. LIMITATIONS The generalizability of our findings is restricted by 1) limited racial diversity and 2) missing data. CONCLUSIONS This finding underscores the benefits of promoting a healthy lifestyle in children to prevent persistent mental health problems caused by CA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zuo
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xue-Bing Ling
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Ma
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Hui Wan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pu-Yu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Glass DJ, Reiches M, Clarkin P. Coming of age in war: Early life adversity, age at menarche, and mental health. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 169:107153. [PMID: 39128396 PMCID: PMC11381149 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107153] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Armed conflict and forced migration (ACFM) represent a set of extreme environments that are increasingly common for children and adolescents to experience. Adolescence may constitute a sensitive period (puberty and psychoneurological maturation) through which ACFM adversity leaves a lasting mark. Adolescence has become a focal point for analysis and intervention as it relates to the effects of early life adversity on puberty, linear growth, and mental health. Research in public health and psychological science suggests early life adversity (ELA) may accelerate puberty, heightening risks for mental health disorders. However, it is not well substantiated whether ACFM-derived adversities accelerate or delay relative pubertal timing. Secondly, ACFM provides salient context through which to probe the relationships between nutritional, psychosocial, and demographic changes and their respective impact on puberty and mental health. We conducted a narrative review which 1) examined constructions of early life adversity and their proposed influence on puberty 2) reviewed empirical findings (n = 29 studies, n = 36 samples) concerning effects of ACFM ELA on age at menarche and 3) discussed proposed relationships between early life adversity, puberty, and mental ill-health. Contrary to prior research, we found war-derived early life adversity was more consistently associated with pubertal delay than acceleration and may exert counterintuitive effects on mental health. We show that ELA cannot be operationalized in the same way across contexts and populations, especially in the presence of extreme forms of human stress and resilience. We further discuss the ethics of puberty research among conflict-affected youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delaney J Glass
- University of Washington, Department of Anthropology, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Toronto - St. George, Department of Anthropology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Compton RJ, Shudrenko D, Ng E, Mann K, Turdukulov E. Adversity and error-monitoring: Effects of emotional context. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14644. [PMID: 38963045 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14644] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
This study tested whether self-reports of childhood adversity would predict altered error processing under emotional versus non-emotional task conditions. N = 99 undergraduates completed two selective attention tasks, a traditional color-word Stroop task and a modified task using emotional words, while EEG was recorded. Participants also completed self-report measures of adverse and positive childhood experiences, executive functioning, depression, current stress, and emotion regulation. Reports of adversity were robustly correlated with self-reported challenges in executive functioning, even when controlling for self-reported depression and stress, but adversity was not correlated with task performance. With regard to neural markers of error processing, adversity predicted an enhanced error-related negativity and blunted error-positivity, but only during the emotion-word blocks of the task. Moreover, error-related changes in alpha oscillations were predicted by adversity, in a pattern that suggested less error responsiveness in alpha patterns during the emotion block, compared to the color block, among participants with higher adversity. Overall, results indicate alterations in error monitoring associated with adversity, such that in an emotional context, initial error detection is enhanced and sustained error processing is blunted, even in the absence of overt performance changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Compton
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Danylo Shudrenko
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erin Ng
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katelyn Mann
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emil Turdukulov
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vannucci A, Fields A, Bloom PA, Camacho NL, Choy T, Durazi A, Hadis S, Harmon C, Heleniak C, VanTieghem M, Dozier M, Milham MP, Ghetti S, Tottenham N. Probing the content of affective semantic memory following caregiving-related early adversity. Dev Sci 2024; 27:e13518. [PMID: 38664866 PMCID: PMC11489028 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13518] [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] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive science has demonstrated that we construct knowledge about the world by abstracting patterns from routinely encountered experiences and storing them as semantic memories. This preregistered study tested the hypothesis that caregiving-related early adversities (crEAs) shape affective semantic memories to reflect the content of those adverse interpersonal-affective experiences. We also tested the hypothesis that because affective semantic memories may continue to evolve in response to later-occurring positive experiences, child-perceived attachment security will inform their content. The sample comprised 160 children (ages 6-12 at Visit 1; 87F/73 M), 66% of whom experienced crEAs (n = 105). At Visit 1, crEA exposure prior to study enrollment was operationalized as parental-reports endorsing a history of crEAs (abuse/neglect, permanent/significant parent-child separation); while child-reports assessed concurrent attachment security. A false memory task was administered online ∼2.5 years later (Visit 2) to probe the content of affective semantic memories-specifically attachment schemas. Results showed that crEA exposure (vs. no exposure) was associated with a higher likelihood of falsely endorsing insecure (vs. secure) schema scenes. Attachment security moderated the association between crEA exposure and insecure schema-based false recognition. Findings suggest that interpersonal-affective semantic schemas include representations of parent-child interactions that may capture the quality of one's own attachment experiences and that these representations shape how children remember attachment-relevant narrative events. Findings are also consistent with the hypothesis that these affective semantic memories can be modified by later experiences. Moving forward, the approach taken in this study provides a means of operationalizing Bowlby's notion of internal working models within a cognitive neuroscience framework. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Affective semantic memories representing insecure schema knowledge (child needs + needs-not-met) may be more salient, elaborated, and persistent among youths exposed to early caregiving adversity. All youths, irrespective of early caregiving adversity exposure, may possess affective semantic memories that represent knowledge of secure schemas (child needs + needs-met). Establishing secure relationships with parents following early-occurring caregiving adversity may attenuate the expression of insecure semantic memories, suggesting potential malleability. Affective semantic memories include schema representations of parent-child interactions that may capture the quality of one's own attachment experiences and shape how youths remember attachment-relevant events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vannucci
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Andrea Fields
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Paul A. Bloom
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Nicolas L. Camacho
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Tricia Choy
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Amaesha Durazi
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Syntia Hadis
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Chelsea Harmon
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Charlotte Heleniak
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Michelle VanTieghem
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| | - Mary Dozier
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Wolf Hall, 105 The Green, Newark, DE, USA, 19716
| | | | - Simona Ghetti
- University of California at Davis and Center for Mind and Brain, Department of Psychology, 202 Cousteau Place, Suite 250, Davis, CA, USA, 95618
| | - Nim Tottenham
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, MC5501, New York, NY, USA, 10027
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baram TZ, Birnie MT. Enduring memory consequences of early-life stress / adversity: Structural, synaptic, molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 33:100669. [PMID: 39309367 PMCID: PMC11415888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences are strongly associated with reduced cognitive function throughout life. The link is strong in many human studies, but these do not enable assigning causality, and the limited access to the live human brain can impede establishing the mechanisms by which early-life adversity (ELA) may induce cognitive problems. In experimental models, artificially imposed chronic ELA/stress results in deficits in hippocampus dependent memory as well as increased vulnerability to the deleterious effects of adult stress on memory. This causal relation of ELA and life-long memory impairments provides a framework to probe the mechanisms by which ELA may lead to human cognitive problems. Here we focus on the consequences of a one-week exposure to adversity during early postnatal life in the rodent, the spectrum of the ensuing memory deficits, and the mechanisms responsible. We highlight molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms using convergent trans-disciplinary approaches aiming to enable translation of the discoveries in experimental models to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rahapsari S, Levita L. The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Cognitive Control Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241286812. [PMID: 39396188 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241286812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with impaired cognitive control, yet research on ACEs' effects across cognitive control domains-working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control-remains sparse. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the overall impact of ACEs on each of these cognitive control domains and explored moderating factors such as age, gender, cognitive control paradigms, and ACEs subtypes based on the dimensional model of adversity and psychopathology. A database search was conducted in SCOPUS, MedLine, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Only prospective studies were included to ensure temporal order inferences, with at least two data collection points, assessing ACEs at baseline (T1) and cognitive control during follow-up (T2). Thirty-two studies (N = 26,863) producing 124 effect sizes were analyzed. Three-level meta-analyses revealed small-to-medium negative associations between ACEs and overall cognitive control (g = -0.32), and in each domain: working memory (g = -0.28), cognitive flexibility (g = -0.28), and inhibitory control (g = -0.32). The negative associations between ACEs and cognitive control were consistent across age, gender, and cognitive control paradigms. ACEs subtypes moderated the association with cognitive flexibility (p = .04) but not working memory or inhibitory control. Specifically, the deprivation subtype exhibited a stronger negative association with cognitive flexibility compared to threat and threat-and-deprivation subtypes. These findings highlight the pervasive negative impact of ACEs on cognitive control across ages and emphasize the need for targeted interventions. Implications, current gaps, limitations in research, and future study recommendations are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satwika Rahapsari
- School of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | - Liat Levita
