Effects of early institutionalization involving psychosocial deprivation on cognitive functioning 60 years later: Findings of the LifeStories project.
Child Abuse Negl
; 154: 106917, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38955051
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Institutionalization involving psychosocial deprivation affects child development negatively. However, there are few longitudinal studies, and no prospective study has yet examined the consequences of institutionalization in late adulthood.OBJECTIVE:
Investigating effects of psychosocial deprivation on cognitive functioning 60 years later. PARTICIPANTS ANDSETTING:
A population-based survey of institutionalized infants and toddlers was conducted in Switzerland from 1958 to 1961 (n = 387; Mage = 0.93 years, SD = 0.53, 48 % female, 48 % Swiss nationality). In parallel, a comparison group of 399 family-raised children were assessed (Mage = 0.85 years, SD = 0.50, 46 % female, 100 % Swiss nationality). Six decades later, data on cognitive functioning were collected for 88 of the institutionalized group (Mage = 62.63 years, SD = 1.32), and 148 of the comparison group (Mage = 65.06, SD = 1.32).METHODS:
Standardized tests were used the Brunet-Lézine Developmental Test in early childhood and a short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale in late adulthood.RESULTS:
Formerly institutionalized individuals scored lower on cognitive functioning (d = - 0.67, p < .001), with the greatest difference in working memory (d = -0.78, p < .001). Longer duration of institutionalization increased the risk of lower cognitive functioning, indicating a dose-response effect. Institutionalization's impact on adult cognitive functioning was mediated by early childhood developmental status but not by later educational attainment.CONCLUSIONS:
This study confirms the early experience hypothesis, indicating that early life conditions have lasting effects on human development, even into late adulthood.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Carência Psicossocial
/
Criança Institucionalizada
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Cognição
Limite:
Aged
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Child, preschool
/
Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Child Abuse Negl
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article