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Farina MP, Klopack ET, Umberson D, Crimmins EM. The embodiment of parental death in early life through accelerated epigenetic aging: Implications for understanding how parental death before 18 shapes age-related health risk among older adults. SSM Popul Health 2024; 26:101648. [PMID: 38596364 PMCID: PMC11002886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Parental death in early life has been linked to various adverse health outcomes in older adulthood. This study extends prior research to evaluate how parental death in early life is tied to accelerated epigenetic aging, a potentially important biological mechanism from which social and environmental exposures impact age-related health. We used data from the 2016 Venous Blood Study (VBS), a component of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), to examine the association between parental death in early life and accelerated epigenetic aging as measured by three widely used epigenetic clocks (PCPhenoAge, PCGrimAge, and DunedinPACE). We also assessed whether some of the association is explained by differences in educational attainment, depressive symptoms, and smoking behavior. Methods included a series of linear regression models and formal mediation analysis. Findings indicated that parental death in early life is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging for PCPhenoAge and DunedinPACE. The inclusion of educational attainment, depressive symptoms, and smoking behavior attenuated this association, with formal mediation analysis providing additional support for these observations. Parental death in early life may be one of the most difficult experiences an individual may face. The elevated biological risk associated with parental death in early life may operate through immediate changes but also through more downstream risk factors. This study highlights how early life adversity can set in motion biological changes that have lifelong consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo P. Farina
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, United States
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Eric T. Klopack
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, United States
| | - Debra Umberson
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, United States
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Eileen M. Crimmins
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, United States
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Rashid L, Bauer A, Bowes L, Creswell C, Halligan S. Maternal experienced bereavement and offspring mental health in early adulthood: the role of modifiable parental factors. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38400700 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that 78% of children experience the death of a close friend or family member by 16 years of age, yet longitudinal research examining the mental health outcomes of wider experiences of bereavement is scarce. We conducted a longitudinal investigation of the association between maternal experienced bereavement before the age of 11 years and offspring depressive and anxiety disorders at age 18 and examined moderation of this association by modifiable parental factors. METHODS We analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK-based birth cohort, including 9,088 child participants with data available on bereavement. Bereavement was measured via maternal report at eight timepoints until children were 11 years. Offspring depressive and anxiety-related disorders were self-reported at 18 years old using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R). The potential moderating roles of maternal anxiety, maternal depression, parental monitoring, positive parenting and negative parenting practices were examined. RESULTS Maternal experienced bereavement was not associated with depression or anxiety-related disorders in early adulthood among offspring. In addition, no support was found for negative parenting practices, parental monitoring or maternal anxiety and depression as moderators of the relationship between maternal experienced bereavement and offspring mental health problems at 18 years old. Findings in relation to the moderating role of positive parenting practices were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that a large number of children are exposed to maternal experienced bereavement. We found no evidence that maternal experienced bereavement during childhood increases the risk for offspring psychiatric disorders in early adulthood. Several methodological considerations prudent to bereavement research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Rashid
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Lucy Bowes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Donnelly R, Lin Z, Umberson D. Parental Death Across the Life Course, Social Isolation, and Health in Later Life: Racial/Ethnic Disadvantage in the U.S. SOCIAL FORCES; A SCIENTIFIC MEDIUM OF SOCIAL STUDY AND INTERPRETATION 2023; 102:586-608. [PMID: 37840946 PMCID: PMC10569383 DOI: 10.1093/sf/soad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Bereavement is a risk factor for poor health, yet prior research has not considered how exposure to parental death across the life course may contribute to lasting social isolation and, in turn, poor health among older adults. Moreover, prior research often fails to consider the racial context of bereavement in the United States wherein Black and Hispanic Americans are much more likely than White Americans to experience parental death earlier in life. The present study uses longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 1998-2016) to consider linkages of parental death, social isolation, and health (self-rated health, functional limitations) for Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Findings suggest that exposure to parental death is associated with higher levels of isolation, greater odds of fair/poor self-rated health, and greater odds of functional limitations in later life. Moreover, social isolation partially explains associations between parental bereavement and later-life health. These patterns persist net of psychological distress-an additional psychosocial response to bereavement. Racial inequities in bereavement are central to disadvantage: Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to experience a parent's death earlier in the life course, and this differential exposure to parental death in childhood or young adulthood has implications for racial and ethnic inequities in social isolation and health throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Donnelly