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mulia N, Li L, Williams E, Guo Z, Witbrodt J, Tam C, Lui CK. Is Childhood Adversity Before Age 5 Associated with Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Use? Findings from a U.S. Prospective Cohort Study. Subst Use Misuse 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39377245 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2406017] [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] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growing research suggests that adversity experienced early in life can affect young children's development, with implications for health-related outcomes years later. This study explored long-term associations between early life adversity before age 5 (ELA) and later substance use outcomes, and racial and ethnic differences in associations. METHOD Data are from children born 1984-2000 to female participants in the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Youth-1979 cohort (N = 4582 children nested within 2683 mothers, with 1.4-1.8 outcome observations on average for each child in each age period). ELA at ages 0-4 was measured through home observations and maternal surveys, and included high parental conflict and maternal hazardous drinking/drug use (threat-related exposures), and low cognitive stimulation, low emotional support, and household poverty (deprivation-related exposures). Alcohol and cannabis use frequency were measured in biennial adolescent and young adult surveys through 2016. Analyses involved multilevel regression and interactions accounting for demographics, birth cohort, and family history of alcoholism. RESULTS ELA-threat exposure was associated with greater alcohol and cannabis use frequency in mid-adolescence and at ages 22-25 and 26-32 [exp(β ^ )'s = 1.05 to 1.13, p's < 0.05]. Associations of ELA-deprivation with substance use were either null or negative. There were pronounced racial and ethnic inequities in ELA exposure but no evidence of racial and ethnic differences in associations between ELA and later substance use. CONCLUSIONS Broadening substance use research to focus on early childhood conditions appears warranted. Studies that identify intervening pathways to outcomes could inform early, targeted substance use prevention. Efforts are needed to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities in early life conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Mulia
- Alcohol Research Group, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Libo Li
- Alcohol Research Group, Emeryville, California, USA
| | | | - Zihe Guo
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sher-Censor E, Feniger-Schaal R, Slonim M, Koren-Karie N. Effects of adverse childhood experiences on observed parenting and children's behavior problems among Jewish and Arab Muslim families in Israel. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39363733 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424001111] [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: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Research points to the substantial impact of parents' exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on parents and their children. However, most studies have been conducted in North America, and research on ACEs effects on observed parenting or on intergenerational transmission of ACE effects is limited. We therefore studied families from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds in Israel and examined whether mothers' ACEs hampered maternal sensitivity and the quality of the home environment and whether mothers' psychological distress mediated these links. We also explored whether mothers' ACEs predicted children's behavior problems indirectly through maternal psychological distress and whether maternal sensitivity and the home environment attenuated this mediating path. Participants were 232 mothers (Mchild age = 18.40 months, SD = 1.76; 63.36% non-ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 17.24% ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 19.40% Arab Muslim). Results showed mothers' ACEs were directly associated with decreased maternal sensitivity. Mothers' ACEs were indirectly associated with more behavior problems in children through mothers' higher psychological distress, and maternal sensitivity moderated this indirect link; it was significant only for mothers who showed lower sensitivity. Findings emphasize the significant role ACEs play in early mother-child relationships. The importance of including ACE assessment in research and practice with families of infants and toddlers is discussed.
Collapse
|
9
|
de Vries TR, Arends I, Oldehinkel AJ, Bültmann U. The mediating role of adolescent psychopathology in the association between frequent or severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood: A causal mediation approach. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 156:107010. [PMID: 39236349 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107010] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labor market inactivity is common among young adults with a history of childhood abuse, which might be attributable to elevated psychopathology in adolescence. OBJECTIVE We examined and decomposed the effect of adolescent psychopathology in the association between frequent or severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This study used data from the population and high-risk samples of the Dutch prospective TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (N = 2172). METHODS Childhood abuse included measures of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. We operationalized adolescent psychopathology using the broadband emotional and behavioral problem scales. Labor market inactivity in young adulthood was defined as being neither in education, employment nor training or receiving benefits. We applied causal mediation analysis combined with a four-way decomposition approach to estimate our effects of interest. RESULTS Individuals who reported frequent or severe childhood abuse were 1.51 (95 % CI: 1.13 to 2.22) times more likely to report labor market inactivity, constituting an excess relative risk (ERR) of 0.51. Most of this excess relative risk is due to mediation by psychopathology at 64.7 % (ERR: 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.16 to 0.50). We found no evidence for a mediated interactive effect (ERR: -0.04, 95 % CI: -0.24 to 0.24). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent psychopathology largely explains the association between frequent and severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood. Intervening in the occurrence of adolescent psychopathology following frequent and severe childhood abuse may reduce the risk of subsequent labor market inactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tjeerd Rudmer de Vries
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, Postbox 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Health Complexity Center, Department of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Iris Arends
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, Postbox 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands; Arbo Unie, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Albertine J Oldehinkel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Hanzeplein 1, Postbox 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ute Bültmann
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, Postbox 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xiong J, Fang X, Wang J, Xie W, Liu M, Niu G. Family cumulative risk, life satisfaction, and anxiety and depression in adolescents: A developmental cascades model. J Adolesc 2024; 96:1445-1457. [PMID: 38783637 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12354] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family cumulative risk (FCR) is predominantly regarded as an antecedent for adolescent mental health, as the prevailing perspective continues to emphasize the influential role of parents, despite recognizing the child's influence. To identify the interplay between family adversity (FCR, process-related FCR, and sociodemographic-related FCR), life satisfaction (LS), and anxiety and depression (AD), this study examined the cascade effects among these constructs. METHOD Participants (N = 707; 52.9% male; grades 10 and 11) from four high schools in Wuhan, China, were recruited to participate, and they completed the measures in October 2018, April 2019, and November 2019. Family sociodemographic risk (e.g., single parenthood) and family process risk (e.g., low family cohesion) were simulated in the models for FCR, sociodemographic-related FCR, and process-related FCR. RESULTS The random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) revealed a lagged effect from LS to FCR; lagged effects from LS and AD to process-related FCR at the within-person level; and significant associations between LS, AD, and family adversity at the between-person level. CONCLUSIONS The lagged effects provide evidence for the influential child perspective and suggest that FCR and family process risk are sensitive to adolescent well-being and psychopathological symptoms. School mental health prevention and intervention programs that take a complete mental health approach to enhance children's well-being and alleviate symptoms would help prevent increases in family risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuebing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gengfeng Niu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Borgstede M, Scheunpflug A. The Relation Between War, Starvation, and Fertility Ideals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Life History Perspective. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 22:14747049241274622. [PMID: 39392171 PMCID: PMC11475108 DOI: 10.1177/14747049241274622] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this article, we examine the relations between extreme environmental harshness during childhood and personal fertility ideals in African students. The study is informed by biological models of predictive adaptive responses (PAR) for individual reproductive schedules in the context of life history theory (LHT). Following theoretical models of external and internal environmental cues, we tested whether war and starvation during childhood differentially predict African students' personal fertility ideals in terms of their desired number of children and their desired age of first parenthood. The data were collected in eight different countries from sub-Saharan Africa with an overall sample size of N = 392. Standardized effect estimates were obtained using a Bayesian approach. The results suggest that war and starvation are predictive of the desired number of children, but not of the desired age of first parenthood. Moreover, the effect estimates varied considerably between females and males, indicating possible interactions between the two independent variables depending on the students' sex. Furthermore, we found a small negative correlation between the desired number of children and the desired age of first parenthood, providing only weak support for a clustering of the two variables on a slow-fast continuum. The results are discussed in light of current models of individual life histories in humans.
Collapse
|
12
|
Glynn LM, Liu SR, Lucas CT, Davis EP. Leveraging the science of early life predictability to inform policies promoting child health. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 69:101437. [PMID: 39260117 PMCID: PMC11415967 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101437] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Addressing the tremendous burden of early-life adversity requires constructive dialogues between scientists and policy makers to improve population health. Whereas dialogues focused on several aspects of early-life adversity have been initiated, discussion of an underrecognized form of adversity that has been observed across multiple contexts and cultures is only now emerging. Here we provide evidence for "why unpredictability?", including: 1. Evidence that exposures to unpredictability affect child neurodevelopment, with influences that persist into adulthood. 2. The existence of a translational non-human animal model of exposure to early life unpredictability that can be capitalized upon to causally probe neurobiological mechanisms. 3. Evidence that patterns of signals in the early environment promote brain maturation across species. 4. The uneven distribution of unpredictability across demographic populations that illuminates a possible focal point for enhancing health equity. We then outline the potential of unpredictability in terms of the "what"; that is, how might the concept of unpredictability be leveraged to inform policy? We emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary and community partnerships to the success of this work and describe our community-engaged research project. Finally, we highlight opportunities for the science of unpredictability to inform policies in areas such as screening, immigration, criminal justice, education, childcare, child welfare, employment, healthcare and housing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, United States.
