Childhood Malnutrition Causes Psychological Problems in Adulthood

A new study done by the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia has linked malnutrition to personality disorders later in life. People who were malnourished early in life had difficulty handling stress, new situations, meeting people and had a lack of curiosity when compared with those who had proper childhood nutrition. Also, there were higher rates of Schizophrenia, anxiety and depression disorders in the formerly malnourished group. “Poor nutrition early in life seems to predispose individuals to a suspicious personality, which may then fuel a hostile attitude toward others,” said Psychologist Adrian Raine. It is hypothesized that the lack of nutrients may affect the brain's development at an early age and create mistrust of others. 

This article demonstrates themes of science because:

~ Science is collaborative. The psychologists worked with many malnourished communities in Barbados and Mauritius to collect data and get background information.

~ Science is open to new evidence. There are no claims made that this is the only effect of childhood malnutrition as well as no claims made that this is the only cause of depression in starving communities.

The article: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/349102/description/Early_malnutrition_bodes_ill_for_adult_personality

Picture Citation: http://www.transhumanmedicine.com/2011/10/18/worldwide-there-are-more-obese-than-malnourished-red-cross/