Community Threat, Positive Parenting, and Accelerated Epigenetic Aging
Author Information
Author(s): Metrailer Georgette, Tavares Karina, Pault Mikayla Ver, Lopez Adamari, Denherder Shane, Hernandez Valencia Everlyn, DiMarzio Karissa, Highlander April, Merrill Sarah M., Rojo-Wissar Darlynn M., Parent Justin
Primary Institution: University of Rhode Island
Hypothesis
Positive parenting practices at ages 3, 5, and 9 will buffer the detrimental effects of threat-based early life adversity on accelerated epigenetic aging in adolescence.
Conclusion
Positive parenting reduces the pace of epigenetic aging in low community-threat environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Children exposed to early life adversity often show increased epigenetic age acceleration.
- Positive parenting practices can mitigate the effects of environmental stressors on biological aging.
- High levels of community threat can overwhelm the protective effects of positive parenting.
Takeaway
Kids who have supportive parents age better, especially if they don't live in scary neighborhoods.
Methodology
Data were collected from 2,039 children in the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, measuring parenting practices and epigenetic aging at ages 9 and 15.
Potential Biases
The study's focus on specific demographics may limit generalizability to other racial or socioeconomic groups.
Limitations
The sample was skewed towards economically disadvantaged families and may not represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
49.7% female, 46.7% Black, 26.5% Hispanic, 19% White non-Hispanic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[0.006, 0.017]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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