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Stability in infant frontal asymmetry as a predictor of toddlerhood internalizing and externalizing behaviors

Cynthia L Smith1, Martha Ann Bell

  • 1Department of Human Development, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and State University, 357 Wallace Hall (0416), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

Developmental Psychobiology
|February 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Stable frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry in infancy predicts later behavioral issues. Left frontal asymmetry linked to externalizing behaviors, while right frontal asymmetry associated with internalizing behaviors in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Frontal brain electrical activity asymmetry (EEG asymmetry) is a potential biomarker for behavioral development.
  • Early childhood is a critical period for the emergence of behavioral problems, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the stability of frontal EEG asymmetry in infancy.
  • To examine the relationship between stable infant EEG asymmetry and later maternal-reported internalizing and externalizing behaviors at 30 months.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 48 children.
  • Assessment of frontal EEG asymmetry at 10 and 24 months of age.
  • Maternal ratings of child internalizing and externalizing behaviors at 30 months.

Main Results:

  • Children exhibiting stable left frontal EEG asymmetry during infancy were more likely to be rated higher in externalizing behaviors by their mothers.
  • Children demonstrating stable right frontal EEG asymmetry in infancy received higher maternal ratings for internalizing behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • Early stability in frontal EEG asymmetry is associated with specific behavioral outcomes in childhood.
  • These findings underscore the importance of monitoring early physiological markers for predicting later behavioral problems.

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