Publication

Early life exposure to unpredictable parental sensory signals shapes cognitive development across three species.

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Last modified
  • 05/23/2025
Type of Material
Authors
    Elysia Poggi Davis, University of DenverKai McCormack, Spelman CollegeHina Arora, University of California IrvineDesiree Sharpe, University of GeorgiaAnnabel K. Short, University of California IrvineJocelyne Bachevalier, Emory UniversityLaura M. Glynn, Chapman UniversityCurt A. Sandman, University of California IrvineHal S. Stern, University of California IrvineMaria Sanchez, Emory UniversityTallie Z. Baram, University of California Irvine
Language
  • English
Date
  • 2022
Publisher
  • Frontiers
Publication Version
Copyright Statement
  • © 2022 Davis, McCormack, Arora, Sharpe, Short, Bachevalier, Glynn, Sandman, Stern, Sanchez and Baram
License
Final Published Version (URL)
Title of Journal or Parent Work
Volume
  • 16
Start Page
  • 960262
End Page
  • 960262
Grant/Funding Information
  • This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (MH096889 and MH73136 to TZB, MH86062 and MH109662 to EPD, R01 HD51852 and NS041298 to CAS, and MH078105 to MS and P51OD011132 to the Emory National Primate Research Center–ENPRC).
Supplemental Material (URL)
Abstract
  • Exposure to early life adversity has long term consequences on cognitive function. Most research has focused on understanding components of early life adversities that contribute to later risk, including poverty, trauma, maltreatment, and neglect. Whereas these factors, in the aggregate, explain a significant proportion of emotional and cognitive problems, there are serious gaps in our ability to identify potential mechanisms by which early life adversities might promote vulnerability or resilience. Here we discuss early life exposure to unpredictable signals from the caretaker as an understudied type of adversity that is amenable to prevention and intervention. We employ a translational approach to discover underlying neurobiological mechanisms by which early life exposure to unpredictable signals sculpts the developing brain. First, we review evidence that exposure to unpredictable signals from the parent during sensitive periods impacts development of neural circuits. Second, we describe a method for characterizing early life patterns of sensory signals across species. Third, we present published and original data illustrating that patterns of maternal care predict memory function in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. Finally, implications are discussed for identifying individuals at risk so that early preventive-intervention can be provided.
Author Notes
Keywords
Research Categories
  • Psychology, Developmental
  • Psychology, Cognitive

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