It has been widely recognized that adverse childhood experiences (ACE) increase the risk of subsequent maladjustment by adversely affecting numerous areas of cognitive development. In this study, we focused on child maltreatment as the primary childhood adversity experience and examined its effects on brain development during childhood. First, we reviewed the effects of maltreatment experiences on the brain for each brain area based on previous studies, and found reduced executive function in the prefrontal cortex, reduced hippocampal volume with secondary disorders, and dysfunction of the reward system. Next, we investigated the effects of the type and timing of child maltreatment on brain development based on our recent studies. The brain area affected was demonstrated to depend on the type and timing of maltreatment. This suggests different symptoms. Lastly, we reviewed the recent progress in neuroscience research related to parenting support. Based on the rapid development of brain function measurement technology, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in recent years, we discussed the possibility of developing a preventive model capable of early detection and intervention for mental illness and social adaptation difficulties, especially parenting difficulties. Further research on the prevention and intervention for parenting difficulties, and a better understanding of the mechanism of parenting will change the methodology for supporting parents, enabling the development of a support program in line with the diverse needs depending on individual differences in parenting skills and resources.
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