Samantha Mare
Class of 2025Lovettsville, Virginia
About
Heyyy, My name is Samantha and my Polygence project is on the effects of childhood trauma on the way our brains developed. I chose to work on this project because I think it is an understudied and interesting field, that shapes how people think and act, and this insight may help people and how they interact with other people. After My project is complete, I would like to spread the information I find to help people learn about themselves.Projects
- "The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Adult Interpersonal Relationships" with mentor Isabella (Jan. 7, 2024)
Samantha's Symposium Presentation
Project Portfolio
The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Adult Interpersonal Relationships
Started May 25, 2023
Abstract or project description
Individuals who experienced adversity during childhood are more likely to develop mental health problems and struggle to form healthy emotional connections in adulthood. Prior work has investigated how childhood adversity affects interpersonal skills and attachment styles, however it is unclear how experiencing childhood adversity specifically shapes how adults show and receive affection. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between different types of childhood adversity and adult preferences for expressions of love. 54 participants completed an online survey containing questions about giving and receiving expressions of love through the popularized categorization method known as the five love languages. Analyses demonstrated that individuals who experienced verbal abuse in childhood had a greater preference for giving words and affirmation relative to those who did not experience verbal abuse. Additionally, those who had experienced physical neglect during childhood demonstrated a greater preference for showing affection through quality time.