| | - Sabrina R Liu
- Department of Human Development, California State University San Marcos, United States
| | | | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Denver, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Konrad K, Puetz VB. A context-dependent model of resilient functioning after childhood maltreatment-the case for flexible biobehavioral synchrony. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:388. [PMID: 39333480 PMCID: PMC11436866 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03092-7] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Many children who experience childhood adversity, whether in the form of threat or deprivation, develop adaptive competencies that lead to resilient functioning. Still, research has not succeeded in accurately predicting the level of resilient functioning by any kind of biomarkers, likely because it has sidelined the flexibility inherent in a construct that is situationally and developmentally variable. Whilst recent research acknowledges the importance of redefining resilience in order to reflect its dynamic nature after adversity, evidence for specific behaviors that are developmentally adaptive and dynamic throughout the lifespan is limited. We here propose a model in which resilient functioning is crucially dependent on the individual's capability to flexibly synchronize with and segregate from another's cognitive-affective, behavioral, and physiological states, known as 'biobehavioral synchrony'. Such an adaptive interpersonal skill is rooted in (a) the early caregiving experience and its regulatory effects on an individual's physiological stress reactivity, as well as (b) the development of self-other distinction which can be affected by childhood maltreatment. Bridging the gap between accounts of flexible resilient functioning and the latest thinking in biobehavioral synchrony, we will review behavioral and neurobiological evidence that threat and deprivation in childhood interfere with the development of dynamic, context-sensitive boundaries between self and other, mediated by the (right) tempo-parietal junction (a central neural hub for interpersonal synchronization), which puts the individual at risk for affective fusion or cut-off from others' arousal states. Our proposed model charts a path for investigating the differential effects of maltreatment experiences and mechanisms for intergenerational transmission of non-sensitive caregiving. We conclude with metrics, data analysis methods, and strategies to facilitate flexible biobehavioral synchrony.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, RWTH Aachen & Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Vanessa B Puetz
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shaul M, Whittle S, Silk TJ, Vijayakumar N. Pubertal timing mediates the association between threat adversity and psychopathology. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1-11. [PMID: 39324385 PMCID: PMC11496226 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172400179x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to adversity in childhood is a risk factor for lifetime mental health problems. Altered pace of biological aging, as measured through pubertal timing, is one potential explanatory pathway for this risk. This study examined whether pubertal timing mediated the association between adversity (threat and deprivation) and adolescent mental health problems (internalizing and externalizing), and whether this was moderated by sex. METHODS Aims were examined using the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, a large community sample from the United States. Data were used from three timepoints across the ages of 9-14 years. Latent scores from confirmatory factor analysis operationalized exposure to threat and deprivation. Bayesian mixed-effects regression models tested whether pubertal timing in early adolescence mediated the relationship between adversity exposure and later internalizing and externalizing problems. Sex was examined as a potential moderator of this pathway. RESULTS Both threat and deprivation were associated with later internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Threat, but not deprivation, was associated with earlier pubertal timing, which mediated the association of threat with internalizing and externalizing problems. Sex differences were only observed in the direct association between adversity and internalizing problems, but no such differences were present for mediating pathways. CONCLUSIONS Adversity exposure had similar associations with the pace of biological aging (as indexed by pubertal timing) and mental health problems in males and females. However, the association of adversity on pubertal timing appears to depend on the dimension of adversity experienced, with only threat conferring risk of earlier pubertal timing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Shaul
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy J. Silk
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nandita Vijayakumar
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tooley UA, Latham A, Kenley JK, Alexopoulos D, Smyser TA, Nielsen AN, Gorham L, Warner BB, Shimony JS, Neil JJ, Luby JL, Barch DM, Rogers CE, Smyser CD. Prenatal environment is associated with the pace of cortical network development over the first three years of life. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7932. [PMID: 39256419 PMCID: PMC11387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental influences on brain structure and function during early development have been well-characterized, but whether early environments are associated with the pace of brain development is not clear. In pre-registered analyses, we use flexible non-linear models to test the theory that prenatal disadvantage is associated with differences in trajectories of intrinsic brain network development from birth to three years (n = 261). Prenatal disadvantage was assessed using a latent factor of socioeconomic disadvantage that included measures of mother's income-to-needs ratio, educational attainment, area deprivation index, insurance status, and nutrition. We find that prenatal disadvantage is associated with developmental increases in cortical network segregation, with neonates and toddlers with greater exposure to prenatal disadvantage showing a steeper increase in cortical network segregation with age, consistent with accelerated network development. Associations between prenatal disadvantage and cortical network segregation occur at the local scale and conform to a sensorimotor-association hierarchy of cortical organization. Disadvantage-associated differences in cortical network segregation are associated with language abilities at two years, such that lower segregation is associated with improved language abilities. These results shed light on associations between the early environment and trajectories of cortical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula A Tooley
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Aidan Latham
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeanette K Kenley
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Tara A Smyser
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ashley N Nielsen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lisa Gorham
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Barbara B Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua S Shimony
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Neil
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joan L Luby
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christopher D Smyser
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Milosavljevic B, Cook CJ, Fadera T, Ghillia G, Howard SJ, Makaula H, Mbye E, McCann S, Merkley R, Mshudulu M, Saidykhan M, Touray E, Tshetu N, Elwell C, Moore SE, Scerif G, Draper CE, Lloyd-Fox S. Executive functioning skills and their environmental predictors among pre-school aged children in South Africa and The Gambia. Dev Sci 2024; 27:e13407. [PMID: 37128134 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) in early childhood are predictors of later developmental outcomes and school readiness. Much of the research on EFs and their psychosocial correlates has been conducted in high-income, minority world countries, which represent a small and biased portion of children globally. The aim of this study is to examine EFs among children aged 3-5 years in two African countries, South Africa (SA) and The Gambia (GM), and to explore shared and distinct predictors of EFs in these settings. The SA sample (N = 243, 51.9% female) was recruited from low-income communities within the Cape Town Metropolitan area. In GM, participants (N = 171, 49.7% female) were recruited from the rural West Kiang region. EFs, working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC) and cognitive flexibility (CF), were measured using tablet-based tasks. Associations between EF task performance and indicators of socioeconomic status (household assets, caregiver education) and family enrichment factors (enrichment activities, diversity of caregivers) were assessed. Participants in SA scored higher on all EF tasks, but children in both sites predominantly scored within the expected range for their age. There were no associations between EFs and household or familial variables in SA, except for a trend-level association between caregiver education and CF. Patterns were similar in GM, where there was a trend-level association between WM and enrichment activities but no other relationships. We challenge the postulation that children in low-income settings have poorer EFs, simply due to lower socioeconomic status, but highlight the need to identify predictors of EFs in diverse, global settings. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Assessed Executive Functioning (EF) skills and their psychosocial predictors among pre-school aged children (aged 3-5 years) in two African settings (The Gambia and South Africa). On average, children within each setting performed within the expected range for their age, although children in South Africa had higher scores across tasks. There was little evidence of any association between socioeconomic variables and EFs in either site. Enrichment activities were marginally associated with better working memory in The Gambia, and caregiver education with cognitive flexibility in South Africa, both associations were trend-level significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bosiljka Milosavljevic
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Caylee J Cook
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tijan Fadera
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keneba, The Gambia
| | - Giulia Ghillia
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Steven J Howard
- Early Start and School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hleliwe Makaula
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ebrima Mbye
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keneba, The Gambia
| | - Samantha McCann
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Merkley
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mbulelo Mshudulu
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mariama Saidykhan
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keneba, The Gambia
| | - Ebou Touray
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keneba, The Gambia
| | - Nosibusiso Tshetu
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clare Elwell
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie E Moore
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gaia Scerif
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine E Draper
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Lloyd-Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Davidson C, Islam S, Venturini E, Lowit A, Gillberg C, Minnis H. Social competencies of children with disinhibited social engagement disorder: A systematic review. JCPP ADVANCES 2024; 4:e12226. [PMID: 39411476 PMCID: PMC11472807 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) have specific difficulties with indiscriminate sociability, yet little is known about their broader social competencies as DSED tends not to be identified within samples in the wider 'maltreatment literature.' Aim To systematically review the literature to determine the social competencies of children with DSED. Methods A comprehensive search following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken using PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health. Results From a total of 553 articles, 16 studies were selected and critically evaluated. Children with DSED were consistently reported to have poorer social competencies than non-maltreated peers and environmental controls. Greater peer problems were consistently found, and they may present with poor self-esteem/concept related to social acceptance. Findings regarding social interaction/communication skills were mixed. Limitations 50% of studies were of moderate quality due to sampling and possible confounding variables. Conclusion Children with DSED present with social relationship problems, beyond the core symptoms of the disorder, but the relative impact of co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions is not yet clear. In addition, pragmatic language and communication skills require further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Davidson
- University of GlasgowAcademic CAMHSWest Glasgow Ambulatory Care HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Shahela Islam
- University of GlasgowAcademic CAMHSWest Glasgow Ambulatory Care HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Enrico Venturini
- University of GlasgowAcademic CAMHSWest Glasgow Ambulatory Care HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Anja Lowit
- University of Strathclyde, Speech and Language TherapyGlasgowUK
| | | | - Helen Minnis
- University of GlasgowAcademic CAMHSWest Glasgow Ambulatory Care HospitalGlasgowUK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Savoca PW, Glynn LM, Fox MM, Richards MC, Callaghan BL. Exploring the impact of maternal early life adversity on interoceptive sensibility in pregnancy: implications for prenatal depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01504-7. [PMID: 39158711 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregnancy is a sensitive period of development in adult life characterized by massive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive function. Such changes may be adaptive, e.g., facilitating adjustment to physical demands, but they may also reflect or contribute to risks inherent to this stage of life, e.g., prenatal depression. One cognitive ability that may undergo change during pregnancy and contribute to mental wellness is interoception - the ability to perceive, integrate, and model sensory information originating from the body. Strong interoceptive abilities are associated with lower rates of depression in non-pregnant adult populations, and interoception is generally weaker in individuals at higher risk for depression, for example, exposure to early life adversity (ELA). In the present online, cross-sectional study, we investigated whether interoception in pregnant women differed based on histories of ELA, in ways that increased their relative risk for prenatal depression symptoms. METHODS The pregnant individuals were in the second trimester of their first pregnancy and were compared to a group of nulliparous, non-parenting women. RESULTS Previous exposure to ELA significantly moderated pregnancy-related differences in self-reported interoception (interoceptive sensibility). A further moderated-mediation analysis revealed that the extent to which interoceptive sensibility buffered against depressive symptoms was conditional on ELA exposure, suggesting more ELA is associated with lower interoceptive sensibility during pregnancy, which increased prenatal depression risk. CONCLUSIONS Together this work suggests that levels of interoception during pregnancy are sensitive to previous adversity exposure. It also suggests that interoceptive-focused interventions for preventing/treating prenatal depressive symptoms in high-risk women may be worth exploring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Savoca
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Psychology Building 1285, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, USA
| | - Molly M Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Misty C Richards
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bridget L Callaghan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Psychology Building 1285, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu Q. Fluctuations in Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Anger and Children's Depression Risks in Middle Childhood. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:1247-1260. [PMID: 38652362 PMCID: PMC11289313 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01201-0] [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] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Research suggests a robust link between the severity of maternal depression and children's depression risks in middle childhood. Variations among depressed mothers in terms of affective dysregulation and frequent mood changes are also observed. However, the understanding of how fluctuations in maternal depressive symptoms and negative affect influence children is limited. Guided by life history theory, the current study tested whether the degree of fluctuations in maternal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and anger contributed to depression risks among school-aged children. The sample included 1,364 families where maternal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and anger were longitudinally assessed when children were in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 6. Children's anxious depression and withdrawn depression behaviors were rated in Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 by two caregivers. Parallel latent growth curve analyses revealed that, first, fluctuations in maternal anxiety from Grade 1 to 6 were related to an increase in children's withdrawn depression over the same period. Second, mean maternal anger over time was related to higher mean levels of child anxious and withdrawn depression, yet fluctuations in maternal anger were not linked to child outcomes. Findings support life history theory by highlighting the degree of fluctuations in maternal anxiety as a source of environmental unpredictability and reveal different effects of maternal anxiety and anger in the intergenerational transmission of depression, with important theoretical and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Sandels 322, 120 Convocation Way, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Foster JC, Hodges HR, Beloborodova A, Cohodes EM, Phillips MQ, Anderson E, Fagbenro B, Gee DG. Integrating developmental neuroscience with community-engaged approaches to address mental health outcomes for housing-insecure youth: Implications for research, practice, and policy. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 68:101399. [PMID: 38875770 PMCID: PMC11225708 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101399] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
One in three children in the United States is exposed to insecure housing conditions, including unaffordable, inconsistent, and unsafe housing. These exposures have detrimental impacts on youth mental health. Delineating the neurobehavioral pathways linking exposure to housing insecurity with children's mental health has the potential to inform interventions and policy. However, in approaching this work, carefully considering the lived experiences of youth and families is essential to translating scientific discovery to improve health outcomes in an equitable and representative way. In the current paper, we provide an introduction to the range of stressful experiences that children may face when exposed to insecure housing conditions. Next, we highlight findings from the early-life stress literature regarding the potential neurobehavioral consequences of insecure housing, focusing on how unpredictability is associated with the neural circuitry supporting cognitive and emotional development. We then delineate how community-engaged research (CEnR) approaches have been leveraged to understand the effects of housing insecurity on mental health, and we propose future research directions that integrate developmental neuroscience research and CEnR approaches to maximize the impact of this work. We conclude by outlining practice and policy recommendations that aim to improve the mental health of children exposed to insecure housing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Foster
- Yale University, Department of Psychology, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - H R Hodges
- University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Anna Beloborodova
- Yale University, Department of Psychology, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Emily M Cohodes
- Yale University, Department of Psychology, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Dylan G Gee
- Yale University, Department of Psychology, New Haven, CT, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schlechter P, Bryant RA, Morina N. Do aversive well-being comparisons mediate the effects of childhood adversity on anxiety and depression? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 154:106938. [PMID: 38972075 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106938] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood adversity (CA) is strongly associated with depression and anxiety in later life. Many adults with a history of CA may have internalized an insecure self-concept, which may contribute to negative evaluations of one's current well-being relative to different standards. Yet, there is lack of research on well-being comparisons in adults with a history of CA. OBJECTIVE We examined aversive well-being comparisons (i.e., comparisons threatening the comparer's motives) in the context of CA and their predictive value in depression and anxiety beyond self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external control beliefs. Further, we investigated whether well-being comparison processes mediate the relationship between CA and depression and anxiety. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We conducted a two-wave longitudinal study with 942 adult participants (mean age: 31.56 years, SD = 10.49, 18-75 years). METHODS Participants completed measures of CA, aversive well-being comparisons (social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria-based comparisons), self-esteem, emotion regulation, and locus of control at two time points, three months apart. RESULTS CA was significantly linked to more frequent aversive well-being comparisons. These comparisons were associated with greater discrepancies relative to the comparison standard and a more negative affective impact, ultimately contributing to higher levels of subsequent anxiety and depression symptoms. Comparison frequency emerged as key mediator, highlighting potential pathways through which CA affects adult mental health. These associations emerged despite controlling for established variables in this context, namely self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external locus of control. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the unique importance of aversive well-being comparisons in individuals with a history of CA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beck D, Whitmore L, MacSweeney N, Brieant A, Karl V, de Lange AMG, Westlye LT, Mills KL, Tamnes CK. Dimensions of Early-Life Adversity Are Differentially Associated With Patterns of Delayed and Accelerated Brain Maturation. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01486-0. [PMID: 39084501 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.019] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different types of early-life adversity (ELA) have been associated with children's brain structure and function. However, understanding the disparate influence of distinct adversity exposures on the developing brain remains a major challenge. METHODS This study investigates the neural correlates of 10 robust dimensions of ELA identified through exploratory factor analysis in a large community sample of youth from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Brain age models were trained, validated, and tested separately on T1-weighted (n = 9524), diffusion tensor (n = 8834), and resting-state functional (n = 8233) magnetic resonance imaging data from two time points (mean age = 10.7 years, SD = 1.2, age range = 8.9-13.8 years). RESULTS Bayesian multilevel modeling supported distinct associations between different types of ELA exposures and younger- and older-looking brains. Dimensions generally related to emotional neglect, such as lack of primary and secondary caregiver support and lack of caregiver supervision, were associated with lower brain age gaps, i.e., younger-looking brains. In contrast, dimensions generally related to caregiver psychopathology, trauma exposure, family aggression, substance use and separation from biological parent, and socioeconomic disadvantage and neighborhood safety were associated with higher brain age gaps, i.e., older-looking brains. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that dimensions of ELA are differentially associated with distinct neurodevelopmental patterns, indicative of dimension-specific delayed and accelerated brain maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dani Beck
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lucy Whitmore
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Niamh MacSweeney
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexis Brieant
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Valerie Karl
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kathryn L Mills
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Christian K Tamnes
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Alley J, Gassen J, Slavich GM. The effects of childhood adversity on twenty-five disease biomarkers and twenty health conditions in adulthood: Differences by sex and stressor type. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 123:164-176. [PMID: 39025418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.019] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early adversity is now recognized as a major public health concern, it remains unclear if the effects of early-life stressors on disease biology and health differ by sex or stressor type. Because childhood stressors often covary, examining whether such stressors typically occur together (e.g., cumulative adversity) or in distinct multivariate patterns is needed to determine if and how different life stressors uniquely affect disease biology and health. METHOD To investigate, we conducted latent class analyses (LCA) to identify clusters of adults experiencing multiple childhood stressors (N = 2,111, Mage = 53.04, 54.8% female) in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study. We then tested how latent stressor exposure groups, and individual stressors, related to 25 biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism, and stress, and 20 major health conditions. Multivariate effect sizes were estimated using Mahalanobis's D. RESULTS Optimal LCA models yielded three female (Low-, Moderate-, and High-Stress) and two male (Low- and High-Stress) stressor exposure classes. The High-Stress classes had greater inflammation (male: D = 0.43; female: D = 0.59) and poorer metabolic health (male: D = 0.32-0.33; female: D = 0.32-0.47). They also had more cardiovascular (male: HR = 1.56 [1.17, 2.07]; female: HR = 1.97 [1.50, 2.58]), cancer (male: HR = 2.41 [1.52, 3.84]; female: HR = 2.51 [1.45, 4.35]), metabolic (male: HR = 1.54 [1.16, 2.03]; female: HR = 2.01 [1.43, 2.83]), thyroid (male: HR = 3.65 [1.87, 7.12]; female: HR = 2.25 [1.36, 3.74]), arthritis (male: HR = 1.81 [1.30, 2.54]; female: HR = 1.97 [1.41, 2.74]), and mental/behavioral health problems (male: HR = 2.62 [1.90, 3.62]; female; HR = 3.67 [2.72, 4.94]). Moreover, stressors were related to these outcomes in a sex- and stressor-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS Childhood adversity portends worse biological health and elevated risk for many major health problems in a sex- and stressor-specific manner. These findings advance stress theory, and may help inform precision interventions for managing stress and enhancing resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Alley
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gassen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ruge J, Ehlers MR, Kastrinogiannis A, Klingelhöfer-Jens M, Koppold A, Abend R, Lonsdorf TB. How adverse childhood experiences get under the skin: A systematic review, integration and methodological discussion on threat and reward learning mechanisms. eLife 2024; 13:e92700. [PMID: 39012794 PMCID: PMC11251725 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92700] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for the development of multiple psychopathological conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this link are poorly understood. Associative learning encompasses key mechanisms through which individuals learn to link important environmental inputs to emotional and behavioral responses. ACEs may impact the normative maturation of associative learning processes, resulting in their enduring maladaptive expression manifesting in psychopathology. In this review, we lay out a systematic and methodological overview and integration of the available evidence of the proposed association between ACEs and threat and reward learning processes. We summarize results from a systematic literature search (following PRISMA guidelines) which yielded a total of 81 articles (threat: n=38, reward: n=43). Across the threat and reward learning fields, behaviorally, we observed a converging pattern of aberrant learning in individuals with a history of ACEs, independent of other sample characteristics, specific ACE types, and outcome measures. Specifically, blunted threat learning was reflected in reduced discrimination between threat and safety cues, primarily driven by diminished responding to conditioned threat cues. Furthermore, attenuated reward learning manifested in reduced accuracy and learning rate in tasks involving acquisition of reward contingencies. Importantly, this pattern emerged despite substantial heterogeneity in ACE assessment and operationalization across both fields. We conclude that blunted threat and reward learning may represent a mechanistic route by which ACEs may become physiologically and neurobiologically embedded and ultimately confer greater risk for psychopathology. In closing, we discuss potentially fruitful future directions for the research field, including methodological and ACE assessment considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruge
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Alexandros Kastrinogiannis
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Maren Klingelhöfer-Jens
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Alina Koppold
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
McDorman SA, Taylor-Robinette EK, Romeo RR. Risk and resilience models in child development. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 67:132-163. [PMID: 39260902 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
This chapter provides the most comprehensive review of risk and resilience models for child development thus far, synthesizing these interdisciplinary frameworks for ease of use in research and practice. This review specifically focuses on process models with broader conceptualizations of risk and resilience that have effects across multiple developmental domains. Risk and resilience models alike agree that alleviating risk factors is beneficial for children's development, including risks ranging from proximal issues with households (e.g., instability) and caregivers (e.g., insecure attachment, abuse) to relatively distal influences like structural racism and socioeconomic status. Resilience models further add that children who experience risks are not inherently doomed to poorer outcomes, but can draw upon positive factors in development to combat negative effects from risk, which cannot always be avoided. Major positive factors include loving relationships, educational resources, and cultural assets. Risk and resilience are highly multidisciplinary fields that have contributed much to our understanding of human development, with ample room for continued growth. Understanding of risk and resilience processes, especially during sensitive developmental periods like early childhood, provides valuable insight for prevention and intervention research and practices. Risk and resilience models share an interest in deciphering the developmental processes that hinder and help children across domains so that kids can live their best lives, resulting in a better off society for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Alexa McDorman
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
| | - Ellie K Taylor-Robinette
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Rachel R Romeo
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Johnson D, Wade M, Andrade BF. Threat, Emotion Dysregulation, and Parenting in a Clinical Sample of Children with Disruptive Behaviour. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01729-8. [PMID: 38967709 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01729-8] [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: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversity is associated with the development of internalizing and externalizing problems in children. Despite this, there is a need to understand the mechanisms linking these experiences to psychopathology, especially in clinical samples. This cross-sectional study tested emotion dysregulation as a mechanism linking early-life threat to psychopathology in a clinical sample of children with disruptive behavior problems. We also explored parental positive reinforcement as a protective factor in these pathways. A clinical sample of 606 children aged 6-12 years, referred to a mental healthcare hospital, were included. Parent-reported child threat, and parent- and teacher-reported child emotion dysregulation and psychopathology, were collected. Path analysis was used to explore the mediating effect of emotion dysregulation in the relation between threat and psychopathology. The moderating effects of parental positive reinforcement were explored through moderated-mediation analyses. Emotion dysregulation partially mediated the association between threat and both internalizing (β = .18, P = .006) and externalizing (β = .19, P = .002) problems. Positive reinforcement did not buffer the association between threat and emotion dysregulation (β = .09, P = .62) or the association between emotion dysregulation and internalizing (β = - .003, P = .20) or externalizing (β = - .002, P = .35). Poor emotion regulation may be a transdiagnostic mechanism linking early-threat with internalizing and externalizing problems in clinic-referred children with disruptive behaviors. Factors aside from parental positive reinforcement should be explored as protective factors in these pathways, including those directly implicated in the purported mechanisms linking these factors over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Johnson
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brendan F Andrade
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child Youth and Family Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Brown ER, Gettler LT, Rosenbaum S. Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22491. [PMID: 38698633 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22491] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Brady RG, Leverett SD, Mueller L, Ruscitti M, Latham AR, Smyser TA, Gerstein ED, Warner BB, Barch DM, Luby JL, Rogers CE, Smyser CD. Neighborhood Crime and Externalizing Behavior in Toddlers: A Longitudinal Study With Neonatal fMRI and Parenting. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:733-744. [PMID: 38070869 PMCID: PMC11156792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.09.547] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prenatal exposure to neighborhood crime has been associated with weaker neonatal frontolimbic connectivity; however, associations with early childhood behavior remain unclear. We hypothesized that living in a high-crime neighborhood would be related to higher externalizing symptoms at age 1 and 2 years, over and above other adversities, and that neonatal frontolimbic connectivity and observed parenting behaviors at 1 year would mediate this relationship. METHOD Participants included 399 pregnant women, recruited as part of the Early Life Adversity, Biological Embedding, and Risk for Developmental Precursors of Mental Disorders (eLABE) study. Geocoded neighborhood crime data was obtained from Applied Geographic Solution. A total of 319 healthy, non-sedated neonates underwent scanning using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on a Prisma 3T scanner and had ≥10 minutes of high-quality data. Infant-Toddler Socioemotional Assessment Externalizing T scores were available for 274 mothers of 1-year-olds and 257 mothers of 2-year-olds. Observed parenting behaviors were available for 202 parent-infant dyads at 1 year. Multilevel and mediation models tested longitudinal associations. RESULTS Living in a neighborhood with high violent (β = 0.15, CI = 0.05-0.27, p = .004) and property (β = 0.10, CI = 0.01-0.20, p = .039) crime was related to more externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years, controlling for other adversities. Weaker frontolimbic connectivity was also associated with higher externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years. After controlling for other adversities, parenting behaviors mediated the specific association between crime and externalizing symptoms, but frontolimbic connectivity did not. CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence that early exposure to neighborhood crime and weaker neonatal frontolimbic connectivity may influence later externalizing symptoms, and suggest that parenting may be an early intervention target for families in high-crime areas. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This longitudinal study of 399 women and their children found that toddlers who lived in a high crime area during the first 2 years of their lives displayed more externalizing symptoms. Toddlers with weaker frontolimbic brain function at birth also had higher externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years. Interestingly, parenting behaviors, but not neonatal brain function, mediated the relationship between neighborhood crime exposure and externalizing symptoms in toddlerhood. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Brady
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Shelby D Leverett
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Liliana Mueller
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michayla Ruscitti
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Aidan R Latham
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tara A Smyser
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Barbara B Warner
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan L Luby
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Amani N, Dehshiri G. Adverse childhood experiences, symptoms of anxiety and depression in adulthood: Mediation role of life history strategy. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2024; 69:137-148. [PMID: 38804842 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2024.2359600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Life history theory has considered the effects of childhood experiences. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of life history strategy and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between childhood experiences and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adulthood. In this study, 248 Iranians (including 162 females and 86 males) between 18 and 53 voluntarily participated and responded to all online questionnaires regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analyzed with SPSS and macro PROCESS. The mediation analysis results demonstrated that the life history strategy mediates the relationship between childhood experiences and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The moderated mediation analysis revealed that there were no gender differences in the moderated mediation. The results have highlighted the importance of life history strategies in the association between childhood experiences and depression and anxiety symptoms and can be considered in the design of interventions based on the prevention of people's vulnerability to mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Amani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Dehshiri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gao Y, Liu J, Liu X, Wang Y, Qiu S. Dimensions of family stress and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescence: Examining the interactive effects of impulsivity and emotion dysregulation. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 152:106804. [PMID: 38636157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106804] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive non-suicidal self-injury (R-NSSI) in adolescence represents a significant risk factor for suicide. Although exposure to family stress is robustly associated with the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), studies have not examined the potential mechanisms linking different forms of family stress and R-NSSI. OBJECTIVE This study examined how unique dimensions of family stress (threat and deprivation) relate to R-NSSI via interactions between impulsivity and emotion dysregulation. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The current sample included 3801 middle-school adolescents (42.2 % girls, Mage = 13.21 years). METHODS We conducted a two-wave study with 6-month intervals. Participants completed self-report measures assessing family stress, impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and NSSI. RESULTS Moderate mediation analyses showed that threat was indirectly associated with NSSI frequency through the interaction of impulsivity and emotion dysregulation in the R-NSSI group and indirectly through impulsivity in the occasional NSSI (O-NSSI) group. Deprivation did not predict subsequent NSSI frequency in either group. CONCLUSIONS These findings lend empirical support to dimensional models of adversity and suggest that adolescents who experience threat-related family stress may have greater impulsivity and are more likely to report R-NSSI in the context of emotion dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yemiao Gao
