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Sousa R, Ribeiro da Silva D, Petrocchi N, Gilbert P, Rijo D. At the heart of change: Differences in young offenders' HRV patterns after the delivery of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1032011. [PMID: 36704737 PMCID: PMC9872126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1032011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Literature has pointed the need for intervention programs specifically tailored to target the treatment needs of young offenders, as well as the need to test the efficacy of such programs through physiological indexes of emotion regulation (e.g., heart rate variability; HRV), complementing self-reports typically used as outcome measures. The PSYCHOPATHY.COMP is a 20-session individual intervention program based on Compassion Focused Therapy aiming to reduce psychopathic traits and disruptive behavior among young offenders through the development of a compassionate motivation, while stimulating the soothing system as a strategy to improve emotion regulation. Previous research with young offenders has shown decreases in vagally mediated HRV (vmHRV) when the soothing system is activated. This physiological pattern seems to mirror threat-like responses that contrast with relaxed states. METHODS To test the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, a clinical trial was implemented encompassing a treatment (n = 56) and a control group (n = 53). Treatment participants attended the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, while controls received the Treatment As Usual (TAU) delivered in Portuguese juvenile detention facilities. HRV data was collected throughout a standardized procedure (encompassing resting, reactivity and recovery phases) specifically designed to trigger the soothing system. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS Although treatment participants continued to process the soothing system as unpleasant (with decreased vmHRV), they seem to become able to adaptively recover from the stimuli without avoiding it or resorting to maladaptive coping strategies. The physiological pattern was in line with participants' decreases in difficulties in emotion regulation across the assessment periods. In contrast, controls seemed to have actively employed coping strategies associated with increases in vmHRV not only when the soothing system was triggered, but also when recovering from the stimuli. Congruently, for controls, increases in difficulties in emotion regulation were found, with increases in the lack of emotional clarity across the assessment periods. DISCUSSION Findings offer new evidence for the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program in improving emotion regulation in young offenders, assessed through both self-report and physiological measures. Additionally, findings support the assessment of the autonomic balance as a treatment efficacy index in future research, targeting the rehabilitation of these youth. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03971682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben Sousa
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Ribeiro da Silva
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Gilbert
- School of Allied Health and Social Care, College of Health and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Rijo
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Methylphenidate Improves Autonomic Functioning among Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 50:591-603. [PMID: 34613513 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulants are commonly prescribed medications for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Limited studies have evaluated how psychostimulants (e.g., methylphenidate [MPH]) impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) indexes among youth with ADHD. Understanding the effects of MPH on autonomic functioning is essential, given that youth with ADHD have been shown to experience atypical autonomic functioning (i.e., reduced activity across both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) compared to typically developing youth. The current study investigated how a specific psychostimulant, Osmotic Release Oral System [OROS] MPH, impacts parasympathetic (indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) and sympathetic (indexed by electrodermal activity [EDA]) functioning among youth with ADHD via a within-subjects, double-masked, cross-over design. Two hundred fifty-six participants (157 youth with ADHD), ages 5 to 13 years, completed a two-minute resting baseline task while electrocardiograph and electrodermal data were obtained. Youth with ADHD completed the resting baseline task twice, 3 weeks apart, once during active medication and once during placebo conditions (counterbalanced). Typically developing youth were assessed without medication or placebo. Youth with ADHD during the placebo condition exhibited reduced RSA and EDA compared to typically developing youth. In contrast, youth with ADHD during the medication condition did not differ significantly from typically developing youth with respect to either RSA nor EDA. As such, OROS MPH appears to normalize RSA and EDA levels among youth with ADHD to levels comparable to typically developing youth. Future studies including indexes of the ANS among youth with ADHD are urged to consider the impact of MPH.
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Autonomic Nervous System Inflexibility During Parent-child Interactions is Related to Callous-unemotional Traits in Youth Aged 10-14 Years Old. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:1581-1592. [PMID: 34313902 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are at high risk for aggression and antisocial behavior. Extant literature suggests that CU traits are related to abnormal autonomic responses to negatively-valenced emotional stimuli, although few studies have tested autonomic responding specifically during social interactions. To address this knowledge gap, the current study tested whether CU traits were related to autonomic activity, assessed via respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), during several parent-child interaction tasks designed to provoke negative emotion. The sample was 162 clinically referred youth (M age = 12.03, SD = .92; 47% female). Using piecewise latent growth models, we estimated individual differences in RSA during three semi-structured social interaction tasks (reading aloud to a parent and research assistant; a recovery period from the reading task; and a parent-child conflict discussion) and tested whether CU traits were related to patterns of RSA responding across tasks. Overall, youth showed expected RSA decreases during the reading period, increases in RSA during recovery, and further decreases during the conflict discussion. However, youth with clinically-elevated CU traits had a different pattern of RSA change across tasks, such that CU traits were related to significantly less RSA change during reading and recovery. Findings suggest that less RSA engagement during social interactions and less RSA recovery may be a biomarker of CU traits. Future research is needed to examine whether this inflexibility contributes to the development of CU traits beginning early in childhood.
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McQuade JD, Dixon-Gordon KL, Breaux R, Babinski DE. Interactive Effects of Parent Emotion Socialization and Child Physiological Reactivity in Predicting Adolescent Borderline Personality Disorder Features. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 50:89-100. [PMID: 33404951 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00717-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Theories suggest that a transaction between child biological vulnerability and parent emotion socialization underlies the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) features. Yet, few studies have examined the interaction between these factors prospectively in at-risk samples. Consequently, this study tested whether parental reactions to children's negative emotions moderated the effect of the child's physiological reactivity to stress in predicting adolescent BPD features in a sample of youth with and without clinical elevations in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 61 children (52% female) and parents (90% mothers). When children were 9-13 years old, their physiological reactivity to a social stressor was assessed based on respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance level (SCL) reactivity; parents also reported on their supportive and non-supportive reactions to their child's negative emotions. Children were followed-up four to five years later at ages 14-18 years old and their BPD features were assessed based on parent and adolescent report. Significant interactions between children's SCL reactivity and parental reactions to children's negative emotions were found in predicting adolescent BPD features. Children with low SCL reactivity to social stress and parents high in supportive/low in non-supportive reactions were lowest in adolescent BPD features. However, greater SCL reactivity predicted greater adolescent BPD features specifically when the parent was high in support or low in non-support. Childhood ADHD symptoms also significantly predicted greater adolescent BPD features. Findings suggest that children with different patterns of SCL reactivity may respond differently to parental reactions to their emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D McQuade
- Department of Psychology, Amherst College, Campus Box 2236, Amherst, MA, 01002, USA.
