Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Associations between the late positive potential and PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among trauma-exposed
Erick J Fedorenko1, Patrick V Barnwell1, Edward A Selby1
1Department of Psychology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Background:
The late positive potential (LPP) is a neural marker of attention to emotional stimuli; dysregulations in those attentional processes might contribute to trauma-related psychopathology. Although higher LPP amplitudes to negative images have been found to be associated with anxiety symptoms, results have been mixed regarding depressive and PTSD symptoms, especially among trauma-exposed populations. Further, the relationships between the LPP to positive and neutral images and psychopathology symptoms have been underexamined. The purpose of the current study was to test the effects of image valence, and PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms on LPP amplitude among trauma-exposed undergraduates.
Method:
Seventy-three trauma-exposed undergraduates viewed a series of negative, positive, and neutral images while LPPs were recorded. Self-report measures were used to assess recent PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling tested valence and symptom main effects, as well as Valence by Symptom interactions on LPP amplitude.
Results:
We found a main effect of valence such that individuals exhibited higher LPP amplitudes to negative images compared to neutral images. We also found a Valence by Depressive Symptoms interaction such that there was an inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and the LPP to neutral images but no associations between depressive symptoms and the LPP for positive or negative images. We found no main effects or interactions for anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
Conclusion:
Depressive symptoms might be related to diminished attention to neutral stimuli among trauma-exposed undergraduates. Further investigation of the relationship between the LPP and psychopathology is needed.
More Related Videos
09:55Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
08:29Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Traumatic Memory
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder