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Abo Hamza E, Tindle R, Pawlak S, Bedewy D, Moustafa AA. The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:597-617. [PMID: 38607658 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid Abo Hamza
- College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, 289293 Al Ain University , 64141, Al Jimi, UAE
- Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Richard Tindle
- JMS Allied Services, 1109 Coffs Harbour , NSW, 2452, Australia
| | - Simon Pawlak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dalia Bedewy
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, 59104 Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
- 59104 Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, 448704 Bond University , 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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2
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Anderson AJ, Perone S. How Did We Get So Bored? A Bioecological Model of the Development of Boredom. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241275590. [PMID: 39155500 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241275590] [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: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Boredom is a negative emotion that most people experience on occasion. However, boredom is also present on a trait level. People high in trait boredom experience boredom more frequently or have difficulty tolerating it. Individuals high in trait boredom are more likely to experience depression or anxiety or engage in risk behaviors. Little is known about the development of trait boredom. We propose a bioecological model of the development of trait boredom in which it originates from early individual differences in temperament and executive control. Trait boredom is shaped over time through interactions between the child and their developmental context, such as parents, teachers, and neighborhoods. Boredom can also spur creativity. Capitalizing on the creative side of boredom may help promote low levels of trait boredom and healthy coping. We provide a roadmap to study the development of trait boredom to advance our understanding of how it emerges and develops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sammy Perone
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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3
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Engel K, Marcotte DE. Baby bump? Birth month, family income, and early childhood development. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2024; 54:101409. [PMID: 38944004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101409] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Federal and state laws in the U.S. provide families with babies born just before the end of the year with thousands of dollars in tax savings. Because this income windfall is realized during the first few months of a newborn's life, we assess whether babies born in December experience developmental advantages in early childhood compared to those born right after the New Year. Using data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we implement a regression discontinuity design that exploits variation in birth timing. We first illustrate that the tax savings received by families with end of year babies are substantial. We then show that while children born in December have a weight disadvantage at birth compared to those born in January, they have an average weight-gain advantage of between 0.7 and 1.5 pounds (0.08-0.17 standard deviations) during subsequent follow-up interviews. We also find that end-of-year babies reach early developmental milestones faster, but exhibit no advantage in memory, word recognition, or applied problem solving. This end-of-year birth developmental advantage is consistent with the identified tax savings from end-of-year births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Engel
- School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dave E Marcotte
- School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC, USA; Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn, Germany.
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4
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Gennetian LA, Duncan GJ, Fox NA, Halpern-Meekin S, Magnuson K, Noble KG, Yoshikawa H. Effects of a monthly unconditional cash transfer starting at birth on family investments among US families with low income. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:1514-1529. [PMID: 38907028 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01915-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
How does unconditional income for families in poverty affect parental investments for their young children? Mothers in four US metropolitan areas were randomized to receive a monthly unconditional cash transfer of either $333 per month (high) or $20 per month (low) for the first several years after childbirth. During the first 3 years, high-cash gift households spent more money on child-specific goods and more time on child-specific early learning activities than the low-cash gift group. Few changes were evident in other core household expenditures. Compared with low-cash gift families, high-cash gift families reported lower rates of public benefit receipt and fewer were residing in poverty, although mean income and wealth remain low for the majority of families by year 3. No statistically significant differences were evident in mothers' participation in paid work, children's time in childcare or mothers' subjective wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Gennetian
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Greg J Duncan
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Nathan A Fox
- College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Halpern-Meekin
- School of Human Ecology and La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katherine Magnuson
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Hirokazu Yoshikawa
- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Agarwal SD, Cook BL, Liebman JB. Effect of Cash Benefits on Health Care Utilization and Health: A Randomized Study. JAMA 2024:2821454. [PMID: 39037892 PMCID: PMC11264063 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Importance Poverty is associated with greater barriers to health care and worse health outcomes, but it remains unclear whether income support can improve health. Objective To examine the effect of cash benefits on health care utilization and health. Design, Setting, and Participants The City of Chelsea, Massachusetts, a low-income community near Boston, randomly assigned individuals by lottery to receive cash benefits. Participants' medical records were linked across multiple health systems. Outcomes were assessed during the intervention period from November 24, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Intervention Cash benefits via debit card of up to $400 per month for 9 months. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes included specific types of emergency department visits, outpatient use overall and by specialty, COVID-19 vaccination, and biomarkers such as cholesterol levels. Results Among 2880 individuals who applied for the lottery, mean age was 45.1 years and 77% were female. The 1746 participants randomized to receive the cash benefits had significantly fewer emergency department visits compared with the control group (217.1 vs 317.5 emergency department visits per 1000 persons; adjusted difference, -87.0 per 1000 persons [95% CI, -160.2 to -13.8]). This included reductions in emergency department visits related to behavioral health (-21.6 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -40.2 to -3.1]) and substance use (-12.8 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -25.0 to -0.6]) as well as those that resulted in a hospitalization (-27.3 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -53.6 to -1.1]). The cash benefit had no statistically significant effect on total outpatient visits (424.3 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -118.6 to 967.2]), visits to primary care (-90.4 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -308.1 to 127.2]), or outpatient behavioral health (83.5 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, -182.9 to 349.9]). Outpatient visits to other subspecialties were higher in the cash benefit group compared with the control group (303.1 visits per 1000 persons [95% CI, 32.9 to 573.2]), particularly for individuals without a car. The cash benefit had no statistically significant effect on COVID-19 vaccination, blood pressure, body weight, glycated hemoglobin, or cholesterol level. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized study, individuals who received a cash benefit had significantly fewer emergency department visits, including those related to behavioral health and substance use, fewer admissions to the hospital from the emergency department, and increased use of outpatient subspecialty care. Study results suggest that policies that seek to alleviate poverty by providing income support may have important benefits for health and access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit D. Agarwal
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Lê Cook
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey B. Liebman
- Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Dale V, Gutacker N, Bradshaw J, Bloor K. Examining the hospital costs of children born into relative deprivation in England. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024; 78:493-499. [PMID: 38749646 PMCID: PMC11287521 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-221175] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between being born into relative deprivation and hospital costs during childhood. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS We created a birth cohort using Hospital Episode Statistics for children born in NHS hospitals in 2003/2004. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) rank at birth was missing from 75% of the baby records, so we linked mother and baby records to obtain the IMD decile from the mother's record. We aggregated and costed each child's hospital inpatient admissions, and outpatient and emergency department (ED) attendances up to 15 years of age. We used 2019/2020 NHS tariffs to assign costs. We constructed an additional cohort, all children born in 2013/2014, to explore any changes over time, comparing the utilisation and costs up to 5 years of age. RESULTS Our main cohort comprised 567 347 babies born in 2003/2004, of which we could include 91%. Up to the age of 15 years, children born into the most deprived areas used more hospital services than those born in the least deprived, reflected in higher costs of inpatient, outpatient and ED care. The highest costs and greatest differences are in the year following birth. Comparing this with the later cohort (up to age 5 years), the average cost per child increased across all deprivation deciles, but differences between the most and least deprived deciles appeared to narrow slightly. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare utilisation and costs are consistently higher for children who are born into the most deprived areas compared with the least.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Gutacker
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Karen Bloor
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Sandre A, Troller-Renfree SV, Giebler MA, Meyer JS, Noble KG. Prenatal family income, but not parental education, is associated with resting brain activity in 1-month-old infants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13638. [PMID: 38871945 PMCID: PMC11176315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64498-3] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with disparities in development and health, possibly through adaptations in children's brain function. However, it is not clear how early in development such neural adaptations might emerge. This study examined whether prenatal family socioeconomic status, operationalized as family income and average years of parental education, prospectively predicts individual differences in infant resting electroencephalography (EEG; theta, alpha, beta, and gamma power) at approximately 1 month of age (N = 160). Infants of mothers reporting lower family income showed more lower-frequency (theta) and less higher-frequency (beta and gamma) power. These associations held when adjusting for other prenatal and postnatal experiences, as well as infant demographic and health-related factors. In contrast, parental education was not significantly associated with infant EEG power in any frequency band. These data suggest that lower prenatal family income is associated with developmental differences in brain function that are detectable within the first month of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn Sandre
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525W 120th Street, Russell Hall 21, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Sonya V Troller-Renfree
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525W 120th Street, Russell Hall 21, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Melissa A Giebler
