Parent-child neural synchrony predicts longitudinal change in early internalizing but not externalizing behaviors

• In Event: Predictors and Outcomes of Dynamic Parent-Child Neurophysiology: A Symposium Honoring Dr. Carrie DePasquale

Abstract

Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in early childhood can place children on trajectories toward disorder levels of symptoms later in life (Coie & Dodge, 1998; Goodwin, Fergusson, & Horwood, 2005; Luby et al., 2014). Studies probing early onset of both types of behaviors have pointed to the parent-child relationship as a key predictor of these trajectories (Hollenstein et al., 2004; McLeod, Wood, & Weisz, 2007). However, few studies have explored dyadic neural mechanisms for this association. The current study explored parent-child neural synchronization as a predictor of trajectories of internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

One hundred and fifty-one preschoolers (4-5 years-old at Time 1; M = 4.85 years, SD = .6) and a caregiver took part in the study. Data was obtained at four timepoints separated by 6 months (T1 = 0 months; T2 = 6 months from initial visit; Time 3 = 12 months from initial visit; T4 = 18 months from initial visit). Parent-child dyads completed the DB-DOS: BioSync task, which included a ‘Frustration’ and a ‘Play’ context, while functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data were recorded. Parent-child neural synchrony was defined as the concurrent lateral PFC activation of the parent and the child during the ‘Frustration’ and ‘Play’ contexts separately. Parents reported on their child’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) during each visit. Latent Growth Curve modeling was conducted to assess neural synchrony as a predictor of internalizing and externalizing trajectories.

A linear growth model showed excellent fit for internalizing behaviors, χ2(5) = 4.839, p = .436, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = .000, SRMR = .031. The mean for the intercept (corresponding to internalizing behaviors at Time 1), the linear slope, as well as the variance for the intercept and slope were significant. Two follow-up models were then conducted to include parent-child neural synchrony during each context. Only neural synchrony during the ‘Play’ context emerged as a significant predictor (Figure 1). Specifically, neural synchrony during the ‘Play’ context predicted rate of change (b = .317, p = .027), suggesting that stronger parent-child neural synchrony during ‘Play’ was associated with a more marked decrease in internalizing behaviors over the four time points. A separate linear growth model showed adequate fit for externalizing behaviors, χ2(5) = 16.723, p = .005, CFI = 0.967, TLI = 0.961, RMSEA = .125, SRMR = .059. The mean for the intercept, the linear slope and the variance for the intercept were significant (p < .001), while the variance for the slope was marginal (p = .066). Neural synchrony during ‘Frustration’ and ‘Play’ did not predict initial levels or rate of change in externalizing disorders. Our finding that parent-child neural synchrony during a period of play predicted rate of change in internalizing but not externalizing behaviors suggests that a parent-child dyad’s ability to coordinate neural activation during positive interactions might serve as a particularly important protective mechanism in the context of internalizing behaviors.

Authors

• Laura E. Quinones-Camacho, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Caroline P. Hoyniak, Washington University in St. Louis
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lauren S. Wakschlag, Northwestern University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Susan B Perlman, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Non-Presenting Author