| | - Katherine L Dixon-Gordon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Rosanna Breaux
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Dara E Babinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Huffman LG, Oshri A, Caughy M. An autonomic nervous system context of harsh parenting and youth aggression versus delinquency. Biol Psychol 2020; 156:107966. [PMID: 33027683 PMCID: PMC7665164 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Harsh parenting is a significant predictor of youth aggression and delinquency. However, not every child exposed to adverse parenting develops such problem behaviors. Recent developmental evolutionary models suggest that variability in stress response reactivity to parenting, reflected by autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning, may affect the impact of adverse parenting on youth behavioral adjustment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the ANS moderate the association between parenting and aggressive and delinquent behaviors. The study sample included low-income, ethnically diverse preadolescents (M = 10.28 years old; N = 101) and their caregivers. Direct effects were found from basal RSA to delinquent behaviors. In addition, harsh parenting predicted increased youths' aggressive and delinquent behaviors in the context of high RSA withdrawal and increased youths' delinquent behaviors in the context of shortened basal PEP. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landry Goodgame Huffman
- Neuroscience Program, Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30607, United States.
| | - Assaf Oshri
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, College of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30607, United States
| | - Margaret Caughy
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, College of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30607, United States
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Abstract
Growing evidence has suggested that the mechanisms underlying the 3 dimensions of psychopathic traits, including grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, and daring-impulsive, are different. As yet, the neurobiological correlates of each dimension have not been fully understood. In this study, we examined if reward processing deficits were differentially associated with these traits, and whether social adversity moderated these relationships. Pre-ejection period (PEP) was assessed in children between 8 and 10 years of age from the community (N = 340, Mage = 9.06, SD = .60; 48.2% boys) while they were completing a reward task, and the caregivers rated children's psychopathic traits. Results indicated that (a) high callous-unemotional traits were associated with less PEP shortening, reflecting reward hyporesponsivity, at low levels of social adversity, and more PEP shortening, indicating hyperresponsivity, at high levels of social adversity, (b) high daring-impulsive traits were associated with hyperresponsivity at low levels of adversity only, and (c) grandiose-manipulative traits were not linked to reward processing deficits. Findings provide further evidence that different etiologies may underlie various dimensions of psychopathic traits and highlight the important role of psychosocial factors in understanding the neurobiological mechanism of youth psychopathy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- City University of New York
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Psychology, New Jersey City University
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Le TM, Wang W, Zhornitsky S, Dhingra I, Zhang S, Li CSR. Reward sensitivity and electrodermal responses to actions and outcomes in a go/no-go task. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219147. [PMID: 31344045 PMCID: PMC6657849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin conductance response (SCR) is used in psychophysiological research to measure the reactions of the autonomic nervous system to reward and punishment. While there is consistent evidence that SCR increases to both aversive and appetitive stimuli, it remains unclear whether SCR simply represents a general index of arousal to motivationally significant outcomes or may also differentiate action or inhibition of action that lead to such outcomes. Furthermore, individual differences in trait sensitivity to reward and punishment can influence physiological arousal during approach and avoidance behaviors. Yet, their inter-relationships have not been examined. To address these gaps, we employed a reward go/no-go task with ⅔ go and ⅓ no-go trials and an individually titrated go response window. Correct go and no-go responses were rewarded while incorrect responses were penalized. We examined whether SCR varied with outcome (win vs. loss), action (go vs. no-go), and individual differences in reward sensitivity (SR) and sex. The results showed greater SCRs to loss vs. win, to go vs. no-go success, and to go success in positive correlation with SR. Further, SCR mediated the relationship between SR and go success rate. In sex differences, men exhibited greater SCR which was more predictive of go success rate relative to women. In contrast, SCR was more predictive of no-go success rate in women. Thus, SCR varies according to behavioral contingency, outcome, sex, and reward sensitivity. These findings add to the literature by characterizing the individual and behavioral factors that may influence physiological arousal in response to salient events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang M. Le
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Wuyi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Isha Dhingra
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Chiang-Shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Longitudinal Associations of Parental Emotion Socialization and Children's Emotion Regulation: The Moderating Role of ADHD Symptomatology. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 46:671-683. [PMID: 28710531 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Theory and research suggest that parents' reactions to children's emotions play a critical role in teaching children effective emotion regulation (ER) skills, but no studies have directly examined the role that parent emotion socialization plays in the development of ER in children with ADHD. Gaining insight into the causes of impaired ER, particularly in youth with ADHD who are known to have poor ER, has important theoretical and translational significance. The present study is the first to longitudinally examine whether emotion socialization predicts later physiological and adult-reported measures of ER in children with and without ADHD. It also sought to determine if these relations are moderated by ADHD symptoms. Participants were 61 children (31 girls, 30 boys; M = 10.67 years, SD = 1.28) with and without clinically significant ADHD symptoms. At Time 1, parent reports of emotion socialization and parent- and teacher-report of child ADHD symptoms were collected. At Time 2, child ER measures were collected based on parent- and teacher-report and physiological reactivity during an impossible puzzle and a social rejection task. Physiological measures included respiratory sinus arrhythmia and skin conductance level (SCL). Supportive parenting practices were associated with better parent-rated emotion regulation skills for all children and greater SCL reactivity for children with high ADHD symptoms. Non-supportive parenting reactions were associated with greater adult-rated emotional lability for children with high ADHD symptoms. Results highlight the importance of considering multiple aspects of ER, including physiological manifestations. Findings suggest that parents' use of adaptive emotion socialization practices may serve as a protective factor for children's ER development and may be particularly critical for youth with ADHD. Our findings support the use of interventions addressing parent emotion socialization to help foster better ER in children.
