|
1
|
Darling Rasmussen P, Storebø OJ. Attachment and Epigenetics: A Scoping Review of Recent Research and Current Knowledge. Psychol Rep 2020; 124:479-501. [DOI: 10.1177/0033294120901846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Epigenetic research has pointed to that the interaction between genetics and environmental factors may play a role in making some individuals more vulnerable than others. Aim The aim of this article was to present a broad perspective on the current state of knowledge in a relatively new and complex field of “attachment and epigenetic processes.” Method We conducted a scoping review based on a systematic literature search in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Embase databases for relevant abstracts using the terms attachment and epigenet*. Results In total, 11 studies were included. Research predating 2009 and animal studies were excluded in order to review the current state of research in humans. Conclusion Overall, there seems to be a consistency in the literature, pointing to a link between early childhood adversity, attachment processes, and epigenetic changes. However, research in human subjects is still limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Darling Rasmussen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Denmark; Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Psychiatric Research Unit, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Denmark; Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Psychiatric Research Unit, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|