Investigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Psychopathology-related symptoms and Prefrontal Cortical Correlates in an Adolescent Population - Amelya Greaves

Year
2026
Organisation
Hamilton College
Tags
Adverse Childhood Experiences
ACEs
mental health
brain development
prefrontal cortex
neuroscience
child psychology
Adolescent Development
anxiety
depression
resilience
trauma
Childhood Adversity
ABCD Study
cognitive development
behavioural science
Executive Function
Household Dysfunction
developmental psychology
neurodevelopment
Summary

This thesis examined how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect mental health and brain development. Using data from the ABCD Study, the researcher found that ACEs were linked to both mental health symptoms and a thicker prefrontal cortex. The findings suggest the brain may adapt to adversity, highlighting new questions about resilience.