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Sociology, 2101 W End Ave, Nashville, TN 37249, USA
| | - Zhiyong Lin
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Sociology, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Debra Umberson
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705, USA
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Zhang D. Elder abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: The moderating role of adverse childhood experiences. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:742-749. [PMID: 37463645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.070] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine: (a) the associations between elder abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults in China, and (b) the moderating role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the relationships between elder abuse and its subtypes and depressive symptoms. METHODS This study used the cross-sectional data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (N = 8436, mean age = 71.3, 49.3 % female). Depressive symptoms were measured as CES-D scale. Elder abuse was evaluated by physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. ACEs were assessed via hunger, inadequate medical care, and death of parent(s) during childhood. Multiple linear regression models and interaction terms were used. RESULTS Elder abuse was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. Regarding elder abuse subtypes, when physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation were included separately in regression models, they were all associated with increased depression. However, when all three subtypes were included simultaneously, only emotional abuse remained related to higher depression. Furthermore, ACEs acted as a moderator in the link between elder abuse and depressive symptoms. Specifically, moderate exposure to ACEs (exposure to one or two ACEs) attenuated the detrimental impacts of elder abuse on depression. For elder abuse subtypes, one and two ACEs alleviate the adverse effects of financial exploitation on depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional design is the major limitation. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of considering the moderating role of ACEs when examining the association between elder abuse and depressive symptoms in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China.
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Denckla CA, Dice ALE, Slopen N, Koenen KC, Tiemeier H. Mental health among bereaved youth in the ALSPAC birth cohort: Consideration of early sociodemographic precursors, cognitive ability, and type of loss. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37272542 PMCID: PMC10696131 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved youth are at greater risk for adverse mental health outcomes, yet less is known about how social context shapes health for bereaved children. Ecosocial theory is employed to conceptualize bereavement in the context of sociodemographic factors. METHOD This longitudinal study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Of the 15,454 pregnancies enrolled, 5050 youth were still enrolled at age 16.5 and completed self-report questionnaires on life events and emotional/behavioral symptoms. RESULTS Sociodemographic precursors associated with parent, sibling, or close friend bereavement included maternal smoking, parental education levels, and financial difficulties. The significant yet small main effect of higher cognitive ability, assessed at age 8, on reduced emotional/behavioral symptoms at age 16.5 (β = -0.01, SE = 0.00, p < 0.001) did not interact with bereavement. Bereavement of a parent, sibling, or close friend was associated with a 0.19 point higher emotional/behavioral symptom log score compared to non-bereaved youth (95% CI: 0.10-0.28), across emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity subscales. CONCLUSIONS Descriptive findings suggest sociodemographic precursors are associated with bereavement. While there was an association between the bereavement of a parent, sibling, or close friend and elevated emotional/behavioral symptoms, cognitive ability did not moderate that effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy A. Denckla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Woodward KP, Yu Z, Chen W, Chen T, Jackson DB, Powell TW, Wang L. Childhood Bereavement, Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences, and Flourishing among Chinese Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4631. [PMID: 36901641 PMCID: PMC10001697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Childhood bereavement (CB) resulting from a parent or primary caregiver death is associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Little is known about the association between CB and adult flourishing in the context of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs). In a cross-sectional observational study, we examined how ACEs, PCEs, and adult flourishing differs by self-reported CB history among 9468 Chinese young adults (18-35 years), of which 4.3% experienced CB (n = 409). Data collection included convenience sampling among university students in Mainland China. Respondents voluntarily completed an online survey between August and November 2020. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions examined frequencies and differences in ACEs, PCEs, and flourishing by the history of CB controlling for a few demographic covariates. Bereaved individuals reported significantly higher ACEs and lower PCEs. The odds of experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as well as household substance abuse, parental mental illness, and parental incarceration ranged from 2.0-5.2 times higher for bereaved individuals. Bereaved participants also reported significant negative relationships with Flourishing Index (β = -0.35, t = -4.19, p < 0.001) and Secure Flourishing Index (β = -0.40, t = -4.96, p < 0.001). Consistent with previous research, our findings demonstrate the lasting effects of CB on well-being. We discuss study implications for ACEs and PCEs screening and surveillance as well as grief counseling to promote flourishing among bereaved youth in China and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista P. Woodward
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Yu
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Wenyi Chen
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tingting Chen
- Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dylan B. Jackson
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Terrinieka W. Powell
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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