Frontal asymmetry assessed in infancy using functional near-infrared spectroscopy is associated with emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood.

ABSTRACT: Frontal asymmetry (FA), the difference in brain activity between the left versus right frontal areas, is thought to reflect approach versus avoidance motivation. This study (2012-2021) used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate if infant (M_age  = 7.63 months; N = 90; n = 48 male; n = 75 White) FA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex relates to psychopathology in later childhood (M_age  = 62.05 months). Greater right FA to happy faces was associated with increased internalizing (η²  = .09) and externalizing (η²  = .06) problems at age 5 years. Greater right FA to both happy and fearful faces was associated with an increased likelihood of a lifetime anxiety diagnosis (R²  > .13). FA may be an informative and early-emerging

SUBMITTER: Kelsey CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9992105 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature