Thesis Title:
Investigating how victimisation across childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood shapes mental health and functioning at age 30: A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Thesis Abstract:
Victimisation, which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence, and peer bullying, during early developmental periods has lifelong adverse consequences, including psychopathology and functional impairments. These repercussions are particularly detrimental in emerging adulthood; a key period impacting how individuals will fare in mid-life. Yet, the link between early-life victimisation and adult outcomes remains insufficiently understood, largely due to research failing to adopt a life-course perspective. In fact, most studies focus narrowly on single developmental periods and short-term outcomes, neglecting the dynamic nature of risk and resilience across development. Thus, this PhD project aims to advance knowledge of how victimisation across childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood shapes mental health and functioning at age 30.
This project will capitalise on data collected over three decades from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, following the lives of 2,232 twins born in 1994-95 across England and Wales. Employing advanced quantitative methods, this PhD aims to: (1) investigate the relationship between the timing and duration of victimisation and psychopathology at age 30, (2) identify biopsychosocial mechanisms in early adulthood that mediate this relationship, (3) identify protective factors against psychopathology at age 30 among victimised individuals, and (4) investigate whether some individuals with a history of victimisation are able to flourish by the age of 30.
Ultimately, it will be possible to produce recommendations specifying the optimal timing and content for selective (preventive) interventions aimed at mitigating psychopathology and promoting flourishing among adults with a history of victimisation. Moreover, this project aims to inspire hope by emphasising that victimised adults are not bound by their past experiences, but have the ability to overcome trauma, exceed expectations, and truly flourish.
Primary Supervisor:
Prof Helen Fisher