AP31283

How Neglect Affects the Way Genes are Activated in Children

Studies suggest that children who have been neglected or abused at an early age have issues with mood, anxiety, aggression, as well as emotional disorders when they get older. Within the study all of the children were born with the same genes, there was just a difference when the genes were turned on or off. The researchers found an association between the kind of parenting children had and a particular gene (called the glucocorticoid receptor gene) that's responsible for crucial aspects of social functioning and health. Not all genes are active at all times.(Science Daily) Disruptions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) in the brain makes it very hard for a child to control emotional behavior and stress level. Also when a child is maltreated it puts them at risk for health problems, cardiac disease, and even cancer. Children who were physically maltreated display a specific change to the glucocorticoid receptor gene which could explain why abused children have more emotional difficulties as they age.(Pollak) They may have fewer glucocorticoid receptors in their brains, which would impair the brain's stress-response system and result in problems regulating stress.(Science Daily) Glucocorticoids increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.(Text book page 327) WIth these levels being high it could cause serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or even a stroke. These health issues could be preventable if a child grows up in a stable, loving, caring, supportive home with no abuse. In conclusion it is better to love, nurture, and support children so that they will have a better chance at being emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy adults. Therefore they will be more productive in society and less likely to be abusive themselves as adults.

References: Science Daily, Text Book page 327, Pollak

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