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525W 120th Street, Russell Hall 21, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jerrold S Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Kimberly G Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525W 120th Street, Russell Hall 21, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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8
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Rao N, Cohrssen C, Bala M. The Power of Research and Stakeholder Collaboration in Enhancing Early Childhood Care and Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:698. [PMID: 38929277 PMCID: PMC11201566 DOI: 10.3390/children11060698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The early years of a child's life are crucial in laying the foundations of learning and development that shape life trajectories [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Rao
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caroline Cohrssen
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Education, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Manya Bala
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Ford A, Walum H, Brice B, Patel H, Kunnikuru S, Jones W, Berman GJ, Shultz S. Caregiver greeting to infants under 6 months already reflects emerging differences in those later diagnosed with autism. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232494. [PMID: 38872278 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2494] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As infants develop, caregivers adjust their behaviour to scaffold their infant's emerging skills, such that changes in infants' social abilities are expected to elicit changes in caregiver behaviour. We examined whether changes in the probability of infant-directed caregiving behaviour-specifically, greeting, a ubiquitous signal used by caregivers to initiate reciprocal interactions-differ between infant-caregiver dyads with an infant later diagnosed with autism and dyads with a neurotypically developing infant during infants' first 6 months. Using longitudinal data from 163 dyads, we found that caregivers in autism dyads (n = 40) used greeting less and at later infant ages than caregivers with a neurotypically developing infant (neurotypical dyads, n = 83). Caregivers in dyads with infants at elevated familial genetic likelihood for autism who did not receive an autism diagnosis (EL-non-autism dyads, n = 40) showed no differences in greeting compared with neurotypical dyads. Socioeconomic status partially mediated the difference between autism and neurotypical dyads. These findings show that autism and socioeconomic status were associated with the mutually adapted dynamics of dyadic interaction beginning in the first postnatal weeks. Importantly, differences in caregiver greeting observed in autism dyads are not interpreted as suboptimal behaviour from caregivers but rather indicate how early emerging social differences related to autism, years before overt features are present, may alter social learning opportunities elicited by the infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiden Ford
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hasse Walum
- Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Beyonce Brice
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hely Patel
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sanjana Kunnikuru
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Warren Jones
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gordon J Berman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Shultz
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Guyol GG, Javier JR. Centering pediatric research, advocacy, and clinical care around early relational health. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1672-1674. [PMID: 38538782 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03152-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve G Guyol
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Joyce R Javier
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Population and Public Health Sciences, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Venticinque JS, McMillan SJ, Guyer AE. Expanding understanding of adolescent neural sensitivity to peers: Using social information processing theory to generate new lines of research. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101395. [PMID: 38823235 PMCID: PMC11176966 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101395] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of normative heightened sensitivity to peer influence. Individual differences in susceptibility to peers is related to individual differences in neural sensitivity, particularly in brain regions that support an increasingly greater orientation toward peers. Despite these empirically-established patterns, the more specific psychosocial and socio-cognitive factors associated with individual differences in neural sensitivity to peer influence are just beginning to gain research attention. Specific features of the factors that contribute to how adolescents process social information can inform understanding of the psychological and neurobiological processes involved in what renders adolescents to be more or less susceptible to peer influences. In this paper, we (1) review the literature about peer, family, and broader contextual influences on sensitivity to peers' positive and negative behaviors, (2) outline components of social information processing theories, and (3) discuss features of these models from the perspectives and social cognitive development and social neuroscience. We identify gaps in the current literature that need to be addressed in order to gain a more comprehensive view of adolescent neural sensitivity to peer influence. We conclude by suggesting how future neuroimaging studies can adopt components of this social information processing model to generate new lines of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Venticinque
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis 267 Cousteau Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA; Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sarah J McMillan
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis 267 Cousteau Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA; Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Amanda E Guyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis 267 Cousteau Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA; Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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12
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Ning K, Gondek D, Pereira SMP, Lacey RE. Mediating mechanisms of the relationship between exposure to deprivation and threat during childhood and adolescent psychopathology: evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1907-1920. [PMID: 37676493 PMCID: PMC11211201 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02289-3] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The key aim of our study was to examine pathways from exposure to childhood adversities (i.e., deprivation and threat) to adolescent psychopathology. The assessed mediating mechanisms included cognitive ability and emotion regulation, as proposed by the Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP). The study comprised participants from the nationally representative Millennium Cohort Study. Latent scores for deprivation and threat were derived using confirmatory factor analysis from indicators collected when participants were at age of 9 months, 3 and 5 years. Cognitive ability was measured using the Verbal Similarities subscale of the British Ability Scales II at age 11, and emotion regulation was measured using emotion dysregulation subscale of the Child Social Behavioural Questionnaire at age 7. Psychopathology, defined as psychological distress, was assessed using the Kessler 6 scale at age 17. We conducted causal mediation analysis adjusting for multiple confounding factors. We did not find total effect of either exposure to deprivation or threat on psychological distress, but we did find significant indirect effects of exposure to deprivation on psychological distress via cognitive ability (- 0.11, 95% CI - 0.20 to - 0.05) and emotion regulation (0.03, 0.02 to 0.12), and exposure to threat on psychological distress via cognitive ability (- 0.04, - 0.07 to - 0.01) and emotion regulation (0.09, 0.03 to 0.15). The lack of associations between deprivation or threat and psychological distress may be due to reporting bias or developmental period of psychopathology. Results of mediation analysis partially support the DMAP but indicate limited benefits to reduce adolescent psychological distress by targeting cognitive ability or emotion regulation to those exposed to childhood adversities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ning
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dawid Gondek
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, England
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research (LIVES), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Snehal M Pinto Pereira
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, England
| | - Rebecca E Lacey
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, England.
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, England.
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13
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Grootjans Y, Harrewijn A, Fornari L, Janssen T, de Bruijn ERA, van Atteveldt N, Franken IHA. Getting closer to social interactions using electroencephalography in developmental cognitive neuroscience. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101391. [PMID: 38759529 PMCID: PMC11127236 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101391] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of developmental cognitive neuroscience is advancing rapidly, with large-scale, population-wide, longitudinal studies emerging as a key means of unraveling the complexity of the developing brain and cognitive processes in children. While numerous neuroscientific techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have proved advantageous in such investigations, this perspective proposes a renewed focus on electroencephalography (EEG), leveraging underexplored possibilities of EEG. In addition to its temporal precision, low costs, and ease of application, EEG distinguishes itself with its ability to capture neural activity linked to social interactions in increasingly ecologically valid settings. Specifically, EEG can be measured during social interactions in the lab, hyperscanning can be used to study brain activity in two (or more) people simultaneously, and mobile EEG can be used to measure brain activity in real-life settings. This perspective paper summarizes research in these three areas, making a persuasive argument for the renewed inclusion of EEG into the toolkit of developmental cognitive and social neuroscientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Grootjans
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Anita Harrewijn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Fornari
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology & Institute LEARN!, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tieme Janssen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology & Institute LEARN!, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Nienke van Atteveldt
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology & Institute LEARN!, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingmar H A Franken
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Tan E, Troller-Renfree SV, Morales S, Buzzell GA, McSweeney M, Antúnez M, Fox NA. Theta activity and cognitive functioning: Integrating evidence from resting-state and task-related developmental electroencephalography (EEG) research. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101404. [PMID: 38852382 PMCID: PMC11214181 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101404] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The theta band is one of the most prominent frequency bands in the electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum and presents an interesting paradox: while elevated theta power during resting state is linked to lower cognitive abilities in children and adolescents, increased theta power during cognitive tasks is associated with higher cognitive performance. Why does theta power, measured during resting state versus cognitive tasks, show differential correlations with cognitive functioning? This review provides an integrated account of the functional correlates of theta across different contexts. We first present evidence that higher theta power during resting state is correlated with lower executive functioning, attentional abilities, language skills, and IQ. Next, we review research showing that theta power increases during memory, attention, and cognitive control, and that higher theta power during these processes is correlated with better performance. Finally, we discuss potential explanations for the differential correlations between resting/task-related theta and cognitive functioning, and offer suggestions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enda Tan
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
| | | | - Santiago Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, CA 90007, USA
| | - George A Buzzell
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Marco McSweeney
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Martín Antúnez
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
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15
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Van den Bergh BRH, Antonelli MC, Stein DJ. Current perspectives on perinatal mental health and neurobehavioral development: focus on regulation, coregulation and self-regulation. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:237-250. [PMID: 38415742 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Perinatal mental health research provides an important perspective on neurobehavioral development. Here, we aim to review the association of maternal perinatal health with offspring neurodevelopment, providing an update on (self-)regulation problems, hypothesized mechanistic pathways, progress and challenges, and implications for mental health. RECENT FINDINGS (1) Meta-analyses confirm that maternal perinatal mental distress is associated with (self-)regulation problems which constitute cognitive, behavioral, and affective social-emotional problems, while exposure to positive parental mental health has a positive impact. However, effect sizes are small. (2) Hypothesized mechanistic pathways underlying this association are complex. Interactive and compensatory mechanisms across developmental time are neglected topics. (3) Progress has been made in multiexposure studies. However, challenges remain and these are shared by clinical, translational and public health sciences. (4) From a mental healthcare perspective, a multidisciplinary and system level approach employing developmentally-sensitive measures and timely treatment of (self-)regulation and coregulation problems in a dyadic caregiver-child and family level approach seems needed. The existing evidence-base is sparse. SUMMARY During the perinatal period, addressing vulnerable contexts and building resilient systems may promote neurobehavioral development. A pluralistic approach to research, taking a multidisciplinary approach to theoretical models and empirical investigation needs to be fostered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Laboratorio de Programación Perinatal del Neurodesarrollo, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof.E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Dan J Stein
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Del Bianco T, Haartsen R, Mason L, Leno VC, Springer C, Potter M, Mackay W, Smit P, Plessis CD, Brink L, Johnson MH, Murphy D, Loth E, Odendaal H, Jones EJH. The importance of decomposing periodic and aperiodic EEG signals for assessment of brain function in a global context. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22484. [PMID: 38528816 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22484] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Measures of early neuro-cognitive development that are suitable for use in low-resource settings are needed to enable studies of the effects of early adversity on the developing brain in a global context. These measures should have high acquisition rates and good face and construct validity. Here, we investigated the feasibility of a naturalistic electroencephalography (EEG) paradigm in a low-resource context during childhood. Additionally, we examined the sensitivity of periodic and aperiodic EEG metrics to social and non-social stimuli. We recorded simultaneous 20-channel EEG and eye-tracking in 72 children aged 4-12 years (45 females) while they watched videos of women singing nursery rhymes and moving toys, selected to represent familiar childhood experiences. These measures were part of a feasibility study that assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a follow-up data collection of the South African Safe Passage Study, which tracks environmental adversity and brain and cognitive development from before birth up until childhood. We examined whether data quantity and quality varied with child characteristics and the sensitivity of varying EEG metrics (canonical band power in the theta and alpha band and periodic and aperiodic features of the power spectra). We found that children who completed the EEG and eye-tracking assessment were, in general, representative of the full cohort. Data quantity was higher in children with greater visual attention to the stimuli. Out of the tested EEG metrics, periodic measures in the theta frequency range were most sensitive to condition differences, compared to alpha range measures and canonical and aperiodic EEG measures. Our results show that measuring EEG during ecologically valid social and non-social stimuli is feasible in low-resource settings, is feasible for most children, and produces robust indices of social brain function. This work provides preliminary support for testing longitudinal links between social brain function, environmental factors, and emerging behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Del Bianco
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
| | - Rianne Haartsen
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Virginia Carter Leno
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cilla Springer
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandy Potter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wendy Mackay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petrusa Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carlie Du Plessis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucy Brink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Eva Loth
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Hein Odendaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
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17
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Bowe AK, Lightbody G, O'Boyle DS, Staines A, Murray DM. Predicting low cognitive ability at age 5 years using perinatal data and machine learning. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1634-1643. [PMID: 38177251 PMCID: PMC11126385 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no early, accurate, scalable methods for identifying infants at high risk of poor cognitive outcomes in childhood. We aim to develop an explainable predictive model, using machine learning and population-based cohort data, for this purpose. METHODS Data were from 8858 participants in the Growing Up in Ireland cohort, a nationally representative study of infants and their primary caregivers (PCGs). Maternal, infant, and socioeconomic characteristics were collected at 9-months and cognitive ability measured at age 5 years. Data preprocessing, synthetic minority oversampling, and feature selection were performed prior to training a variety of machine learning models using ten-fold cross validated grid search to tune hyperparameters. Final models were tested on an unseen test set. RESULTS A random forest (RF) model containing 15 participant-reported features in the first year of infant life, achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.77 for predicting low cognitive ability at age 5. This model could detect 72% of infants with low cognitive ability, with a specificity of 66%. CONCLUSIONS Model performance would need to be improved before consideration as a population-level screening tool. However, this is a first step towards early, individual, risk stratification to allow targeted childhood screening. IMPACT This study is among the first to investigate whether machine learning methods can be used at a population-level to predict which infants are at high risk of low cognitive ability in childhood. A random forest model using 15 features which could be easily collected in the perinatal period achieved an AUROC of 0.77 for predicting low cognitive ability. Improved predictive performance would be required to implement this model at a population level but this may be a first step towards early, individual, risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Bowe
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gordon Lightbody
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Anthony Staines
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy, and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre M Murray
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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18
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Selvanathan T, Miller SP. Factors affecting brain maturation trajectories in early childhood. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:456-458. [PMID: 38631757 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Thiviya Selvanathan
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven P Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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19
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Schneider JM, Behboudi MH, Maguire MJ. The Necessity of Taking Culture and Context into Account When Studying the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Brain Development. Brain Sci 2024; 14:392. [PMID: 38672041 PMCID: PMC11048655 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040392] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research has revealed a relationship between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and brain development at the structural and functional levels. Of particular note is the distinction between income and maternal education, two highly correlated factors which seem to influence brain development through distinct pathways. Specifically, while a families' income-to-needs ratio is linked with physiological stress and household chaos, caregiver education influences the day-to-day language environment a child is exposed to. Variability in either one of these environmental experiences is related to subsequent brain development. While this work has the potential to inform public policies in a way that benefits children, it can also oversimplify complex factors, unjustly blame low-SES parents, and perpetuate a harmful deficit perspective. To counteract these shortcomings, researchers must consider sociodemographic differences in the broader cultural context that underlie SES-based differences in brain development. This review aims to address these issues by (a) identifying how sociodemographic mechanisms associated with SES influence the day-to-day experiences of children, in turn, impacting brain development, while (b) considering the broader cultural contexts that may differentially impact this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Schneider
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Louisiana State University, 72 Hatcher Hall, Field House Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;
| | - Mohammad Hossein Behboudi
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, The University of Texas at Dallas, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
| | - Mandy J. Maguire
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, The University of Texas at Dallas, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
- Center for Children and Families, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Dallas, TX 75080, USA
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20
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Adams EJ, Scott ME, Amarante M, Ramírez CA, Rowley SJ, Noble KG, Troller-Renfree SV. Fostering inclusion in EEG measures of pediatric brain activity. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:27. [PMID: 38565857 PMCID: PMC10987610 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The past two decades have seen a rapid increase in neuroscientific evidence being used to characterize how contextual, structural, and societal factors shape cognition and school readiness. Measures of functional brain activity are increasingly viewed as markers of child development and biomarkers that could be employed to track the impact of interventions. While electroencephalography (EEG) provides a promising tool to understand educational inequities, traditional EEG data acquisition is commonly limited in some racial and ethnic groups due to hair types and styles. This ultimately constitutes unintentional systemic racism by disproportionately excluding participants from certain racial and ethnic groups from participation and representation in neuroscience research. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of how cultural considerations surrounding hair density, texture, and styling consistently skew samples to be less representative by disproportionately excluding Black and Latinx participants. We also provide recommendations and materials to promote best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eryn J Adams
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, 70148, USA
| | - Molly E Scott
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Melina Amarante
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Chanel A Ramírez
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Stephanie J Rowley
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kimberly G Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Sonya V Troller-Renfree
- Department of Human Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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21
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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.
