Leiden University Student Repository

Dunkes, Ruby (2022)

The moderating effect of the immune system on the association between childhood adversity and depressive symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

Individuals who experienced childhood adversity (CA) are at higher risk to develop depressive symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood. Different factors are thought to be involved in this association, including the immune system. Of the two most important immune markers, IL-6 has repeatedly been confirmed to be involved in the association between CA and depressive symptoms. Yet studies investigating the potential role of TNF-α are limited and show inconsistent results. This master thesis investigated the relationship between CA and depressive symptoms, along with the potential moderating effect of TNF-α on this relationship. The study used a cross-sectional design and included an online assessment (session 1) and an in-unit assessment at Addenbrooke’s hospital (Cambridge, UK) (session 2). Severity of CA and depressive symptoms were assessed during session 1 with the use of self-report questionnaires. Baseline TNF-α levels were assessed during session 2 through blood...Show moreIndividuals who experienced childhood adversity (CA) are at higher risk to develop depressive symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood. Different factors are thought to be involved in this association, including the immune system. Of the two most important immune markers, IL-6 has repeatedly been confirmed to be involved in the association between CA and depressive symptoms. Yet studies investigating the potential role of TNF-α are limited and show inconsistent results. This master thesis investigated the relationship between CA and depressive symptoms, along with the potential moderating effect of TNF-α on this relationship. The study used a cross-sectional design and included an online assessment (session 1) and an in-unit assessment at Addenbrooke’s hospital (Cambridge, UK) (session 2). Severity of CA and depressive symptoms were assessed during session 1 with the use of self-report questionnaires. Baseline TNF-α levels were assessed during session 2 through blood venepunctures. As expected, results revealed that the severity of CA significantly predicts depressive symptoms in adolescence (r2 = .07, p = .02). However, TNF-α levels did not predict depressive symptoms, and TNF-α levels did not moderate the relationship between severity of CA and depressive symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood.Show less

immune system

childhood adversity

depressive symptoms

Author

Dunkes, Ruby

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Applied Neuroscience in Human Development

Supervisors

Scheuplein, M.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en