Reduction in Epigenetic Age Acceleration Is Related to Empathy in Mothers with Neglectful Caregiving.

ABSTRACT: DNA methylation clocks are used as molecular estimators of epigenetic age, but with little evidence in mothers and none in neglectful mothering. We investigated differences in epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and the role of empathy using the PhenoAge clock. We collected saliva samples from mothers with extreme disregard for their child's needs (50 in the neglect group, NG) and mothers with non-neglectful caregiving (87 in the control group, CG). Mothers completed an empathy scale, along with questionnaires of their own childhood maltreatment, adverse life events and psychiatric disorders. Sociodemographic variables potentially affecting EAA were also measured. The ANCOVA solution showed a significant increase in EAA in the NG compared to the CG, after adjustment for maternal age, number

SUBMITTER: Herrero-Roldan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8615407 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature