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Multisystem Stress Activity and Subtypes of Aggression in Three Developmental Periods.

Fri, March 24, 3:30 to 5:00pm, Salt Palace Convention Center, Floor: 1, Meeting Room 150 G

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

Understanding the coordination between multiple stress systems may provide important developmental insights when understanding forms of aggression. Four independent studies address interactions across stress systems in the development of physical and relational aggression. These studies test developmental theory, use rigorous methodology, and include racially/ethnically diverse samples. Collectively, they advance our understanding of the family, peer, and contextual influences on the development of subtypes of aggression.

Study 1 tests biological sensitivity to context theory and the coordination of the parasympathetic (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous systems (SNS) in response to a peer stressor among young children. Coactivation of these systems was a vulnerability factor and the reciprocal profiles were protective against the development of forms of aggression.

Study 2 tests the adaptive calibration model and examines links between the SNS and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) in the development of forms of aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors in early childhood. Elevated SNS was a risk factor for aggression.

Study 3 focused on middle childhood and also tests the role of autonomic coordination. There was a focus on reactivity to various emotions. The findings indicated distinct patterns across gender and that ANS reactivity to fear in particular is important in the development of physical aggression.

Study 4 tested a cascade model of risk from prenatal development to adolescence in an at-risk sample (i.e., substance-exposed, low SES, single parent). Violence exposure and a pattern of SNS activation and PNS withdrawal were associated with both forms of reactive aggression in early adolescence.

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