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Fox AR, Aldrich JT, Ahles JJ, Mezulis AH. Stress and parenting predict changes in adolescent respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 61:1214-1224. [PMID: 31077349 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for the development of physiological emotion regulatory systems. While stressful life experiences are known to inhibit adaptive regulation, less is known about how parental socialization of emotion regulation may affect this relation. We examined the effect of stressful life experiences on changes in the resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) levels of 107 (Mage = 12.84, SD = 0.85) young adolescents over a year, moderated by supportive parental responses to negative emotions. The significant interaction (B = 0.02, p = 0.04) indicated that young adolescents who experienced low levels of supportive parenting in the context of high levels of stressful life experiences showed significant decreases in resting RSA over the year, while adolescents who experienced high levels of supportive parenting showed minimal decreases in RSA. Thus, more supportive parenting significantly compensated for the effect of greater stressful life experiences on changes in resting RSA over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Fox
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jaclyn T Aldrich
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joshua J Ahles
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amy H Mezulis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
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Tenenbaum RB, Musser ED, Raiker JS, Coles EK, Gnagy EM, Pelham WE. Specificity of Reward Sensitivity and Parasympathetic-Based Regulation among Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Disruptive Behavior Disorders. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 46:965-977. [PMID: 28875352 PMCID: PMC5839917 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with disruptionsin reward sensitivity and regulatory processes. However, it is unclear whether thesedisruptions are better explained by comorbid disruptive behavior disorder (DBD)symptomology. This study sought to examine this question using multiple levels ofanalysis (i.e., behavior, autonomic reactivity). One hundred seventeen children (aged 6 to 12 years; 72.6% male; 69 with ADHD) completed theBalloon-Analogue Risk Task (BART) to assess external reward sensitivity behaviorally.Sympathetic-based internal reward sensitivity and parasympathetic-based regulationwere indexed via cardiac pre-ejection period (PEP) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia(RSA), respectively. Children with ADHD exhibited reduced internal reward sensitivity (i.e.,lengthened PEP; F(1,112)=4.01, p=0.047) compared to healthy controls and werecharacterized by greater parasympathetic-based dysregulation (i.e., reduced RSAaugmentation F(1,112)=10.12, p=0.002). However, follow-up analyses indicated theADHD effect was better accounted for by comorbid DBD diagnoses; that is, childrenwith ADHD and comorbid ODD were characterized by reduced internal rewardsensitivity (i.e., lengthened PEP; t=2.47, p=0.046) and by parasympathetic-baseddysregulation (i.e., reduced RSA augmentation; t=3.51, p=0.002) in response to rewardwhen compared to typically developing youth. Furthermore, children with ADHD and comorbid CD exhibited greater behaviorally-based external reward sensitivity (i.e.,more total pops; F(3,110)= 5.96, p=0.001) compared to children with ADHD only (t=3.87, p=0.001) and children with ADHD and ODD (t=3.56, p=0.003). Results suggest that disruptions in sensitivity to reward may be betteraccounted for, in part, by comorbid DBD.Key Words: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autonomic nervous system,disruptive behavior disorders, reward sensitivityPowered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Tenenbaum
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA
| | - Erica D Musser
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA.
| | - Joseph S Raiker
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA
| | - Erika K Coles
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Gnagy
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA
| | - William E Pelham
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33100, USA
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Koenig J, Rash JA, Campbell TS, Thayer JF, Kaess M. A Meta-Analysis on Sex Differences in Resting-State Vagal Activity in Children and Adolescents. Front Physiol 2017; 8:582. [PMID: 28883794 PMCID: PMC5573740 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower vagal activity is associated with psychopathology independent of age. Research suggests that alterations of vagal activity precede the development of psychopathology. The present review aimed to quantify sex differences in vagal activity in children and adolescents. Studies reporting on sex differences on measures of vagally-mediated heart rate variability derived from short-term recordings under resting conditions in boys and girls were included. Drawing on data from more than 5,000 children and adolescents, we provide evidence that healthy young girls display lower vagal activity and greater mean heart rate compared to boys, a finding that may have implications for risk associated with the development of internalizing psychopathology and somatic ill-health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Koenig
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of HeidelbergHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Joshua A Rash
- Department of Psychology, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Tavis S Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael Kaess
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of HeidelbergHeidelberg, Germany.,University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of BernBern, Switzerland
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Kalvin CB, Bierman KL, Gatzke-Kopp LM. Emotional Reactivity, Behavior Problems, and Social Adjustment at School Entry in a High-risk Sample. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 44:1527-1541. [PMID: 26943804 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-016-0139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Prior research suggests that heightened emotional reactivity to emotionally distressing stimuli may be associated with elevated internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and contribute to impaired social functioning. These links were explored in a sample of 169 economically-disadvantaged kindergarteners (66 % male; 68 % African American, 22 % Hispanic, 10 % Caucasian) oversampled for elevated aggression. Physiological measures of emotional reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA], heart rate [HR], and cardiac pre-ejection period [PEP]) were collected, and teachers and peers provided ratings of externalizing and internalizing behavior, prosocial competence, and peer rejection. RSA withdrawal, HR reactivity, and PEP shortening (indicating increased arousal) were correlated with reduced prosocial competence, and RSA withdrawal and HR reactivity were correlated with elevated internalizing problems. HR reactivity was also correlated with elevated externalizing problems and peer rejection. Linear regressions controlling for age, sex, race, verbal proficiency, and resting physiology showed that HR reactivity explained unique variance in both teacher-rated prosocial competence and peer rejection, and contributed indirectly to these outcomes through pathways mediated by internalizing and externalizing problems. A trend also emerged for the unique contribution of PEP reactivity to peer-rated prosocial competence. These findings support the contribution of emotional reactivity to behavior problems and social adjustment among children living in disadvantaged urban contexts, and further suggest that elevated reactivity may confer risk for social difficulties in ways that overlap only partially with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla B Kalvin
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Karen L Bierman
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lisa M Gatzke-Kopp
- The Pennsylvania State University, 315 HHD East, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Palix J, Akselrod M, Cungi C, Giuliani F, Favrod J. Changes in Heart Rate Variability Recorded in Natural Situation with T-Shirt Integrated Sensors and Level of Observed Behavioral Excitation: A Pilot Study of Patients with Intellectual Disabilities and Psychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:4. [PMID: 28203208 PMCID: PMC5285363 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigates the possibilities of using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters as physiological markers that precede increase in observed behavioral excitation of intellectually disabled individuals. The ability to recognize or predict such patterns, especially in patients showing unpredictable reactions and language deficiencies, might be a major step forward in clinical research. METHOD Thirteen volunteers with intellectual disabilities, who had suffered of at least one event of overt aggression in the preceding 3 months, participated to the study. The protocol consists in the acquisition of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) throughout approximately two times of 8 h in natural situation, using a T-shirt integrated with sensors. Simultaneously, an observer evaluates the patient's level of overt excitation from calm (level 1) to extremely tense (level 5) and send online via Bluetooth these triggers into the ECG signals. The HRV indexes were then estimated offline on the basis of the inter-beat intervals recorded by the ECG, independently for the 30 min preceding each behavioral tension marking point, averaged, and compared through non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. Of these, the RMSSD and LF/HF calculations were used to observe the fluctuations of inhibitory activity and cardiovagal balance through different tension states. RESULTS Seven individuals have sufficient reliable data for analysis. They have reached at least a level 3 of behavioral excitation (moderately tense) or more (very to extremely tense, level 4 and 5) and have been retained for further analysis. In sum, a total of 197 periods of tension were kept, made up of 46 periods of slight excitation (level 2), 18 of moderate excitation (level 3), 10 of high excitation (level 4), and 5 of extreme agitation (level 5). Variations in the HRV as a function of degree of excitation are observed for RMSSD index only (inhibitory parasympathetic activity). The changes from calm to increasing levels of excitation are characterized by a significant downfall in RMSSD index when patients were evaluated to be in a very high level of tension (level 4). CONCLUSION The presence of precursors to agitation, reflected in the falling-off of parasympathetic activity, offers potentially interesting prospects for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Palix
- School of Nursing Sciences, La Source, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Akselrod
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | | | - Fabienne Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Favrod
