Editorial

4 pages, 213 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial: Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting, Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes

by Livio Provenzi, Serena Grumi and Maria José Rodrigo

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 478; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12040478 - 05 Apr 2022

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Human parenting is a fundamental educational context including complex caregiving tasks finalized to nurture and protect young children [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

Research

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15 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduction in Epigenetic Age Acceleration Is Related to Empathy in Mothers with Neglectful Caregiving

by Silvia Herrero-Roldán, María José Rodrigo, Juan A. Hernández-Cabrera, Colter Mitchell, Maykel López, Julia Alcoba-Florez, Jonah Fisher, Fernanda Espinosa and Inmaculada León

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11111376 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

DNA methylation clocks are used as molecular estimators of epigenetic age, but with little evidence in mothers and none in neglectful mothering. We investigated differences in epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and the role of empathy using the PhenoAge clock. We collected saliva samples [...] Read more.

DNA methylation clocks are used as molecular estimators of epigenetic age, but with little evidence in mothers and none in neglectful mothering. We investigated differences in epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and the role of empathy using the PhenoAge clock. We collected saliva samples from mothers with extreme disregard for their child’s needs (50 in the neglect group, NG) and mothers with non-neglectful caregiving (87 in the control group, CG). Mothers completed an empathy scale, along with questionnaires of their own childhood maltreatment, adverse life events and psychiatric disorders. Sociodemographic variables potentially affecting EAA were also measured. The ANCOVA solution showed a significant increase in EAA in the NG compared to the CG, after adjustment for maternal age, number of pregnancies, financial assistance, adverse events, childhood maltreatment and psychiatric disorder. The group interaction effects showed a reduction in EAA for greater empathic concern and for a higher education level both as positive factors, and an increment in EAA for mothers living in a two-parent family as a risk factor, all in the NG. Our findings open the search for protective factors of EAA associated with caregiver behavior to reduce health vulnerabilities and poor social functioning, especially for mothers at risk of maladaptive caregiving. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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16 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Maternal Overprotection Regulate Adult Social Expectations on Close Relationships

by Andrea Bonassi, Ilaria Cataldo, Giulio Gabrieli, Bruno Lepri and Gianluca Esposito

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(9), 1123; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11091123 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2969

Abstract

Humans are evolutionary-driven to adult mating and conceive social expectations on the quality of their affiliations. The genetic susceptibility to adverse environments in critical periods can alter close relationships. The current research investigates how the promoter region of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) [...] Read more.

Humans are evolutionary-driven to adult mating and conceive social expectations on the quality of their affiliations. The genetic susceptibility to adverse environments in critical periods can alter close relationships. The current research investigates how the promoter region of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) and perceived caregiving behavior in childhood could influence the social expectations on close adult relationships. For this purpose, 5-HTTLPR data was collected from the buccal mucosa of 65 Italian individuals (33 males). The participants filled (a) the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to provide the levels of care and overprotection from mother and father, and (b) the Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) to report the social expectations on the intimate relationship assessed in terms of anxiety and avoidance from the partner. An interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and PBI dimensions on the ECR-R scores was hypothesized. Results confirmed that the interplay between the genetic groups and history of maternal overprotection predicted avoidance experienced in romantic relationships in adulthood. Moreover, both adult anxiety and avoidance felt in an intimate relationship were found to covary as a function of maternal overprotection. The present work proposes further evidence of the genetic and parental mechanisms regulating social expectations involved in close relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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14 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distinctive Frontal and Occipitotemporal Surface Features in Neglectful Parenting

by Inmaculada León, María José Rodrigo, Ileana Quiñones, Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera and Lorna García-Pentón

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(3), 387; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11030387 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

Although the brain signatures of adaptive human parenting are well documented, the cortical features associated with maladaptive caregiving are underexplored. We investigated whether cortical thickness and surface area vary in a small group of mothers who had neglected their children (24 in the [...] Read more.

Although the brain signatures of adaptive human parenting are well documented, the cortical features associated with maladaptive caregiving are underexplored. We investigated whether cortical thickness and surface area vary in a small group of mothers who had neglected their children (24 in the neglect group, NG) compared to a control group of mothers with non-neglectful caregiving (21 in the control group, CG). We also tested whether the cortical differences were related to dyadic mother-child emotional availability (EA) in a play task with their children and whether alexithymia involving low emotional awareness that characterizes the NG could play a role in the cortical-EA associations. Whole-brain analysis of the cortical mantle identified reduced cortical thickness in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus and an increased surface area in the right lingual and lateral occipital cortices for the NG with respect to the CG. Follow-up path analysis showed direct effects of the right rostral middle frontal gyrus (RMFG) on the emotional availability (EA) and on the difficulty to identify feelings (alexithymia factor), with a marginal indirect RMFG-EA effect through this factor. These preliminary findings extend existing work by implicating differences in cortical features associated with neglectful parenting and relevant to mother-child interactive bonding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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11 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epigenetics in Families: Covariance between Mother and Child Methylation Patterns

by Tanya Van Aswegen, Guy Bosmans, Luc Goossens, Karla Van Leeuwen, Stephan Claes, Wim Van Den Noortgate and Benjamin L. Hankin

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(2), 190; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11020190 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

Theory and research both point at epigenetic processes affecting both parenting behavior and child functioning. However, little is known about the convergence of mother and child’s epigenetic patterns in families. Therefore, the current study investigated epigenetic covariance in mother–child dyads’ methylation levels regarding [...] Read more.

