Shaunna L. Devine
Papers
1
Total Citations
61
H-Index
1
About
Shaunna L. Devine is a leading researcher in the psychological and neuroscientific study of touch, with a particular focus on how early life experiences shape social and emotional development. Her work bridges developmental psychology, affective neuroscience, and social care, investigating how childhood adversity—especially neglect and abuse—alters the perception of affective, or nurturing, touch. In her landmark 2020 study, "Childhood Adversity and Affective Touch Perception," Devine compared care leavers in the UK with non-care leavers, demonstrating that those who experienced early adversity show diminished sensitivity to slow, gentle touch—a key channel for bonding and emotional regulation. This work, cited over 60 times, has profound implications for understanding the long-term impact of institutional care and for designing interventions that support healthy social development. Devine’s research not only advances fundamental knowledge of tactile perception but also informs policy and practice for vulnerable populations, making her a vital voice at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and child welfare.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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