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinmeng Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yumeng Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojie Qiu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bridgewater JM, Berzenski SR, Doan SN, Yates TM. Early life adversity and adolescent sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3332. [PMID: 37853922 PMCID: PMC11024059 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3332] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a reorganization of adolescents' routines, especially their sleep schedules. Utilising 175 caregiver-adolescent dyads, the current study examined associations of biological (e.g., prenatal substance use), environmental (e.g., poverty), and relational (e.g., child maltreatment) subtypes of early life adversity (ELA) with various components of adolescents' sleep across the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Relational ELA explained unique variance in adolescents' sleep disturbances, but not other sleep components, following short- and longer-term exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the direction of this association switched such that relational ELA predicted decreased sleep disturbances during the initial phase of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020 beyond pre-pandemic levels, but, over time, contributed to increased sleep disturbances beyond early-pandemic levels as the pandemic extended into the winter of 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stacey N. Doan
- Claremont McKenna College; Department of Psychological Science
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Miller JG, Gluckman PD, Fortier MV, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Tan AP, Gotlib IH. Faster pace of hippocampal growth mediates the association between perinatal adversity and childhood depression. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101392. [PMID: 38761439 PMCID: PMC11127214 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101392] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity has been posited to influence the pace of structural neurodevelopment. Most research, however, has relied on cross-sectional data, which do not reveal whether the pace of neurodevelopmental change is accelerated or slowed following early exposures. In a birth cohort study that included neuroimaging data obtained at 4.5, 6, and 7.5 years of age (N = 784), we examined associations among a cumulative measure of perinatal adversity relative to resources, nonlinear trajectories of hippocampal and amygdala volume, and children's subsequent depressive symptoms at 8.5 years of age. Greater adversity was associated with reduced bilateral hippocampal body volume in early childhood, but also to faster growth in the right hippocampal body across childhood. Further, the association between adversity and childhood depressive symptoms was mediated by faster hippocampal body growth. These findings suggest that perinatal adversity is biologically embedded in hippocampal structure development, including an accelerated pace of change in the right hippocampal body that is implicated in children's psychopathology risk. In addition, our findings suggest that reduced hippocampal volume is not inconsistent with accelerated hippocampal change; these aspects of structural development may typically co-occur, as smaller regional volumes in early childhood were associated with faster growth across childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, CT, USA.
| | - Peter D Gluckman
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marielle V Fortier
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Brain - Body Initiative, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore
| | - Ai Peng Tan
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Brain - Body Initiative, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Barreca JA. Exploring the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Mental Health in Low Birthweight Children. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:585-596. [PMID: 38938970 PMCID: PMC11199437 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Low birthweight is associated with poor health, developmental, and social outcomes throughout the lifespan. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is also associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes in adulthood. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between low birthweight (LBW), exposure to ACES, and subsequent utilization of mental health service. Data analysis was conducted using a subset of data from children ages 6-17 years from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) for 2018-2019 (n = 40,656). Welch ANOVA, Pearson's chi-square, and logistic regression investigated the relationship between LBW, ACEs, and mental health. LBW children in this sample had higher exposure to ACEs when compared to not low birthweight (NBW) children. LBW children also had a higher reported incidence of identified mental health (MH) issues. There was no significant association between birthweight and unmet MH service needs. LBW children with an ACE score or two or more were more likely to have an unidentified MH issue and/or an unmet MH service need. The results demonstrate LBW children experience higher levels of adversity. Children with ACE scores of two or more and those with unidentified MH issues have a higher likelihood of unmet MH needs. Professionals working in the health, education, and social service sectors can use this information to raise awareness of the increased vulnerability and more effectively meet the mental health needs of LBW children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Barreca
- Center for Interprofessional Education and Research, Saint Louis University, 1312 Carr Lane, Suite 110, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sloan AF, Kittleson AR, Torregrossa LJ, Feola B, Rossi-Goldthorpe R, Corlett PR, Sheffield JM. Belief Updating, Childhood Maltreatment, and Paranoia in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders. Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae057. [PMID: 38701234 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Exposure to childhood maltreatment-a risk factor for psychosis is associated with paranoia-may impact one's beliefs about the world and how beliefs are updated. We hypothesized that increased exposure to childhood maltreatment is related to volatility-related belief updating, specifically higher expectations of volatility, and that these relationships are strongest for threat-related maltreatment. Additionally, we tested whether belief updating mediates the relationship between maltreatment and paranoia. STUDY DESIGN Belief updating was measured in 75 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and 76 nonpsychiatric controls using a 3-option probabilistic reversal learning (3PRL) task. A Hierarchical Gaussian Filter (HGF) was used to estimate computational parameters of belief updating, including prior expectations of volatility (μ03). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to assess cumulative maltreatment, threat, and deprivation exposure. Paranoia was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the revised Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scale (R-GPTS). RESULTS Greater exposure to childhood maltreatment is associated with higher prior expectations of volatility in the whole sample and in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This was specific to threat-related maltreatment, rather than deprivation, in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Paranoia was associated with both exposure to childhood maltreatment and volatility priors, but we did not observe a significant indirect effect of volatility priors on the relationship between maltreatment and paranoia. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who were exposed to threatening experiences during childhood expect their environment to be more volatile, potentially facilitating aberrant belief updating and conferring risk for paranoia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali F Sloan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew R Kittleson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lénie J Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Philip R Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julia M Sheffield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shen X, Zhou X, Yin XQ, McDonnell D, Wang JL. Facing uncertainties: The longitudinal relationship between childhood maltreatment and exploratory behavior. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106714. [PMID: 38423841 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106714] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploratory behavior, as an essential component of decision-making, is indispensable for maximizing long-term benefits, making it a crucial factor in adolescents' psychological well-being and social adaptation. Despite the established understanding that this adaptive behavior is shaped by early adverse experiences, limited knowledge exists regarding the longitudinal relationship between childhood maltreatment and exploratory behavior. OBJECTIVE The present study examines whether childhood maltreatment would impede subsequent exploratory behavior, considering the mediating role of uncertainty stress and the moderating role of intolerance of uncertainty. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 655 adolescents from a longitudinal design with two waves spanning six months (Mage = 15.99, SDage = 0.92, 43.5 % female). METHODS Correlation analysis and longitudinal moderated mediation effect testing were used to test our hypotheses. RESULTS Correlation analysis indicated that childhood maltreatment was negatively correlated with exploratory behavior only simultaneously but not longitudinally. After controlling age and gender, childhood maltreatment would accompany higher levels of uncertainty stress, which in turn may act as a driving force behind subsequent exploratory behavior. The heightened intolerance of uncertainty may potentially mitigate the direct link between childhood maltreatment and later exploratory behavior. Furthermore, this trait amplifies the experienced uncertainty stress in individuals who have undergone maltreatment, thereby increasing their inclination toward engaging in subsequent exploratory behavior. CONCLUSIONS Given the critical role of uncertainty stress, promoting more exploration among these maltreated adolescents requires corresponding cognitive and behavioral interventions to adjust their perception and cognition of uncertainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Shen
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue-Qin Yin
- School of Literature and Journalism, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, South East Technological University, Carlow R93 V960, Ireland
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jensen TM, Bernard D, Lanier P. Conceptualizing adverse childhood experiences as a latent factor: Tests of measurement invariance across five racial and ethnic groups. Child Dev 2024; 95:e170-e185. [PMID: 38037724 PMCID: PMC11023799 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14050] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are conventionally measured using a cumulative-risk index without consideration of distinct measurement properties across racial and ethnic groups. Drawing from the 2018-2020 National Survey of Children's Health (N = 93,759; 48% female; average age: 9.52 years), we assess the measurement invariance of a latent-factor ACE model across five groups: Hispanic children (14%) and non-Hispanic White (73%), Black (7%), Asian/Pacific Islander (5%), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (1%) children. Results support configural and full metric invariance across groups. However, several ACE item thresholds differed across groups. Findings highlight the potential utility of a latent factor approach and underscore the need to assess differences across racial and ethnic groups in terms of the optimal conceptualization and measurement of ACEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd M. Jensen
