The Impact of Early Life Adversity on Peripubertal Accelerated Epigenetic Aging and Psychopathology

Abstract

Objective

To examine longitudinal associations between early life threat and deprivation on epigenetic age acceleration at ages 9 and 15 years, and to examine associations of age acceleration on later internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Method

The study examines a large (n = 2,039) and racially diverse (Black/African American = 44%, Latino = 18%, White = 5%) sample from a national dataset. Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated using the pediatric buccal epigenetic clock. Early life threat and deprivation were measured using composites from the Parent–Child Conflict Tactics Scale and county-level violent and property crime rate data. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms came from parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist. Path analysis models examined associations of threat and deprivation at age 3 years on epigenetic age acceleration at ages 9 and 15. Experiences of threat were further broken down into threat experienced in the home and in the community.

Results

Home threat experienced at age 3 years predicted age acceleration at 9 and 15, and community threat experienced at 3 predicted age acceleration at 15, but not at 9. Deprivation was not a significant predictor of accelerated aging. Age acceleration at age 9 predicted externalizing, but not internalizing, symptoms at age 15. Community threat had a direct effect on externalizing. No association emerged with internalizing.

Conclusion

Findings revealed that threat, not deprivation, was predictive of age acceleration, demonstrating support for this pattern longitudinally, using an epigenetic clock that is accurate in children. The findings provide critical nuance to the examination of threat, and highlight associated risks and possible intervention points for externalizing symptoms.

Plain language summary

This paper used publicly available data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a study that collected data from 2,039 children and families from early childhood to adolescence. The authors examined how early life experiences of adversity, such as threat and deprivation, are associated with increased epigenetic aging, a phenomenon where one’s DNA ages faster than one’s chronological age. Results demonstrated that early childhood experiences of threat in the home and in the community predicted increased epigenetic age acceleration, but that experiences of deprivation did not. Epigenetic age acceleration also predicted later externalizing, but not internalizing, symptoms. These findings support the potential for early childhood being a sensitive period for adversity and for further research on the nuances of the type of trauma and behavioral symptoms associated with long-lasting negative impacts.