Attachment and Epigenetics: A Scoping Review of Recent Research and Current Knowledge

• Published in: Psychological reports Vol. 124; no. 2; pp. 479 - 501
• Main Authors: Darling Rasmussen, Pernille, Storebø, Ole Jakob
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Adverse Childhood Experiences; Epigenomics; Humans; Knowledge; Object Attachment; sociobiology; public health issues; Attachment; mental and physical health; genetics and behavior
• ISSN: 0033-2941; 1558-691X; 1558-691X
• DOI: 10.1177/0033294120901846

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.