Childhood Adversity Impacts Men Differently: An Event-Related Potential Study
Abstract
The research attempting to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physiological brain function is extensive. FMRI research suggests that ACEs change the structure of the brain. Yet, event-related potential (ERP) research has been inconclusive to the effects of ACEs on brainwaves. Researchers investigating the relationship between ACEs and the task relevant P300 event-related potential have reported both increased and attenuated P300 amplitude. In this study, we further examined whether a relationship exists between self-reported degrees of childhood adversity and P300 amplitude in college age students. Prior to the study, participants completed the Variability in Adverse Childhood Experiences (VACE) scale, which measures adversity the participant experienced in childhood, as well as the magnitude of adversity. Participants were tasked with differentiating between negative, positive, and neutral infant facial affect. Participants completed three blocks of trials. Each block consisted of a target facial affect. Participants were instructed to respond “yes” if the image matched the target facial affect and respond “no” if the image was not the target affect. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between ACEs and P300 amplitude. Surprisingly, when the data were analyzed separately for each sex, the correlation was only significant for male participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between ACEs and P300 amplitude in females. There is evidence to suggest that Estrogen may buffer the effects of ACEs. Also, females reported higher social support than males. This study adds to the body of research on ACEs and suggests biological and social differences in how ACEs affect brainwaves.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Eric Sellers
Faculty Department
Psychology
Childhood Adversity Impacts Men Differently: An Event-Related Potential Study
The research attempting to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physiological brain function is extensive. FMRI research suggests that ACEs change the structure of the brain. Yet, event-related potential (ERP) research has been inconclusive to the effects of ACEs on brainwaves. Researchers investigating the relationship between ACEs and the task relevant P300 event-related potential have reported both increased and attenuated P300 amplitude. In this study, we further examined whether a relationship exists between self-reported degrees of childhood adversity and P300 amplitude in college age students. Prior to the study, participants completed the Variability in Adverse Childhood Experiences (VACE) scale, which measures adversity the participant experienced in childhood, as well as the magnitude of adversity. Participants were tasked with differentiating between negative, positive, and neutral infant facial affect. Participants completed three blocks of trials. Each block consisted of a target facial affect. Participants were instructed to respond “yes” if the image matched the target facial affect and respond “no” if the image was not the target affect. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between ACEs and P300 amplitude. Surprisingly, when the data were analyzed separately for each sex, the correlation was only significant for male participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between ACEs and P300 amplitude in females. There is evidence to suggest that Estrogen may buffer the effects of ACEs. Also, females reported higher social support than males. This study adds to the body of research on ACEs and suggests biological and social differences in how ACEs affect brainwaves.