The Role of Emotion in the Development of Psychopathology

Overview

The dysregulated experience and expression of emotion is implicated in psychiatric disorders associated both with externalizing problems (aggressive, antisocial behaviors) and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression). Adolescence is a critical juncture in the development of these disorders because of the increased incidence and differentiation of clinical problems during this time period. This is a biobehavioral, longitudinal investigation of the role of emotion in the development of psychopathology in adolescence. The focus is on socialization experiences and biological processes that contribute to emotion dysregulation and disorder in male and female youths between 11 and 16 years of age. Groups studied include (1) comorbid externalizers and internalizers, (2) externalizers only, (3) internalizers only, and (4) asymptomatic youth. The adolescents are assessed again two years later, with instruments and paradigms similar to those used at Time 1. One theme pertains to the integration and disconnection of emotions across systems (e.g., physiological and self-report of experience), and how different patterns of emotion relate to psychopathology. A second theme pertains to development changes in how disorders are manifested (e.g., increased differentiation along gender specific pathways). The anticipated number of patient days per year is 240 for adolescents and mothers, and 120 days for fathers.

Dysregulated emotions are central features of psychiatric disorders associated with both externalizing problems (aggressive, antisocial behaviors) and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression). Adolescence is a critical juncture in the development of these disorders because of the increased incidence and differentiation of clinical problems particularly along gender-based lines. This is a biobehavioral, longitudinal investigation of the role of emotion in the development of psychopathology in adolescence. The focus is on socialization experiences and biological processes that contribute to emotion dysregulation and disorder. Younger (11-13) years) and older (14-16 years) male and female adolescents are followed over time to assess outcomes (psychiatric and psychological problems; adaptive functioning). Groups studied include (1) comorbid externalizers and internalizers, (2) externalizers, (3) internalizers, and (4) asymptomatic youth. Longitudinal analyses will examine factors that contribute to continuation, exacerbation, shifts, or improvement in symptoms over time. Time 1 data collection is complete and 30% of Time 2 cases have been seen. The current anticipated number of patient days per year is 150 for adolescents and mothers. Data collection will be completed by January, 2003.