Abstract
We reviewed and meta-analyzed 10 studies (N = 492) that examined the association between (risk for) child maltreatment perpetration and basal autonomic activity, and 10 studies (N = 471) that examined the association between (risk for) child maltreatment and autonomic stress reactivity. We hypothesized that maltreating parents/at-risk adults would show higher basal levels of heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) and lower levels of HR variability (HRV) and would show greater HR and SC stress reactivity, but blunted HRV reactivity. A narrative review showed that evidence from significance testing within and across studies was mixed. The first set of meta-analyses revealed that (risk for) child maltreatment was associated with higher HR baseline activity (g = 0.24), a possible indication of allostatic load. The second set of meta-analyses yielded no differences in autonomic stress reactivity between maltreating/at-risk participants and nonmaltreating/low-risk comparison groups. Cumulative meta-analyses showed that positive effects for sympathetic stress reactivity as a risk factor for child maltreatment were found in a few early studies, whereas each subsequently aggregated study reduced the combined effect size to a null effect, an indication of the winner’s curse. Most studies were underpowered. Future directions for research are suggested.
Highlights
We reviewed and meta-analyzed 10 studies (N 1⁄4 492) that examined the association between child maltreatment perpetration and basal autonomic activity, and 10 studies (N 1⁄4 471) that examined the association between child maltreatment and autonomic stress reactivity
Eligibility was based on three main inclusion criteria: (1) The sample consisted of parents with substantiated child maltreatment or participants at high risk for child maltreatment as assessed by a validated instrument (e.g., Child Abuse Potential Inventory [CAP Inventory]) or defined as such by the authors based on a substantial number of risk factors, (2) at least one index of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) was measured, (3) the physiological measurement included ANS baseline activity and/or stress reactivity
Synthesis of the findings is further complicated by the fact that several studies did not report statistical tests examining whether the maltreating/at-risk groups differed from their comparison groups on ANS baseline values
Summary
We reviewed and meta-analyzed 10 studies (N 1⁄4 492) that examined the association between (risk for) child maltreatment perpetration and basal autonomic activity, and 10 studies (N 1⁄4 471) that examined the association between (risk for) child maltreatment and autonomic stress reactivity. The last review of the literature on this topic was conducted approximately 20 years ago (McCanne & Hagstrom, 1996), and effect size estimates for the association between physiological (re)activity and perpetration and risk for perpetration of child maltreatment have not been assessed using metaanalytic methods. In the context of stress, the typical autonomic reaction comprises an increase in HR (determining the rate at which organ tissues receive nutrients such as oxygen from the blood); an increase in sympathetic activity, as reflected by SNS measures such as SC (i.e., sweat gland activity); and a decrease in parasympathetic activity, as reflected by a decrease in HR variability (HRV; a PNS index) These physiological reactions facilitate behavioral responses to (anticipated) demands from the environment. Less sensitive mothers showed weaker HRV decreases in response to infant cry sounds than highly sensitive mothers (Joosen et al, 2013a)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
