Right frontal brain activity, cortisol, and withdrawal behavior in 6-month-old infants.
Although several studies have examined anterior asymmetric brain electrical activity and cortisol in infants, children, and adults, the direct association between asymmetry and cortisol has not systematically been reported. In nonhuman primates, greater relative right anterior activation has been associated with higher cortisol levels. The current study examines the relation between frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry and cortisol (basal and reactive) and withdrawal-related behaviors (fear and sadness) in 6-month-old infants. As predicted, the authors found that higher basal and reactive cortisol levels were associated with extreme right EEG asymmetry. EEG during the withdrawal-negative affect task was associated with fear and sadness behaviors. Results are interpreted in the context of the previous primate work, and some putative mechanisms are discussed.
Buss
Kristin A
KA
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, 65211, USA. bussk@missouri.edu
Schumacher
Jessica R Malmstadt
JR
Dolski
Isa
I
Kalin
Ned H
NH
Goldsmith
H Hill
HH
Davidson
Richard J
RJ
D000339:Affect; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D012934:Social Isolation
D006854:Hydrocortisone