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neglect

·October 27, 2025·4 min read

Imperfect Parenting: How Early Neglect Reshapes the Developing Brain

New research shows that even mild early-life adversity can disrupt development, attachment, and stress regulation in young mice. When mother mice had limited nesting material, their maternal care decreased, leading to higher stress hormones, slower growth, and anxiety-like behaviors in their pups.

This shows a brain and an unkempt child standing alone.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 29, 2025·5 min read

Child Neglect Alone Alters Brain Pathways

A new neuroimaging study reveals that child neglect alone, without other forms of abuse, can alter critical brain pathways. Researchers found abnormalities in white matter regions tied to movement, attention, language, and emotional regulation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 7, 2025·3 min read

Emotional Neglect in Childhood Undermines Trust in One’s Own Body

A new meta-analysis links childhood emotional abuse and neglect to reduced trust in one’s bodily signals, highlighting the long-term mental health risks. Researchers analyzed 17 studies with 3,705 participants, finding that while maltreatment did not generally impair interoception, emotional maltreatment was strongly tied to lower body trust.

This shows a child sitting alone on a bench while others play around him.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 9, 2025·7 min read

Physical Neglect Causes Lifelong Social Challenges in Children

A 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.

This shows a young girl crying and alone in a doorway

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 19, 2021·4 min read

Childhood Neglect Leaves Generational Imprint

Infant children whose mothers experienced neglect when they were young showed altered brain circuitry in areas associated with anxiety and fear response.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2020·4 min read

Abnormal neuron activity manifests as parental neglect

Abnormal activation of parvalbumin neurons in the young mouse auditory cortex manifests as a result of maternal neglect.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 27, 2019·4 min read

Abused or neglected children are four times more likely to develop serious mental illness

Adults who were maltreated as children have an increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and anxiety than their peers who were not abused.