Ted Beauchaine - Sex Differences in the Expression of Trait Impulsivity in Childhood and Adolescence
Wed., Nov. 4, 2009
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Physics-Astronomy Building A-114. Light refreshments at 3:15pm; Q&A following.
(campus maps)
Event Details
Abstract:
Although considerable debate remains over operational definitions of trait impulsivity, behavioral genetics studies of factor analytically-derived scales consistently yield heritability coefficients of around .80, rivaling those of intelligence. Trait impulsivity is therefore a very well defined latent construct, and continued debate over operational definitions may be misguided. Nevertheless, behavioral expression of trait impulsivity is shaped considerably by environmental opportunities, which produce wide-ranging individual differences within and across sexes. In this talk, I will (a) describe our longstanding program of research on identifying neural vulnerability to trait impulsivity among children and adolescents, (b) outline a biosocial model for the emergence of aggression and delinquency in impulsive males, (c) describe our newer work on a parallel model of emerging self-injury and borderline personality development among impulsive females, and (d) discuss poorly understood sex differences in molecular genetic vulnerability to these costly psychiatric conditions. Implications for intervention will also be considered.
Dr. Beauchaine is Robert Bolles & Yasuko Endo Associate Professor, Child Clinical and Quantitative, UW Psychology and Adjunct Associate Professor of Radiology