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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
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22
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Nusslock R, Alloy LB, Brody GH, Miller GE. Annual Research Review: Neuroimmune network model of depression: a developmental perspective. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:538-567. [PMID: 38426610 PMCID: PMC11090270 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13961] [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: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a serious public health problem, and adolescence is an 'age of risk' for the onset of Major Depressive Disorder. Recently, we and others have proposed neuroimmune network models that highlight bidirectional communication between the brain and the immune system in both mental and physical health, including depression. These models draw on research indicating that the cellular actors (particularly monocytes) and signaling molecules (particularly cytokines) that orchestrate inflammation in the periphery can directly modulate the structure and function of the brain. In the brain, inflammatory activity heightens sensitivity to threats in the cortico-amygdala circuit, lowers sensitivity to rewards in the cortico-striatal circuit, and alters executive control and emotion regulation in the prefrontal cortex. When dysregulated, and particularly under conditions of chronic stress, inflammation can generate feelings of dysphoria, distress, and anhedonia. This is proposed to initiate unhealthy, self-medicating behaviors (e.g. substance use, poor diet) to manage the dysphoria, which further heighten inflammation. Over time, dysregulation in these brain circuits and the inflammatory response may compound each other to form a positive feedback loop, whereby dysregulation in one organ system exacerbates the other. We and others suggest that this neuroimmune dysregulation is a dynamic joint vulnerability for depression, particularly during adolescence. We have three goals for the present paper. First, we extend neuroimmune network models of mental and physical health to generate a developmental framework of risk for the onset of depression during adolescence. Second, we examine how a neuroimmune network perspective can help explain the high rates of comorbidity between depression and other psychiatric disorders across development, and multimorbidity between depression and stress-related medical illnesses. Finally, we consider how identifying neuroimmune pathways to depression can facilitate a 'next generation' of behavioral and biological interventions that target neuroimmune signaling to treat, and ideally prevent, depression in youth and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Nusslock
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
| | - Lauren B. Alloy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. USA
| | - Gene H. Brody
- Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Gregory E. Miller
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
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23
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Sullivan ADW, Roubinov D, Noroña-Zhou AN, Bush NR. Do dyadic interventions impact biomarkers of child health? A state-of-the-science narrative review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 162:106949. [PMID: 38295654 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106949] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life adversity is related to numerous poor health outcomes in childhood; however, dyadic interventions that promote sensitive and responsive caregiving may protect children from the negative consequences of such exposures. To date, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the impact of dyadic interventions on a range of individual biomarkers in children, which may elucidate the relation between early stress exposure and transdiagnostic risk factors for prospective poor health. However, the content of interventions, analytic strategies, and findings vary widely across studies, obscuring key themes in the science and hindering policy and research efforts. METHODS We use a narrative approach to review findings from methodologically rigorous (predominantly RCT) studies of dyadic interventions' impacts on different biomarkers in children, including indicators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, parasympathetic (PNS) and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS), brain development, inflammation, and intracellular DNA processes. We contribute to this important area of inquiry through integrating findings across biological systems and identifying contextual and mechanistic factors to depict the current state of the field. RESULTS Evidence suggests dyadic interventions improved PNS functioning and advanced brain maturation. Some studies indicated interventions reduced hair cortisol concentrations, systemic inflammation, and resulted in differences in DNA methylation patterns. Findings did not support main effect-level change in salivary measures of HPA axis activity, SNS activity, or telomere length. Importantly, reviewed studies indicated significant heterogeneity in effects across biological systems, underscoring the importance of contextual factors (e.g., adversity subtype and severity) as potential moderators of effects. Further, findings suggested enhanced parenting behaviors may be a mechanism through which dyadic interventions operate on biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS We close with future policy and research directions, emphasizing the promise of biologically-informed dyadic interventions for understanding and ameliorating the effects of early adversity on transdiagnostic biomarkers of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D W Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Amanda N Noroña-Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA.
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24
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Rosenberg J, Sude L. Financial Health Is Health: Addressing Acute and Chronic Financial Stress Across the Care Spectrum. Hosp Pediatr 2024; 14:e212-e214. [PMID: 38495027 PMCID: PMC10965755 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rosenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Leslie Sude
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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25
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Romeo RR. Considering intersectionality and interacting levels of early intervention on early brain development-a commentary on Nelson et al. (2023). J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:456-458. [PMID: 38098314 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
It has long been recognized that an individual's experiences can metaphorically 'get under the skin' and become biologically embedded, thus affecting behavior and life outcomes (Hertzman, 2012). While this term is most often used to describe how adverse experiences influence biological process, it is rarely discussed how the same can be said of positive experiences, such as intervention to prevent or treat negative outcomes. In their annual review, Nelson et al. (2023) provide a timely and comprehensive review of how early intervention capitalizes on the neuroplasticity of the postnatal years, turning periods of 'vulnerability' to ones of 'opportunity'. Drawing on decades of expertise, they discuss the neurobiological mechanisms of intervention in two contexts: caregiving interventions for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and therapeutic interventions for children at elevated risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. They thought-provokingly describe both how early intervention operates through mechanisms of neural plasticity and how this can and should inform policy decisions to provide the greatest benefit to children. Here, I aim to underscore the importance of this review by addressing the intersection of these topics; specifically, I muse on how the scientific discovery of biological processes and the ethical imperative to support vulnerable children's development are intimately intertwined, and how this highlights both critical lines of future inquiry as well as policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Romeo
- University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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26
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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.
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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
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Raffington L. Utilizing epigenetics to study the shared nature of development and biological aging across the lifespan. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:24. [PMID: 38509146 PMCID: PMC10954727 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Recently, biological aging has been quantified in DNA-methylation samples of older adults and applied as so-called "methylation profile scores" (MPSs) in separate target samples, including samples of children. This nascent research indicates that (1) biological aging can be quantified early in the life course, decades before the onset of aging-related disease, (2) is affected by common environmental predictors of childhood development, and (3) shows overlap with "developmental processes" (e.g., puberty). Because the MPSs were computed using algorithms developed in adults, these studies indicate a molecular link between childhood environments, development, and adult biological aging. Yet, if MPSs can be used to connect development and aging, previous research has only traveled one way, deriving MPSs developed in adults and applying them to samples of children. Researchers have not yet quantified epigenetic measures that reflect the pace of child development, and tested whether resulting MPSs are associated with physical and psychological aging. In this perspective I posit that combining measures of biological aging with new quantifications of child development has the power to address fundamental questions about life span: How are development and experience in childhood related to biological aging in adulthood? And what is aging?
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Raffington
- Max Planck Research Group Biosocial-Biology, Social Disparities, and Development, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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Ben-Asher E, Porter BM, Church JA. Distinct Constellations of Common Risk Factors Differentially Relate to Executive-Function Ability in Children. Psychol Sci 2024:9567976241235931. [PMID: 38513051 DOI: 10.1177/09567976241235931] [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: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Executive functioning (EF) has been shown to relate to academic achievement and well-being. Independent bodies of work have aimed to understand what environmental or personal attributes influence EF ability. However, most research has not considered how constellations of risk factors create distinct patterns of influence on EF ability. The current study tested a sample of children aged 9 to 10 years from the United States (N = 10,323, 48.06% female, Mage = 9.9 years, age range = 8.9-11.08 years) using a latent profile analysis (LPA) to detect subgroups that varied in their combinations of various risk factors. Six distinct groups of risk factors for children emerged, which in turn related to different average EF abilities. We found that family socioeconomic measures related to a subgroup having above- or below-average EF ability, but we also found an effect on EF across different risk factors. These results inform our understanding of individual variations in EF ability and highlight the idea that EF interventions should consider risk holistically.
