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Early Relational Health and its Impact on the Developing Brain: A Scoping Review
Lu Zhang1,2, Daniel Liontos1,2, Craig A Olsson3,4,5
1Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
|September 17, 2025
Summary
Secure parent-child bonds (early relational health) impact brain development. Research shows early relational health is linked to brain activation patterns supporting positive emotions and reducing psychopathology risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Secure parent-child bonds, termed early relational health, are crucial for development.
- The precise mechanisms by which early relational health influences the developing brain are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review synthesizing evidence on the association between early relational health (conception to age three) and brain structure, function, and connectivity.
- To identify gaps in the current literature regarding early relational health and brain development.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases for relevant studies.
- Utilized an AI-assisted screening tool to identify 79 studies for inclusion.
- Synthesized findings based on relational health type, neuroimaging modality, and developmental stage.
Main Results:
- Early relational health is associated with brain activation patterns linked to positive emotions and lower psychopathology risk.
- Studies examined brain development from childhood to young adulthood, with no research extending beyond this period.
- Limited research explored longitudinal brain changes or relational health beyond the mother-infant dyad.
Conclusions:
- Early relational health influences brain development, potentially impacting emotional well-being and psychopathology risk.
- Further research is needed to elucidate longitudinal brain changes and the broader impact of relational health across the lifespan.
- Understanding these links is vital for promoting lifelong health and well-being.
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