Early adversity, RSA, and inhibitory control: Evidence of children's neurobiological sensitivity to social context

• DOI: 10.1002/dev.21175
• Publication Date: 2013-10-19T10:26:36Z
• Authors: Elizabeth A. Skowron; Elizabeth Ciprian...; Lisa M. Gatzke‐Kopp; Douglas M. Teti; Robert T. Ammerman
• Keywords: Moderation; Inhibitory control; Vagal Tone; Vulnerability

Abstract This study examined parasympathetic physiology as a moderator of the effects early adversity (i.e., child abuse and neglect) on children's inhibitory control. Children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was assessed during resting baseline, two joint challenge tasks with mother, an individual frustration task. RSA each parent–child moderated maltreatment (CM) status independently‐assessed No moderation effect found for at baseline or in child‐alone Among CM‐exposed children, lower levels task predicted lowest control, whereas higher linked to control scores that were indistinguishable from those non‐CM children. Results are discussed regard importance considering context specificity caregiver contexts) how biomarkers inform our understanding differences vulnerability among at‐risk © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 964–978, 2014.