early maternal rejection causes lower serotonin levels

Very interesting and relevant study, for those of us whose children came to us through adoption after being separated from, or abused/neglected by, birth mothers. This will be of particular interest for those of us raising post-institutionalized children. Infant monkeys whose mothers were abusive or rejecting ending up having lower serotonin levels as adults, lower than those monkeys whose mothers were more accepting and non-abusive. This low serotonin level, in turn, led those monkeys who were rejected by their mothers, to be rejecting and abusive to their own infants. This study is concentrating on the theory that it's caused by low serotonin, rather than some kind of imitative behavior.

Here's the link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061102092229.htm