Alexe Bilodeau-Houle: 'The more the parent and child showed synchronized physiological reactions, the greater the child’s fear when it was his or her turn to take part in the experiment'

A recent study that was conducted by Alexe Bilodeau-Houle through her master's degree at Université de Montréal has found that children with less secure attachment relationship and high physiological concordance with their parents are more likely to be fearful. According to a press release, the study was published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology in February, and showed factors that influence observational fear learning in children.

"The more the parent and child showed synchronized physiological reactions, the greater the child’s fear when it was his or her turn to take part in the experiment," said Bilodeau-Houle. "But this only occurred when the child’s relationship with the observed parent was insecure; otherwise the physiological concordance did not seem to affect the child’s learning of fear.”

The study was conducted at the Center de recherché de L'Institut universitaire en Santa mentale de Montreal. She found the dynamics between attachment relationships, physiological concordance and the development of fear responses. Scientific data support that children often learn through observation, especially when they see their parents as models and see how they respond with fear. This study had a focus on investigating the factors that create observational fear. Data was collected from a sample of participants, and they observed their responses to stimuli that induces fear. A many part of the study is the role of attachment relationships and physiological concordance in influencing children's fear learning experiences.

The press release stated that attachment refers to the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver, which is most often the parent. This is a vital role in shaping a child's emotional development, as well as their ability to regulate and perceive fear. The study also found that children with less secure attachment relationship with their parents are more prone to have a fear response when exposed to things that brought out fear in their parents.

Physical concordance is the synchrony of physiological signals like heart rate and sweating. It shows the extent to how physiological responses of a child could align with those of their parents. The study showed that children also showed fear when they were exposed to the same stimuli that induced fear in their parents. 

The research team used a game with 84 parent-child pairs who were filmed. Certain colors were associated with mild electric shocks. The children watched the recorded session and were also tested under similar conditions without receiving shocks. Electrodermal activity, which is a measure of sweating and shows fear, was recorded in both parents and children alike. This showed a clear association.

The results provide insight into the mechanisms involving observational fear learning with children. Understanding the factors can help for supporting children's emotional well-being and mental health. Through the identification of attachment relationships and physiological concordance as influential factors, the study highlighted the need to consider the dynamics of parent-child interactions when addressing fear related expense. The finings also offer insight into mechanisms behind fear-related psychopathologies, and fostering secure attachment relationships while promoting emotional resilience and well-being with a child.