Theory and research both point at epigenetic processes affecting both parenting behavior and child functioning. However, little is known about the convergence of mother and child’s epigenetic patterns in families. Therefore, the current study investigated epigenetic covariance in mother–child dyads’ methylation levels regarding four stress-regulation related genes (5HTT, NR3C1, FKBP5, and BDNF). Covariance was tested in a general population sample, consisting of early adolescents (M_age = 11.63, SD_age = 2.3) and mothers (N = 160 dyads). Results showed that mother and offspring 5HTT and NR3C1 methylation patterns correlated. Furthermore, when averaged across genes, methylation levels strongly correlated. These findings partially supported that child and parent methylation levels covary. It might be important to consider this covariance to understand maladaptive parent–child relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

14 pages, 1689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Pregnancy-Induced Brain Changes Reverse? The Brain of a Mother Six Years after Parturition

by Magdalena Martínez-García, María Paternina-Die, Erika Barba-Müller, Daniel Martín de Blas, Laura Beumala, Romina Cortizo, Cristina Pozzobon, Luis Marcos-Vidal, Alberto Fernández-Pena, Marisol Picado, Elena Belmonte-Padilla, Anna Massó-Rodriguez, Agustin Ballesteros, Manuel Desco, Óscar Vilarroya, Elseline Hoekzema and Susanna Carmona

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(2), 168; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11020168 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8755

Abstract

Neuroimaging researchers commonly assume that the brain of a mother is comparable to that of a nulliparous woman. However, pregnancy leads to pronounced gray matter volume reductions in the mother’s brain, which have been associated with maternal attachment towards the baby. Beyond two [...] Read more.

Neuroimaging researchers commonly assume that the brain of a mother is comparable to that of a nulliparous woman. However, pregnancy leads to pronounced gray matter volume reductions in the mother’s brain, which have been associated with maternal attachment towards the baby. Beyond two years postpartum, no study has explored whether these brain changes are maintained or instead return to pre-pregnancy levels. The present study tested whether gray matter volume reductions detected in primiparous women are still present six years after parturition. Using data from a unique, prospective neuroimaging study, we compared the gray matter volume of 25 primiparous and 22 nulliparous women across three sessions: before conception (n = 25/22), during the first months of postpartum (n = 25/21), and at six years after parturition (n = 7/5). We found that most of the pregnancy-induced gray matter volume reductions persist six years after parturition (classifying women as having been pregnant or not with 91.67% of total accuracy). We also found that brain changes at six years postpartum are associated with measures of mother-to-infant attachment. These findings open the possibility that pregnancy-induced brain changes are permanent and encourage neuroimaging studies to routinely include pregnancy-related information as a relevant demographic variable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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Other

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32 pages, 605 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Neurobiological Implications of Parent–Child Emotional Availability: A Review

by Emma L. M. Clark, Yuqin Jiao, Karen Sandoval and Zeynep Biringen

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(8), 1016; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11081016 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3506

Abstract

Parental influences are important for a child’s behavior, overall adjustment, as well as cognitive/language development. New research is exploring how relationships with parents can influence a child’s neurobiological functioning and development. In this systematic review, our first aim is to describe how the [...] Read more.

Parental influences are important for a child’s behavior, overall adjustment, as well as cognitive/language development. New research is exploring how relationships with parents can influence a child’s neurobiological functioning and development. In this systematic review, our first aim is to describe how the caregiving environment influences these aspects of child development. The second and main aim is to review and recommend that the concept (and measurement) of “emotional availability” may provide a new window in this continued exploration. Emotional availability (EA) refers to the capacity of a dyad to share an emotionally healthy relationship. The EA Scales assess this construct using a multi-dimensional framework, with a method to measure the affect and behavior of both the child and adult partner (caregiver). In this review, we first provide an overview of child development research, with regards to stress physiology, neuroendocrine system, genetics and epigenetics, and brain mechanisms. We then summarize the results of specific EA research in these areas, and propose a theoretical model integrating these constructs. Finally, we offer areas for future research in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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18 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Paternal Brain in Action: A Review of Human Fathers’ fMRI Brain Responses to Child-Related Stimuli

by Livio Provenzi, Johanna Lindstedt, Kris De Coen, Linda Gasparini, Denis Peruzzo, Serena Grumi, Filippo Arrigoni and Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(6), 816; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11060816 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3422

Abstract

As fathers are increasingly involved in childcare, understanding the neurological underpinnings of fathering has become a key research issue in developmental psychobiology research. This systematic review specifically focused on (1) highlighting methodological issues of paternal brain research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [...] Read more.

As fathers are increasingly involved in childcare, understanding the neurological underpinnings of fathering has become a key research issue in developmental psychobiology research. This systematic review specifically focused on (1) highlighting methodological issues of paternal brain research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and (2) summarizing findings related to paternal brain responses to auditory and visual infant stimuli. Sixteen papers were included from 157 retrieved records. Sample characteristics (e.g., fathers’ and infant’s age, number of kids, and time spent caregiving), neuroimaging information (e.g., technique, task, stimuli, and processing), and main findings were synthesized by two independent authors. Most of the reviewed works used different stimuli and tasks to test fathers’ responses to child visual and/or auditory stimuli. Pre-processing and first-level analyses were performed with standard pipelines. Greater heterogeneity emerged in second-level analyses. Three main cortical networks (mentalization, embodied simulation, and emotion regulation) and a subcortical network emerged linked with fathers’ responses to infants’ stimuli, but additional areas (e.g., frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex) were also responsive to infants’ visual or auditory stimuli. This review suggests that a distributed and complex brain network may be involved in facilitating fathers’ sensitivity and responses to infant-related stimuli. Nonetheless, specific methodological caveats, the exploratory nature of large parts of the literature to date, and the presence of heterogeneous tasks and measures also demonstrate that systematic improvements in study designs are needed to further advance the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting: Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes)

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