The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Child Telomere Length: Examining Self-Regulation as a Behavioral Mediator

Childhood adversity is linked to shortened telomere length (TL), but behavioral indicators of telomere attrition remain unclear. This study examined the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child TL, and if ACEs were indirectly associated with TL through children's self-regulatory abilities (i.e., effortful control and self-control). Hypotheses were tested using national data from teachers, parents, and their children (N = 2,527;M-age = 9.35,SD = .36 years). More ACEs were uniquely associated with short TL, and low self-control mediated the association between more ACEs and short TL. While longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen claims of causation, this study identifies a pathway from ACEs to TL that should be explored further.

Automated summary

This study confirmed the association between childhood adversity and shortened telomere length, with low self-control playing a mediating role in the relationship between more adverse childhood experiences and shorter telomeres. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to establish causation, but this research highlights a potential pathway from childhood adversity to telomere length that warrants further exploration.