- School of Nursing Sciences, La Source, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Van der Graaff J, Meeus W, de Wied M, van Boxtel A, van Lier P, Branje S. Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Moderates the Relation between Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality and Adolescents' Social Adjustment. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 44:269-81. [PMID: 25711459 PMCID: PMC4729811 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-015-9989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This 2-wave longitudinal study aimed (1) to investigate whether high resting RSA predicted adolescents’ lower externalizing behavior and higher empathic concern, and (2) to address the potential moderating role of resting RSA in the association between parent-adolescent relationship quality and adolescents’ externalizing behavior and empathic concern. In a sample of 379 adolescents (212 boys, 167 girls), resting RSA was assessed during a laboratory session, and adolescents reported on parental support, negative interaction with parents, empathic concern and externalizing behavior during a home visit. We found no support for high resting RSA predicting low externalizing behavior or high empathic concern. However, in line with our hypotheses, we did find several instances of RSA functioning as a moderator, although the interaction patterns varied. First, negative interaction with parents was a negative predictor of externalizing behavior for girls low in resting RSA, whereas the association was non-significant for girls with high RSA. Second, higher negative interaction with parents predicted lower empathic concern for boys high in resting RSA, whereas the association was reversed for boys with low resting RSA. Third, parental support was a positive predictor of empathic concern for girls high in resting RSA, whereas the association was non-significant for girls low in resting RSA. The findings suggest that adolescents with different levels of resting RSA respond differentially to relationship quality with parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Van der Graaff
- Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Wim Meeus
- Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychology, Tilburg University, PO Box 90.153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Minet de Wied
- Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anton van Boxtel
- Department of Psychology, Tilburg University, PO Box 90.153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Pol van Lier
- Department of Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Susan Branje
- Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Ward AR, Alarcón G, Nigg JT, Musser ED. Variation in Parasympathetic Dysregulation Moderates Short-term Memory Problems in Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 43:1573-1583. [PMID: 26216249 PMCID: PMC4625793 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-015-0054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with impairment in working memory and short-term memory, up to half of individual children with ADHD perform within a normative range. Heterogeneity in other ADHD-related mechanisms, which may compensate for or combine with cognitive weaknesses, is a likely explanation. One candidate is the robustness of parasympathetic regulation (as indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA). Theory and data suggest that a common neural network is likely tied to both heart-rate regulation and certain cognitive functions (including aspects of working and short-term memory). Cardiac-derived indices of parasympathetic reactivity were collected during short-term memory (STM) storage and rehearsal tasks from 243 children (116 ADHD, 127 controls). ADHD was associated with lower STM performance, replicating previous work. In addition, RSA reactivity moderated the association between STM and ADHD - both as a category and a dimension - independent of comorbidity. Specifically, conditional effects revealed that high levels of withdrawal interacted with weakened STM but high levels of augmentation moderated a positive association predicting ADHD. Thus, variations in parasympathetic reactivity may help explain neuropsychological heterogeneity in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Ward
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Gabriela Alarcón
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joel T Nigg
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Erica D Musser
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC 4 455, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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16
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Esposito EA, Koss KJ, Donzella B, Gunnar MR. Early deprivation and autonomic nervous system functioning in post-institutionalized children. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:328-40. [PMID: 26497289 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The relations between early deprivation and the development of the neuroendocrine and central components of the mammalian stress response have been examined frequently. However, little is known about the impact of early deprivation on the developmental trajectories of autonomic function. Children adopted between 15-36 months from institutional care were examined during their first 16 months post-adoption (N = 60). Comparison groups included same-aged peers reared in their birth families (N = 50) and children adopted internationally from overseas foster care (N = 46). The present study examined trajectories of baseline autonomic nervous system function longitudinally following entry into adopted families. Post-institutionalized children had higher sympathetic tone, measured by pre-ejection period (PEP). Individual differences in PEP soon after adoption served as a mediator between early deprivation and parent-reported behavioral problems 2 years post-adoption. There were no group differences in parasympathetic function, indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia. All three groups showed similar trajectories of ANS function across the 16 month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa A Esposito
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
| | - Kalsea J Koss
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
| | - Bonny Donzella
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
| | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455.
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17
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Antisocial behavior, psychopathic features and abnormalities in reward and punishment processing in youth. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2015; 17:125-56. [PMID: 24357109 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-013-0159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of what leads youth to initially engage in antisocial behavior (ASB) and more importantly persist with such behaviors into adulthood has significant implications for prevention and intervention efforts. A considerable number of studies using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques have investigated abnormalities in reward and punishment processing as potential causal mechanisms underlying ASB. However, this literature has yet to be critically evaluated, and there are no comprehensive reviews that systematically examine and synthesize these findings. The goal of the present review is twofold. The first aim is to examine the extent to which youth with ASB are characterized by abnormalities in (1) reward processing; (2) punishment processing; or (3) both reward and punishment processing. The second aim is to evaluate whether aberrant reward and/or punishment processing is specific to or most pronounced in a subgroup of antisocial youth with psychopathic features. Studies utilizing behavioral methods are first reviewed, followed by studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging. An integration of theory and research across multiple levels of analysis is presented in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of reward and punishment processing in antisocial youth. Findings are discussed in terms of developmental and contextual considerations, proposed future directions and implications for intervention.
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18
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Beauchaine TP. Future Directions in Emotion Dysregulation and Youth Psychopathology. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 44:875-96. [DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2015.1038827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in psychiatry or integrative psychiatry covers a wide range of biological, psychological and mind-body treatments that enhance standard medical practices and patient outcomes. While CAM approaches are popular amongst patients in their practice as well as in self-report because of their ease of use, health professionals have received limited education in these interventions and often are unaware of their patients' use of CAM treatments. METHOD This overview highlights evidence-based CAM treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including dietary interventions, phytomedicines, mind-body practices and neurofeedback. RESULTS While conventional treatments are the mainstays for ADHD, there are a large number of available treatments that can be used to enhance treatment response. CONCLUSION With improved education and further scientific and clinical research, validated integrative treatments will provide more effective, lower risk and lower cost care for patients with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Sharma
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA
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20
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Morales S, Beekman C, Blandon AY, Stifter CA, Buss KA. Longitudinal associations between temperament and socioemotional outcomes in young children: the moderating role of RSA and gender. Dev Psychobiol 2014; 57:105-19. [PMID: 25399505 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Temperament is an important predictor of socioemotional adjustment, such as externalizing and internalizing symptoms. However, there is not a one-to-one correspondence between temperamental predispositions and these outcomes, implying that other factors also contribute to the development of internalizing and externalizing problems. Self-regulation is believed to interact with temperament, and has been studied as a predictor for later socioemotional outcomes. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a psychophysiological measure of self-regulation that has been studied as a moderator of risk. The primary aim of the present study was to test if RSA baseline and RSA reactivity would moderate the link between temperament and socioemotional outcomes. Mothers reported the temperament of their infants (20 months; N = 154), RSA was collected at 24- and 42-months, and mothers reported externalizing and internalizing behaviors at kindergarten entry. RSA baseline and RSA reactivity moderated the relation between exuberant temperament and externalizing behaviors. However, these results were only significant for girls, such that high RSA baseline and greater RSA suppression predicted more externalizing behaviors when exuberance was high. Fearful temperament predicted later internalizing behaviors, but no moderation was present. These results are discussed in light of recent evidence regarding gender differences in the role of RSA as a protective factor for risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Morales
- Psychology Department at the Pennsylvania State University, 278 Moore Building, 16802, PA.
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21
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Kushki A, Brian J, Dupuis A, Anagnostou E. Functional autonomic nervous system profile in children with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2014; 5:39. [PMID: 25031832 PMCID: PMC4099494 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autonomic dysregulation has been recently reported as a feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the nature of autonomic atypicalities in ASD remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize the cardiac autonomic profile of children with ASD across four domains affected in ASD (anxiety, attention, response inhibition, and social cognition), and suggested to be affected by autonomic dysregulation. Methods We compared measures of autonomic cardiac regulation in typically developing children (n = 34) and those with ASD (n = 40) as the children performed tasks eliciting anxiety, attention, response inhibition, and social cognition. Heart rate was used to quantify overall autonomic arousal, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was used as an index of vagal influences. Associations between atypical autonomic findings and intellectual functioning (Weschler scale), ASD symptomatology (Social Communication Questionnaire score), and co-morbid anxiety (Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale) were also investigated. Results The ASD group had marginally elevated basal heart rate, and showed decreased heart rate reactivity to social anxiety and increased RSA reactivity to the social cognition task. In this group, heart rate reactivity to the social anxiety task was positively correlated with IQ and task performance, and negatively correlated with generalized anxiety. RSA reactivity in the social cognition task was positively correlated with IQ. Conclusions Our data suggest overall autonomic hyperarousal in ASD and selective atypical reactivity to social tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Kushki
- Bloorview Research Institute, 150 Kilgour Road, M4G 1R8 Toronto, Canada ; The Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, M5S 3G9 Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, 150 Kilgour Road, M4G 1R8 Toronto, Canada
| | - Annie Dupuis
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, M5G 1X8 Toronto, Canada
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22
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Perry NB, Nelson JA, Calkins SD, Leerkes EM, O'Brien M, Marcovitch S. Early physiological regulation predicts the trajectory of externalizing behaviors across the preschool period. Dev Psychobiol 2014; 56:1482-91. [PMID: 24909987 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Early assessments of children's physiological functioning are shown to predict subsequent developmental outcomes. However, individual changes that occur in the development of physiological systems may be associated with the pattern of change in behavior across time. Thus, we examined change in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of physiological regulation, as a time-varying predictor in order to assess whether RSA change at ages 3, 4, and 5 uniquely influenced the trajectory of externalizing behaviors from age 3 to 5. Results indicated that only at age 3 was RSA change significantly associated with decreases in externalizing behaviors over time. RSA change scores at ages 4 and 5 were unrelated to trajectories of externalizing behavior, suggesting that the ability to physiologically regulate by age 3 may contribute to the development of skills that facilitate more control over behavior throughout preschool, and therefore may be more strongly associated with the pattern of change in externalizing behaviors than later physiological regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole B Perry
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC.
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23
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Family conflict, autonomic nervous system functioning, and child adaptation: state of the science and future directions. Dev Psychopathol 2014; 23:703-21. [PMID: 23786705 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579411000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The family is one of the primary contexts of child development. Marital and parent-child conflict (family conflict) are common and predict a wide range of negative behavioral and emotional outcomes in children. Thus, an important task for developmental researchers is to identify the processes through which family conflict contributes to children's psychological maladjustment, as well as vulnerability and protective factors in the context of family conflict. In the current paper, we aim to advance a conceptual model that focuses on indices of children's autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning that increase vulnerability or provide protection against psychological maladjustment in the context of family conflict. In doing so, we provide a selective review that reflects the state of the science linking family conflict, children's ANS activity, and child psychological adjustment, and offer directions and guidance for future research. Our hope is to accelerate research at the intersection of family conflict and ANS functioning to advance understanding of risk and resilience among children.
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Abstract
Strategies are needed to improve adolescent substance abuse treatment outcomes. For example, during outpatient substance abuse treatment, up to 80% of adolescents continue to use.1,2 Following residential substance abuse treatment, 88% of adolescents relapse within 6 months.3
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Thurstone
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - Travis Lajoie
- University of Utah School of Medicine/VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, United States
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25
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Associations between respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity and internalizing and externalizing symptoms are emotion specific. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 13:238-51. [PMID: 23233122 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-012-0136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Internalizing and externalizing disorders are often, though inconsistently in studies of young children, associated with low baseline levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). RSA is thus considered to reflect the capacity for flexible and regulated affective reactivity and a general propensity for psychopathology. However, studies assessing RSA reactivity to emotional challenges tend to report more consistent associations with internalizing than with externalizing disorders, although it is unclear whether this is a function of the type of emotion challenges used. In the present study, we examined whether baseline RSA was associated with internalizing and/or externalizing severity in a sample of 273 young children (ages 5-6) with elevated symptoms of psychopathology. Following motivation-based models of emotion, we also tested whether RSA reactivity during withdrawal-based (fear, sadness) and approach-based (happiness, anger) emotion inductions was differentially associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, respectively. Baseline RSA was not associated with externalizing or internalizing symptom severity. However, RSA reactivity to specific emotional challenges was associated differentially with each symptom domain. As expected, internalizing symptom severity was associated with greater RSA withdrawal (increased arousal) during fearful and sad film segments. Conversely, externalizing symptom severity was related to blunted RSA withdrawal during a happy film segment. The use of theoretically derived stimuli may be important in characterizing the nature of the deficits in emotion processing that differentiate the internalizing and externalizing domains of psychopathology.
