Childhood Experiences, Social Interactions, and Physical Health: the Road to Physical Illness

The child's brain is in a state of development and plasticity. Childhood experiences and social interactions can shape the developing brain in ways that can have long term psychological and physical health consequences. Childhood experiences of abuse and attachment styles may influence physical health through biological, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional mechanisms. The developing brain needs such adaptivity that can both contribute to coping mechanisms and individuality within the parameters of genetics. The chronic stress of abuse or insecure attachment styles can activate various biological and psychological stress reaction mechanisms that in turn can influence the developing brain in various ways. Such stress may also influence the brain-immune system communications that in turn may contribute to the development of various physical and psychological symptoms. This study examines the links between childhood experiences of abuse and attachment, limbic system functions, and various psychological and physical symptoms.