The effects of early life adversity on children’s mental health and cognitive functioning

Translational Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: June 10, 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that partially distinct mechanisms may underlie the association between different dimensions of early life adversity (ELA) and psychopathology in children adolescents. While there is minimal types ELA are associated with specific outcomes, unique cognitive socioemotional consequences increase transdiagnostic risk mental health problems across internalizing externalizing spectra. The current review provides an overview recent findings examining (e.g., language, executive function), attention bias, emotion regulation), correlates along threat/harshness, deprivation, unpredictability. We underscore similarities differences connecting to particular identify gaps future directions help clarify inconsistencies literature. This focuses on childhood adolescence, periods exquisite neurobiological change sensitivity environment. utility dimensional models better understanding mechanistic pathways towards expression discussed, supporting value such developmental sequelae ELA. Integration existing focused psychiatric classification biobehavioral advance our etiology, phenomenology, treatment difficulties youth.

Language: Английский

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Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Social Isolation With Later-Life Cognitive Function Among Adults in China

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(11), P. e2241714 - e2241714

Published: Nov. 11, 2022

Importance Studies investigating the association of threat-related and deprivation-related adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with later-life cognitive decline are lacking. Objectives To evaluate independent ACEs over time among middle-aged older Chinese adults to examine modifying role social isolation in such associations. Design, Setting, Participants This prospective cohort study used data from China Health Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) baseline survey that was administered between June 1, 2011, March 31, 2012, CHARLS follow-up July 1 September 30, 2015. The life history information additionally December 2014. Statistical analysis performed 2022. population consisted (age range, 45-97 years) complete on 2 assessments without impairment at baseline. Exposures Five (ie, physical abuse, household substance domestic violence, unsafe neighborhood, bullying) 5 emotional neglect, mental illness, incarcerated member, parental separation or divorce, death) before 17 years age were queried by questionnaires. cumulative scores ACE dimensions calculated grouped into 3 categories as 0, more main analyses. Main Outcomes Measures Cognitive function measured episodic memory executive function. Global cognition further total score these dimensions. raw each test standardized z using means SDs. Linear mixed-effects models constructed rate annual decline. associations assessed 3-way interaction tests. Results Of 6466 participants included analyses, 3301 (51.1%) men mean (SD) 57.2 (8.3) years. Compared no exposures, experience associated faster global (β = −0.012 [95% CI, −0.022 −0.002] SD/y) −0.010 −0.020 −0.00002] SD/y), whereas individuals least deprivations had declines all tests −0.035 −0.050 −0.019] SD/y for cognition; β −0.047 −0.068 −0.025] memory; −0.019 −0.034 −0.004] function). However, an not observed ACEs. In addition, a significant modifier −0.033 −0.061 −0.005] SD/y; P .02 interaction) −0.032 −0.059 interaction). Conclusions Relevance Deprivation-related ACEs, but function, could modify detrimental impact. These findings highlight potential benefits promoting integration maintaining who have experienced deprivation.

Language: Английский

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Mechanisms of neuroplasticity linking early adversity to depression: developmental considerations

Translational Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Oct. 9, 2021

Abstract Early exposure to psychosocial adversity is among the most potent predictors of depression. Because depression commonly emerges prior adulthood, we must consider fundamental principles developmental neuroscience when examining how experiences childhood adversity, including abuse and neglect, can lead Considering that both environment brain are highly dynamic across period spanning gestation through adolescence, purpose this review discuss integrate stress-based models center processes. We offer a general framework for understanding in early life disrupts or calibrates biobehavioral systems implicated Specifically, propose sources nature environmental input shaping brain, mechanisms neuroplasticity involved, change development. contend effects largely depend on stage organism. First, summarize leading neurobiological focus risk mental disorders, In particular, highlight allostatic load, acceleration maturation, dimensions sensitive critical s. Second, expound evidence formulation distinct depending timing adverse experiences, inherent within certain windows development constraints these experiences. Finally, other important facets (e.g., unpredictability, perceptions one’s experiences) before discussing promising research directions future field.

Language: Английский

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Social Functioning in Individuals Affected by Childhood Maltreatment: Establishing a Research Agenda to Inform Interventions

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 91(4), P. 238 - 251

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is linked to impairments in various domains of social functioning. Here, we argue that it critical identify factors underlie impaired functioning as well processes mediate the beneficial health effects positive relationships individuals exposed CM. Key research recommendations are presented, focusing on: (1) identifying attachment-related alterations specific inter- and intrapersonal (e.g., regulation closeness distance) problems broader lack perceived support) affected by CM; (2) internal current emotional state) external situational cultural factors, presence close others) modulate processes; (3) mechanisms explain intact Methodological include: assessing through interactive (close to) real-life assessments inside outside laboratory; adopting an interdisciplinary, lifespan perspective assess processes, using multi-method assessments; establishing global collaborations account for influences on enable replications across laboratories countries. The proposed line will contribute globally develop refine interventions prevent CM further relationships, which - likely buffering chronic stress corresponding allostatic load foster resilience improve mental physical health, thereby reducing personal suffering societal economic costs its consequences. Interventions targeting euthymia psychological well-being promising therapeutic concepts this context.

Language: Английский

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Threat and deprivation are associated with distinct aspects of cognition, emotional processing, and psychopathology in children and adolescents

Developmental Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 26(1)

Published: April 13, 2022

Abstract Exposure to childhood adversity has been consistently associated with poor developmental outcomes, but it is unclear whether these associations vary across different forms of adversity. We examined cross‐sectional and longitudinal between threat deprivation cognition, emotional processing, psychopathology in a middle‐income country. The sample consisted 2511 children adolescents (6–17 years old) from the Brazilian High‐Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions. Parent reports on were used construct latent constructs. Psychopathology was measured by Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) generate measure general (the “p” factor). Executive function (EF) attention orienting toward angry faces assessed using cognitive tasks. All measures acquired at two time‐points 3 apart tested linear models. Higher levels predicted higher cross‐sectionally longitudinally, longitudinally. For EF, worse performance only baseline follow‐up. Finally, towards cross‐sectionally, neither form changes over time bias. Our results suggest that have differential development psychopathology. during complex phenomenon meaningful influences child development. Because can take many forms, dimensional models might help disentangle specific correlates types early experience. A video abstract this article be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEU0L8exyTM .

Language: Английский

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Positive Parenting and Early Childhood Cognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 26(2), P. 362 - 400

Published: Feb. 2, 2023

Abstract This review examines the effectiveness of positive parenting interventions aimed at improving sensitivity, responsiveness, and/or non-harsh discipline on children’s early cognitive skills, in four meta-analyses addressing general mental abilities, language, executive functioning, and pre-academics. The objectives are to assess magnitude intervention identify moderators effectiveness. We include randomized controlled trials targeting improve cognition children < 6 years. Studies that with neurodevelopmental hearing disorders were excluded. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (October 2021) citation chaining identified relevant records. Five reviewers completed screening/assessments, extraction, risk bias. Pooled analysis Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 3) used random effects modeling, moderation via Q- statistics meta-regression. Positive led significant improvements abilities ( g = 0.46, N 5746; k 33) language 0.25, 6428; 30). Effect sizes smaller nonsignificant for functioning 0.07, 3628; 14) pre-academics 0.16, 2365; 7). Robust emerged cognition. For cognition, studies higher bias scores yielded larger effects. younger had effect sizes. mitigated selection detection bias, though greater transparency reporting is needed. Interventions promote parental language. examining needed examine Trial registration Systematic PROSPERO registration. CRD42020222143

Language: Английский

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Characterizing the dimensional structure of early-life adversity in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 61, P. 101256 - 101256

Published: May 18, 2023

Early-life adversity has profound consequences for youth neurodevelopment and adjustment; however, experiences of are heterogeneous interrelated in complex ways that can be difficult to operationalize organize developmental research. We sought characterize the underlying dimensional structure co-occurring adverse among a subset (ages 9–10) from Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 7115), community sample United States. identified 60 environmental experiential variables reflect experiences. Exploratory factor analysis 10 robust dimensions early-life co-occurrence, corresponding conceptual domains such as caregiver substance use biological separation, psychopathology, lack support, socioeconomic disadvantage / neighborhood safety. These demonstrated distinct associations with internalizing problems, externalizing cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control. Non-metric multidimensional scaling characterized qualitative similarity dimensions. Results supported nonlinear three-dimensional representing adversity, including continuous gradients "perspective", "environmental uncertainty", "acts omission/commission". Our findings suggest there co-occurrence ABCD at baseline, resulting may have unique implications behavior.

Language: Английский

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Developmental Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence on Children

Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(1), P. 303 - 329

Published: Feb. 15, 2023

Numerous studies associate childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) with adverse adjustment in the domains of mental health, social, and academic functioning. This review synthesizes this literature highlights critical role child self-regulation mediating children's outcomes. We discuss major methodological problems field, including failure consider effects prenatal IPV limitations variable-oriented cross-sectional approaches. Finally, we present a comprehensive theoretical model on development. includes three mechanistic pathways-one that is unique (maternal representations) two are consistent other stressors health physiological functioning). In our model, these pathways outcomes mediated through parenting self-regulation. Future research directions clinical implications discussed context model.

Language: Английский

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How adverse childhood experiences get under the skin: A systematic review, integration and methodological discussion on threat and reward learning mechanisms

eLife, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: July 16, 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for the development of multiple psychopathological conditions, but mechanisms underlying this link poorly understood. Associative learning encompasses key through which individuals learn to important environmental inputs emotional and behavioral responses. ACEs may impact normative maturation associative processes, resulting in their enduring maladaptive expression manifesting psychopathology. In review, we lay out systematic methodological overview integration available evidence proposed association between threat reward processes. We summarize results from literature search (following PRISMA guidelines) yielded total 81 articles (threat: n=38, reward: n=43). Across fields, behaviorally, observed converging pattern aberrant with history ACEs, independent other sample characteristics, specific ACE types, outcome measures. Specifically, blunted was reflected reduced discrimination safety cues, primarily driven by diminished responding conditioned cues. Furthermore, attenuated manifested accuracy rate tasks involving acquisition contingencies. Importantly, emerged despite substantial heterogeneity assessment operationalization across both fields. conclude that represent mechanistic route become physiologically neurobiologically embedded ultimately confer greater closing, discuss potentially fruitful future directions research field, including considerations.

Language: Английский

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The promise and pitfalls of a strength-based approach to child poverty and neurocognitive development: Implications for policy

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 66, P. 101375 - 101375

Published: April 1, 2024

There has been significant progress in understanding the effects of childhood poverty on neurocognitive development. This captured attention policymakers and promoted progressive policy reform. However, prevailing emphasis harms associated with may have inadvertently perpetuated a deficit-based narrative, focused presumed shortcomings children families poverty. focus can unintended consequences for (e.g., overlooking strengths) as well public discourse focusing individual rather than systemic factors). Here, we join scientists across disciplines arguing more well-rounded, "strength-based" approach, which incorporates positive and/or adaptive developmental responses to experiences social disadvantage. Specifically, first show value this approach normative brain development diverse human environments. We then highlight its application educational policy, explore pitfalls ethical considerations, offer practical solutions conducting strength-based research responsibly. Our paper re-ignites old recent calls paradigm shift, cognitive neuroscience. also unique perspective from new generation early-career researchers engaged work, several whom themselves grown up conditions Ultimately, argue that balanced scientific will be essential building effective policies.

Language: Английский

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