Positive Support in Childhood May Counter Adverse Experiences

A recent study signals that positive relationships in childhood may mitigate the effects of adverse experiences. The study was small, only 113 women, and it combined self-reporting with physiological measures.  Nevertheless, it adds a bit more evidence to our knowledge in this field.

The researchers are studying what they call Evolved Developmental Niche (‘EDN”), covering child rearing practices that the human race has developed over its evolutionary history. In this study, they asked the women to report on their recollections of childhood, specifically quantifying the responsiveness of their relationships, free play, affectionate touch, family togetherness and positive climate. The study deducted points for corporal punishment and negative home climate. The researchers then assigned an EDN-history score. The researcher also asked about the history of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and assigned that score.

The next phase measured the participants’ vagal nerve activity during various activities. The vagus nerve manages functions such as heart rate and respiration, and plays a role in social functioning. The study found that women with a higher EDN-history score generally exhibited less stress (i.e., less vagal nerve activity) and were better able to adapt to challenging tasks. This effect held true regardless of the participants’ ACES scores.

This study is an interesting take on resilience, and offers some guidance for adults who work with children. To the extent that we can offer them positive relationships and free play, we can help them overcome previous adverse experiences.  

We also should not overlook the point that this study makes about the benefits of affectionate touch. Children crave affectionate physical contact, and child protection policies that completely prohibit it don’t benefit them. Our policies need to set healthy boundaries to prevent grooming behavior, but it is neither necessary nor helpful to prevent any contact at all. We need to find ways to protect children while providing them the positive experiences that they need.