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Arya B, Patrick M, Pei H, Law E, Broekman B, Chen H, Chan Hiu Gwan M, Yap F, Yung Seng L, Tan KH, Yap-Seng C, Qiu A, Fortier MV, Gluckman P, Meaney M, Tan AP, Rifkin-Graboi A. Toddler disorganized attachment in relation to cortical thickness and socioemotional problems in late childhood. Attach Hum Dev 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39316717 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2404591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Disorganized attachment is a risk for mental health problems, with increasing work focused on understanding biological mechanisms. Examining late childhood brain morphology may be informative - this stage coincides with the onset of many mental health problems. Past late childhood research reveals promising candidates, including frontal lobe cortical thickness and hippocampal volume. However, work has been limited to Western samples and has not investigated mediation or moderation by brain morphology. Furthermore, past cortical thickness research included only 33 participants. The current study utilized data from 166 children from the GUSTO Asian cohort, who participated in strange situations at 18 months and MRI brain imaging at 10.5 years, with 124 administered the Child Behaviour Checklist at 10.5 years. Results demonstrated disorganization liked to internalizing problems, but no mediation or moderation by brain morphology. The association to internalizing (but not externalizing) problems is discussed with reference to the comparatively higher prevalence of internalizing problems in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Arya
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Madeline Patrick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Huang Pei
- Translational Neuroscience, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Evelyn Law
- Translational Neuroscience, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Birit Broekman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helen Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Fabian Yap
- Endocrinology Service, Division of Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Lee Yung Seng
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chong Yap-Seng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Anqi Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marielle Valerie Fortier
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Radiology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Human Evolution, Adaptation and Disease, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Meaney
- Translational Neuroscience, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Brain - Body Initiative, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore
| | - Ai Peng Tan
- Translational Neuroscience, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Brain - Body Initiative, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Science of Learning in Education Centre, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Learning Sciences and Assessment, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Xu Y, Harms MB, Green CS, Wilson RC, Pollak SD. Childhood unpredictability and the development of exploration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303869120. [PMID: 38011553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303869120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Early in development, the process of exploration helps children gather new information that fosters learning about the world. Yet, it is unclear how childhood experiences may influence the way humans approach new learning. What influences decisions to exploit known, familiar options versus trying a novel alternative? We found that childhood unpredictability, characterized by unpredictable caregiving and unstable living environments, was associated with reduced exploratory behavior. This effect holds while controlling for individual differences, including anxiety and stress. Individuals who perceived their childhoods as unpredictable explored less and were instead more likely to repeat previous choices (habitual responding). They were also more sensitive to uncertainty than to potential rewards, even when the familiar options yielded lower rewards. We examined these effects across multiple task contexts and via both in-person (N = 78) and online replication (N = 84) studies among 10- to 13-y-olds. Results are discussed in terms of the potential cascading effects of unpredictable environments on the development of decision-making and the effects of early experience on subsequent learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Xu
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Madeline B Harms
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812
| | - C Shawn Green
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Robert C Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85716
| | - Seth D Pollak
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Li D, Carnelley KB, Rowe AC. Insecure Attachment Orientation in Adults and Children and Negative Attribution Bias: A Meta-Analysis. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023; 49:1679-1694. [PMID: 36062321 DOI: 10.1177/01461672221117690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on insecure attachment and negative attribution bias (NAB) from both developmental and social/personality attachment traditions. This meta-analysis is important because extant studies report inconsistent associations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the nature of these associations. Based on 41 samples (N = 8,727) from 32 articles, we specify and compare the effect sizes of these associations across studies. Results confirmed positive associations between NAB and anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions and an insecure composite, with a medium effect size. Correlations were moderated by age group, type of attachment measurement, and cultural background. Our findings advance knowledge and build on attachment and attribution theories, reconcile mixed findings, and inform the development of NAB interventions. Important gaps in the literature are revealed that will inspire future research.
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Vanwalleghem S, Miljkovitch R, Vinter A. Effects of intellectual disability and attachment on hostile intent attribution bias. Attach Hum Dev 2022; 24:732-749. [PMID: 35997252 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2022.2109695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding hostile intent attribution (HIA) seems important for prevention of problems in social adaptation. This study aimed to explore whether HIA in childhood is determined by both a cognitive factor (i.e. intellectual disability) and an affective factor (i.e. attachment representations). One hundred and eight 8- to 12-year-old children (54 with intellectual disability and 54 with typical development) passed the Attachment Story Completion Task and the Intention Attribution Test for Children. Results indicated that in ambiguous situations, attachment disorganization was associated with HIA, whereas intellectual disability was not. In nonintentional situations, both attachment hyperactivation and intellectual disability were linked with HIA. These results highlight the importance of helping children develop organized attachment representations and optimal activation of their attachment system to prevent social maladaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annie Vinter
- LEAD CNRS 5022, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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Quílez-Robres A, Lozano-Blasco R, Íñiguez-Berrozpe T, Cortés-Pascual A. Social, Family, and Educational Impacts on Anxiety and Cognitive Empathy Derived From the COVID-19: Study on Families With Children. Front Psychol 2021; 12:562800. [PMID: 33732175 PMCID: PMC7956976 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.562800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aims to monitor the current situation of confinement in Spanish society motivated by COVID-19 crisis. For this, a study of its socio-family, psychological and educational impact is conducted. The sample (N = 165 families, 89.1% nuclear families with children living in the same household and 20.5% with a relative in a risk group) comes from the Aragonese region (Spain). The instruments used are: Beck-II Depression Inventory (BDI-II); Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright's Empathy Quotient (EQ) with its cognitive empathy subscale, as well as an ad-hoc questionnaire, reviewed by a panel of experts, to learn about socio-personal, family and housing conditions, use of technology, involvement in school tasks and household, and working condition. The multiple regression analysis results show that the anxiety derived from the current situation is explained in 23.1% (p < 0.001) by the variables: gender (t = -2.31, p = 0.022), level of Internet consumption (t = 2.139, p = 0.034), increase of family conflicts (t = 2.980, p = 0.003) and help with school tasks (t = 2.980, p = 0.040). On the other hand, cognitive empathy is explained in 24.6% (p < 0.001) by the variables: gender (t = -4.690, p < 0.001) and mother's hours of teleworking (t = 2.101, p = 0.037). All this leads us to conclusions related to preventive systems of social, psychological, and educational aspects to better serve families. These conclusions can be also be transferred to the future with an inclusive care to family settings from those three parameters.
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Smeijers D, Bulten EBH, Brazil IA. The Computations of hostile biases (CHB) model: Grounding hostility biases in a unified cognitive framework. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 73:101775. [PMID: 31726277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our behavior is partly a product of our perception of the world, and aggressive individuals have been found to have 'hostility biases' in their perception and interpretation of social information. Four types of hostility biases can be distinguished: the hostile attribution, interpretation, expectation, and perception bias. Such low-level biases are believed to have a profound influence on decision-making, and possibly also increase the likelihood of engaging in aggressive acts. The current review systematically examined extant research on the four types of hostility bias, with a particular focus on the associations between each type of hostility bias and aggressive behavior. The results confirmed the robust association between hostility biases and aggressive behavior. However, it is still unknown how exactly hostility biases are acquired. This is also caused by a tendency to study hostility biases separately, as if they are non-interacting phenomena. Another issue is that current approaches cannot directly quantify the latent cognitive processes pertaining to the hostility biases, thus creating an explanatory gap. To fill this gap, we embedded the results of the systematic review in a state-of-the-art computational framework, which provides a novel mechanistic account with testable predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique Smeijers
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik B H Bulten
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Vacaru SV, van Schaik JE, Hunnius S. The modulation of facial mimicry by attachment tendencies and their underlying affiliation motives in 3-year-olds: An EMG study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218676. [PMID: 31260488 PMCID: PMC6602198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
From early in life, facial mimicry represents an important example of implicit non-verbal communication. Facial mimicry is conceived of as the automatic tendency to mimic another person's facial expressions and is thought to serve as a social glue among interaction partners. Although in adults mimicry has been shown to be moderated by the social context and one's needs to affiliate with others, evidence from behavioural mimicry studies suggest that 3-year-olds do not yet show sensitivity to social dynamics. Here, we examined whether attachment tendencies, as a proxy for interindividual differences in affiliation motivation, modulates facial mimicry in 3-year-olds. Resistant and avoidant insecure attachment tendencies are characterized by high and low affiliation motivation, respectively, and these were hypothesized to lead to either enhancement or suppression of mimicry. Additionally, we hypothesized that these effects will be moderated by inhibitory control skills. Facial mimicry of happy and sad expressions was recorded with electromyography (EMG), attachment tendencies were assessed with a parent-report questionnaire and inhibitory control with the gift delay task. The final sample consisted of 42 children, with overall scores suggesting secure attachment. Our findings revealed that 3-year-olds mimicked happy and sad facial expressions. Moreover, resistant tendencies predicted enhanced sad but not happy facial mimicry, whereas avoidant tendencies were not significantly related to mimicry. These effects were not moderated by inhibitory control skills. In conclusion, these findings provide the first evidence for the modulation of mimicry by attachment tendencies and their underlying motivation for affiliation in young children, specifically for negatively-valenced emotional expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania V Vacaru
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sabine Hunnius
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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