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Papers by Desiree R Delgadillo, PhD
Scientific Reports, 2025
Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in stress. We assess stre... more Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in stress. We assess stress microbiome associations in two samples of healthy adults across three stress domains (perceived stress, stressful life events, and biological stress /Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia; RSA). Study 1
(n = 62; mean-age = 37.3 years; 68% female) and Study 2 (n = 74; mean-age = 41.6 years; female only) measured RSA during laboratory stressors and used 16S rRNA pyrosequencing to classify gut microbial composition from fecal samples. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States was used to predict functional pathways of metagenomes. Results showed differences in beta diversity between high and low stressful life events groups across both studies. Study 1 revealed differences in beta diversity between high and low RSA groups. In Study 1, the low perceived stress group was higher in alpha diversity than the high perceived stress group. Levels of Clostridium were negatively associated with RSA in Study 1 and levels Escherichia/Shigella were positively associated with perceived stress in Study 2. Associations between microbial functional pathways (L-lysine production and formaldehyde absorption) and RSA are discussed. Findings suggest that certain features of the gut microbiome are differentially associated with each stress domain.
Nature Mental Health, 2024
The brain–gut microbiome (BGM) system plays an influential role on mental health. We characterize... more The brain–gut microbiome (BGM) system plays an influential role on mental
health. We characterized BGM patterns related to resilience using fecal
samples and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging. Data integration
analysis using latent components showed that the high-resilience
phenotype was associated with lower depression and anxiety symptoms,
higher frequency of bacterial transcriptomes (related to environmental
adaptation, genetic propagation, energy metabolism and antiinflammation),
increased metabolites (N-acetylglutamate, dimethylglycine)
and cortical signatures (increased resting-state functional connectivity
between reward circuits and sensorimotor networks; decreased gray-matter
volume and white-matter tracts within the emotion regulation network).
Our findings support a multi-omic signature involving the BGM system,
suggesting that resilience impacts psychological symptoms, emotion
regulation and cognitive function, as reflected by unique neural correlates
and microbiome function supporting eubiosis and gut-barrier integrity.
Bacterial transcriptomes provided the highest classification accuracy,
suggesting that the microbiome is critical in shaping resilience, and
highlighting that microbiome modifications can optimize mental health.
This is work is dedicated to my children; Violet, Norah, Rose and Josiah. The experience of being... more This is work is dedicated to my children; Violet, Norah, Rose and Josiah. The experience of being their mother has shaped and refined my research endeavors in ways that will benefit my life and career indefinitely.
Developmental Psychobiology, Jan 5, 2021
The aim of the current study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion cor... more The aim of the current study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulation) within the mother-child dyad play a protective role in children's physiological response to a distressing task. Specifically, we test whether positive emotion coregulation among mothers and their preschool-aged children is associated with children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at baseline, during, and following a frustration task. One-hundred Singaporean mother-child dyads (M childage = 3.5 years) participated in a standardized "Laughing Task" in which positive emotional constructs were measured. Children also participated in a frustration task while RSA was continuously monitored. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that greater maternal positive emotional responses to children were associated with child RSA at baseline and in recovery from frustration, but not during frustration. These findings have implications for the important role that positive emotion responsivity from mothers may play in children's developing autonomic response systems, and underscore the need for longitudinal work on this topic.
Psychosomatic Medicine
Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psych... more Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psychosocial behaviors in animals and adult humans. However, research assessing mind-microbiome associations in children is sparse with extant work primarily focused on populations with autism, making it unclear whether links are also present in typically developing children. The current study fills this gap by examining associations between prosocial–self-regulating temperaments (effortful control; EC) and the gut microbiome in typically developing children. Methods Maternal ratings of temperament were assessed in 77 toddlers 18 to 27 months of age (46.7% female, mean age = 23.14 months). Next-generation pyrosequencing of the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to classify children’s gut microbial composition from fecal samples. EC included the following subcategories: cuddliness, attentional focusing, attentional shifting, inhibitory control, and low-intensity pleasure. Results After adjusting for covariates, EC was positively associated with relative abundances of Akkermansia (ΔR2 = 0.117, b = 0.022, SE = 0.007, p = .002), with cuddliness (i.e., joy and ease of being held) driving the relation. Furthermore, attentional focusing was negatively associated with Alistipes (ΔR2 = 0.062, b = −0.011, SE = 0.005, p = .028). Permutational analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in community structure between high and low EC groups on the phylum level (R2 = 0.00372, p = .745) or the genus level (R2 = 0.01559, p = .276). Conclusions Findings suggest that certain microbes may be linked to prosocial behaviors used to regulate emotion in typically developing children. Further research is needed to test whether these observations replicate in larger samples.
Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 2017
We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do s... more We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do so, and what we know about the conditions where this is more or less likely to occur. This review also explores how various methodological approaches inform the study of the connections between subjective well-being and health and longevity outcomes. Our review of this growing literature indicates areas where data are substantial and where much more research is needed. We conclude that SWB can sometimes influence health, and review a number of reasons why it does so. A key open question is when it does and does not do so-in terms of populations likely to be affected, types of SWB that are most influential (including which might be harmful), and types of health and illnesses that are most likely to be affected. We also describe additional types of research that are now much needed in this burgeoning area of interest, for example, cross-cultural studies, animal research, and experimental in...
Applied Psychology, 2017
We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do s... more We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do so, and what we know about the conditions where this is more or less likely to occur. This review also explores how various methodological approaches inform the study of the connections between subjective well-being and health and longevity outcomes. Our review of this growing literature indicates areas where data are substantial and where much more research is needed. We conclude that SWB can sometimes influence health, and review a number of reasons why it does so. A key open question is when it does and does not do so—in terms of populations likely to be affected, types of SWB that are most influential (including which might be harmful), and types of health and illnesses that are most likely to be affected. We also describe additional types of research that are now much needed in this burgeoning area of interest, for example, cross-cultural studies, animal research, and experimental interventions designed to raise long-term SWB and assess the effects on physical health. This research area is characterized both by potentially extremely important findings, and also by pivotal research issues and questions.
Developmental Psychobiology, 2019
The aim of this study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulati... more The aim of this study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulation) within the mother–child dyad play a protective role in children's
physiological response to a distressing task. Specifically, we test whether positive
emotion coregulation among mothers and their preschool-aged children is associated
with children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at baseline, during, and following a
frustration task. One hundred Singaporean mother–child dyads (Mchildage = 3.5 years)
participated in a standardized “Laughing Task” in which positive emotional constructs
were measured. Children also participated in a frustration task while RSA was continuously monitored. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that greater maternal
positive emotional responses to children were associated with child RSA at baseline
and in recovery from frustration, but not during frustration. These findings have implications for the important role that positive emotion responsivity from mothers
may play in children's developing autonomic response systems, and underscore the
need for longitudinal work on this topic.
Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psyc... more Objective
Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psychosocial behaviors in animals and adult humans. However, research assessing mind-microbiome associations in children is sparse with extant work primarily focused on populations with autism, making it unclear whether links are also present in typically developing children. The current study fills this gap by examining associations between prosocial–self-regulating temperaments (effortful control; EC) and the gut microbiome in typically developing children.
Methods
Maternal ratings of temperament were assessed in 77 toddlers 18 to 27 months of age (46.7% female, mean age = 23.14 months). Next-generation pyrosequencing of the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to classify children’s gut microbial composition from fecal samples. EC included the following subcategories: cuddliness, attentional focusing, attentional shifting, inhibitory control, and low-intensity pleasure.
Results
After adjusting for covariates, EC was positively associated with relative abundances of Akkermansia (ΔR2 = 0.117, b = 0.022, SE = 0.007, p = .002), with cuddliness (i.e., joy and ease of being held) driving the relation. Furthermore, attentional focusing was negatively associated with Alistipes (ΔR2 = 0.062, b = −0.011, SE = 0.005, p = .028). Permutational analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in community structure between high and low EC groups on the phylum level (R2 = 0.00372, p = .745) or the genus level (R2 = 0.01559, p = .276).
Conclusions
Findings suggest that certain microbes may be linked to prosocial behaviors used to regulate emotion in typically developing children. Further research is needed to test whether these observations replicate in larger samples.