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Sonu S, Mann K, Potter J, Rush P, Stillerman A. Toward Integration of Trauma, Resilience, and Equity Theory and Practice: A Narrative Review and Call for Consilience. Perm J 2024; 28:151-168. [PMID: 38206776 PMCID: PMC10940235 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/23.105] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Investigating the roots of health and illness has inspired unprecedented growth in research on trauma and adversity across academic and scientific disciplines. Can this science achieve its potential? How? Much of this research remains siloed and fragmented, limiting integrative approaches to translating science into a unified paradigm. From age-old traditions to the health, social, and basic sciences, this established and rapidly growing body of work has overwhelmingly found that experiences, both positive and negative, profoundly influence life course health. Such convergence across disciplines highlights the complex, intersectional nature and impact of experiences and reveals consilience: agreement of findings across diverse fields. This narrative review explored 400 sources to curate a representative sample of 98 tracing the evolution of trauma theory and practice from the 19th century to the present. It emphasizes research from 1970 to 2022, with a specific focus on adverse childhood experiences, everyday discrimination, sexual and gender minority stress, acculturative stress, and positive childhood experiences. This research reveals how experiences are a cause, catalyst, and key ingredient of health or of illness, disability, and disparities. The review also proposes steps toward a unified paradigm and showcases innovative integrated models and applications. These examples provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding and lead to more effective solutions. Recognition of consilience can connect multidimensional insights on trauma, resilience, and equity to spark further cross-sector innovations toward health, prevention, and justice. Realizing the promise of consilience will require a new era of radical intentionality, ongoing dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve necessary system transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stan Sonu
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Patricia Rush
- The Center for Collaborative Study of Trauma, Health Equity, and Neurobiology, Chicago, IL, USA
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Bush NR. Programming the next generation of prenatal programming of stress research: A review and suggestions for the future of the field. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38482548 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
In this article, I highlight core ideas, empirical findings, and advances in the study of how stress during pregnancy may prenatally program child neurodevelopmental, psychopathological, and health outcomes, emphasizing reviews, metanalyses, and recent contributions of conceptual and empirical work. The article offers a perspective on the history of this area of science, the underrecognized contributions of influential scholars from diverse fields of study, what we know from the evidence to date, the persistent challenges in sorting through what is left to learn, and suggestions for future research. I include sections focused on promoting resilience, pregnancy interventions that demonstrate positive effects across two generations, and the translational implications of the accruing data for practice and policy, highlighting opportunities for integrating across a range of fields and sectors. In the concluding sections, I discuss lessons learned from conducting this work and provide a closing summary of progress and future directions. The goal of this writing was to provide a viewpoint on some ways that emerging intergenerational transmission scholars might responsibly contribute to the future of the field of developmental psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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31
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Masten AS. Emergence and evolution of developmental resilience science over half a century. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38456302 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000154] [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: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This reflection on the history and future of developmental resilience science (DRS) highlights its co-emergence with developmental psychopathology (DP), as well as the roles of this journal and its founding editor, Dante Cicchetti, in the evolution of these intertwined domains of scholarship. A remarkable constellation of scholars at the University of Minnesota shaped the course of both conceptual frameworks and their dissemination. I describe fundamental assumptions common to DP and DRS frameworks that reflect their common roots and the pervasive influence of systems theory on developmental science. I describe four waves of DRS and key principles of DRS at the present time. In conclusion, I consider the possibility that a fifth wave of DRS is emerging with a focus on understanding patterns of multisystem, multilevel processes of resilience and their implications for interventions in the context of interacting, interdependent, and complex adaptive systems. I close this commentary with questions for future research and a hopeful outlook on the future of human resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann S Masten
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Chan T, Fruiht V, McInnis N. Building blocks for a happy life: Longitudinal associations between early life income, mentorship and later well-being. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024:10.1002/ajcp.12738. [PMID: 38303605 PMCID: PMC11291714 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID; N = 2996) were used to test hypotheses about the link between well-being and financial and social developmental resources. Results suggest that higher average family income from birth to age 18, and personal and professional mentoring received between 17 and 30, were positively associated with indicators of positive well-being and negatively related to negative indicators of well-being. Interactions between early life family income and mentoring during emerging adulthood were not significant predictors of any of the well-being outcomes. In all cases, the magnitudes of the coefficients became larger when simultaneously accounting for early life income, emerging adulthood mentoring, and their interactions-suggesting that financial and social resources in earlier life are independently linked to later life well-being. Findings highlight that mentoring received in emerging adulthood benefits downstream hedonic and eudemonic well-being, regardless of financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Chan
- Health Equity Research Education Center, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Veronica Fruiht
- Department of Psychology, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
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Ozernov-Palchik O, Pollack C, Bonawitz E, Christodoulou JA, Gaab N, Gabrieli JD, Kievlan PM, Kirby C, Lin G, Luk G, Nelson CA. Reflections on the past two decades of Mind, Brain, and Education. MIND, BRAIN AND EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MIND, BRAIN, AND EDUCATION SOCIETY 2024; 18:6-16. [PMID: 38745857 PMCID: PMC11090485 DOI: 10.1111/mbe.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ola Ozernov-Palchik
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT
| | | | | | - Joanna A. Christodoulou
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
| | | | - John D.E. Gabrieli
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT
| | | | | | - Grace Lin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University
- Scheller Teacher Education Program The Education Arcade, MIT
| | - Gigi Luk
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital
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Lurie LA, Rosen ML, Weissman DG, Machlin L, Lengua L, Sheridan MA, McLaughlin KA. Cognitive stimulation as a mechanism linking socioeconomic status and neural function supporting working memory: a longitudinal fMRI study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad545. [PMID: 38236725 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad545] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood experiences of low socioeconomic status are associated with alterations in neural function in the frontoparietal network and ventral visual stream, which may drive differences in working memory. However, the specific features of low socioeconomic status environments that contribute to these disparities remain poorly understood. Here, we examined experiences of cognitive deprivation (i.e. decreased variety and complexity of experience), as opposed to experiences of threat (i.e. violence exposure), as a potential mechanism through which family income contributes to alterations in neural activation during working memory. As part of a longitudinal study, 148 youth between aged 10 and 13 years completed a visuospatial working memory fMRI task. Early childhood low income, chronicity of low income in early childhood, and current income-to-needs were associated with task-related activation in the ventral visual stream and frontoparietal network. The association of family income with decreased activation in the lateral occipital cortex and intraparietal sulcus during working memory was mediated by experiences of cognitive deprivation. Surprisingly, however, family income and deprivation were not significantly related to working memory performance, and only deprivation was associated with academic achievement in this sample. Taken together, these findings suggest that early life low income and associated cognitive deprivation are important factors in neural function supporting working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Lurie
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, 235 E. Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States
| | - Maya L Rosen
- Program in Neuroscience, Smith College, 44 College Lane, Northampton, MA 01073, United States
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - David G Weissman
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - Laura Machlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - Lilliana Lengua
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, 3921 W. Stevens Way, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Margaret A Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, 235 E. Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States
| | - Katie A McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
- The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health, University of Oregon, 2800 NE Liberty Street, Portland, OR 97211, United States
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Goldfeld S, Downes M, Gray S, Pham C, Guo S, O'Connor E, Redmond G, Azpitarte F, Badland H, Woolfenden S, Williams K, Priest N, O'Connor M, Moreno-Betancur M. Household income supplements in early childhood to reduce inequities in children's development. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116430. [PMID: 38048739 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116430] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early childhood interventions have the potential to reduce children's developmental inequities. We aimed to estimate the extent to which household income supplements for lower-income families in early childhood could close the gap in children's developmental outcomes and parental mental health. METHODS Data were drawn from a nationally representative birth cohort, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 5107), which commenced in 2004 and conducted follow-ups every two years. Exposure was annual household income (0-1 year). Outcomes were children's developmental outcomes, specifically social-emotional, physical functioning, and learning (bottom 15% versus top 85%) at 4-5 years, and an intermediate outcome, parental mental health (poor versus good) at 2-3 years. We modelled hypothetical interventions that provided a fixed-income supplement to lower-income families with a child aged 0-1 year. Considering varying eligibility scenarios and amounts motivated by actual policies in the Australian context, we estimated the risk of poor outcomes for eligible families under no intervention and the hypothetical intervention using marginal structural models. The reduction in risk under intervention relative to no intervention was estimated. RESULTS A single hypothetical supplement of AU$26,000 (equivalent to ∼USD$17,350) provided to lower-income families (below AU$56,137 (∼USD$37,915) per annum) in a child's first year of life demonstrated an absolute reduction of 2.7%, 1.9% and 2.6% in the risk of poor social-emotional, physical functioning and learning outcomes in children, respectively (equivalent to relative reductions of 12%, 10% and 11%, respectively). The absolute reduction in risk of poor mental health in eligible parents was 1.0%, equivalent to a relative reduction of 7%. Benefits were similar across other income thresholds used to assess eligibility (range, AU$73,329-$99,864). CONCLUSIONS Household income supplements provided to lower-income families may benefit children's development and parental mental health. This intervention should be considered within a social-ecological approach by stacking complementary interventions to eliminate developmental inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Marnie Downes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Gray
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cindy Pham
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shuaijun Guo
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elodie O'Connor
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gerry Redmond
- College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Francisco Azpitarte
- School of Social Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Badland
