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Neurobiological Consequences of Neglect and Abuse

  • University of Delaware

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abuse and neglect, which reflect extreme failures of caregiving, significantly interfere with children’s biological regulation and brain development. In this chapter, we review evidence showing that childhood maltreatment is associated with disruptions in the body’s stress response system and is linked to structural and functional changes in key brain regions and networks. Additionally, we describe a number of important methodological and conceptual issues involved in understanding the neurobiological effects of maltreatment, we discuss implications for intervention with children who have experienced maltreatment, and finally, we suggest critical directions for future research in this area. We conclude that the brain demonstrates notable plasticity early in life as evidenced by significant changes following maltreatment, as well as the potential for remarkable recovery following intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChild Maltreatment
Subtitle of host publicationContemporary Issues in Research and Policy
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages205-223
Number of pages19
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Publication series

NameChild Maltreatment: Contemporary Issues in Research and Policy
Volume2
ISSN (Print)2211-9701
ISSN (Electronic)2211-971X

Keywords

  • Child Protective Service
  • Foster Care
  • Foster Child
  • Fractional Anisotropy
  • Hippocampal Volume

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