Scientific Reports, 2025
Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in stress. We assess stre... more Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in stress. We assess stress microbiome associations in two samples of healthy adults across three stress domains (perceived stress, stressful life events, and biological stress /Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia; RSA). Study 1
(n = 62; mean-age = 37.3 years; 68% female) and Study 2 (n = 74; mean-age = 41.6 years; female only) measured RSA during laboratory stressors and used 16S rRNA pyrosequencing to classify gut microbial composition from fecal samples. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States was used to predict functional pathways of metagenomes. Results showed differences in beta diversity between high and low stressful life events groups across both studies. Study 1 revealed differences in beta diversity between high and low RSA groups. In Study 1, the low perceived stress group was higher in alpha diversity than the high perceived stress group. Levels of Clostridium were negatively associated with RSA in Study 1 and levels Escherichia/Shigella were positively associated with perceived stress in Study 2. Associations between microbial functional pathways (L-lysine production and formaldehyde absorption) and RSA are discussed. Findings suggest that certain features of the gut microbiome are differentially associated with each stress domain.
Nature Mental Health, 2024
The brain–gut microbiome (BGM) system plays an influential role on mental health. We characterize... more The brain–gut microbiome (BGM) system plays an influential role on mental
health. We characterized BGM patterns related to resilience using fecal
samples and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging. Data integration
analysis using latent components showed that the high-resilience
phenotype was associated with lower depression and anxiety symptoms,
higher frequency of bacterial transcriptomes (related to environmental
adaptation, genetic propagation, energy metabolism and antiinflammation),
increased metabolites (N-acetylglutamate, dimethylglycine)
and cortical signatures (increased resting-state functional connectivity
between reward circuits and sensorimotor networks; decreased gray-matter
volume and white-matter tracts within the emotion regulation network).
Our findings support a multi-omic signature involving the BGM system,
suggesting that resilience impacts psychological symptoms, emotion
regulation and cognitive function, as reflected by unique neural correlates
and microbiome function supporting eubiosis and gut-barrier integrity.
Bacterial transcriptomes provided the highest classification accuracy,
suggesting that the microbiome is critical in shaping resilience, and
highlighting that microbiome modifications can optimize mental health.
This is work is dedicated to my children; Violet, Norah, Rose and Josiah. The experience of being... more This is work is dedicated to my children; Violet, Norah, Rose and Josiah. The experience of being their mother has shaped and refined my research endeavors in ways that will benefit my life and career indefinitely.
Developmental Psychobiology, Jan 5, 2021
The aim of the current study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion cor... more The aim of the current study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulation) within the mother-child dyad play a protective role in children's physiological response to a distressing task. Specifically, we test whether positive emotion coregulation among mothers and their preschool-aged children is associated with children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at baseline, during, and following a frustration task. One-hundred Singaporean mother-child dyads (M childage = 3.5 years) participated in a standardized "Laughing Task" in which positive emotional constructs were measured. Children also participated in a frustration task while RSA was continuously monitored. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that greater maternal positive emotional responses to children were associated with child RSA at baseline and in recovery from frustration, but not during frustration. These findings have implications for the important role that positive emotion responsivity from mothers may play in children's developing autonomic response systems, and underscore the need for longitudinal work on this topic.
Psychosomatic Medicine
Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psych... more Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psychosocial behaviors in animals and adult humans. However, research assessing mind-microbiome associations in children is sparse with extant work primarily focused on populations with autism, making it unclear whether links are also present in typically developing children. The current study fills this gap by examining associations between prosocial–self-regulating temperaments (effortful control; EC) and the gut microbiome in typically developing children. Methods Maternal ratings of temperament were assessed in 77 toddlers 18 to 27 months of age (46.7% female, mean age = 23.14 months). Next-generation pyrosequencing of the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to classify children’s gut microbial composition from fecal samples. EC included the following subcategories: cuddliness, attentional focusing, attentional shifting, inhibitory control, and low-intensity pleasure. Results After adjusting for covariates, EC was positively associated with relative abundances of Akkermansia (ΔR2 = 0.117, b = 0.022, SE = 0.007, p = .002), with cuddliness (i.e., joy and ease of being held) driving the relation. Furthermore, attentional focusing was negatively associated with Alistipes (ΔR2 = 0.062, b = −0.011, SE = 0.005, p = .028). Permutational analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in community structure between high and low EC groups on the phylum level (R2 = 0.00372, p = .745) or the genus level (R2 = 0.01559, p = .276). Conclusions Findings suggest that certain microbes may be linked to prosocial behaviors used to regulate emotion in typically developing children. Further research is needed to test whether these observations replicate in larger samples.
Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 2017
We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do s... more We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do so, and what we know about the conditions where this is more or less likely to occur. This review also explores how various methodological approaches inform the study of the connections between subjective well-being and health and longevity outcomes. Our review of this growing literature indicates areas where data are substantial and where much more research is needed. We conclude that SWB can sometimes influence health, and review a number of reasons why it does so. A key open question is when it does and does not do so-in terms of populations likely to be affected, types of SWB that are most influential (including which might be harmful), and types of health and illnesses that are most likely to be affected. We also describe additional types of research that are now much needed in this burgeoning area of interest, for example, cross-cultural studies, animal research, and experimental in...
Applied Psychology, 2017
We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do s... more We review evidence on whether subjective well-being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do so, and what we know about the conditions where this is more or less likely to occur. This review also explores how various methodological approaches inform the study of the connections between subjective well-being and health and longevity outcomes. Our review of this growing literature indicates areas where data are substantial and where much more research is needed. We conclude that SWB can sometimes influence health, and review a number of reasons why it does so. A key open question is when it does and does not do so—in terms of populations likely to be affected, types of SWB that are most influential (including which might be harmful), and types of health and illnesses that are most likely to be affected. We also describe additional types of research that are now much needed in this burgeoning area of interest, for example, cross-cultural studies, animal research, and experimental interventions designed to raise long-term SWB and assess the effects on physical health. This research area is characterized both by potentially extremely important findings, and also by pivotal research issues and questions.
Developmental Psychobiology, 2019
The aim of this study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulati... more The aim of this study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulation) within the mother–child dyad play a protective role in children's
physiological response to a distressing task. Specifically, we test whether positive
emotion coregulation among mothers and their preschool-aged children is associated
with children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at baseline, during, and following a
frustration task. One hundred Singaporean mother–child dyads (Mchildage = 3.5 years)
participated in a standardized “Laughing Task” in which positive emotional constructs
were measured. Children also participated in a frustration task while RSA was continuously monitored. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that greater maternal
positive emotional responses to children were associated with child RSA at baseline
and in recovery from frustration, but not during frustration. These findings have implications for the important role that positive emotion responsivity from mothers
may play in children's developing autonomic response systems, and underscore the
need for longitudinal work on this topic.
Objective Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psyc... more Objective
Emerging research has connected abundances of specific bacteria to differences in psychosocial behaviors in animals and adult humans. However, research assessing mind-microbiome associations in children is sparse with extant work primarily focused on populations with autism, making it unclear whether links are also present in typically developing children. The current study fills this gap by examining associations between prosocial–self-regulating temperaments (effortful control; EC) and the gut microbiome in typically developing children.
Methods
Maternal ratings of temperament were assessed in 77 toddlers 18 to 27 months of age (46.7% female, mean age = 23.14 months). Next-generation pyrosequencing of the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to classify children’s gut microbial composition from fecal samples. EC included the following subcategories: cuddliness, attentional focusing, attentional shifting, inhibitory control, and low-intensity pleasure.
Results
After adjusting for covariates, EC was positively associated with relative abundances of Akkermansia (ΔR2 = 0.117, b = 0.022, SE = 0.007, p = .002), with cuddliness (i.e., joy and ease of being held) driving the relation. Furthermore, attentional focusing was negatively associated with Alistipes (ΔR2 = 0.062, b = −0.011, SE = 0.005, p = .028). Permutational analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in community structure between high and low EC groups on the phylum level (R2 = 0.00372, p = .745) or the genus level (R2 = 0.01559, p = .276).
Conclusions
Findings suggest that certain microbes may be linked to prosocial behaviors used to regulate emotion in typically developing children. Further research is needed to test whether these observations replicate in larger samples.