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Sydney Medical School, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pediatrics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Naomi Priest
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Social Research & Methods, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Meredith O'Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Children's LifeCourse Initiative, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margarita Moreno-Betancur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Merz EC, Myers B, Hansen M, Simon KR, Strack J, Noble KG. Socioeconomic Disparities in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation and Prefrontal Cortical Structure. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:83-96. [PMID: 38090738 PMCID: PMC10714216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood predicts an increased risk for mental health problems across the life span. Socioeconomic disadvantage shapes multiple aspects of children's proximal environments and increases exposure to chronic stressors. Drawing from multiple literatures, we propose that childhood socioeconomic disadvantage may lead to adaptive changes in the regulation of stress response systems including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These changes, in turn, affect the development of prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuitry responsible for top-down control over cognitive and emotional processes. Translational findings indicate that chronic stress reduces dendritic complexity and spine density in the medial PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, in part through altered HPA axis regulation. Socioeconomic disadvantage has frequently been associated with reduced gray matter in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral PFC and anterior cingulate cortex and lower fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum bundle, and uncinate fasciculus during middle childhood and adolescence. Evidence of socioeconomic disparities in hair cortisol concentrations in children has accumulated, although null findings have been reported. Coupled with links between cortisol levels and reduced gray matter in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, these results support mechanistic roles for the HPA axis and these PFC circuits. Future longitudinal studies should simultaneously consider multiple dimensions of proximal factors, including cognitive stimulation, while focusing on epigenetic processes and genetic moderators to elucidate how socioeconomic context may influence the HPA axis and PFC circuitry involved in cognitive and emotional control. These findings, which point to modifiable factors, can be harnessed to inform policy and more effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Merz
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Melissa Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Katrina R. Simon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jordan Strack
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Bosma CB, Toromo JJ, Ayers MJ, Foster ED, McHenry M, Enane LA. Effects of economic interventions on pediatric and adolescent HIV care outcomes: a systematic review. AIDS Care 2024; 36:1-16. [PMID: 37607246 PMCID: PMC10843852 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2240071] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Economic insecurity and poverty present major barriers to HIV care for young people. We conducted a systematic review of the current evidence for the effect of economic interventions on HIV care outcomes among pediatric populations encompassing young children, adolescents, and youth (ages 0-24). We conducted a search of PubMed MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health databases on October 12, 2022 using a search strategy curated by a medical librarian. Studies included economic interventions targeting participants <25 years in age which measured clinical HIV outcomes. Study characteristics, care outcomes, and quality were independently assessed, and findings were synthesized. Title/abstract screening was performed for 1934 unique records. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, reporting on nine distinct interventions. Economic interventions included incentives (n = 5), savings and lending programs (n = 3), and government cash transfers (n = 1). Study designs included three randomized controlled trials, an observational cohort study, a matched retrospective cohort study, and pilot intervention studies. While evidence is very limited, some promising findings were observed supporting retention and viral suppression, particularly for those with suboptimal care engagement or with detectable viral load. There is a need to further study and optimize economic interventions for children and adolescents living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Bosma
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Judith J. Toromo
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Morgan J. Ayers
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Erin D. Foster
- Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Berkeley Library, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Megan McHenry
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Global Health Equity, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Leslie A. Enane
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Global Health Equity, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Kulla A, Coury S, Garcia JM, Teresi GI, Sisk LM, Hansen M, Miller JG, Gotlib IH, Ho TC. Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and White Matter Microstructure of the Arcuate Fasciculus and Uncinate Fasciculus in Adolescents. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:61-72. [PMID: 38076598 PMCID: PMC10709004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.002] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neighborhood- or area-level socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with neural alterations across the life span. However, few studies have examined the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on white matter microstructure during adolescence, an important period of development that coincides with increased risk for psychopathology. Methods In 200 adolescents (ages 13-20 years; 54.5% female, 4% nonbinary) recruited from 2 studies enriched for early adversity and depression, we examined whether neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage derived from census tract data was related to white matter microstructure in several major white matter tracts. We also examined whether depressive symptoms and sex moderated these associations. Results Greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left arcuate fasciculus (β = -0.24, false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected p = .035) and right uncinate fasciculus (β = -0.32, FDR-corrected p = .002) above and beyond the effects of family-level socioeconomic status. Depressive symptoms significantly moderated the association between left arcuate fasciculus FA and both neighborhood (β = 0.17, FDR-corrected p = .026) and unemployment (β = 0.22, FDR-corrected p = .004) disadvantage such that these associations were only significant in adolescents who reported less severe depression. Sex did not moderate the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and FA in these tracts. Conclusions Greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, particularly poverty and educational attainment levels, was associated with lower FA in the arcuate fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus above and beyond the effects of family-level measures of socioeconomic status. These patterns were only observed in adolescents with low levels of depression, suggesting that we must be cautious about generalizing these findings to youths who struggle with mental health difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artenisa Kulla
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Saché Coury
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jordan M. Garcia
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Giana I. Teresi
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lucinda M. Sisk
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Melissa Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jonas G. Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Tiffany C. Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Garon-Carrier G, Ansari A, Margolis R, Fitzpatrick C. Maternal Labor Force Participation During the Child's First Year and Later Separation Anxiety Symptoms. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:792-801. [PMID: 37522632 PMCID: PMC10638856 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231188137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Separation anxiety symptoms are frequent among preschool-aged children, but it is also a possible gateway for diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder. Early maternal employment after childbirth can increase the risk for the development of separation anxiety symptoms. From an economic perspective, however, securing employment is one effective strategy to ensure child well-being. This study investigated how mothers' participation in the labor force (vs. maternal leave) and the financial state of families when the child was 5 months old was prospectively associated with separation anxiety symptoms. This study is based on 1,295 Canadian families with children assessed longitudinally from 17 months to age 6 on their levels of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety was measured during face-to-face interviews with the mothers. Maternal labor force participation, financial status, and risk factors were measured at 5 months. Results adjusted for propensity scores and for sample weight revealed that children of working mothers, despite having sufficient income (n = 245, 18.9%), were at higher risk of separation anxiety during early childhood. In contrast, maternity leave was most beneficial for children's separation anxiety, whether they were in a family with sufficient income (n = 950, 73.4%) or temporary low income (n = 100, 7.7%). Children of mothers in maternity leave were at risk of heightened separation anxiety only if they experienced chronic economic hardship. Therefore, maternity leave uptake could help prevent the development of separation anxiety. Providing families with opportunity to care for the baby as their main occupation during this sensitive developmental period could help improve children's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arya Ansari
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Caroline Fitzpatrick
- Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Eyre HA, Stirland LE, Jeste DV, Reynolds CF, Berk M, Ibanez A, Dawson WD, Lawlor B, Leroi I, Yaffe K, Gatchel JR, Karp JF, Newhouse P, Rosand J, Letourneau N, Bayen E, Farina F, Booi L, Devanand DP, Mintzer J, Madigan S, Jayapurwala I, Wong STC, Falcoa VP, Cummings JL, Reichman W, Lock SL, Bennett M, Ahuja R, Steffens DC, Elkind MSV, Lavretsky H. Life-Course Brain Health as a Determinant of Late-Life Mental Health: American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry Expert Panel Recommendations. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:1017-1031. [PMID: 37798224 PMCID: PMC10655836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
This position statement of the Expert Panel on Brain Health of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) emphasizes the critical role of life course brain health in shaping mental well-being during the later stages of life. Evidence posits that maintaining optimal brain health earlier in life is crucial for preventing and managing brain aging-related disorders such as dementia/cognitive decline, depression, stroke, and anxiety. We advocate for a holistic approach that integrates medical, psychological, and social frameworks with culturally tailored interventions across the lifespan to promote brain health and overall mental well-being in aging adults across all communities. Furthermore, our statement underscores the significance of prevention, early detection, and intervention in identifying cognitive decline, mood changes, and related mental illness. Action should also be taken to understand and address the needs of communities that traditionally have unequal access to preventive health information and services. By implementing culturally relevant and tailored evidence-based practices and advancing research in geriatric psychiatry, behavioral neurology, and geroscience, we can enhance the quality of life for older adults facing the unique challenges of aging. This position statement emphasizes the intrinsic link between brain health and mental health in aging, urging healthcare professionals, policymakers, and a broader society to prioritize comprehensive strategies that safeguard and promote brain health from birth through later years across all communities. The AAGP Expert Panel has the goal of launching further activities in the coming months and years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harris A Eyre
- Brain Capital Alliance (HAE, AI, WDD), San Francisco, CA; Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative (NIPI), New Approaches to Economic Challenges, Office of the Chief Economist, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (HAE, AI, WDD), Paris, France; Center for Health and Biosciences, The Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University (HAE), Houston, TX; Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (HAE), Dallas, TX; Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (HAE), Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University and Barwon Health (HAE, MB, VPF), Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine (HAE), Houston, TX; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (HAE), Houston, TX; Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Trinity College Dublin (HAE), Dublin, Ireland; FondaMental Fondation (HAE), Paris, France; Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (HAE, AI), Santiago de Chile, Chile; Houston Methodist Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HAE), Houston, TX.
