Early life adversity has been shown to impact learning and memory in youth
(Callaghan & Tottenham, 2016). However, few studies have examined the
effects of early life caregiving adversity on long-term memory retention in
children and adolescents. Animal models have indicated that exposure to
early life adversity (maternal separation) is associated with accelerated
development of the associative memory system, resulting in longer lasting
memories for threat associations in young rats (Callaghan & Richardson,
2011). The aim of the present study is to examine whether exposure to early
caregiving adversity is associated with better long-term memory retention
of threat associations in children and adolescents. Data collection for the
study is ongoing (current N = 30). Presented data will include preliminary
analyses on the current sample. In line with previous work, I hypothesize
that adversity-exposed youth will have better long-term threat memory than
non-adversity exposed youth. These results will help us understand the
mechanisms linking adversity and emotion regulation later in life, with
clinical and educational implications for intervention.