The Value of Dimensional Models of Early Experience: Thinking Clearly About Concepts and Categories

Perspectives on Psychological Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 16(6), P. 1463 - 1472

Published: Sept. 7, 2021

We review the three prevailing approaches—specificity, cumulative risk, and dimensional models—to conceptualizing developmental consequences of early-life adversity address fundamental problems with characterization these frameworks in a recent Perspectives on Psychological Science piece by Smith Pollak. respond to concerns raised Pollak about models early experience highlight value for studying adversity. Basic dimensions proposed existing include threat/harshness, deprivation, unpredictability. These identify core that cut across categorical exposures have been focus specificity risk approaches (e.g., abuse, institutional rearing, chronic poverty); delineate aspects are likely influence brain behavioral development; afford hypotheses adaptive maladaptive responses different adversity; articulate specific mechanisms through which exert their influences, experience-driven plasticity within an evolutionary-developmental framework. In doing so, advance falsifiable hypotheses, grounded neurodevelopmental evolutionary principles, supported accumulating evidence provide fertile ground empirical studies

Language: Английский

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Why and how does early adversity influence development? Toward an integrated model of dimensions of environmental experience

Development and Psychopathology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 34(2), P. 447 - 471

Published: March 14, 2022

Abstract Two extant frameworks – the harshness-unpredictability model and threat-deprivation attempt to explain which dimensions of adversity have distinct influences on development. These models address, respectively, why, based a history natural selection, development operates way it does across range environmental contexts, how neural mechanisms that underlie plasticity learning in response experiences influence brain Building these frameworks, we advance an integrated experience, focusing threat-based forms harshness, deprivation-based unpredictability. This makes clear why are inextricable and, together, essential understanding environment matter. Core integrative concepts include directedness learning, multiple levels developmental adaptation environment, tradeoffs between adaptive maladaptive responses adversity. The proposes proximal distal cues as well unpredictability those cues, calibrate both immediate rearing environments broader ecological current future. We highlight actionable directions for research needed investigate experience.

Language: Английский

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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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Measuring early life adversity: A dimensional approach

Development and Psychopathology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 34(2), P. 499 - 511

Published: March 22, 2022

Exposure to adversity in childhood is associated with elevations numerous physical and mental health outcomes across the life course. The biological embedding of early experience during periods developmental plasticity one pathway that contributes these associations. Dimensional models specify mechanistic pathways linking different dimensions well-being later life. While findings from existing studies testing have provided promising preliminary support for models, less agreement exists about how measure experiences comprise each dimension. Here, we review approaches measuring two adversity: threat deprivation. We recommend specific measures constructs and, when possible, document same can be used by reporters lifespan maximize utility which recommendations applied. Through this approach, hope stimulate progress understanding particular environmental contribute lifelong health.

Language: Английский

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Neurodiversity in Practice: a Conceptual Model of Autistic Strengths and Potential Mechanisms of Change to Support Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Autistic Children and Adolescents

Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 8(3), P. 408 - 422

Published: July 25, 2023

Abstract Objectives Neurodiversity affirming frameworks are a paradigm shift from deficit-focused approach to autism recognizing as heterogeneous constellation of differences in abilities and strengths. This article completed literature review data synthesis (1) identify autistic strengths used the design psychosocial interventions, (2) propose mechanisms change that explain strength-based intervention effects on mental health wellbeing outcomes, (3) integrate findings conceptual model for testing future research studies. Methods A search articles was June 2023 resulted 24 met inclusion criteria. The Distillation Matching Model methods were code subsequent groupings generated categorical domains included model. Results Autistic identified interventions grouped into four domains: perceptual, reasoning, expertise, (4) character Mechanisms affective, behavioral, cognitive, physiological. resulting presents can be leveraged potential wellbeing. Conclusions Growing focus translation positive psychology has programs. However, strategies have not diverse array by individuals, their families, communities. Furthermore, is needed determine mechanistic paths which achieve outcomes children adolescents.

Language: Английский

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Addressing social determinants of health in individuals with mental disorders in clinical practice: review and recommendations

Translational Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: April 3, 2025

Language: Английский

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Assessing unpredictability in caregiver–child relationships: Insights from theoretical and empirical perspectives

Development and Psychopathology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 36(3), P. 1070 - 1089

Published: April 5, 2023

There has been significant interest and progress in understanding the role of caregiver unpredictability on brain maturation, cognitive socioemotional development, psychopathology. Theoretical consensus emerged about unique influence shaping children's experience, distinct from other adverse exposures or features stress exposure. Nonetheless, field still lacks theoretical empirical common ground due to difficulties accurately conceptualizing measuring caregiver-child relationship. In this paper, we first provide an overview theories caregiving childhood adversity present four issues that are currently under-discussed but crucial field. Focusing how moment-to-moment day-to-day dynamics at heart unpredictability, review three approaches aiming address some these nuances: Environmental statistics, entropy, dynamic systems. Lastly, conclude with a broad summary suggest future research directions. Systematic can inform interventions policies increase stability lives children.

Language: Английский

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Cognitive stimulation as a mechanism linking socioeconomic status and neural function supporting working memory: a longitudinal fMRI study

Cerebral Cortex, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(2)

Published: Jan. 17, 2024

Abstract Childhood experiences of low socioeconomic status are associated with alterations in neural function the frontoparietal network and ventral visual stream, which may drive differences working memory. However, specific features environments that contribute to these disparities remain poorly understood. Here, we examined cognitive deprivation (i.e. decreased variety complexity experience), as opposed threat violence exposure), a potential mechanism through family income contributes activation during As part longitudinal study, 148 youth between aged 10 13 years completed visuospatial memory fMRI task. Early childhood income, chronicity early childhood, current income-to-needs were task-related stream network. The association lateral occipital cortex intraparietal sulcus was mediated by deprivation. Surprisingly, however, not significantly related performance, only academic achievement this sample. Taken together, findings suggest life important factors supporting

Language: Английский

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Environmental and neurodevelopmental contributors to youth mental illness

Neuropsychopharmacology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 50(1), P. 201 - 210

Published: July 19, 2024

Abstract While a myriad of factors likely contribute to the development mental illness in young people, social environment (including early adverse experiences) concert with neurodevelopmental alterations is undeniably important. A number influential theories make predictions about how and why may mediate or moderate effects on emergence illness. Here, we discuss current evidence supporting each these theories. Although this area research rapidly growing, body still relatively limited. However, there exist some consistent findings, including increased striatal reactivity during positive affective processing larger hippocampal volumes being associated vulnerability susceptibility environments internalizing symptoms. Limited longitudinal work has investigated mechanisms linking health. Drawing from human insights animal studies, propose an integrated mediation-moderation model outline future directions advance field.

Language: Английский

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Toward a dimensional model of risk and protective factors influencing children's early cognitive, social, and emotional development during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Infancy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(1), P. 158 - 186

Published: Aug. 22, 2022

Abstract Variation in infants’ home environment is implicated their cognitive and psycho‐social development. The pandemic has intensified variations environments through exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities, increasing psychological stressors for some families. This study investigates the effects of parental (predominantly maternal) mental health, enriching activities screen use on 280 24‐ to 52‐month‐olds’ executive functions, internalising externalising problems, pro‐social behaviour; with status social support as contextual factors. Our results indicate that aspects are differentially associated children’s Parents who experienced sustained distress during tended report higher child function difficulties at follow‐up. Children spent more time engaged parents showed stronger functions competence six months later. Screen levels first year were not outcomes. To mitigate risk persistent negative this ‘pandemic generation’ infants, our highlights importance supporting parents’ health. As demonstrate impact investing services interventions promoting building networks likely be beneficial.

Language: Английский

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