Childhood socio-economic position and affective symptoms in adulthood: The role of neglect

Childhood neglect is more common within low-income families and can have long-term effects on mental health. Despite this, the extent to which it mediate well documented longitudinal inverse relationship between childhood socio-economic position (SEP) adult affective symptoms yet be investigated. Data (9595 males 8959 females) from participants of National Child Development Study (NCDS) were used investigate prospectively measured mediates SEP (age 11) (ages 23 50). Neglect partially mediated at ages ( b = -0.02, [-0.02, -0.02]) 50 -0.01]), after controlling for other family-related adversities. In addition, gender moderated direct effect both -0.06, t -4.87, [-0.08, -0.03]) -0.05, -3.86, [-0.07, -0.02]), with being stronger females; but did not moderate indirect either age 0.01, 1.09 [-0.01, 0.02]) or 0.00, -0.60 0.01]). in should viewed as having serious implications health men women. Greater investments into social support interventions that reduce incidences are also warranted.