Epigenetic mechanisms activated by childhood adversity

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) impair health and life expectancy and may result in an epigenetic signature that drives increased morbidity primed during early stages of life. This literature review focuses on the current evidence for epigenetic-mediated programming of brain and immune function resulting from ACE. To address this aim, a total of 88 articles indexed in PubMed before August 2019 concerning ACE and epigenetics were surveyed. Current evidence partially supports epigenetic programming of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, but convincingly shows that ACE impairs immune function. Additionally, the needs and challenges that face this area are discussed in order to provide a framework that may help to clarify the role of epigenetics in the long-lasting effects of ACE.

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Relational resilience as a potential mediator between adverse childhood experiences and prenatal depression

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105317723450 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 545-557 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Kathryn H Howell ◽

Laura E Miller-Graff ◽

Lauren M Schaefer ◽

Kathryn E Scrafford

Keyword(s):

Standard Error ◽

Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Prenatal Depression ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Sense Of Security ◽

Adverse Childhood ◽

Relational Resilience ◽

Relational Qualities

This study examined the indirect effects of individual, relational, and contextual resilience in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and prenatal depression. Participants included 101 pregnant women. Adverse childhood experiences had a direct effect on depression, B = 1.11, standard error = .44, p = .01, and relational resilience, B = −1.15, standard error = .19, p < .001, but not individual or contextual resilience. With resilience as a mediator, the effect of adverse childhood experiences on depression was no longer significant. Specifically, relational resilience had a significant indirect effect (IE) on the association between adverse childhood experiences and depression, IE = 1.04, boot standard error = .28 (95% confidence interval = .58, 1.68). Results emphasize the associated role of relational qualities, such as sense of security and belongingness, with childhood adversity and mental health.

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Early Adverse Childhood Experiences and Self-Control Development among Youth in Fragile Families

Youth & Society ◽

10.1177/0044118x21996378 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0044118X2199637

Author(s):

Melissa S. Jones ◽

Hayley Pierce ◽

Constance L. Chapple

Keyword(s):

Life Course ◽

Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽

Behavioral Outcomes ◽

Self Control ◽

Fragile Families ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Considerable Research ◽

Adverse Childhood ◽

Using Data

Though considerable research links both a lack of self-control and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a variety of negative health and behavioral outcomes, few studies to date have explored whether ACEs are associated with deficits in self-control. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCW; n = 3,444) and a life course theoretical framework, this study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the relationships between individual ACEs, cumulative ACEs, timing of ACEs, and durations of early ACEs and self-control development among youth. Our results indicate that as the number of ACEs (by age 5) experienced incrementally increases, the likelihood of reported self-control decreases. Moreover, when it comes to the timing and duration of ACE exposure, ACEs that are high but late, intermittent, or chronically high significantly decrease self-control. Based on our findings, researchers should continue to explore the role of ACEs in youth self-control development.

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