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26
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Beauchaine TP, Gatzke-Kopp L, Neuhaus E, Chipman J, Reid MJ, Webster-Stratton C. Sympathetic- and parasympathetic-linked cardiac function and prediction of externalizing behavior, emotion regulation, and prosocial behavior among preschoolers treated for ADHD. J Consult Clin Psychol 2013; 81:481-493. [PMID: 23544677 PMCID: PMC3952490 DOI: 10.1037/a0032302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate measures of cardiac activity and reactivity as prospective biomarkers of treatment response to an empirically supported behavioral intervention for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD Cardiac preejection period (PEP), an index of sympathetic-linked cardiac activity, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of parasympathetic-linked cardiac activity, were assessed among 99 preschool children (ages 4-6 years) with ADHD both at rest and in response to behavioral challenge, before participants and their parents completed 1 of 2 versions of the Incredible Years parent and child interventions. RESULTS Main effects of PEP activity and reactivity and of RSA activity and reactivity were found. Although samplewide improvements in behavior were observed at posttreatment, those who exhibited lengthened cardiac PEP at rest and reduced PEP reactivity to incentives scored higher on measures of conduct problems and aggression both before and after treatment. In contrast, children who exhibited lower baseline RSA and greater RSA withdrawal scored lower on prosocial behavior before and after treatment. Finally, children who exhibited greater RSA withdrawal scored lower on emotion regulation before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS We discuss these findings in terms of (a) individual differences in underlying neurobiological systems subserving appetitive (i.e., approach) motivation, emotion regulation, and social affiliation and (b) the need to develop more intensive interventions targeting neurobiologically vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jane Chipman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
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27
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Wang P, Baker LA, Gao Y, Raine A, Lozano DI. Psychopathic traits and physiological responses to aversive stimuli in children aged 9-11 years. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 40:759-69. [PMID: 22228313 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Atypical eletrodermal and cardiovascular response patterns in psychopathic individuals are thought to be biological indicators of fearless and disinhibition. This study investigated the relationship between psychopathic traits and these autonomic response patterns using a countdown task in 843 children (aged 9-10 years). Heart rate (HR) and non-specific skin conductance responses (NS-SCRs) were recorded while participants anticipated and reacted to 105 dB signaled or un-signaled white-noise bursts. Using multilevel regression models, both larger HR acceleration and fewer NS-SCR were found to be significantly associated with psychopathic traits during anticipation of signaled white-noise bursts. However, two divergent patterns appeared for HR and SCR: (1) larger HR acceleration was specific to the callousness-disinhibition factor of psychopathic traits while reduced NS-SCR was only associated with the manipulative-deceitfulness factor; (2) the negative association between the manipulative-deceitfulness factor and NS-SCR was only found in boys but not in girls. These findings replicated what has been found in psychopathic adults, suggesting that autonomic deficits present in children at risk may predispose them to later psychopathy. The divergent findings across psychopathic facets and sexes raised the possibility of different etiologies underlying psychopathy, which may in turn suggest multiple treatment strategies for boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, 3620 S. McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1061, USA.
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28
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Pang KC, Beauchaine TP. Longitudinal patterns of autonomic nervous system responding to emotion evocation among children with conduct problems and/or depression. Dev Psychobiol 2012; 55:698-706. [PMID: 22826111 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Conduct disorder (CD) and depression co-occur at far greater levels than chance, despite largely separate diagnostic criteria. One potential shared mechanism of this comorbidity is emotion dysregulation, which characterizes both internalizing and externalizing disorders. Previous research demonstrates that respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)-a peripheral biomarker of emotion regulation-is attenuated among children with CD, and among children with depression. However, few studies have examined biomarkers of emotion regulation as a function of heterotypic comorbidity. We evaluated longitudinal patterns of RSA and RSA reactivity to emotion evocation across three annual assessments among 207 children diagnosed at ages 8-12 years with CD (n = 30), depression (n = 28), comorbid CD and depression (n = 80), or no psychiatric condition (n = 69). Using continuous symptom counts as predictors, Depression × CD interactions were observed for both Time 1 resting RSA and Time 1 RSA reactivity. CD, depression, and their interaction were all associated with low resting RSA at Time 1. In addition, concurrently elevated CD and depression scores predicted the greatest RSA reactivity to emotion evocation. Psychopathology scores were unrelated to developmental changes in RSA and RSA reactivity over time.
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Differentiating adolescent self-injury from adolescent depression: possible implications for borderline personality development. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 40:45-57. [PMID: 22016199 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Self-inflicted injury (SII) in adolescence marks heightened risk for suicide attempts, completed suicide, and adult psychopathology. Although several studies have revealed elevated rates of depression among adolescents who self injure, no one has compared adolescent self injury with adolescent depression on biological, self-, and informant-report markers of vulnerability and risk. Such a comparison may have important implications for treatment, prevention, and developmental models of self injury and borderline personality disorder. We used a multi-method, multi-informant approach to examine how adolescent SII differs from adolescent depression. Self-injuring, depressed, and typical adolescent females (n = 25 per group) and their mothers completed measures of psychopathology and emotion regulation, among others. In addition, we assessed electrodermal responding (EDR), a peripheral biomarker of trait impulsivity. Participants in the SII group (a) scored higher than depressed adolescents on measures of both externalizing psychopathology and emotion dysregulation, and (b) exhibited attenuated EDR, similar to patterns observed among impulsive, externalizing males. Self-injuring adolescents also scored higher on measures of borderline pathology. These findings reveal a coherent pattern of differences between self-injuring and depressed adolescent girls, consistent with theories that SII differs from depression in etiology and developmental course.
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30
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Reward and punishment sensitivity in children with ADHD: validating the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire for children (SPSRQ-C). JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 40:145-57. [PMID: 21789519 PMCID: PMC3268965 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study validates the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire for children (SPSRQ-C), using a Dutch sample of 1234 children between 6–13 years old. Factor analysis determined that a 4-factor and a 5-factor solution were best fitting, explaining 41% and 50% of the variance respectively. The 4-factor model was highly similar to the original SPSRQ factors found in adults (Punishment Sensitivity, Reward Responsivity, Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking, and Drive). The 5-factor model was similar to the 4-factor model, with the exception of a subdivision of the Punishment Sensitivity factor into a factor with ‘social-fear’ items and a factor with ‘anxiety’ items. To determine external validity, scores of three groups of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were compared on the EFA models: ADHD-only (n = 34), ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ADHD+ASD; n = 22), ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ADHD+ODD; n = 22). All ADHD groups scored higher than typical controls on Reward Responsivity and on the ‘anxiety’ factor (n = 75). The ADHD-only and ADHD+ODD group scored higher than other groups on Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking and Drive, while the ADHD+ASD group scored higher on Punishment Sensitivity. The findings emphasize the value of the SPSRQ-C to quickly and reliably assess a child’s sensitivity to reinforcement, with the aim to provide individually-tailored behavioral interventions that utilize reward and reprimands.
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31
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de Wied M, van Boxtel A, Matthys W, Meeus W. Verbal, facial and autonomic responses to empathy-eliciting film clips by disruptive male adolescents with high versus low callous-unemotional traits. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 40:211-23. [PMID: 21870040 PMCID: PMC3267933 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study examined empathy-related responding in male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), high or low on callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Facial electromyographic (EMG) and heart rate (HR) responses were monitored during exposure to empathy-inducing film clips portraying sadness, anger or happiness. Self-reports were assessed afterward. In agreement with expectations, DBD adolescents with high CU traits showed significantly lower levels of empathic sadness than healthy controls across all response systems. Between DBD subgroups significant differences emerged at the level of autonomic (not verbal or facial) reactions to sadness, with high CU respondents showing less HR change from baseline than low CU respondents. The study also examined basal patterns of autonomic function. Resting HR was not different between groups, but resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was significantly lower in DBD adolescents with high CU traits compared to controls. Results support the notion that CU traits designate a distinct subgroup of DBD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minet de Wied
- Research Centre Adolescent Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Erath SA, El-Sheikh M, Hinnant JB, Cummings EM. Skin conductance level reactivity moderates the association between harsh parenting and growth in child externalizing behavior. Dev Psychol 2011; 47:693-706. [PMID: 21142369 DOI: 10.1037/a0021909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) was examined as a moderator of the association between harsh parenting at age 8 years and growth in child externalizing behavior from age 8 to age 10 (N = 251). Mothers and fathers provided reports of harsh parenting and their children's externalizing behavior; children also provided reports of harsh parenting. SCLR was assessed in response to a socioemotional stress task and a problem-solving challenge task. Latent growth modeling revealed that boys with higher harsh parenting in conjunction with lower SCLR exhibited relatively high and stable levels of externalizing behavior during late childhood. Boys with higher harsh parenting and higher SCLR exhibited relatively low to moderate levels of externalizing behavior at age 8, but some results suggested that their externalizing behavior increased over time, approaching the same levels as boys with higher harsh parenting and lower SCLR by age 10. For the most part, girls and boys with lower harsh parenting were given relatively low and stable ratings of externalizing behavior throughout late childhood. Results are discussed from a developmental psychopathology perspective with reference to models of antisocial behavior in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Erath
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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De Vries-Bouw M, Popma A, Vermeiren R, Doreleijers TAH, Van De Ven PM, Jansen LMC. The predictive value of low heart rate and heart rate variability during stress for reoffending in delinquent male adolescents. Psychophysiology 2011; 48:1597-1604. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2011.01233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of healthy children have indicated a link between autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity and health outcomes, but there is limited research on whether ANS reactivity is similar for children with chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if ANS reactivity differs for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) compared with a community sample of children without SCD. METHOD In two cross-sectional, descriptive studies, 32 public school children without chronic health problems were compared with 33 children with SCD. The children were 5-8 years old and they completed standardized protocols measuring ANS responses (respiratory sinus arrhythmia and preejection period) during rest and challenge conditions in social, cognitive, sensory, and emotion domains. Reactivity was calculated as the difference between challenge response minus rest for each domain and overall. RESULTS There were differences in the distributions of the samples in parent education and child age, so these variables were adjusted for in subsequent analyses. The community sample showed parasympathetic withdrawal (low respiratory sinus arrhythmia scores) and greater parasympathetic reactivity (low respiratory sinus arrhythmia difference scores and percentage of negative scores) compared with the children with SCD in the social (p < .05) and sensory (p < .05) domains. The children with SCD showed greater sympathetic reactivity (low preejection period difference scores) compared with the community children in the cognitive domain (p < .05), and a greater percentage of children with SCD versus the community children showed negative preejection period difference scores (sympathetic reactivity) in the social domain (p < .05). The community sample, but not the children with SCD, showed changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia across domains (p < .05). DISCUSSION Children with SCD may display a different pattern of ANS responses to laboratory challenges compared with children without SCD from the same community.
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Keller PS, El-Sheikh M. Latent change score modeling of psychophysiological data: an empirical instantiation using electrodermal responding. Psychophysiology 2011; 48:1578-1587. [PMID: 21707644 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2011.01225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We examined latent change score (LCS) modeling as an approach to the analysis of children's skin conductance level (SCL) throughout a stressful task-a simulated interadult argument-as it relates to externalizing and internalizing symptoms. LCS is an extension of traditional multilevel modeling (MLM), which allows estimation of proportional growth terms. Children (age 6-12 years; N=150) were from two-parent families. Mothers reported on children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results indicated that the LCS models outperformed the traditional MLM. The use of LCS yielded important novel information regarding profile and pattern of responding for various children and is likely to advance understanding of relations between children's physiological responses and psychopathology symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy S Keller
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USADepartment of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Mona El-Sheikh
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USADepartment of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Stifter CA, Dollar JM, Cipriano EA. Temperament and emotion regulation: the role of autonomic nervous system reactivity. Dev Psychobiol 2011; 53:266-79. [PMID: 21400489 PMCID: PMC3737744 DOI: 10.1002/dev.20519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating role of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system functioning on the relationship between child temperament and emotion regulation. Sixty-two 4.5-year olds (31 females) were rated by their parents on temperamental surgency. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pre-ejection period (PEP) were measured at baseline and in reaction to an interaction with an unfamiliar person and a cognitive test. The preschoolers' ability to self-regulate emotion was assessed in response to a disappointment. Results revealed little or no PEP reactivity to the unfamiliar person to be related to poorer emotion regulation for children high in surgency, indicating that the lack of sympathetic activation may be a risk factor for behavioral maladjustment. Reciprocal sympathetic activation, or increases in sympathetic activity accompanied by decreases in parasympathetic activity, was associated with better regulation of emotion for all levels of temperamental surgency supporting previous work that reciprocal activation is an adaptive form of autonomic control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M. Dollar
- The Pennsylvania State University University, Park, PA, United States
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Sprague J, Verona E. Emotional conditions disrupt behavioral control among individuals with dysregulated personality traits. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010; 119:409-19. [PMID: 20455613 DOI: 10.1037/a0019194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The current study directly examined emotion-induced behavior dyscontrol among individuals scoring high on dysregulated tendencies, represented by impulsive-antisocial and borderline personality traits, using an emotional-linguistic go/no-go laboratory paradigm (Goldstein et al., 2007). We specifically examined the effects of these personality traits and emotional context on (a) overall behavior dyscontrol (slower reaction times [RTs] to emotional blocks relative to neutral blocks) and (b) duration of the dyscontrol (persistence or habituation of the effect of emotional context on behavior across blocks). We hypothesized that individuals high on borderline-antisocial traits would exhibit greater behavioral dyscontrol (slower RTs or lack of habituation across blocks) when responding during blocks of negative emotional cues. We also examined whether this emotional effect on behavioral control would be exacerbated by exposure to particularly salient emotional stimuli (diagnostically relevant negative affective words; e.g., abandon). Results indicated that high borderline-antisocial individuals showed greater initial behavioral control difficulties (slower RTs) to general negative affective words than to other word contents during the first block of trials, but this effect habituated by the second block. Importantly, slowed responses to diagnostically relevant word blocks persisted across time among high borderline-antisocial individuals, whereas low scorers showed habituated behavioral responses to emotional words across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa Sprague
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA.
