Victimization is associated with both mental health issues and biological ageing. The explanation for this relationship is complex. In addition to the direct impact of these events, genetic and environmental factors also play a role. This is the result of doctoral research by APH researcher Bodine Gonggrijp.
Being a victim of a violent crime—or another traumatic event—can leave deep physical and mental scars. Behavioural geneticist Bodine Gonggrijp investigated the relationship between victimization, mental health issues, and biological processes at VU Amsterdam.
‘My research shows that victimization are often linked to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness,’ says Gonggrijp. ‘I specifically examined experiences of crime, including violent offences, sexual assaults, and thefts. Victimization can also influence epigenetic processes, such as an accelerated ageing process in the body.’ She concludes that these effects are not solely caused by victimization itself but are also influenced by genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Read the full article about Gonggrijp her research on VU.nl
Gonggrijp her PhD defence will take place on March 24 from 11:45 to 13:15.
This article was copied and shortened from VU.nl