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Far and wide: Associations between childhood socio-economic status and brain connectomics.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Johnson, Amy 
Bathelt, Joe 
Akarca, Danyal 
Crickmore, Gemma 
Astle, Duncan E 

Abstract

Previous studies have identified localized associations between childhood environment - namely their socio-economic status (SES) - and particular neural structures. The primary aim of the current study was to test whether associations between SES and brain structure are widespread or limited to specific neural pathways. We employed advances in whole-brain structural connectomics to address this. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to construct whole-brain connectomes in 113 6-12 year olds. We then applied an adapted multi-block partial-least squares (PLS) regression to explore how connectome organisation is associated with childhood SES (parental income, education levels, and neighbourhood deprivation). The Fractional Anisotropy (FA) connectome was significantly associated with childhood SES and this effect was widespread. We then pursued a secondary aim, and demonstrated that the connectome mediated the relationship between SES and cognitive ability (matrix reasoning and vocabulary). However, the connectome did not significantly mediate SES relationships with academic ability (maths and reading) or internalising and externalising behavior. This multivariate approach is important for advancing our theoretical understanding of how brain development may be shaped by childhood environment, and the role that it plays in predicting key outcomes. We also discuss the limitations with this new methodological approach.

Description

Keywords

Cognitive ability, Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), Socio-economic status, behaviour, connectomics, educational attainment, Brain, Child, Connectome, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Economic Status, Humans, Social Class

Journal Title

Dev Cogn Neurosci

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1878-9293
1878-9307

Volume Title

48

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00005/2)