The importance of timing of socioeconomic disadvantage throughout development for depressive symptoms and brain structure.

ABSTRACT: Prior studies have reported associations between socioeconomic disadvantage, brain structure and mental health outcomes, but the timing of these relations is not well understood. Using prospective longitudinal data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), this preregistered study examined whether socioeconomic disadvantage related differentially to depressive symptoms (n=3012-3530) and cortical and subcortical structures (n=460-733) in emerging adults, depending on the timing of exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage. Family income in early childhood and own income measured concurrently were both significantly related to depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood. Similar results were observed for perceived financial strain. In contrast, only family income in early

SUBMITTER: Ferschmann L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11439534 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature