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Physiological responses to social and physical challenges in children: Quantifying mechanisms supporting social engagement and mobilization behaviors
Author(s) -
Heilman Keri J.,
Bal Elgiz,
Bazhenova Olga V.,
Sorokin Yevgeniya,
Perlman Susan B.,
Hanley Mary C.,
Porges Stephen W.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.20257
Subject(s) - vagal tone , psychology , respiratory system , physical activity , developmental psychology , heart rate , heart rate variability , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry , blood pressure
Physiological response patterns to laboratory‐based social and physical challenges were investigated in 37 typically‐developing 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children. The study was conducted to determine whether the response profiles during each challenge were similar and whether individual differences in the response profiles to the challenges were correlated. Results demonstrated challenge specific physiological response strategies. In response to the social challenge, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and heart period increased and motor activity decreased. In contrast, in response to the physical challenge, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and heart period decreased and motor activity increased. Neither challenge reliably elicited changes in salivary cortisol. Only heart period responses were correlated between the challenges. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 171–182, 2008.