Gerin, Mattia Indi; (2023) Atypical Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Interpersonal Problem-Solving in Children and Adolescents with Maltreatment Experience. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

Preview

Text Thesis_final_volume1_Gerin_UCL_discovery.pdf - Other Download (924kB) | Preview

Abstract

This doctoral thesis investigates the effects of childhood maltreatment on neurobiological and cognitive domains thought to contribute to increased risk of poor mental health and social functioning. Part 1 is a systematic review of the impact of childhood maltreatment on restingstate functional connectivity (rsFC), the synchronous activation of brain regions during wakeful rest. Part 2 is an empirical study investigating the impact of substantiated maltreatment exposure on rsFC, interpersonal problem-solving abilities and mental health. Part 3 critically evaluates neurocognitive research related to childhood maltreatment. Part 1 shows that childhood maltreatment is associated with rsFC recalibrations in brain networks implicated in social functioning and mental health, especially the salience network, default mode network and prefrontal regulatory hubs. Part 2 shows that poorer performance in interpersonal problem-solving following maltreatment exposure is associated with higher mental health symptoms and atypical rsFC between the medial hubs of the default mode network. Finally, Part 3 advocates for methodological improvements, a more nuanced understanding of social and cultural factors, and more collaboration and co-production in the scientific community to increase the practical and theoretical impact of neurocognitive research.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item