Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
Synthesizing Views to Understand Sex Differences in Response to Early Life Adversity
1Brown University, Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
Abstract:
Sex as a biological variable (SABV) is critical for understanding the broad range of physiological, neurobiological, and behavioral consequences of early life adversity(ELA). The study of the interaction of SABV and ELA ties into several current debates, including the importance of taking into account SABV in research, differing strategies employed by males and females in response to adversity, and the possible evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of altered development in response to adversity. This review highlights the importance of studying both sexes, of understanding sex differences (and similarities) in response to ELA, and provides a context for the debate surrounding whether the response to ELA may be an adaptive process.
Related Concept Videos
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Nature and Nurture
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...

