Alterations in fear learning as a mechanism linking childhood exposure to violence with PTSD symptoms: a longitudinal study

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001569
• Publication Date: 2024-09-09T05:40:25Z
• Authors: Laura Machlin; Margaret A. Sheridan; Lucy A. Lurie; Steven W. Kasparek; Stephanie Gyuri Kim; Matthew Peverill; John McClellan Fr...; Madeline M. Rober...; Tanja Jovanovic; Liliana J. Lengua; Katie A. McLaughlin
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background Fear learning is a core component of conceptual models how adverse experiences may influence psychopathology. Specifically, existing theories posit that childhood involving trauma are associated with altered fear processes, while deprivation not. Several studies have found acquisition in youth exposed to trauma, but not deprivation, although the specific patterns varied across studies. The present study utilizes longitudinal sample children variability adversity examine associations among learning, and psychopathology youth. Methods includes 170 youths aged 10–13 years ( M = 11.56, s.d. 0.47, 48.24% female). Children completed conditioning task skin conductance responses (SCR) were obtained, which included both extinction. Childhood severity measured using parent report. Symptoms anxiety, externalizing problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessed at baseline again two-years later. Results Greater trauma-related greater SCR threat cue (CS+) relative safety (CS−) early acquisition, controlling for age, sex. Deprivation was unrelated learning. during increased PTSD symptoms over time mediated relationship between prospective changes symptoms. Conclusions youth, be one mechanism linking exposure violence emergence adolescence.