Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Apr 27, 2024
Date Accepted: Jul 31, 2024
Testing a conceptual model of early adversity, neural function, and psychopathology in early childhood: The Wellness Health and Life Experiences (WHALE) Study Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Early adversity is extremely common and increases risk for psychopathology across the lifespan. Previous research suggests that separate dimensions of adversity increase risk through developmental plasticity mechanisms shaping unique neurobiological pathways. However, most of this research has been conducted in adolescent and adult samples, long after exposure to adversity occurs and far from periods of peak developmental plasticity.
Objective:
The Wellness, Health, and Life Experiences Study examines the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms by which deprivation, threat, and unpredictability increase risk for psychopathology in early childhood (ages 4-7 years) directly following periods of peak developmental plasticity. This manuscript describes the study rationale and aims, the research design and procedures, and the analytical plan to test the study hypotheses.
Methods:
This is a cohort study that examines associations between (1) exposure to deprivation and threat and their hypothesized neurobiological mechanisms, (2) how these neurobiological mechanisms link early adversity and psychopathology, and (3) associations between unpredictability, reward learning, and psychopathology.
Results:
301 children have been recruited into the study, and data collection has commenced. The expected results will be available in 2024.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study will help elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms by which early adversity increase risk for psychopathology in early childhood and represent the earliest test of an influential theory of biologic embedding of early adversity.
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Copyright
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