Work

Reduced electrodermal fear conditioning from ages 3 to 8 years is associated with aggressive behavior at age 8 years

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Poor fear conditioning characterizes adult psychopathy and criminality, but it is not known whether it is related to aggressive/antisocial behavior in early childhood. METHODS: Using a differential, partial reinforcement conditioning paradigm, electrodermal activity was recorded from 200 male and female children at ages 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 years. Antisocial/aggressive and hyperactive-inattentive measures were collected at age 8. RESULTS: Poor electrodermal fear conditioning from ages 3 to 8 years was associated with aggressive behavior at age 8 in both males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the relationship between poor fear conditioning and aggression occurs early in childhood. Enhanced electrodermal fear conditioning may protect children against future aggressive/violent behavior. Abnormal amygdala functioning, as indirectly assessed by fear conditioning, may be one of the factors influencing the development of childhood aggression.

Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02176.x

Authors: Yu Gao, Adrian Raine, Peter H. Venables, Michael E. Dawson, Sarnoff A. Mednick

Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, University of York, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, National Institute of Mental Health