Electrodermal Conditioning to Monetary and Social Stimuli and Externalizing Behavior in Children

• In Event: The Neurobiology of Antisocial and Psychopathic Behavior: Evidence from Psychophysiological, Neuroimaging, and Brain Stimulation Studies

Abstract

Aversive conditioning deficits to physical stimuli such as aversive tones or electric shock have been associated with externalizing behavior. However, it is unknown if this association holds in a reward or appetitive conditioning paradigm and whether individuals with more externalizing behavior also have difficulties associating cues with non-physical stimuli such as monetary or social stimulus. In this study, externalizing behaviors were assessed in a sample of male and female children when they were 8-10 year old and one year later. Electrodermal conditioning data were collected at both times. We found that monetary/social gains or losses were effective in eliciting electrodermal classical conditioning in children, and that abnormal conditioning was associated with higher levels of externalizing behaviors. This is the first study to examine both appetitive and aversive conditioning in children. Clinical implications will be discussed.

Authors

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

• Shawn Fagan, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY