A sex-specific pathway linking early life maltreatment, vagal activity, and depressive symptoms.

ABSTRACT: Background: Experiences of early life maltreatment (ELM) are alarmingly common and represent a risk factor for the development of psychopathology, particularly depression. Research has focused on alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning as a mediator of negative mental health outcomes associated with ELM. Early alterations in autonomic vagal activity (vmHRV) may moderate the relationship between ELM and depression, particularly when considering forms of emotional maltreatment. Recent evidence suggests that the relationships of both ELM and vmHRV with depression may be non-linear, particularly considering females.Objective: Building on and extending theoretical considerations and previous work, the present work aims to further the current understanding of the

SUBMITTER: Sigrist C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10962311 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature