The module will discuss the following themes:
- Definition and prevalence of maltreatment
- Risk factors for childhood maltreatment
- Associations between maltreatment and the risk for mental health problems
- Overarching themes and issues
- Measurement and assessment of maltreatment experiences
- The concept of resilience
- Biological mechanisms which help explain how early experiences impact later development, such as discussion of sensitive periods, biological programming, alterations of brain structure and function, HPA axis imbalance, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, inflammatory processes and the role of the microbiome
- Other factors relevant for understanding individual differences following early risk such as the discussion of the benefits of adoption and fostering, attachment, family and peer relations
- The translation of research into practice
- Perspectives from practitioners working in the field of maltreatment (e.g. clinical, educational or social services)
- Lived experience perspectives
Attendance is a professional skill and strongly encouraged.
