The Association Between Sleep Duration and Children’s Aggressive Behaviors: Mediating Role of the P3 ERP

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: PS 11 Topic - Cognitive Processes

Abstract

Deficits in children's abilities to inhibit and suppress aggressive behaviors in response to perceived threats or novel situations is essential for developmentally appropriate interactions within familial and peer relationships, and to a more considerable extent, normal functioning in society. Although findings are mixed, the P3 event-related potential (ERP) has been proposed as a neurophysiological marker for inhibitory control. Smaller amplitudes in the P3 ERP are associated with more aggressive and impulsive behavior. Moreover, a growing body of research indicates that sleep problems are linked to increased aggressive behaviors in adults and children. Indeed, studies measuring deficits in adults' cognitive impairments resulting from sleep deprivation are reflected in the P3 ERP's prolonged latencies and decreased amplitudes. However, there is a dearth of literature examining the cognitive processes mediating the development and maintenance of aggressive behavior in early childhood (0-8 years of age). This study aims to examine the role of neural and cognitive processes as assessed by Electroencephalography (EEG) involved in children's ability to inhibit aggressive behaviors and the association between aggression and sleep behavior, specifically sleep duration. I hypothesized (1) shorter sleep duration in children would predict greater levels of caregiver reported behaviors of aggression in those children, (2) shorter sleep duration would predict smaller amplitudes and longer latencies in the P3 ERP of the EEG response elicited during Oddball trials in an Auditory Oddball task , (3) a smaller amplitude and longer latency in the P3 ERP would predict more behaviors of aggression in children, (4) the P3 ERP would statistically account for the effect of sleep duration on aggressive behaviors. This study included 68 caregiver-child dyads; child ages ranged from 3-6 years old (M = 4.35, SD = 1.07). Caregivers reported on children's sleep behavior from the week prior to the visit. Children's aggressive behaviors were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), as reported by caregivers. Overall, the study's findings identify and elucidate the role of neural and cognitive processes, specifically the P3 ERP, in developing aggressive behaviors in children.

Authors

• Charles Steven Grugan, University of Iowa
  Presenting Author

• Isaac T. Petersen, University of Iowa
  Non-Presenting Author