Understanding the Link between Anxiety and a Neural Marker of Anxiety (The Error-Related Negativity) in 5 to 7 Year-Old Children

ABSTRACT

Despite growing evidence that an elevated error-related negativity (ERN) is a risk marker for anxiety, it is unclear what psychological construct underlies this association. To address this gap, we devised a 9-item self-report scale for assessing error sensitivity (i.e. the fear of making mistakes) in children. The Child Error Sensitivity Index was administered to 97 children ages 5–7 years old and demonstrated good internal reliability and convergent validity. The Child Error Sensitivity Index related to the ERN, and the relationship between the ERN and child anxiety symptoms was mediated by scores on the Child Error Sensitivity Index.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The peaks fell between a range of −25.16 ms and 98.63 ms (M = 47.24 ms).

2. The ERN, calculated as an area measure (0–100 ms after the response), was significantly correlated to the measure derived from the area around the peak, r(80) = .96, p < .001. The pattern of results was similar when analyses were conducted with the area measure (0–100 ms): the Child Error Sensitivity Index related to a larger ERN, even when controlling for other relevant variables (i.e., child age, performance on the task), B = −.14, t = −2.80, p < .01. Additionally, the parent-report of child error sensitivity related to an increased ERN in children, B = −.11, t = −1.84, p = .07, at a trend level. When the ERN was calculated using a residual-based difference score (instead of a subtraction-based difference score), the pattern of results was similar. The residual and subtraction-based difference scores were significantly correlated, r(80) = .94, p < .001. Furthermore, the Child Error Sensitivity Index related to a larger ERN, even when controlling for other relevant variables (i.e., child age, performance on the task), B = −.107, t = −1.07, p < .05. Additionally, the parent-report of child error sensitivity related to an increased ERN in children, B = −1.21, t = −1.83, p = .08, at a trend level. The split-half reliability of the ERN measured using an area measure (0–100 ms) was moderate (0.50).

Additional information

Funding

This research was not funded by an external funding agency.