About this Research Topic
Childhood adversity is common in different sociocultural contexts and related to adverse outcomes throughout the life course. The past several decades have increased our understanding of the behavioral, psychological, and physical health outcomes of childhood adversity. The measurement of childhood adversity itself, as well as mixed-methods and longitudinal studies, and developing sciences such as epigenetics have further expanded the field.
Nonetheless, many gaps in knowledge remain and require further investigation, such as:
• Definition and measurements of childhood adversity;
• Social, environmental, familial, parental and individual risk factors contributing to childhood adversity;
• Potential protective factors buffering the effects of childhood adversity;
• The relationship between childhood adversity and demographic and personality characteristics;
• The cumulative and specific effects of different forms of childhood adversity on life-long consequences;
• The interplay between childhood adversity and familial processes and outcomes;
• The interaction of childhood and recent stressors on outcomes;
• Interventions for preventing occurrence and re-occurrence of childhood adversity, and treating adversity-related consequences, especially in middle- and low-income countries.
The goal of this Research Topic is to expand the existing knowledge and evidence on childhood adversity by addressing research questions derived from the above and other related areas identified by researchers in the field. We welcome contributions including original research, systematic reviews, concept analyses, and development of theories/models/frameworks on all aspects of the field of childhood adversity and life-course consequences.
Nonetheless, many gaps in knowledge remain and require further investigation, such as:
• Definition and measurements of childhood adversity;
• Social, environmental, familial, parental and individual risk factors contributing to childhood adversity;
• Potential protective factors buffering the effects of childhood adversity;
• The relationship between childhood adversity and demographic and personality characteristics;
• The cumulative and specific effects of different forms of childhood adversity on life-long consequences;
• The interplay between childhood adversity and familial processes and outcomes;
• The interaction of childhood and recent stressors on outcomes;
• Interventions for preventing occurrence and re-occurrence of childhood adversity, and treating adversity-related consequences, especially in middle- and low-income countries.
The goal of this Research Topic is to expand the existing knowledge and evidence on childhood adversity by addressing research questions derived from the above and other related areas identified by researchers in the field. We welcome contributions including original research, systematic reviews, concept analyses, and development of theories/models/frameworks on all aspects of the field of childhood adversity and life-course consequences.
Keywords: childhood adversity, adverse childhood experiences, childhood adversity definition, childhood adversity measurement, associated factors, childhood adversity consequences, childhood adversity mechanisms, childhood adversity interventions
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
