The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on Biological Aging and Social Development

Childhood maltreatment, which includes abuse and neglect, can have deep and long-lasting effects that extend well beyond visible injuries or memories. Scientific research has established a clear link between early adverse experiences and an increased risk of developing chronic physical and mental health conditions, as well as a higher likelihood of premature mortality. Importantly, these effects are rooted in biological changes that can persist for decades.

Recent studies suggest that childhood maltreatment may accelerate the biological aging process. This means that children who experience abuse or neglect may physically age faster at the cellular level, which can contribute to health problems typically associated with much older individuals. Understanding how these early experiences cause such biological shifts has been challenging, partly due to limitations in biological markers and subjective assessments.

A groundbreaking study conducted by a collaborative team from Japan's United Graduate School of Child Development, involving multiple universities, has shed light on this issue. Published in PLOS One in May 2025, the research provides novel evidence that maltreatment accelerates biological aging and hampers social development, specifically social attention.

The study focused on 96 Japanese children aged 4 to 5, comparing 36 children who had experienced severe maltreatment with 60 typically developing peers. Researchers employed the Pediatric-Buccal-Epigenetic clock, a new method they developed to measure biological age from cheek cell samples, revealing how fast a child's body is aging at the molecular level. They also used eye-tracking technology to assess how children pay attention to social cues, such as eyes, which are vital for social interaction.

Findings demonstrated that children subjected to maltreatment showed significantly advanced biological aging compared to their peers. They also spent less time focusing on eyes in videos of human faces, indicating difficulties in social understanding and interaction. Both accelerated aging and reduced eye contact were independently associated with higher scores on behavioral and emotional difficulties.

This suggests that maltreatment influences children through multiple pathways—biologically and socially—each contributing to emotional and behavioral challenges. Importantly, the effects appear to be separate, meaning that interventions might need to target both biological resilience and social skills.

The study highlights the importance of early identification of at-risk children. Tools such as eye-tracking assessments and biological testing can help caregivers, educators, and clinicians identify children who need targeted support. Early intervention may improve social skills, reduce emotional stress, and promote healthier development, potentially preventing serious problems later in life.

Ms. Ochiai emphasizes that these findings underscore the need for proactive strategies to support vulnerable children. Recognizing the invisible yet measurable marks of maltreatment on biology and social behavior can lead to timely and effective interventions, fostering resilience and better long-term outcomes.

In summary, childhood maltreatment leaves an indelible mark on a child's biological and social health. Advances in research are offering new pathways for early detection and tailored support, aiming to mitigate the long-term impacts of early adverse experiences.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-childhood-maltreatment-effect-biological-aging.html]