Attachment and Epigenetics: A Scoping Review of Recent Research and Current Knowledge. Issue 2 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Darling Rasmussen, Pernille; Storebø, Ole Jakob
• Is Part Of: Psychological reports. Volume 124:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 501
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Attachment -- genetics and behavior -- mental and physical health -- public health issues -- sociobiology; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry; Psychology; Psychologie -- Périodiques; Psychology; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0033294120901846
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2941

Abstract

Background: Epigenetic research has pointed to that the interaction between genetics and environmental factors may play a role in making some individuals more vulnerable than others. Aim: The aim of this article was to present a broad perspective on the current state of knowledge in a relatively new and complex field of "attachment and epigenetic processes." Method: We conducted a scoping review based on a systematic literature search in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Embase databases for relevant abstracts using the terms attachment and epigenet* . Results: In total, 11 studies were included. Research predating 2009 and animal studies were excluded in order to review the current state of research in humans. Conclusion: Overall, there seems to be a consistency in the literature, pointing to a link between early childhood adversity, attachment processes, and epigenetic changes. However, research in human subjects is still limited.