Epigenetic Modifications Worsen Child Abuse Outcome in Abuse-Related Trauma
Open Access
- Author:
- Cesaire, Melissa
- Area of Honors:
- Biology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Sairam V Rudrabhatla, Thesis Honors Advisor
Nik Tsotakos, Thesis Supervisor
Brenna R. Hill, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- Epigenetic
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Trauma
abuse - Abstract:
- This present thesis explores researchers’ views on the role different epigenetic mechanisms play in contributing to health-related outcomes arising from child abuse exposure, and the management of subsequent psychosomatic diseases linked to child abuse. The current study analyzes three main themes: epigenetics, child abuse, and the medical management of diseases in a series of three interdependent steps. First, a systematic review of published literature examines whether epigenetics and child abuse are interrelated, defines key concepts, and presents evidence supporting the thesis questions. Second, this paper presents results from a semi-structured interview with researchers and health professionals of diverse expertise. This step focuses on gathering data from individuals that have worked with child abuse survivors and individuals that are actively studying child abuse from a biological perspective. Third, researchers' subjective views and implications for future research are discussed. This discussion summarizes the actual understanding of epigenetics, child abuse, and diseases and shares recommendations for future management. The data show that evolutionary perspectives can help understand epigenetic modifications. In addition, increased telomere erosion rates worsen the outcomes for child abuse, therefore more accurate screening tests can help improve abuse-related trauma management. This study will contribute to the overall literature by sharing insights on why epigenetics matter when managing patients that have survived childhood maltreatment. It will also bring new insights into the necessity to develop specialized clinical practice and drugs that can help reverse harmful effects and promote beneficial effects in post-trauma therapy.