Research suggests that children facing challenges early in life may age biologically at an accelerated rate.
However, a recent study indicates that interventions promoting positive parenting may protect children from this effect, potentially slowing down the epigenetic aging process.
Let's find out more about this discovery.
A Surprising Study
The study found that implementing a family-centered program to enhance positive parenting resulted in reduced levels of accelerated biological aging in children who had experienced significant adversity.
The findings imply that positive parenting interventions could act as a biological resilience builder, reversing or mitigating the negative impact of hardships on children.
Why It Happens
Biological aging, often faster than chronological age, is influenced by factors like trauma, chronic stress, and adverse living conditions.
The study aimed to explore if supporting families in facing adversities through positive parenting could counteract these negative effects.
How It Was Tested
During the intervention, therapists engaged with families, coaching parents in real time to enhance warmth and support while discouraging negative behaviors like yelling or hitting.
Positive parenting programs have proven effectiveness in reducing disruptive behavior and stress while enhancing parenting skills.
Why It's Important
The study's results indicated that increased positive parenting and decreased negative practices slowed down or potentially reversed the epigenetic aging process in children facing higher adversity.
Scientists want to expand the study at URI, exploring the epigenetic mechanisms of risk and resilience.
The ultimate goal is to develop a saliva-based biomarker to identify children at risk for mental health challenges, allowing the development of personalized prevention services based on biological insights.
Previously, we talked about baby brains development.
