Parental stress gets under a child’s skin, has lifelong effects

Parental stress during a child’s early years can leave imprints on his or her genes that stick around for decades, according to new research. Unexpectedly, the scientists, several of whom are CIFAR members, found that distressed mothers and fathers affect children’s genes differently – a mother’s stress has greatest impact during infancy, whereas a father has more effect during the preschool years. The affected genes included one involved in insulin production and others possibly involved in brain development. The team of researchers was led by members of CIFAR’s Experience-based Brain and Biological Development program –Thomas Boyce, Clyde Hertzman and Michael Kobor – all based at the University of British Columbia. Their work reinforces broader research into how a child’s experience in the first few years of life sets the stage for life-long well-being. Read more