Key result
Childhood maltreatment linked to ~11% lower vagal efficiency, mediating associations with anxiety and depression.
Why the study?
To explore whether vagal efficiency mediates the relationship between childhood maltreatment history and psychiatric symptoms, and investigate autonomic regulation in response to stressors.
Does childhood maltreatment history reduce vagal efficiency and alter autonomic regulation in college students?
Population
167 college students
Comparison
Maltreatment history vs no maltreatment history
Authors
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Childhood maltreatment history was associated with lower vagal efficiency mediating anxiety/depression symptoms in students; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Cross-Sectional (n=167)
Does childhood maltreatment history reduce vagal efficiency and alter autonomic regulation in college students?
Effect estimate: Cohen's d 0.37
Absolute Event Rate: 61.7% vs 69.56%
p-value: p=0.028
Childhood maltreatment is associated with blunted vagal efficiency, which may serve as a neurophysiological pathway increasing the risk for anxiety and depression.
Dale et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Childhood Maltreatment (n=167). Childhood maltreatment history vs. No childhood maltreatment history was evaluated on Vagal efficiency (VE) (Cohen's d 0.37, p=0.028). College students with a history of childhood maltreatment exhibited significantly lower vagal efficiency compared to those without maltreatment (61.70 vs 69.56, p=0.028), which mediated the association with anxiety and depression.
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