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childhood adversity

·April 7, 2025·5 min read

Childhood Adversity Weakens Brain Connectivity, But Support Protects It

New research shows that difficult early-life experiences are linked to weaker white matter connections across the adolescent brain, which may lead to lower cognitive performance. These “communication highways” in the brain are essential for functions like language and mental arithmetic and are shaped by early environmental influences.

This shows the outline of a child and adult.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 1, 2025·4 min read

Childhood Adversity Dulls Joy and Deepens Daily Emotional Swings

A new study reveals that adverse childhood experiences make adults more emotionally reactive—not only to negative events, but also to positive ones.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 19, 2025·5 min read

Early-Life Adversity Reshapes Brain Development and Behavior

Early-life adversity affects over half of children worldwide, increasing the risk of cognitive and mental health issues later in life. A new review highlights how unpredictable sensory experiences, beyond traditional stressors like abuse and neglect, can disrupt brain development.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 25, 2025·8 min read

Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Brain Development and Mental Health

A decade-long study reveals how childhood adversity alters brain development, increasing risks for mental health disorders and substance use. Researchers found that teens who experienced early adversity showed delayed cognitive control, with unusual brain activity in regions linked to self-regulation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 26, 2024·7 min read

High Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Rural Black Men

A new study highlights the alarming rates of suicidal thoughts among rural Black men, attributing significant causes to childhood adversity and racism. This research, involving over 500 African American men, demonstrates that experiences of economic hardship, trauma, and racial discrimination significantly impact mental health, leading to a sense of isolation and thoughts of suicide.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 7, 2024·6 min read

Linking Childhood Adversity to Adult Mental Health

Researchers delved into how adverse childhood experiences contribute to the risk of psychiatric illness in adulthood, leveraging data from over 25,000 twins in the Swedish Twin Registry.

This shows a child looking out a window.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 1, 2024·6 min read

Child Adversity’s Impact on Cognition and Mental Health

A new study reveals a direct correlation between adversities faced in childhood and adulthood with later psychiatric and cognitive decline. Analyzing data from nearly 3,500 individuals over 24 years, the study found that even a single instance of childhood adversity can heighten the risk of mental illness, while adult adversities are linked to both psychiatric disorders and cognitive deterioration.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 18, 2024·6 min read

Positive Adult Bond Buffers Against Depression in Kids Facing Adversity

Positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood significantly contribute to better mental health in adulthood. Analyzing data from the Boricua Youth Study, researchers found that children with at least one nurturing adult relationship had lower risks of depression, anxiety, and stress later in life. This study, focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, highlights the importance of supportive adult connections as a resilience factor against mental disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2023·4 min read

Link Between Childhood Adversity and Muscle Dysmorphia in Youth

A new study reveals a significant association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in adolescents and young adults. The research highlights how ACEs, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, can lead to the pathological pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 3, 2023·4 min read

History of Childhood Adversity Tied to Higher COVID-19 Mortality Risks

A recent study reveals that individuals who experienced childhood adversity, such as neglect or abuse, faced higher chances of COVID-19 hospitalization or mortality in adulthood. Analyzing over 151,200 adults from the UK Biobank, researchers linked increased reports of early life adversity to 12-25% elevated odds of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 20, 2023·2 min read

Dad’s Postpartum Depression: Hidden Risk for Childhood Adversities

Research reveals that a father's depression during a child's first year can lead to increased odds of the child experiencing multiple adverse events by age 5. Adverse childhood experiences have lasting impacts, including health and academic challenges.

This shows a sad girl with a snuggly toy

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 10, 2022·2 min read

Exploring the Consequences of Early Life Adversity on the Brain

Childhood adversity can have a life-long impact on mental health and behavior. Adults who experienced childhood adversity are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.

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childhood adversity

Childhood Adversity Weakens Brain Connectivity, But Support Protects It

Childhood Adversity Dulls Joy and Deepens Daily Emotional Swings

Early-Life Adversity Reshapes Brain Development and Behavior

Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Brain Development and Mental Health

High Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Rural Black Men

Linking Childhood Adversity to Adult Mental Health

Child Adversity’s Impact on Cognition and Mental Health

Positive Adult Bond Buffers Against Depression in Kids Facing Adversity

Link Between Childhood Adversity and Muscle Dysmorphia in Youth

History of Childhood Adversity Tied to Higher COVID-19 Mortality Risks

Dad’s Postpartum Depression: Hidden Risk for Childhood Adversities

Exploring the Consequences of Early Life Adversity on the Brain

Blood Sugar, Not Age, Drives Sexual Health Decline in Men

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