Mediators of the longitudinal relationship between childhood adversity and late adolescent psychopathology

Abstract

Background Childhood adversity (CA) is commonly associated with an increased risk of subsequent psychopathology. It is important to identify potential mediators of this relationship which can allow for the development of interventions. In a large population-based cohort study we investigated the relationship between CA and late adolescent psychopathology and early adolescent candidate mediators of this relationship. Methods We used data from three waves (n = 6039) of Cohort 98′ of the Growing up in Ireland Study (age 9, 13 and 17). We used doubly robust counterfactual analyses to investigate the relationship between CA (reported at age-9) with psychopathology (internalizing and externalizing problems), measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at age-17. Counterfactual and traditional mediation was used to investigate the mediating effects of the parent-child relationship, peer relations, self-concept, computer usage and physical activity. Results CA was associated with an increased risk of internalizing and externalizing problems at age-17. Parent-child conflict mediated 35 and 42% of the relationship between CA and late adolescent externalizing problems and internalizing problems, respectively. Self-concept and physical activity mediated an additional proportion of the relationship between CA and internalizing problems. These results were robust to unmeasured confounding. Conclusions Parent-child conflict explains more than a third of the relationship between CA and later psychopathology. Self-concept and physical activity explain the additional proportion of the relationship between CA and internalizing problems. This suggests that these factors may be good targets for intervention in young people who have experienced CA to prevent subsequent psychopathology.

Adverse childhood experiences and trajectories of psychological distress in adulthood: an analysis of the 1958 British birth cohort

“…None of the potential effect modifiers we examined (gender, father’s occupational social class, parental involvement, cognitive ability, conscientiousness, internalising problems, externalising problems, and physical health problems) altered the association between ACEs and trajectories of distress. Previously, these social and developmental domains have been found to partially explain the association between ACEs and psychopathology (Healy et al ., 2021, Miller et al ., 2021, Miller et al ., 2018). However, they do not appear to amplify or weaken the relationship between ACEs and adult trajectories of psychological distress.…”

“…In another study, Selous and colleagues found a stronger association between ACEs and distress for men than women at age 50 (Selous et al ., 2020). Most research typically investigates social, emotional, and neurobiological domains of the child’s development conceptualised as mechanisms (‘mediators’) explaining how ACEs may translate to later psychopathology (Healy et al ., 2021, Miller et al ., 2021, Miller et al ., 2018). In the current study, we identified the potential effect modifiers of ACEs-psychological distress associations according to the criteria – occurring in early-life, spanning multiple domains of early-life development, and having been previously studied in the context of ACEs and mental health, for instance as exposures or mediators (Atkins et al ., 2020, Barboza Solís et al ., 2016, Dodgeon et al ., 2020).…”

The importance of physical activity for the development of motor skills of younger school age children

“…Those who are motor-skilled, handy, agile, and can run fast are more popular among the children of younger school age (48). Along with the imrovement of their abilities among peers, the ego increases in all dimensions of quality of life (49,50). Children with acquired skills feel more comfortable when performing physical activities and they have affection to exercise, which contributes to better health, general mood, and better relationships with family and friends.…”

Early Life Circadian Rhythm Disruption Alters Brain and Behavior in Adulthood

“…Adversity during this period can have profound implications for the developmental trajectory, leading to de cits later in life such as increase rates of psychopathology 2,3 . Stress during pregnancy and early life can alter behavior 4 and brain development 5 .…”