| | - Lucy E Stirland
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh (LES), Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Global Research Network on Social Determinants of Mental Health and Exposomics (DVJ), La Jolla, CA
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pittsburgh (CFR), Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael Berk
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University and Barwon Health (HAE, MB, VPF), Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne (MB), Parkville, Victoria, Australia; The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne (MB), Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ORYGEN Youth Health, University of Melbourne (MB), Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Agustin Ibanez
- Brain Capital Alliance (HAE, AI, WDD), San Francisco, CA; Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative (NIPI), New Approaches to Economic Challenges, Office of the Chief Economist, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (HAE, AI, WDD), Paris, France; Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (HAE, AI), Santiago de Chile, Chile; Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) (AI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter D Dawson
- Brain Capital Alliance (HAE, AI, WDD), San Francisco, CA; Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative (NIPI), New Approaches to Economic Challenges, Office of the Chief Economist, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (HAE, AI, WDD), Paris, France; Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (WDD), Portland, OR; Institute on Aging, College of Urban & Public Affairs, Portland State University (WDD), Portland, OR
| | - Brian Lawlor
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA
| | - Iracema Leroi
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco (KY), San Francisco, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of California, San Francisco (KY), San Francisco, CA
| | - Jennifer R Gatchel
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School (JRG), Belmont, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School (JRG), Boston, MA
| | - Jordan F Karp
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona (JFK), Tucson, AZ
| | - Paul Newhouse
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (PN), Nashville, TN; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs-Tennessee Valley Health Care System (PN), Nashville, TN
| | - Jonathan Rosand
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Mass General Brigham (JR), Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (JR), Cambridge, MA
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary (NL), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eleonore Bayen
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Sorbonne Université - Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (EB), Paris, France
| | - Francesca Farina
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University (FF), Chicago, IL
| | - Laura Booi
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (HAE, LES, AI, WDD, BL, IL, EB, FF, LB), San Francisco, CA; Centre for Dementia Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University (LB), Leeds, UK
| | - Devangere P Devanand
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University (DPD), New York, NY
| | - Jacobo Mintzer
- Ralph. H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC and Professor, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina (JM), Charleston, SC
| | - Sheri Madigan
- University of Calgary (SM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (SM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stephen T C Wong
- T.T. and W.F. Chao Center for BRAIN Houston Methodist Hospital (STCW), Houston, TX; Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital (STCW), Houston, TX; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine (STCW), New York, NY; Department of Neurosciences, Weill Cornell Medicine (STCW), New York, NY; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine (STCW), New York, NY
| | - Veronica Podence Falcoa
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University and Barwon Health (HAE, MB, VPF), Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Hospital Beatriz Angelo (VPF), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jeffrey L Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, University of Nevada (JLC), Las Vegas, NV
| | - William Reichman
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (WR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Lenz Lock
- Global Council on Brain Health, Policy and Brain Health, AARP (SLL), Washington, DC
| | - Marc Bennett
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (MB), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; MRC-Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge (MB), England, UK
| | - Rajiv Ahuja
- Center for the Future of Aging, The Milken Institute (RA), Washington, DC
| | - David C Steffens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine (DCS), Farmington, CT
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (MSVE), New York City, NY; American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (MSVE), Dallas, TX
| | - Helen Lavretsky
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (HL), Los Angeles, CA; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA (HL), Los Angeles, CA
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Marzola P, Melzer T, Pavesi E, Gil-Mohapel J, Brocardo PS. Exploring the Role of Neuroplasticity in Development, Aging, and Neurodegeneration. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1610. [PMID: 38137058 PMCID: PMC10741468 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121610] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize and modify its neural connections in response to environmental stimuli, experience, learning, injury, and disease processes. It encompasses a range of mechanisms, including changes in synaptic strength and connectivity, the formation of new synapses, alterations in the structure and function of neurons, and the generation of new neurons. Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining brain function, including learning and memory, as well as in recovery from brain injury and adaptation to environmental changes. In this review, we explore the vast potential of neuroplasticity in various aspects of brain function across the lifespan and in the context of disease. Changes in the aging brain and the significance of neuroplasticity in maintaining cognitive function later in life will also be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss common mechanisms associated with age-related neurodegenerative processes (including protein aggregation and accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation) and how these processes can be mitigated, at least partially, by non-invasive and non-pharmacologic lifestyle interventions aimed at promoting and harnessing neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Marzola
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Thayza Melzer
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Eloisa Pavesi
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
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Schmitt SA, Paes TM, Duncan RJ, Vandell DL. Early cumulative risk and outcomes in adolescence and adulthood: The role of executive function and behavioral regulation. Dev Psychol 2023; 59:1988-2001. [PMID: 37768603 PMCID: PMC10841203 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001647] [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] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which early cumulative risk predicts a range of behavioral and psychological outcomes (i.e., depression, future orientation, risky behavior, educational attainment, and socioeconomic outcomes) measured at ages 15 and 26 and whether executive function (EF) and/or behavioral regulation mediated and/or moderated these associations. Data for this study came from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development and included a sample of 1,364 participants (52% male) born in 1991 and followed through age 26. Results indicated that early cumulative risk was related to depression and risky behavior at age 15 as well as depression, income, future orientation, and educational attainment at age 26. Furthermore, both EF and behavioral regulation mediated relations among cumulative risk and academic achievement at age 15 and between cumulative risk and income and educational attainment at age 26. Finally, three significant interactions emerged for age 15 outcomes, indicating that EF and behavioral regulation may change relations between cumulative risk and depression, reading, and future orientation. Implications for future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Schmitt
- Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon
| | - Tanya M Paes
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University
| | - Robert J Duncan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University
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Taylor EK, Abdurokhmonova G, Romeo RR. Socioeconomic Status and Reading Development: Moving from "Deficit" to "Adaptation" in Neurobiological Models of Experience-Dependent Learning. MIND, BRAIN AND EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MIND, BRAIN, AND EDUCATION SOCIETY 2023; 17:324-333. [PMID: 38148924 PMCID: PMC10750966 DOI: 10.1111/mbe.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the strongest predictors of student reading outcomes, and these disparities have persisted for decades. Relatedly, two underlying skills that are required for successful reading-oral language and executive function (EF)-are also the two neurocognitive domains most affected by SES. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on how SES influences the neurobiology of language, EF, and their intersection, including the proximal factors that drive these relationships. We then consider the burgeoning evidence that SES systematically moderates certain brain-behavior relationships for language and EF, underscoring the importance of considering context in investigations of the neurobiological underpinnings of reading development. Finally, we discuss how disparities in reading may be conceptualized as neurobiological adaptations to adversity rather than deficit models. We conclude by suggesting that by harnessing children's stress-adapted relative strengths to support reading development, we may address opportunity gaps both ethically and efficaciously.
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44
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Troller-Renfree SV, Sperber JF, Hart ER, Costanzo MA, Gennetian LA, Meyer JS, Fox NA, Noble KG. Associations between maternal stress and infant resting brain activity among families residing in poverty in the U.S. Biol Psychol 2023; 184:108683. [PMID: 37716521 PMCID: PMC10842437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108683] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that maternal experiences of stress shape children's functional brain activity in the first years of life. Individuals living in poverty are more likely to experience stress from a variety of sources. However, it is unclear how stress is related to resting brain activity among children born into poverty. The present study examines whether infants born into households experiencing poverty show differences in brain activity associated with maternal reports of experiencing stress. The analytic sample comprised 247 mother-infant dyads who completed maternal questionnaires characterizing stress, and for whom recordings of infant resting brain activity were obtained at 1 year of age (M=12.93 months, SD=1.66; 50% female). Mothers (40% Black, non-Hispanic, 40% Hispanic, 12% White, non-Hispanic) who reported higher stress had infants who showed more resting brain activity in the lower end of the frequency spectrum (relative theta power) and less resting brain activity in the middle range of the frequency spectrum (relative alpha power). While statistically detectable at the whole-brain level, follow-up exploratory analyses revealed that these effects were most apparent in electrodes over frontal and parietal regions of the brain. These findings held after adjusting for a variety of potentially confounding variables. Altogether, the present study suggests that, among families experiencing low economic resources, maternal reports of stress are associated with differences in patterns of infant resting brain activity during the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma R Hart
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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45
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Mule' TN, Hodges J, Wu S, Li Y, Ashford JM, Merchant TE, Conklin HM. Social determinants of cognitive outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors treated with conformal radiation therapy. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1842-1851. [PMID: 37099477 PMCID: PMC10547513 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad080] [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: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health including parental occupation, household income, and neighborhood environment are predictors of cognitive outcomes among healthy and ill children; however, few pediatric oncology studies have investigated this relationship. This study utilized the Economic Hardship Index (EHI) to measure neighborhood-level social and economic conditions to predict cognitive outcomes among children treated for brain tumors (BT) with conformal radiation therapy (RT). METHODS Two hundred and forty-one children treated on a prospective, longitudinal, phase II trial of conformal photon RT (54-59.4 Gy) for ependymoma, low-grade glioma, or craniopharyngioma (52% female, 79% white, age at RT = 7.76 ± 4.98 years) completed serial cognitive assessments (intelligence quotient [IQ], reading, math, and adaptive functioning) for ten years. Six US census tract-level EHI scores were calculated for an overall EHI score: unemployment, dependency, education, income, crowded housing, and poverty. Established socioeconomic status (SES) measures from the extant literature were also derived. RESULTS Correlations and non-parametric tests revealed EHI variables share modest variance with other SES measures. Income, unemployment, and poverty overlapped most with individual SES measures. Linear mixed models, accounting for sex, age at RT, and tumor location, revealed EHI variables predicted all cognitive variables at baseline and change in IQ and math over time, with EHI overall and poverty most consistent predictors. Higher economic hardship was associated with lower cognitive scores. CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic conditions can help inform understanding of long-term cognitive and academic outcomes in survivors of pediatric BT. Future investigation of poverty's driving forces and the impact of economic hardship on children with other catastrophic diseases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N Mule'
