Article 1a: Child Maltreatment and Risk for Psychopathology in Childhood and Adulthood (Jaffee, 2017)

Question 1

Timing of the maltreatment

Answer 1

• Early childhood: maltreatment during this period is particularly damaging, because it’s a crucial period for brain development and formation of secure attachment.
• Adolescense: maltreatment during this period can disrupt the development of identity and independence.

Question 2

3 mechanisms by which maltreatment increases risks for psychopathology

Answer 2

1. Hypervigilance to threat
2. Deficits in emotion recognition and understanding
3. Low responsivity to reward

Question 3

Moderating factors

Answer 3

• Genetic factors: genetic predisposition influence how an individual reacts to maltreatment.
• Psychosocial factors: having supportive relationships, access to mental health care, overall social environment can be a buffer against psychopathology.

Question 4

MAOA-L gene (low-activity variant)

Answer 4

Important for breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Linked to less effective breakdown of neurotransmitters that are crucial for mood increased aggression and antisocial behaviour (particularly in people who experienced childhood maltreatment.)

Question 5

MAOA-H gene (high-activity variant)

Answer 5

Important for breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Linked to more effective breakdown of neurotransmitters crucial food mood, leading to more stable mood and behaviour, even in adverse conditions. –> Decreases susceptibility to childhood maltreatment.

Question 6

Short 5-HTTLPR gene

Answer 6

Serotonin transporter gene.

Short variant decreases the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Can lead to higher levels of serotonin, which causes emotional dysregulations. People with the short variant tend to be more sensitive to environmental stressors, including maltreatment.

Question 7

Long 5-HTTLPR gene

Answer 7

Serotonin transporter gene.

Long variant is associated with more efficient serotonin reuptake, which can lead to better emotion regulation and resilience in stressful environments. Can reduce the impact of maltreatment.