Caregivers of young children who have experienced significant trauma may be able to prevent serious diseases later in life through psychotherapy sessions, according to a groundbreaking study conducted at UC San Francisco. This study sheds light on the biological benefits of dyadic therapy and its potential to slow down the aging process in individuals who have undergone early childhood trauma.
Dyadic therapy, specifically Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), has been shown to have long-lasting psychological benefits for young children up to nine years after treatment. However, this study is the first to demonstrate a biological advantage as well. Researchers at UCSF focused on a biomarker known as “age acceleration,” which indicates how quickly or slowly a person’s body is aging relative to their chronological age.
It is well-documented that individuals who have experienced trauma in early childhood tend to age at a faster rate, putting them at a higher risk for various health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma. By comparing two groups of children aged 2 to 6 years with traumatic experiences, the study found that those who received CPP sessions had lower rates of age acceleration compared to those who did not undergo the therapy.
Dr. Alicia Lieberman, the director of UCSF’s Child Trauma Research Program and co-author of the study, developed CPP as a way to help children and their parents process traumatic experiences together. The therapy involves using play therapy techniques to help children express their emotions and thoughts while enhancing the parent-child relationship through positive interactions.
Dr. Nicole Bush, the senior author of the study and chief of UCSF’s Division of Developmental Medicine, emphasized the importance of early intervention in reducing age acceleration and improving long-term health outcomes. The study, published in Psychological Science, highlights the significance of providing families with access to effective trauma-focused therapies.
One of the key findings of the study was the impact of trauma on families of color and low-income families, who are disproportionately exposed to traumatic experiences. Dr. Lieberman stressed the severity of the trauma experienced by the participants, including loss of a parent, maltreatment, and community violence. The study underscored the critical need for interventions that address trauma in young children and their caregivers to promote overall well-being.
Dr. Allie Sullivan, a co-first author of the study and postdoctoral scholar at UCSF, emphasized the role of relationships in promoting health and resilience in children exposed to trauma. By focusing on repairing the parent-child relationship and addressing the trauma together, therapists aim to empower parents and provide them with the tools to support their children’s emotional well-being.
Early childhood, especially before the age of five when the brain undergoes rapid development, is a critical time for interventions to have a lasting impact on children’s health. In recent years, initiatives such as family therapy benefits for pediatric Medi-Cal patients have been implemented to support early interventions for trauma-affected families.
The researchers hope that their findings will encourage policymakers and practitioners to prioritize therapy-based approaches over medication for treating trauma. By promoting emotional safety, healing, and biological repair through dyadic therapy, families can potentially mitigate the long-term effects of trauma on mental and physical health.
Ultimately, this study highlights the transformative power of caregiver-focused interventions in preventing disease and promoting resilience in children who have experienced trauma. By investing in early childhood mental health and strengthening parent-child relationships, we can pave the way for healthier futures for vulnerable populations.
