Accumulating evidence suggests that environmentally-driven epigenetic regulation contributes to developmental phenotypes in humans. The panorama of human behavioral epigenetics research includes gene expression correlates of different environmental exposures, such as early-life adversities and protective care conditions.

Developmental Human Behavioral Epigenetics, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, offers the first systematic account of theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, findings, and future directions in the field of human behavioral epigenetics. Featuring contributions from leading scientists and international researchers, this book provides a comprehensive overview of human behavioral epigenetics, with a close examination of evidence gathered to-date from animal models, challenges of human-based research and clinical translation, pathways towards drug discovery, and next steps in research. Areas of focus include prenatal stress exposures, preterm behavioral epigenetics, intergenerational exposures, trauma and neglect, socio-economic conditions, maternal caregiving and attachment, study design, and epigenetics and psychotherapy.

Offering an interdisciplinary, scientifically rigorous but socially aware treatment, the book illuminates the molecular basis and implications of epigenetic mechanisms behind behavioral phenotypes, providing tools for population-based studies, and defining ethical pathways towards application in behavioral medicine.