Children's subjective emotional reactivity to affective pictures: gender differences and their antisocial correlates in an unselected sample of 7–11‐year‐olds

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01464.x
• Publication Date: 2006-01-16T17:22:42Z
• Authors: Carla Sharp; Stephanie Van Goozen; Ian Goodyer
• Keywords: Reactivity

Background: Differential responses in terms of gender and antisocial behaviour emotional reactivity to affective pictures using the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) have been demonstrated adult adolescent samples. Moreover, a quadratic relationship between arousal (intensity) valence (degree unpleasantness) has suggested. The picture perception methodology rarely applied middle school‐aged children. We examined subjective ratings children for: i) valence, ii) differences, iii) its association with measures behaviour. Method: Twenty‐seven IAPS were selected cover wide range content individually administered non‐referred community sample 659 7–11‐year‐old paper‐and‐pencil version. Concurrent symptoms conduct disorder, oppositional defiance psychopathy collected from multiple sources (teacher‐, parent‐ self‐report). Results: A similar that previously reported adults, was demonstrated. difference found for ratings, girls rating aversive more unpleasant than boys. No differences found. significant groups scoring above below cut‐off scores on Children lower pictures, but higher pleasant pictures. Conclusions: confirmed version evaluating emotion response affectively valent arousing stimuli can be used school settings comparable differential suggested these associated combination increased reward decreased punishment sensitivity.