Low resting heart rate, sensation seeking and the course of antisocial behaviour across adolescence and young adulthood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low resting heart rate (RHR) is a consistent biological correlate of antisocial behaviour (ASB), however potential mechanisms have been largely unexplored. We hypothesise that lower RHR will be associated with higher ASB levels in mid-adolescence and persistence into adulthood, and that these associations will be explained, in part, by sensation seeking and callous-unemotional traits.

Methods

ASB was assessed repeatedly with young people from ages 15 to 21 years in a population-based birth cohort (ALSPAC). A longitudinal trajectory was derived and showed ASB decreasing across adolescence before stabilising in early adulthood. RHR was recorded at age 12 years, and mediators were assessed at age 14 years.

Results

After adjusting for socio-demographic confound

SUBMITTER: Hammerton G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6533639 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature