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

2021 ◽  
pp. 174569162199234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A. McLaughlin ◽  
Margaret A. Sheridan ◽  
Kathryn L. Humphreys ◽  
Jay Belsky ◽  
Bruce J. Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
Early Experience ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Chronic Poverty ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Dimensional Models

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

scholarly journals The Value of Dimensional Models of Early Experience: Thinking Clearly about Concepts and Categories

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A McLaughlin ◽  
Margaret Sheridan ◽  
Kathryn Leigh Humphreys ◽  
Jay Belsky ◽  
Bruce J Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
Early Experience ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Chronic Poverty ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Dimensional Models

We review the three prevailing approaches—specificity, cumulative risk, and dimensional models— to conceptualizing the developmental consequences of early-life adversity and address fundamental problems with the characterization of these frameworks in a recent Perspectives on Psychological Science piece by Smith and Pollak (2020). We respond to concerns raised by Smith and Pollak about dimensional models of early experience and highlight the value of these models for studying the developmental consequences of early-life adversity. Basic dimensions of adversity proposed in existing models include threat/harshness, deprivation, and unpredictability. These models identify core dimensions of early experience that cut across the categorical exposures that have been the focus of specificity and cumulative risk approaches (e.g., abuse, institutional rearing, and chronic poverty); delineate aspects of early experience that are likely to influence brain and behavioral development; afford hypotheses about adaptive and maladaptive responses to different dimensions of adversity; and articulate specific mechanisms through which these dimensions exert their influences, conceptualizing experience-driven plasticity within an evolutionary-developmental framework. In doing so, dimensional models advance specific falsifiable hypotheses, grounded in neurodevelopmental and evolutionary principles, that are supported by accumulating evidence and provide fertile ground for empirical studies on early-life adversity.

Gender, Early Life Adversity, and Adult Health

2018 ◽  
pp. 62-74
Author(s):  
Chioun Lee ◽  
Carol D. Ryff ◽  
Christopher L. Coe
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
The Us ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
Social Demographic ◽  
Future Work

There is considerable evidence that stressful experiences in early life affect a wide array of physical health problems in adulthood. Although social demographic characteristics, such as gender, are important determinants of exposure and vulnerability to early life adversities, relatively little attention has been given to the role of gender in the associations between early adversity and adult health. This review summarizes theoretical and empirical studies that explore various gender differences in these relationships. A conceptual model is proposed outlining potential pathways that explain how and under what conditions early experiences might compromise the health of women relative to men in adulthood. Then, recent empirical work is presented to illustrate the conceptual model. Finally, ideas for future work are suggested to investigate different aspects of this model using multiple waves from the Midlife in the US study.

scholarly journals Externalizing Behaviors Buffer the Effects of Early Life Adversity on Physiologic Dysregulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey N. Doan ◽  
Nadya Dich ◽  
Thomas E. Fuller-Rowell ◽  
Gary W. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Externalizing Behaviors ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Physiological Dysregulation ◽  
Models Of Development

Abstract The present study examined the counterintuitive hypothesis that externalizing behaviors such as aggression, although in many respects detrimental, may be functional and protect against the detrimental health consequences of early life adversity. In particular, in line with evolutionary models of development, we argue that externalizing problems moderate the association between chronic stress exposure and allostatic load, a biological marker of chronic physiological dysregulation. Prospective interactive effects of externalizing behaviors and cumulative risk (a confluence of multiple risk factors) on children’s allostatic load were assessed in 260 children (46% female, baseline age = 9). Exposure to early life adversity was assessed at baseline using a cumulative risk index. Externalizing behaviors were reported by parents at baseline. Allostatic load was measured at baseline and at ages 13 and 17, using endocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Results of linear-mixed effects models indicated that the association between cumulative risk and allostatic load was attenuated for adolescents who scored high on externalizing behaviors. Further examination of sex differences indicated that the findings were more pronounced among males than females.

Resilience in Adolescence: Prospective Self Moderates the Association of Early Life Adversity with Psychopathology

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Elizabeth Zinn ◽  
Edward Huntley ◽  
Daniel Keating
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Problems ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Externalizing Behavior ◽  
Early Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Externalizing Behavior Problems ◽  
Developmental Period ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Latent Construct

Introduction. Early life adversity (ELA) can result in negative health-outcomes, including psychopathology. Evidence suggests that adolescence is a critical developmental period for processing ELA. Identity formation, which is crucial to this developmental period, may moderate the effect between ELA and psychopathology. One potential moderating variable associated with identity formation is Prospective Self, a latent construct comprised of future-oriented attitudes and behaviors.Methods. Participants are from the first wave of an ongoing longitudinal study designed to characterize behavioral and cognitive correlates of risk behavior trajectories. A community sample of 10th and 12th grade adolescents (N = 2017, 55% female) were recruited from nine public school districts across eight Southeastern Michigan counties in the United States. Data were collected in schools during school hours or after school via self-report, computer-administered surveys. Structural equation modeling was used in the present study to assess Prospective Self as a latent construct and to evaluate the relationship between ELA, psychopathology, and Prospective Self.Results. Preliminary findings indicated a satisfactory fit for the construct Prospective Self. The predicted negative associations between Prospective Self and psychopathology were found and evidence of moderation was observed for externalizing behavior problems, such that the effects of ELA were lower for individuals with higher levels of Prospective Self. Conclusion. These results support the role of Prospective Self in conferring resilience against externalizing behavior problems associated with ELA among adolescents. Keywords: Adolescence, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Psychopathology, Self-concept, Adolescent Health, Early Life Adversity

In Silico Identification and Molecular Characterization of Extracellular Cathepsin L Proteases from Giardia duodenalis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-351
Author(s):  
Sergio A. Durán-Pérez ◽  
José G. Rendón-Maldonado ◽  
Lucio de Jesús Hernandez-Diaz ◽  
Annete I. Apodaca-Medina ◽  
Maribel Jiménez-Edeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Cathepsin L ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Evolutionary Genetics ◽  
Extracellular Proteins ◽  
In Silico Identification ◽  
Dimensional Models ◽  
Three Dimensional Models

Background: The protozoan Giardia duodenalis, which causes giardiasis, is an intestinal parasite that commonly affects humans, mainly pre-school children. Although there are asymptomatic cases, the main clinical features are chronic and acute diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption syndrome. Little is currently known about the virulence of the parasite, but some cases of chronic gastrointestinal alterations post-infection have been reported even when the infection was asymptomatic, suggesting that the cathepsin L proteases of the parasite may be involved in the damage at the level of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Objective: The aim of this study was the in silico identification and characterization of extracellular cathepsin L proteases in the proteome of G. duodenalis. Methods: The NP_001903 sequence of cathepsin L protease from Homo sapienswas searched against the Giardia duodenalisproteome. The subcellular localization of Giardia duodenaliscathepsin L proteases was performed in the DeepLoc-1.0 server. The construction of a phylogenetic tree of the extracellular proteins was carried out using the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software (MEGA X). The Robetta server was used for the construction of the three-dimensional models. The search for possible inhibitors of the extracellular cathepsin L proteases of Giardia duodenaliswas performed by entering the three-dimensional structures in the FINDSITEcomb drug discovery tool. Results: Based on the amino acid sequence of cathepsin L from Homo sapiens, 8 protein sequences were identified that have in their modular structure the Pept_C1A domain characteristic of cathepsins and two of these proteins (XP_001704423 and XP_001704424) are located extracellularly. Threedimensional models were designed for both extracellular proteins and several inhibitory ligands with a score greater than 0.9 were identified. In vitrostudies are required to corroborate if these two extracellular proteins play a role in the virulence of Giardia duodenalisand to discover ligands that may be useful as therapeutic targets that interfere in the mechanism of pathogenesis generated by the parasite. Conclusion: In silicoanalysis identified two proteins in the Giardia duodenalisprotein repertoire whose characteristics allowed them to be classified as cathepsin L proteases, which may be secreted into the extracellular medium to act as virulence factors. Three-dimensional models of both proteins allowed the identification of inhibitory ligands with a high score. The results suggest that administration of those compounds might be used to block the endopeptidase activity of the extracellular cathepsin L proteases, interfering with the mechanisms of pathogenesis of the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis.

Protector and Casualty

2019 ◽  
pp. 495-522
Author(s):  
Meg Dennison ◽  
Katie McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Positive Emotionality ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Adverse Experiences ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Positive Valence

Early-life adversity is associated with elevated risk for a wide range of mental disorders across the lifespan, including those that involve disruptions in positive emotionality. Although extensive research has evaluated heightened negative emotionality and threat processing as developmental mechanisms linking early-life adversity with mental health problems, emerging evidence suggests that positive emotions play an integral, but complex, role in the association of early-life adversity with psychopathology. This chapter identifies two pathways through which positive emotion influences risk for psychopathology following early-life adversity. First, experiences of early-life adversity may alter the development of the “positive valence system”, which in turn increases risk for psychopathology. Second, the association between adversity and psychopathology may vary as a function of individual differences in positive emotionality. We consider how the development of positive emotionality—measured at psychological, behavioral and neurobiological levels—may be altered by early-life adversity, creating a diathesis for psychopathology. We additionally review evidence for the role of positive emotion, measured at multiple levels, as a protective factor that buffers against the adverse impacts of adversity. In integrating these two roles, it is proposed that characteristics of environmental adversity, including developmental timing, duration, and type of adversity, may differentially impact the development of positive emotionality, leading to a better understanding of risks associated with specific adverse experiences. Methodological issues regarding the measurement of adverse environments as well as implications for early intervention and treatment are discussed.

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