Developmental instability and its relationship to mental health in two historic Dutch populations

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the magnitude and patterns of fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of developmental instability between two urban archeological Dutch populations. The sample comprised of 209 adult individuals representing the general population of Alkmaar, the Netherlands, dating to the 18th to early 19th century (Grote Kerk, n=134), and a psychiatric hospital sample of the 19th to early 20th century (Meerenberg, n=75). Fluctuating asymmetry was assessed from left and right measurements recorded from various traits on the cranium, mandible, and dentition. Three non-specific skeletal indicators of stress were documented to aid in the interpretation of the differences in asymmetry. No significant difference in developmental instability, as reflected by fluctuating asymmetry, was apparent between the two populations. However, individuals who presented with skeletal lesions indicative of stress were significantly more asymmetric than individuals who did not present with any of the lesions. The observed frequencies of the pathological changes and socio-economic history suggest that the two populations experienced similar levels of stress, even though the source and duration of the stress might have been different. The possibility that the mentally institutionalized are not as developmentally unstable as suggested by previous research should be considered.

Increased dental fluctuating asymmetry is associated with active skeletal lesions, but not mortality hazards in the precontact Southwest United States

“…We examined whether differences exist in mean DFA between the sexes using DFA3 (the composite) and found no differences between males and females ( p > 0.05), see Table 3, so sexes were pooled for analyses of PH, CO, and EH. This result is consistent with those from other studies (Hagg et al, 2017; Hallgrímsson, 1999; Perzigian, 1977).…”

Toward a bioarchaeology of urbanization: Demography, health, and behavior in cities in the past

“…Lewis' (2010) study of Christian‐style versus pagan burial types in an urban Romano‐British site (third–fifth century CE) reveals evidence of scurvy and rib fractures only in the Christian‐style burials, which might reflect the outcomes of religious practices (e.g., fasting and corporal punishment). Hagg et al (2017) assess stress markers and fluctuating asymmetry in their analysis of urban Dutch sites (c. 18th–early 20th century CE), one representing the general population and the other a psychiatric hospital sample. The frequencies of the stress markers and the magnitude of the fluctuating asymmetry were similar between the samples, indicating similar levels of stress for the two urban subpopulations.…”

“…examines developing urban centers from England, France, and Belgium (12th-18th centuries CE) and finds no differences among the sites with respect to stature, cribra orbitalia, and LEH.Differences among and within urban sites may also be related to religious and medical practices. Lewis' (2010) study of Christian-style versus pagan burial types in an urban Romano-British site (third-fifth century CE) reveals evidence of scurvy and rib fractures only in the Christian-style burials, which might reflect the outcomes of religious practices (e.g., fasting and corporal punishment) Hagg et al (2017). assess stress markers and fluctuating asymmetry in their analysis of urban Dutch sites (c. 18th-early 20th century CE), one representing the general population and the other a psychiatric hospital sample.…”

Childhood stress and developmental instability: Comparing microscopic enamel defects and cranial fluctuating asymmetry in a colonial Mexican sample

“…In archaeological samples, FA has been primarily studied in the cranium or dentition, where it is considered to accumulate throughout craniofacial or dental development, respectively. In such studies, increased levels of FA were significantly associated with lower SES, malnutrition, mortality related to degenerative disease, higher frequencies of skeletal lesions, and delayed growth (DeLeon, 2007; Guatelli‐Steinberg et al, 2006; Hagg et al, 2017; Perzigian, 1977; Weisensee, 2013). However, in other contexts, the relationship between FA and early life stress is not as clear, where FA is associated with some but not other skeletal indicators of stress (Gawlikowska‐Sroka et al, 2017; Hoover et al, 2005; O'Donnell & Moes, 2021a).…”