Testing a Conceptual Model of Early Adversity, Neural Function, and Psychopathology: Protocol for a Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Developmental psychology
• Neuroscience
• Child psychopathology

Background:

• Early adversity is common and increases psychopathology risk.
• Deprivation linked to cognitive deficits; threat to fear learning and emotion dysregulation.
• Most research on older samples, missing peak developmental plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms of deprivation, threat, and unpredictability in early childhood (4-7 years).
• Investigate risk for psychopathology following peak developmental plasticity.
• Describe study rationale, aims, design, procedures, and analytical plan.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study examining deprivation, threat, and neurobiological mechanisms.
• Convenience sample of 301 children (4-7 years) and families.
• Data collection via home and laboratory visits, including neuroimaging; analyses include regression and fMRI.

Main Results:

• Participant recruitment (N=301) complete; data collection underway.
• Expected results available in 2024.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging will explore neural function's role.

Conclusions:

• Findings will elucidate neurobiological mechanisms linking early adversity to childhood psychopathology.
• Represents the earliest test of the biological embedding theory of early adversity.
• Provides critical insights into developmental pathways of risk.