Sense of coherence moderates late effects of early childhood Holocaust exposure

“…ADHD symptoms at follow-up. The SOC scale was dichotomized at the 75th percentile in low and high SOC used in (26). In the same way, ADHD symptoms measured at 16 years of age was dichotomized at the 75th percentile in low score and high score.…”

Section: Statistical Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

High sense of coherence in adolescence is a protective factor in the longitudinal development of ADHD symptoms

Edbom

Malmberg

Lichtenstein

et al. 2010

Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences

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“…This study has clear limitations including (i) reliance on retrospective chart review and medical history for the assignment of a cardiometabolic manifestations score; (ii) inferring maternal/early childhood nutritional status; (iii) imperfect gender matching, although no gender differences were noted for any metabolite or enzyme in either the survivor or comparison samples; and (iv) a lack of data pertaining to the post-war care environment, which may moderate late life physical and emotional well-being, particularly for the youngest child Holocaust survivors (van der Hal-van Raalte et al, 2007; 2008). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enduring effects of severe developmental adversity, including nutritional deprivation, on cortisol metabolism in aging Holocaust survivors

Yehuda¹,

Bierer²,

Andrew³

et al. 2009

Journal of Psychiatric Research

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Objective In animal models, early life exposure to major environmental challenges such as malnutrition and stress results in persisting cardiometabolic, neuroendocrine and affective effects. While such effects have been associated with pathogenesis, the widespread occurrence of ‘developmental programming’ suggests it has adaptive function. Glucocorticoids may mediate ‘programming’ and their metabolism is known to be affected by early life events in rodents. To examine these relationships in humans, cortisol metabolism and cardiometabolic disease manifestations were examined in Holocaust survivors in relation to age at exposure and affective dysfunction, notably lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods 51 Holocaust survivors and 22 controls without Axis I disorder collected 24-hr urine samples and were evaluated for psychiatric disorders and cardiometabolic diagnoses. Corticosteroids and their metabolites were assayed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS); cortisol was also measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results Holocaust survivors showed reduced cortisol by RIA, and decreased levels of 5α-tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF) and total glucocorticoid production by GCMS. The latter was associated with lower cortisol metabolism by 5α-reductase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) type-2. The greatest decrements were associated with earliest age of Holocaust exposure and less severe PTSD symptomatology. Cardiometabolic manifestations were associated with decreased 11β-HSD-2 activity. In contrast to the relationship in Holocaust survivors, in controls, 5α-reductase was positively associated with trauma-related symptoms. Conclusion Extreme malnutrition and related stress during development is associated with long-lived alterations in specific pathways of glucocorticoid metabolism. These effects may be adaptive and link with lower risks of cardiometabolic and stress-related disorders in later life.

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“…66,67 The level of a person's SOC (weak or strong) is also considered to be an important subjective measure of overall health, especially mental well-being. 68,69 For example, research indicates that a person with a strong SOC experiences not only a better quality of life, but also favorable health outcomes. 68,70 The response to each question was a rating between 1 and 7, resulting in SOC scores ranging from 13 to 91.…”

Section: Sense Of Coherence Questionnairementioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychosocial Well-Being of Women Who Were in Foster Care as Children

Bruskas¹,

Tessin²

2013

TPJ

117

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Background and Objective: Research has shown that many children in foster care later have psychosocial problems as adults; this is often attributed to cumulative adversities and a lack of supportive caregivers. The risk factors associated with foster care, such as maternal separation and multiple placements, often counteract many protective factors that can ameliorate the effects of childhood adversities. This study assessed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychosocial well-being in women who were in foster care as children.Methods: A total of 101 women aged 18-71 years (mean, 36.83 [12.95] years) completed an anonymous online survey based on the 10-item ACE Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence questionnaire, and the General Health Questionnaire.Results: More than 56% of respondents were identified as experiencing current psychological distress. Sense of coherence scores (mean, 54.26 [15.35]) showed a significant inverse association with both General Health Questionnaire (mean, 14.83 [5.88]) and ACE (mean, 5.68 [2.90]) scores (r = -0.64 and -0.31, respectively) and 97% reported at least 1 ACE, 70% reported ≥ 5 and 33% reported ≥ 8. Linear regressions indicated that ACEs reported to occur before foster care were associated with lower levels of sense of coherence (8%) and higher levels of psychological distress (6%). Physical neglect and living in a dysfunctional household (parental loss, maternal abuse, or household member associated with substance abuse or prison) significantly decreased during foster care by 16 and 19 percentage points, respectively. Rates of emotional and physical abuse did not change.Conclusion: The number of ACEs was associated with the level of psychological distress. Our findings suggest that children entering the foster care system are already vulnerable and at risk of experiencing ACEs during foster care and psychological distress during adulthood. Measures implemented to protect children must not cause more harm than good. Social services that preserve and strengthen the family unit and reduce the number of ACEs both before and during foster care are recommended. Social workers and clinicians who are trained to address and manage the unique developmental needs of children in foster care may help reduce the effects of ACEs and optimize developmental health.

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Sense of coherence moderates late effects of early childhood Holocaust exposure

Cited by 27 publications

References 37 publications

High sense of coherence in adolescence is a protective factor in the longitudinal development of ADHD symptoms

High sense of coherence in adolescence is a protective factor in the longitudinal development of ADHD symptoms

Enduring effects of severe developmental adversity, including nutritional deprivation, on cortisol metabolism in aging Holocaust survivors

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychosocial Well-Being of Women Who Were in Foster Care as Children

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