Prenatal Maternal Stress Affects Behavioral Problems in Toddlers: The Moderating Effect of Electrodermal Activity

• In Event: Biosocial Interactive Perspective on Psychopathic Traits and Behavioral Problems in Childhood

Abstract

Prenatal maternal stress has been linked to behavioral problems in human and nonhuman offspring. We took advantage of a natural disaster (October 2012 Hurricane Sandy in New York City) to determine the effect of the objective severity of pregnant women’s stress exposure on behavioral development of their children. In addition, we investigated the moderating effect of electrodermal activity on the above relationships. One hundred and one children (50% male, mean age = 3 years, range = 1.5 – 5 years) whose mothers were exposed to Hurricane Sandy before, during, or after their pregnancy participated. Children’s behavior was assessed through parent reports on the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) and their electrodermal activity to six 90dB auditory stimuli was recorded. We demonstrate significant effects of the objective severity of exposure on externalizing problems with important moderating effects of the timing during pregnancy. In addition, higher severity of exposure was associated with more internalizing problems and behavioral symptoms and fewer adaptive skills, in particular on the condition of low electrodermal activity. The implications of the findings will be discussed.

Authors

• Yu Gao, Brooklyn College, City University of New York

• Jessica Buthmann, Queens College / Graduate Center CUNY

• Yoko Nomura, Queens College / Graduate Center CUNY