Association between early life adversity and life course health outcomes from an evolutionary developmental perspective / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Abstract@#Existing research has demonstrated that exposure to early life adversity is associated with elevated risk for multiple adverse health outcomes. Drawing on developmental plasticity theory, the current paper reframes adverse health outcomes resulting from early life adversity as strategic calibration of physiological systems to best adapt to, survive, and reproduce in response to demands of specific developmental contexts. We further discuss the role of epigenetic and other molecular processes in the biological embedding of early adversity. In particular, use of a consistent definition and identification of distinct dimensions, as well as exposure timing and duration of early life adversity that differentially influence development are required to uncover mechanisms that explain how early life adversity is associated with numerous health outcomes and identify moderators that shape divergent trajectories following early life adversities. Greater understanding of these pathways and identification of protective factors that buffer children from developmental disruptions following exposure to adversity is essential to guide the development of interventions to promote life course health following early life adversities.