Developmental Origins of Self-regulation: Prenatal Maternal Stress and Psychobiological Development During Childhood

Abstract

In this chapter, we review empirical studies evaluating the role of prenatal maternal stress in shaping the developmental origins of self-regulation. We focus on evidence that elucidates ways in which prenatal maternal factors (i.e., stress exposure, anxiety, depression, and antidepressants) are associated with child self-regulation. Self-regulation is regarded as a core capacity reflected by neurobiological processes such as executive function and stress regulation that are central to setting pathways for mental and physical health across the early life span. While the conceptual framework of fetal programming for adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes has received substantial attention, this chapter will draw from a diverse literature elucidating the impact of early stress exposure on child outcomes for better and worse. With this in mind, we review the key determinants of self-regulation and examine the impact of prenatal maternal stress and in utero exposure to antidepressants, as an illustration of a particular molecular influence (i.e., prenatally altered serotonin levels), on long-term self-regulatory outcomes from early childhood to early adulthood. Human research will be the primary focus, although animal studies will be discussed for illustrative purposes. We conclude by summarizing the main findings overviewed in this chapter and discuss the implications for future research.