Expression of emotions in the context of anxiety in twin children: physiological indicators and environmental sensitivity

Abstract

According to the Diathesis-Stress Model, some individuals have characteristics that make them more vulnerable to environmental stressors. According to the Differential Susceptibility Model, these individuals also experience more benefits from environmental support. In this way, children most affected by negative experiences tend to benefit more from positive opportunities and adequate support. In partnership with the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP), twins born at the Hospital of the Medical School of USP have been followed since pregnancy. This proposal is a follow-up longitudinal study of these children. The project, submitted to FAPESP, aims to continue the post-doctoral research developed with support from PRP USP, under the Support to Integrated Research Projects in Strategic Areas (PIPAE) - 2021 PRP-USP (Process: 2021.1.10424.1.9). This project aims to analyze whether there are differences between twins' reactions to the potentially anxiety-triggering context, the dental treatment, and whether there is a learning effect regarding the response over time. We will follow twins aged 7-12 years since their first visit to the Dental Clinic and their every six months returns. We will analyze self-report, physiological, and behavioral measures as a function of zygosity and environmental sensitivity. To assess emotions, we will use the Facial Version of the Modified Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf) and the Environmental Sensitivity Scale for Children (HSC). We will use a thermographic camera to assess changes in facial temperature in three moments that will be compared: under dental treatment, baseline pre-treatment, and post-treatment. Video recordings will be used to code behavioral categories in anticipation of different dental procedures and degrees of invasiveness.