Developmental pathways to child disruptive behavior problems:
Bridging the gap between epigenetics and neuroscience

Project summary

Children with disruptive behaviour problems (DBPs) that do not receive treatment are also at increased risk for many negative outcomes in adult life, including poorer mental and physical health, lower job prospects, more contact with the police and a lower quality of life. Both genes and the environment play an important role in the development of DBP. However, how exactly this happens at a biological level remains unclear. In this project, I will investigate how DNA methylation relates to children’s brain development and behaviour, in order to better understand pathways to DBPs.

The knowledge generated from this project will lead to a better understanding of how DBPs develop, which can help inform the creation of more effective strategies for prevention and intervention.