- Department of Educational Psychology and Research, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason Hodges
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shengjie Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yimei Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason M Ashford
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas E Merchant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Heather M Conklin
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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McKay FH, Bennett R, Dunn M. How, why and for whom does a basic income contribute to health and wellbeing: a systematic review. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad119. [PMID: 37804514 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad119] [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] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ensuring that people have a sufficient income to meet their basic needs and that it keeps pace with costs of living are important when considering ways to reduce health inequities. Many have argued that providing a basic income is one way to do this. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the existing peer reviewed evidence on the health and wellbeing impacts of basic income interventions. A systematic search of ten electronic databases was conducted in June 2022. Eligible publications examined any effect on health and wellbeing from unconditional cash transfers. All study designs were included, and no limitations were placed on duration of cash transfer trials, location of study, study population or on amount of money provided through the cash transfer. Ten studies were included in this review. Studies employed a range of methods. All studies reported on a trial of Universal Basic Income in either a region or a town. Studies explored a range of health and wellbeing related outcomes including crime, quality of life, employment, subjective wellbeing, tuberculosis and hospitalization. Basic income programs can mitigate poverty in a time of economic upheaval and have the potential to become a powerful policy tool to act upon the determinants of health and reduce health inequality. This review found a small number of trials indicating a positive impact on health and wellbeing. More trials which track recipients over a longer period are needed to provide more robust evidence for the impact of basic income programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Rebecca Bennett
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Raffington L, Schneper L, Mallard T, Fisher J, Vinnik L, Hollis-Hansen K, Notterman DA, Tucker-Drob EM, Mitchell C, Harden KP. Salivary Epigenetic Measures of Body Mass Index and Social Determinants of Health Across Childhood and Adolescence. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:1047-1054. [PMID: 37669030 PMCID: PMC10481322 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3017] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance Children who are socioeconomically disadvantaged are at increased risk for high body mass index (BMI) and multiple diseases in adulthood. The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis proposes that early life conditions affect later-life health in a manner that is only partially modifiable by later-life experiences. Objective To examine whether epigenetic measures of BMI developed in adults are valid biomarkers of childhood BMI and if they are sensitive to early life social determinants of health. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based study of over 3200 children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years included data from 2 demographically diverse US pediatric cohort studies that combine longitudinal and twin study designs. Analyses were conducted from 2021 to 2022. Exposures Socioeconomic status, marginalized groups. Main Outcome and Measure Salivary epigenetic BMI, BMI. Analyses were conducted to validate the use of saliva epigenetic BMI as a potential biomarker of child BMI and to examine associations between epigenetic BMI and social determinants of health. Results Salivary epigenetic BMI was calculated from 2 cohorts: (1) 1183 individuals aged 8 to 18 years (609 female [51%]; mean age, 13.4 years) from the Texas Twin Project and (2) 2020 children (1011 female [50%]) measured at 9 years of age and 15 years of age from the Future of Families and Child Well-Being Study. Salivary epigenetic BMI was associated with children's BMI (r = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.31-0.40 to r = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.42-0.59). Longitudinal analysis found that epigenetic BMI was highly stable across adolescence but remained both a leading and lagging indicator of BMI change. Twin analyses showed that epigenetic BMI captured differences in BMI between monozygotic twins. Moreover, children from more disadvantaged socioeconomic status (b = -0.13 to -0.15 across samples) and marginalized racial and ethnic groups (b = 0.08-0.34 across samples) had higher epigenetic BMI, even when controlling for concurrent BMI, pubertal development, and tobacco exposure. Socioeconomic status at birth relative to concurrent socioeconomic status best predicted epigenetic BMI in childhood and adolescence (b = -0.15; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.09). Conclusion and Relevance This study demonstrated that epigenetic measures of BMI calculated from pediatric saliva samples were valid biomarkers of childhood BMI and may be associated with early-life social inequalities. The findings are in line with the hypothesis that early-life conditions are especially important factors in epigenetic regulation of later-life health. Research showing that health later in life is linked to early-life conditions has important implications for the development of early-life interventions that could significantly extend healthy life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Raffington
- Max Planck Research Group Biosocial – Biology, Social Disparities, and Development, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin
| | - Lisa Schneper
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Travis Mallard
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonah Fisher
- Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Liza Vinnik
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin
| | | | - Daniel A. Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Colter Mitchell
- Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - K. Paige Harden
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin
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McDermott CL, Norton ES, Mackey AP. A systematic review of interventions to ameliorate the impact of adversity on brain development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105391. [PMID: 37708920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Adversity, including abuse, neglect, and poverty, impacts child brain development. However, the developing brain is highly plastic, and some of the impacts of childhood adversity may be mitigated by psychosocial interventions. The purpose of this review is to synthesize literature on neural outcomes of childhood interventions among individuals exposed to adversity. A systematic literature search identified 36 reports of 13 interventions. Overall, these studies provide evidence for experience-dependent plasticity in the developing brain. We synthesize studies in light of three themes. First, there was mixed evidence for a benefit of a younger age at intervention. Second, interventions tended to accelerate functional brain development, but the impact of interventions on the pace of structural brain development was less clear. Third, individual differences in intervention response were difficult to predict, in part due to small samples. However, there was significant variability in intervention type and timing, neuroimaging outcomes, and follow-up timing. Together, the studies reviewed here hold promise for the role of psychosocial interventions in ameliorating the neurodevelopmental consequences of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy L McDermott
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Elizabeth S Norton
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Medical Social Sciences, and Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Allyson P Mackey
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Tan E, Tang A, Debnath R, Humphreys KL, Zeanah CH, Nelson CA, Fox NA. Resting brain activity in early childhood predicts IQ at 18 years. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 63:101287. [PMID: 37531865 PMCID: PMC10407667 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101287] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Resting brain activity has been widely used as an index of brain development in neuroscience and clinical research. However, it remains unclear whether early differences in resting brain activity have meaningful implications for predicting long-term cognitive outcomes. Using data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (Zeanah et al., 2003), we examined the impact of institutional rearing and the consequences of early foster care intervention on 18-year IQ. We found that higher resting theta electroencephalogram (EEG) power, reflecting atypical neurodevelopment, across three assessments from 22 to 42 months predicted lower full-scale IQ at 18 years, providing the first evidence that brain activity in early childhood predicts cognitive outcomes into adulthood. In addition, both institutional rearing and later (vs. earlier) foster care intervention predicted higher resting theta power in early childhood, which in turn predicted lower IQ at 18 years. These findings demonstrate that experientially-induced changes in brain activity early in life have profound impact on long-term cognitive development, highlighting the importance of early intervention for promoting healthy development among children living in disadvantaged environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enda Tan
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA.
| | - Alva Tang
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, USA.
| | - Ranjan Debnath
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg 39118, Germany.
| | - Kathryn L Humphreys
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville 37203, USA.
| | - Charles H Zeanah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans 70118, USA.
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Boston Children's Hospital of Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge 02138, USA.
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA.
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Sullivan ADW, Bozack AK, Cardenas A, Comer JS, Bagner DM, Forehand R, Parent J. Parenting Practices May Buffer the Impact of Adversity on Epigenetic Age Acceleration Among Young Children With Developmental Delays. Psychol Sci 2023; 34:1173-1185. [PMID: 37733001 PMCID: PMC10626625 DOI: 10.1177/09567976231194221] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether children exposed to adversity would exhibit lower epigenetic age acceleration in the context of improved parenting. Children with developmental delays and externalizing behavior problems (N = 62; Mage = 36.26 months; 70.97% boys, 29.03% girls; 71% Latinx, 22.6% Black) were drawn from a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT), which randomized them to receive Internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy (iPCIT; n = 30) or community referrals as usual (RAU; n = 32). Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated with the pediatric buccal epigenetic clock, using saliva. Adversity was assessed using parent, family, and neighborhood-level cumulative-risk indicators. Adversity interacted with Time 2 (T2) observations of positive and negative-parenting practices to predict epigenetic age acceleration 1.5 years later, regardless of treatment assignment. Children exposed to more adversity displayed lower epigenetic age acceleration when parents evidenced increased positive (b = -0.15, p = .001) and decreased negative (b = -0.12, p = .01) parenting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D. W. Sullivan
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health and Community, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Anne K. Bozack
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University
| | - Jonathan S. Comer
- Department of Psychology and Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
| | - Daniel M. Bagner
- Department of Psychology and Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
| | - Rex Forehand
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont
| | - Justin Parent
- Bradley-Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, Providence, RI
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University
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