FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 12, 2025·5 min readHow Childhood Abuse Impacts Parental EmpathyA new study sheds light on how childhood maltreatment can lead to impaired empathy and increased risk of child abuse in adulthood. Researchers found that mothers who experienced abuse as children often struggle with emotional empathy and depressive symptoms, both of which negatively influence parenting.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 11, 2025·5 min readChildhood Abuse Doubles Psychiatric and Health RisksNew research finds that adults who experienced both physical and sexual abuse in childhood are about twice as likely to suffer chronic physical and mental health issues, such as depression, arthritis, asthma, and heart conditions. Even experiencing one type of abuse significantly increased the odds of adverse health outcomes in adulthood.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 9, 2025·7 min readPhysical Neglect Causes Lifelong Social Challenges in ChildrenA new study highlights how childhood physical neglect disrupts social development more than physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Neglected children were less social, less popular, and less connected to cohesive friend groups, facing stigmatization and withdrawal.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 9, 2025·4 min readEarly Stress Alters Sperm DNA, Impacting Offspring’s Brain DevelopmentChildhood stress may leave lasting marks on sperm, altering epigenetic profiles and potentially influencing brain development in offspring. Researchers found that men with high levels of childhood maltreatment had changes in DNA methylation and non-coding RNA levels in their sperm.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 4, 2024·6 min readStructural Abnormalities in Brains’ of Mothers Who Abuse KidsA new study used brain imaging to identify structural brain abnormalities in mothers who commit child abuse. Reduced integrity in the corticospinal tract was linked to impulsivity and movement control issues. These findings highlight the neurobiological factors in child abuse, pointing to potential prevention strategies.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 8, 2024·5 min read40 Percent of Mental Illnesses Linked to Childhood MaltreatmentUp to 40% of prevalent mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, stem from childhood maltreatment. The study estimates that addressing childhood maltreatment could prevent over 1.8 million cases of these disorders.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 19, 2023·5 min readChildhood Abuse and Biological Sex Linked to Epigenetic Changes in Functional Neurological DisorderFunctional movement/conversion disorder (FMD) is characterized by epigenetic changes, and women and child abuse survivors with FMD have different epigenetic profiles linked to the condition.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 18, 2023·5 min readWhen Both Mom and Dad Maltreat Their ChildStudy finds one in five cases of child abuse is perpetrated by both parents. Researchers investigate the risk factors for child mistreatment where both parents are involved.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 10, 2023·5 min readChild Victims of Violence Face Long-Term Psychological EffectsChild victims of extreme physical violence, such as stabbings or shootings, are at significantly higher risk of developing PTSD as adults.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 27, 2023·3 min readChildhood Trauma Leaves Lasting Mental Scars on Women and Men DifferentlyChild abuse and neglect affect men and women differently, a new study reports. Women are more affected by childhood emotional trauma and sexual abuse, whereas men are more affected by childhood physical and emotional neglect.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 26, 2023·3 min readThe More Traumatic the Childhood, the Angrier the AdultChildren who experience adversity and trauma have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety as adults. In turn, trauma-based anxiety and depression can increase anger. The worse the trauma children experience, the angrier they become as adults.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 1, 2023·3 min readStress Gene Dysregulation Found in Kids After Injury From Abuse vs. AccidentStudy reports on epigenetic changes to the FKBP5 gene, a key gene associated with the regulation of stress response in the body, in babies and young children who were injured as a result of abuse, but not accidental injury.Read More