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donte Bernard
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul Lanier
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Alley JC, McDonnell AS, Diamond LM. Early adversity and sexual diversity: the importance of self-reported and neurobiological sexual reward sensitivity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8717. [PMID: 38622142 PMCID: PMC11018754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58389-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Work shows that sexually-diverse individuals face high rates of early life adversity and in turn increased engagement in behavioral outcomes traditionally associated with adversity, such as sexual risk taking. Recent theoretical work suggests that these associations may be attributable to heightened sexual reward sensitivity among adversity-exposed women. We aimed to test these claims using a combination of self-report and EEG measures to test the relationship between early adversity, sexual reward sensitivity (both self-reported and EEG measured) and sexual risk taking in a sexually diverse sample of cis-gender women (N = 208) (Mage = 27.17, SD = 6.36). Results showed that childhood SES predicted self-reported sexual reward sensitivity which in turn predicted numbers of male and female sexual partners. In contrast we found that perceived childhood unpredictability predicted neurobiological sexual reward sensitivity as measured by EEG which in turn predicted male sexual partner number. The results presented here provide support for the notion that heightened sexual reward sensitivity may be a pathway through which early life adversity augments future sexual behavior, and underscores the importance of including greater attention to the dynamics of pleasure and reward in sexual health promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Alley
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Amy S McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Luo Y, Xiao M, Chen X, Zeng W, Chen H. Harsh, unpredictable childhood environments are associated with inferior frontal gyrus connectivity and binge eating tendencies in late adolescents. Appetite 2024; 195:107210. [PMID: 38266713 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107210] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Harsh, unpredictable childhood environments (HUCE) are associated with obesity older in life, but knowledge of how HUCE affect binge eating tendencies is lacking. Five hundred and one late adolescents aged 16-22 were recruited to finish resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan, behavioral measures including retrospective recall of childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability, binge eating tendencies and demographics. Three hundred and seventy-six of participants further completed the computerized visual probe task designed to evaluate attentional engagement towards high and low calorie food. As right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) was the key nodes that related to both early life adversity and binge eating tendencies, it was treated as the interest region in the dynamic functional connectivity analyses. Results found that HUCE are associated with significant but modest decreases in connectivity of right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG)- bilateral medial frontal gyrus, right IFG - bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and right IFG - left superior frontal gyrus connectivity, as well as attentional engagement to high-calorie food and binge eating tendencies. A machine-learning method named linear support vector regression (SVR) and leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) procedure used to examine the robustness of the brain-behavior relationship further confirm the findings. Mediation analyses suggested that right IFG - left IPL connectivity mediates the association of HUCE and binge eating tendencies. Findings suggest right IFG - left IPL connectivity may serve as a crucial neurobiological underpinning of HUCE to regulate binge eating behaviors. As such, these results contribute to a novel perspective and hypotheses in elucidating developmental neuro-mechanisms related to binge eating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Luo
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Minyue Xiao
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ximei Chen
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Weiyu Zeng
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hong Chen
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nelson CA, Sullivan E, Engelstad AM. Annual Research Review: Early intervention viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:435-455. [PMID: 37438865 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13858] [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: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The overarching goal of this paper is to examine the efficacy of early intervention when viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. We begin by briefly summarizing neural development from conception through the first few postnatal years. We emphasize the role of experience during the postnatal period, and consistent with decades of research on critical periods, we argue that experience can represent both a period of opportunity and a period of vulnerability. Because plasticity is at the heart of early intervention, we next turn our attention to the efficacy of early intervention drawing from two distinct literatures: early intervention services for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and children at elevated likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental delay or disorder. In the case of the former, we single out interventions that target caregiving and in the case of the latter, we highlight recent work on autism. A consistent theme throughout our review is a discussion of how early intervention is embedded in the developing brain. We conclude our article by discussing the implications our review has for policy, and we then offer recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eileen Sullivan
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne-Michelle Engelstad
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Demidenko MI, Huntley ED, Du L, Estor C, Si Y, Wagner C, Clarke P, Keating DP. Individual and Community level Developmental Adversities: Associations with Marijuana and Alcohol Use in Late-Adolescents and Young Adults. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:799-813. [PMID: 37848746 PMCID: PMC10923158 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01881-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to community and individual level stressors during adolescence has been reported to be associated with increased substance use. However, it remains unclear what the relative contribution of different community- and individual-level factors play when alcohol and marijuana use become more prevalent during late adolescence. The present study uses a large longitudinal sample of adolescents (Wave 1: N = 2017; 55% Female; 54.5% White, 22.3% Black, 8% Hispanic, 15% other) to evaluate the association and potential interactions between community- and individual-level factors and substance use from adolescence to young adulthood (Wave 1 to Wave 3 Age Mean [SD]: 16.7 [1.1], 18.3 [1.2], 19.3 [1.2]). Across three waves of data, multilevel modeling (MLM) is used to evaluate the association between community affluence and disadvantage, individual household socioeconomic status (SES, measured as parental level of education and self-reported public assistance) and self-reported childhood maltreatment with self-reported 12-month alcohol and 12-month marijuana use occasions. Sample-selection weights and attrition-adjusted weights are accounted for in the models to evaluate the robustness of the estimated effects. Across the MLMs, there is a significant positive association between community affluence and parental education with self-reported alcohol use but not self-reported marijuana use. In post hoc analyses, higher neighborhood affluence in older adolescents is associated with higher alcohol use and lower use in younger adolescents; the opposite association is found for neighborhood disadvantage. Consistent with past literature, there is a significant positive association between self-reported childhood maltreatment and self-reported 12-month alcohol and 12-month marijuana use. Results are largely consistent across weighted and unweighted analyses, however, in weighted analyses there is a significant negative association between community disadvantage and self-reported 12-month alcohol use. This study demonstrates a nuanced relationship between community- and individual-level factors and substance use during the transitional window of adolescence which should be considered when contextualizing and interpreting normative substance use during adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Demidenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Edward D Huntley
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Licheng Du
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caitlin Estor
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yajuan Si
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christine Wagner
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel P Keating
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gupta T, Eckstrand KL, Forbes EE. Annual Research Review: Puberty and the development of anhedonia - considering childhood adversity and inflammation. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:459-480. [PMID: 38391011 PMCID: PMC10939801 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13955] [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: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Anhedonia, or diminished pleasure and motivation, is a symptom of severe mental illness (e.g., depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) that emerges during adolescence. Anhedonia is a pernicious symptom that is related to social impairments, treatment resistance, and suicide. As the mechanisms of anhedonia are postulated to include the frontostriatal circuitry and the dopamine neuromodulatory system, the development and plasticity of these systems during the vulnerable period of adolescence, as well as their sensitivity to pubertal hormones, suggest that pubertal maturation could play a role in the development of anhedonia. This review takes a developmental perspective, considering the possibility that anhedonia emerges in the context of pubertal maturation and adolescent development, with childhood adversity and chronic inflammation influencing neural reward systems to accelerate anhedonia's progression. Here, we review the relevant extant literature on the components of this model and suggest directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Gupta
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | | | - Erika E. Forbes
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatrics, Pittsburgh PA USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Pittsburgh PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shao L, Jin J, Yu G. Childhood environmental risk and youth bedtime procrastination: A path model with life history strategy and sense of control as mediators. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106137. [PMID: 36907784 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106137] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bedtime procrastination is a serious threat to youths' sleep quality and physical and mental health. It is affected by various psychological and physiological factors, but few studies focused on the impact and internal mechanism of childhood experience on bedtime procrastination in adulthood from the evolutionary and developmental perspective. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the distal factors of bedtime procrastination among young people, that is, the association between childhood environmental risk (harshness and unpredictability) and bedtime procrastination, as well as the mediating roles of life history (LH) strategy and sense of control. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING By convenience sampling, 453 Chinese college students aged 16 to 24 (55.2 % males, Mage = 21.21 years) completed questionnaires regarding demographics, childhood environmental harshness (from neighborhood, school, and family), and unpredictability (parental divorce, household moves, and parental employment changes), LH strategy, sense of control, and bedtime procrastination. METHODS Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis model. RESULTS The results showed that childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability were both positively associated with bedtime procrastination. Sense of control had a partial mediating role between harshness and bedtime procrastination (B = 0.02, 95%CI = [0.004, 0.042]), and between unpredictability and bedtime procrastination (B = 0.01, 95%CI = [0.002, 0.031]), respectively. LH strategy and sense of control had a serial mediating role between harshness and bedtime procrastination (B = 0.04, 95%CI = [0.010, 0.074]), and between unpredictability and bedtime procrastination (B = 0.01, 95%CI = [0.003, 0.029]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability are potential predictors of youths' bedtime procrastination. Young people can reduce bedtime procrastination problems by slowing LH strategies and improving their sense of control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shao
