The Social Default Mode Network Mediates the Impact of Regulatory Problems on Adult Social-Emotional Problems

• In Event: 2-036 - Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes After Infant Crying, Sleeping and Feeding Problems

Integrative Statement

Introduction. Previous research demonstrated that infant regulatory problems are associated with social-emotional problems in childhood. It is unclear, however, whether (i) these problems persist into adulthood, and (ii) how they are mediated by distinct brain systems. In particular, to address the second question, it is important to recall that the so-called allostatic-interoceptive system, which is mainly constituted by the default mode and salience network as well as distinct subcortical nuclei, supports both interoceptive regulation and social-emotional abilities.
Hypotheses. We hypothesized that adults with infant regulatory problems have more social-emotional problems, mediated by the allostatic-interoceptive system (AIS).
Study population. All adults (mean age 28 years; 50% females) participated in the Bavarian Longitudinal Study. 79 adults had a history of multiple and/or persistent infant regulatory problems and 254 adults had no or single regulatory problems as an infant.
Methods. Adult social-emotional problems were assessed using the Young Adult Self Report (YASR). A subsample (N = 49 with multiple/persistent regulatory problems and N = 71 without multiple/persistent regulatory problems) was also evaluated by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to measure AIS integrity via intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC).
Results. Compared to adults without infant multiple/persistent regulatory problems, adults with infant multiple/persistent regulatory problems had more total problems (p = 0.002), internalizing problems (p = 0.005), and more avoidant personality traits (p < 0.001). They had decreased iFC in the default mode network, particularly in parts specifically involved in social functioning, with iFC-decreases being strongest in adults with multiple and persistent regulatory problems and linked with avoidant personality traits (r = - 0.42, p = 0.006). Remarkably, default mode network iFC-decrements fully mediated the association between infant regulatory problems and adult avoidant personality traits.
Conclusions. These results provide evidence that adults with infant regulatory problems have more social-emotional problems that are mediated by the AIS, particularly the social default mode network. Data suggest that both multiple/persistent regulatory problems and the social default mode network can be targeted to attenuate relevant social-emotional problems after infant regulatory problems.

Authors

• Christian Sorg, Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
  Presenting Author

• Josef G. Bäuml, Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nicole Baumann, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick
  Non-Presenting Author

• Mihai Avram, Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
  Non-Presenting Author

• Satja Mulej Bratec, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center Technische Universität München
  Non-Presenting Author

• Linda Breeman, Utrecht University, Department of Youth and Family
  Non-Presenting Author

• Maria Berndt, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center Technische Universität München
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ayten Bilgin, Istanbul Medeniyet University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Julia Jaekel, The University of Tennessee Knoxville
  Non-Presenting Author

• Dieter Wolke, University of Warwick
  Non-Presenting Author