Developmental Area Brown Bag - The Impact of Early Adversity on Brain Development and Mental Health: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract:
Early adversity is a common experience for children in the U.S., with 1 in 5 growing up in poverty and up to 1 in 4 experiencing child maltreatment, increasing the likelihood of later mental disorders. However, the mechanisms linking early adversity and later mental health are unclear, limiting the development of effective intervention and prevention strategies. I will present the results of my graduate work investigating the neural and behavioral consequences of early adversity, including a meta-analysis of child maltreatment and brain reactivity, as well as explorations of unique effects of different types of early adversity on brain reactivity and mental health. I will then discuss implications of this work for policy and practice.

Bio:
Tyler Hein is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Developmental Psychology. Her current work investigates neurobiological mechanisms linking childhood adversity to adolescent mental health, and her dissertation evaluates whether distinct forms of adversity have differential impact on brain function and mental health. Tyler’s long-term goal is to conduct research that directly aids in the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies to improve child and family well-being.