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Juanjuan Jin
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Yu
- Institute of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Davis EP, Glynn LM. Annual Research Review: The power of predictability - patterns of signals in early life shape neurodevelopment and mental health trajectories. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:508-534. [PMID: 38374811 PMCID: PMC11283837 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The global burden of early life adversity (ELA) is profound. The World Health Organization has estimated that ELA accounts for almost 30% of all psychiatric cases. Yet, our ability to identify which individuals exposed to ELA will develop mental illness remains poor and there is a critical need to identify underlying pathways and mechanisms. This review proposes unpredictability as an understudied aspect of ELA that is tractable and presents a conceptual model that includes biologically plausible mechanistic pathways by which unpredictability impacts the developing brain. The model is supported by a synthesis of published and new data illustrating the significant impacts of patterns of signals on child development. We begin with an overview of the existing unpredictability literature, which has focused primarily on longer patterns of unpredictability (e.g. years, months, and days). We then describe our work testing the impact of patterns of parental signals on a moment-to-moment timescale, providing evidence that patterns of these signals during sensitive windows of development influence neurocircuit formation across species and thus may be an evolutionarily conserved process that shapes the developing brain. Next, attention is drawn to emerging themes which provide a framework for future directions of research including the evaluation of functions, such as effortful control, that may be particularly vulnerable to unpredictability, sensitive periods, sex differences, cross-cultural investigations, addressing causality, and unpredictability as a pathway by which other forms of ELA impact development. Finally, we provide suggestions for prevention and intervention, including the introduction of a screening instrument for the identification of children exposed to unpredictable experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
DeJoseph ML, Ellwood-Lowe ME, Miller-Cotto D, Silverman D, Shannon KA, Reyes G, Rakesh D, Frankenhuis WE. The promise and pitfalls of a strength-based approach to child poverty and neurocognitive development: Implications for policy. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 66:101375. [PMID: 38608359 PMCID: PMC11019102 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101375] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been significant progress in understanding the effects of childhood poverty on neurocognitive development. This progress has captured the attention of policymakers and promoted progressive policy reform. However, the prevailing emphasis on the harms associated with childhood poverty may have inadvertently perpetuated a deficit-based narrative, focused on the presumed shortcomings of children and families in poverty. This focus can have unintended consequences for policy (e.g., overlooking strengths) as well as public discourse (e.g., focusing on individual rather than systemic factors). Here, we join scientists across disciplines in arguing for a more well-rounded, "strength-based" approach, which incorporates the positive and/or adaptive developmental responses to experiences of social disadvantage. Specifically, we first show the value of this approach in understanding normative brain development across diverse human environments. We then highlight its application to educational and social policy, explore pitfalls and ethical considerations, and offer practical solutions to conducting strength-based research responsibly. Our paper re-ignites old and recent calls for a strength-based paradigm shift, with a focus on its application to developmental cognitive neuroscience. We also offer a unique perspective from a new generation of early-career researchers engaged in this work, several of whom themselves have grown up in conditions of poverty. Ultimately, we argue that a balanced strength-based scientific approach will be essential to building more effective policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Silverman
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, United States
| | | | - Gabriel Reyes
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, United States
| | - Divyangana Rakesh
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Willem E Frankenhuis
- Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security, and Law, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Helle S, Tanskanen AO, Coall DA, Perry G, Daly M, Danielsbacka M. Investment by maternal grandmother buffers children against the impacts of adverse early life experiences. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6815. [PMID: 38514748 PMCID: PMC10957867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56760-5] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Exogenous shocks during sensitive periods of development can have long-lasting effects on adult phenotypes including behavior, survival and reproduction. Cooperative breeding, such as grandparental care in humans and some other mammal species, is believed to have evolved partly in order to cope with challenging environments. Nevertheless, studies addressing whether grandparental investment can buffer the development of grandchildren from multiple adversities early in life are few and have provided mixed results, perhaps owing to difficulties drawing causal inferences from non-experimental data. Using population-based data of English and Welsh adolescents (sample size ranging from 817 to 1197), we examined whether grandparental investment reduces emotional and behavioral problems in children resulting from facing multiple adverse early life experiences (AELEs), by employing instrumental variable regression in a Bayesian structural equation modeling framework to better justify causal interpretations of the results. When children had faced multiple AELEs, the investment of maternal grandmothers reduced, but could not fully erase, their emotional and behavioral problems. No such result was observed in the case of the investment of other grandparent types. These findings indicate that in adverse environmental conditions the investment of maternal grandmothers can improve child wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Helle
- INVEST Research Flagship Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Antti O Tanskanen
- Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Social Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - David A Coall
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Gretchen Perry
- School of Social Work, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Martin Daly
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mirkka Danielsbacka
- INVEST Research Flagship Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Doom JR, Han D, Rivera KM, Tseten T. Childhood unpredictability research within the developmental psychopathology framework: Advances, implications, and future directions. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38506038 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000610] [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: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Greater unpredictability in childhood from the level of the caregiver-child dyad to broader family, home, or environmental instability is consistently associated with disruptions in cognitive, socioemotional, behavioral, and biological development in humans. These findings are bolstered by experimental research in non-human animal models suggesting that early life unpredictability is an important environmental signal to the developing organism that shapes neurodevelopment and behavior. Research on childhood unpredictability has surged in the past several years, guided in part by theoretical grounding from the developmental psychopathology framework (shaped largely by Dr. Dante Cicchetti's innovative work). The current review focuses on future directions for unpredictability research, including probing intergenerational effects, the role of predictability in resilience, cultural and contextual considerations, and novel developmental outcomes that should be tested in relation to childhood unpredictability. We urge the integration of multidisciplinary perspectives and collaborations into future research on unpredictability. We also provide ideas for translating this research to real-world practice and policy and encourage high-quality research testing whether incorporating predictability into interventions and policy improves developmental outcomes, which would support further dissemination of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenalee R Doom
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Deborah Han
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kenia M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Tenzin Tseten
- Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bouton S, Chevallier C, Cissé AH, Heude B, Jacquet PO. Metabolic trade-offs in childhood: Exploring the relationship between language development and body growth. Dev Sci 2024:e13493. [PMID: 38497570 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13493] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
During human childhood, brain development and body growth compete for limited metabolic resources, resulting in a trade-off where energy allocated to brain development can decrease as body growth accelerates. This preregistered study explores the relationship between language skills, serving as a proxy for brain development, and body mass index at three distinct developmental stages, representing different phases of body growth. Longitudinal data from 2002 children in the EDEN mother-child cohort were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our findings reveal a compelling pattern of associations: girls with a delayed adiposity rebound, signaling slower growth rate, demonstrated better language proficiency at ages 5-6. Importantly, this correlation appears to be specific to language skills and does not extend to nonverbal cognitive abilities. Exploratory analyses show that early environmental factors contributing to enhanced cognitive development, such as higher parental socio-economic status and increased cognitive stimulation, are positively associated with both language skills and the timing of adiposity rebound in girls. Overall, our findings lend support to the existence of an energy allocation trade-off mechanism that appears to prioritize language function over body growth investment in girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bouton
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Institut de l'Audition, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Chevallier
- LNC2, Département d'études cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Aminata Hallimat Cissé
- INSERM UMR 1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (ORCHAD) Team, Paris Descartes University, Villejuif, France
| | - Barbara Heude
- INSERM UMR 1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (ORCHAD) Team, Paris Descartes University, Villejuif, France
| | - Pierre O Jacquet
- LNC2, Département d'études cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, INSERM, Paris, France
- Centre de recherche en épidémiologie et santé des populations, Inserm U1018, université Paris-Saclay, université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Paris, France
- Institut du Psychotraumatisme de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Conseil Départemental Yvelines et Hauts-de-Seine et Centre Hospitalier des Versailles, Versailles, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Muskens M, Frankenhuis WE, Borghans L. Math items about real-world content lower test-scores of students from families with low socioeconomic status. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:19. [PMID: 38491021 PMCID: PMC10943209 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
In many countries, standardized math tests are important for achieving academic success. Here, we examine whether content of items, the story that explains a mathematical question, biases performance of low-SES students. In a large-scale cohort study of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS)-including data from 58 countries from students in grades 4 and 8 (N = 5501,165)-we examine whether item content that is more likely related to challenges for low-SES students (money, food, social relationships) improves their performance, compared with their average math performance. Results show that low-SES students scored lower on items with this specific content than expected based on an individual's average performance. The effect sizes are substantial: on average, the chance to answer correctly is 18% lower. From a hidden talents approach, these results are unexpected. However, they align with other theoretical frameworks such as scarcity mindset, providing new insights for fair testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Muskens
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University & KBA Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Willem E Frankenhuis
- Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands & Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Netherlands & Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Germany, Security and Law, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lex Borghans
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|