Behavioral inhibition sensitivity and emotional response suppression: a laboratory test among adolescents in a fear-relevant paradigm

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2004 Dec;33(4):783-91. doi: 10.1207/s15374424jccp3304_13.

Abstract

This study examined behavioral inhibition sensitivity and emotional suppression in a fear-relevant slide-viewing paradigm among adolescents (n=95). After controlling for state anxiety, behavioral inhibition sensitivity significantly predicted subjective anxiety and the valence and control dimensions of emotional responding but was not associated with arousal-based indexes of distress. Contrary to prediction, emotional suppression did not affect emotional or psychophysiological responsiveness. These results are discussed in relation to vulnerability to anxiety-related distress among adolescents.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Child
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Fear*
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Temperament