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

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

Neurophysiological processes underlie individual self-regulation (Porges, 2007) and dyadic coregulation between parent and child (Feldman, 2012). Although regulatory processes operate in the context of relationships, little is known about how individual, dyadic, and family factors shape parent-child neurophysiology or its role in early child development (Davis et al., 2017; Lunkenheimer et al., 2018). Additionally, novel analytic approaches are needed to capture the complexity of these effects. This symposium showcases innovative analyses of individual reactivity and parent-child synchrony in neurophysiology in the preschool years in relation to key predictors and outcomes. Our expert discussant will address challenges and next steps in modeling these processes and how parent-child neurophysiology functions as a mechanism of typical and atypical development.

Paper 1 examines how child and familial characteristics are associated with preschooler RSA reactivity across a challenging mother-child task. Findings indicate a nonlinear pattern involving initial withdrawal and subsequent recovery is predicted by higher child positive affect and family cohesion and is associated with concurrent child socioemotional competencies.

Paper 2 examines individual child physiological and behavioral regulation and dyadic affective climate as moderators of mother- and father-child RSA synchrony. Findings demonstrate that child average RSA and externalizing moderate mother-child RSA synchrony whereas dyadic positive affect and child externalizing moderate father-child RSA synchrony.

Paper 3 examines how dynamic parent-child neural (prefrontal cortex) synchrony during play and frustrating tasks predicts early behavior problem trajectories. Findings indicate that increased neural synchrony during play but not frustration is associated with substantial decreases in internalizing but not externalizing problems.

Sub Unit

• Parenting & Parent-Child Relationships

Chair

• Kayla Melissa Brown, Advocates for Human Potential

Discussant

• Erika S. Lunkenheimer, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Individual Presentations

• Differences in Mother-Child and Father-Child RSA Synchrony: Moderation by Child and Dyadic Factors - Presenting Author: Kayla Melissa Brown, Advocates for Human Potential; Non-Presenting Author: Erika S. Lunkenheimer, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Non-Presenting Author: Anna Fuchs, The Pennsylvania State University

• Preschoolers’ Dynamic Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia (RSA) Change During A Challenging Parent-Child Interactive Task: Relations with Preschoolers’ Socioemotional Health - Presenting Author: Kara Braunstein West, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Non-Presenting Author: Anne E Shaffer, University of Georgia; Non-Presenting Author: K.A.S Wickrama, University of Georgia; Non-Presenting Author: Zhuo Rachel Han, Beijing Normal University; Non-Presenting Author: Cynthia Mary Suveg, University of Georgia

• Parent-child neural synchrony predicts longitudinal change in early internalizing but not externalizing behaviors - Presenting Author: Laura E. Quinones-Camacho, University of Texas at Austin; Non-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