Key result
High respiratory sinus arrhythmia may protect against the effects of child maltreatment on aggressive behavior in boys, while in girls this protective effect is further moderated by skin conductance level reactivity.
Why the study?
Do respiratory sinus arrhythmia and skin conductance level moderate the link between child maltreatment and adolescent aggression in youth?
Population
362 youth aged 9-16 years, comprising 234 maltreated (48.3% male) and 128 comparison youth (57.8% male)
Comparison
Child maltreatment vs Comparison youth (no maltreatment)
Design
Cohort
Authors
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Should not yet change clinical practice in maltreated youth; leaves open sex-specific autonomic moderators for prospective validation.
Cross-Sectional (n=362)
Do respiratory sinus arrhythmia and skin conductance level moderate the link between child maltreatment and adolescent aggression in youth?
High respiratory sinus arrhythmia may protect against the effects of maltreatment on aggressive behavior in boys, with complex moderation by skin conductance in girls.
Gordis et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional in Child Maltreatment and Aggressive Behavior (n=362). Child maltreatment vs. No history of maltreatment (comparison youth) was evaluated on Aggressive behavior (measured by Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire) and its moderation by autonomic nervous system activity. High respiratory sinus arrhythmia may protect against the effects of child maltreatment on aggressive behavior in boys, while in girls this protective effect is further moderated by skin conductance level reactivity.
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