A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota has shed light on the impact of negative interactions with police on the epigenetic age of children. Epigenetic age is a biological indicator that can differ from chronological age and is linked to various health outcomes. While previous research has shown that stress from negative police encounters can accelerate epigenetic aging in adults, this study focused on the effects of such interactions on children.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study found that negative police encounters were associated with increased epigenetic age acceleration, particularly among Black youths who experienced more police intrusion compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Some key findings from the study include:
- Black youth showed higher epigenetic age acceleration due to negative police encounters like racial slurs and stop-and-frisks.
- Black youth experienced a greater variety of police intrusion compared to white youths.
- Negative police encounters were reported as early as 8 years old and typically occurred around 13 years old.
- White youth exhibited the lowest rates of accelerated epigenetic aging.
Lead author Juan Del Toro, an assistant professor in the U of M College of Liberal Arts, highlighted the significance of the findings by stating, “Aging is a natural process in human life, but more rapid aging is associated with many negative health outcomes, including a higher mortality rate.” The research team aims to further investigate strategies to slow down epigenetic age acceleration in ethnically and racially minoritized communities, with a focus on addressing discrimination in policing at both interpersonal and structural levels.
Future studies will delve into ways to mitigate the effects of negative police encounters on epigenetic age acceleration in children of color. By exploring interventions to combat accelerated aging, the research team hopes to contribute to improved long-term health outcomes.
For more information on this study, you can refer to the publication in JAMA Pediatrics by Juan Del Toro et al, titled “Longitudinal Changes in Epigenetic Age Acceleration Across Childhood and Adolescence” (DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.3669).
This research was conducted by the University of Minnesota and emphasizes the importance of addressing the impact of negative police interactions on the health and well-being of children, especially those from marginalized communities.