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Abstract
Developmental adaptations to violent environments involve a multitude of cascading effects spanning many levels of analysis from genes to behavior. In this review, we (a) examine the potentiating effects of violence on genetic vulnerabilities and the functioning of neurotransmitter systems in producing both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology; (b) describe implications of violence exposure for brain development, particularly within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex; and (c) consider the effects of violence on developing human stress and startle responses. This review integrates literatures on the developmental effects of violence among rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Many neurobiological changes that are adaptive for survival in violent contexts become maladaptive in other environments, conferring life-long risk for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary K Mead
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
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Wilson AC, Lengua LJ, Tininenko J, Taylor A, Trancik A. Physiological Profiles During Delay of Gratification: Associations with Emotionality, Self-regulation, and Adjustment Problems. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2009; 30:780-790. [PMID: 20046898 PMCID: PMC2777689 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study utilized a community sample of children (N=91, 45% female, 8-11 years at time 1) to investigate physiological responses (heart rate reactivity [HRR] and electrodermal responding [EDR]) during delay of gratification in relation to emotionality, self-regulation, and adjustment problems. Cluster analyses identified three profiles among children who successfully delayed: children who waited easily with low EDR and moderate HRR, children who had difficulty waiting with high EDR and moderate HRR, and children who had difficulty waiting with low EDR and low HRR. The 3 clusters and children who did not wait were compared. Children with low EDR-low HRR had the lowest self-regulation, and like the no-wait group, demonstrated the greatest baseline adjustment problems. The high EDR-moderate HRR group demonstrated highest self-regulation and increases in depression across one year. Distinct profiles among children in delay contexts point to children who are over- and under-regulated with implications for adjustment problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Wilson
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, USA 98195-1525, Phone: (503) 543-5655; Fax: (206) 685-3157
| | - Liliana J. Lengua
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, USA 98195-1525, Phone: (503) 543-5655; Fax: (206) 685-3157
| | - Jennifer Tininenko
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, USA 98195-1525, Phone: (503) 543-5655; Fax: (206) 685-3157
| | - Adam Taylor
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, USA 98195-1525, Phone: (503) 543-5655; Fax: (206) 685-3157
| | - Anika Trancik
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, USA 98195-1525, Phone: (503) 543-5655; Fax: (206) 685-3157
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine sex differences in autonomic nervous system functioning in children and adolescents with conduct problems and to evaluate the role of aggression in predicting autonomic nervous system functioning, over and above the effects of disruptive behavior. Although deficiencies in autonomic responding among boys with oppositional defiant disorder and/or conduct disorder are well documented, it remains unclear whether such findings extend to girls or apply only to children with aggressive forms of conduct problems. METHOD Electrodermal responding, cardiac pre-ejection period, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia were recorded while boys (n = 110; 53 with conduct problems, 57 controls) and girls (n = 65; 33 with conduct problems, 32 controls) between the ages of 8 and 12 sat for an extended baseline, then played a game with conditions of reward and frustrative nonreward. RESULTS Both sex effects and aggression effects were found. Aggressive boys with conduct problems demonstrated reduced autonomic functioning, consistent with previous research. In contrast, aggressive girls with conduct problems exhibited greater electrodermal responding than controls, with no differences in cardiovascular reactivity to incentives. CONCLUSIONS Observed sex differences in the autonomic correlates of conduct problems and aggression may suggest different etiological mechanisms of externalizing psychopathology for girls compared with boys.
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Bubier JL, Drabick DAG. Affective decision-making and externalizing behaviors: the role of autonomic activity. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2008; 36:941-53. [PMID: 18317919 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-008-9225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We tested a conceptual model involving the inter-relations among affective decision-making (indexed by a gambling task), autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms in a largely impoverished, inner city sample of first through third grade children (N=63, 54% male). The present study hypothesized that impaired affective decision-making and decreased sympathetic and parasympathetic activation would be associated with higher levels of ADHD and ODD symptoms, and that low sympathetic and parasympathetic activation during an emotion-inducing task would mediate the relation between affective decision-making and child externalizing symptoms. In support of our model, disadvantageous decision-making on a gambling task was associated with ADHD hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms among boys, and attenuated sympathetic activation during an emotion-inducing task mediated this relation. Support for the model was not found among girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bubier
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6085, USA.
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Beauchaine TP, Neuhaus E, Brenner SL, Gatzke-Kopp L. Ten good reasons to consider biological processes in prevention and intervention research. Dev Psychopathol 2008; 20:745-74. [PMID: 18606030 PMCID: PMC2690981 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579408000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Most contemporary accounts of psychopathology acknowledge the importance of both biological and environmental influences on behavior. In developmental psychopathology, multiple etiological mechanisms for psychiatric disturbance are well recognized, including those operating at genetic, neurobiological, and environmental levels of analysis. However, neuroscientific principles are rarely considered in current approaches to prevention or intervention. In this article, we explain why a deeper understanding of the genetic and neural substrates of behavior is essential for the next generation of preventive interventions, and we outline 10 specific reasons why considering biological processes can improve treatment efficacy. Among these, we discuss (a) the role of biomarkers and endophenotypes in identifying those most in need of prevention; (b) implications for treatment of genetic and neural mechanisms of homotypic comorbidity, heterotypic comorbidity, and heterotypic continuity; (c) ways in which biological vulnerabilities moderate the effects of environmental experience; (d) situations in which Biology x Environment interactions account for more variance in key outcomes than main effects; and (e) sensitivity of neural systems, via epigenesis, programming, and neural plasticity, to environmental moderation across the life span. For each of the 10 reasons outlined we present an example from current literature and discuss critical implications for prevention.
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Marsh P, Beauchaine TP, Williams B. Dissociation of sad facial expressions and autonomic nervous system responding in boys with disruptive behavior disorders. Psychophysiology 2007; 45:100-10. [PMID: 17868261 PMCID: PMC2745989 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2007.00603.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although deficiencies in emotional responding have been linked to externalizing behaviors in children, little is known about how discrete response systems (e.g., expressive, physiological) are coordinated during emotional challenge among these youth. We examined time-linked correspondence of sad facial expressions and autonomic reactivity during an empathy-eliciting task among boys with disruptive behavior disorders (n=31) and controls (n=23). For controls, sad facial expressions were associated with reduced sympathetic (lower skin conductance level, lengthened cardiac preejection period [PEP]) and increased parasympathetic (higher respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) activity. In contrast, no correspondence between facial expressions and autonomic reactivity was observed among boys with conduct problems. Furthermore, low correspondence between facial expressions and PEP predicted externalizing symptom severity, whereas low correspondence between facial expressions and RSA predicted internalizing symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Marsh
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1525, USA
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Abstract
The current studies were designed to determine whether different intermittent schedules of reinforcement would have a differential effect on the skin conductance responses (SCRs) of children in the 8-12-year-old age range. Results of two experiments indicated that the amplitude of children's SCRs immediately following the occurrence of reinforcement were a function of the schedule of reinforcement, with larger SCRs associated with longer inter-reinforcement intervals. The findings are consistent with the research literature suggesting that long inter-reinforcement intervals can be evocative of aversively motivated emotions, as well as with research on the effects of interstimulus intervals on SCRs. Possible implications for these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Latzman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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