Longitudinal Mediating Role of Dynamic Vagal Regulation in the Link Between Childhood Abuse and Neglect and Psychopathological Symptoms Among Adolescents

Abstract This three-wave longitudinal study used a time course approach to explore the RSA change trajectory during stress. It examined the mediating role of dynamic vagal regulation in the link between childhood abuse and neglect and psychopathological symptoms among adolescents. Physiological and questionnaire data were collected from 151 Chinese adolescents (74 females; Mage = 12.93, SDage = 0.83) between November 2021 and May 2024. Results revealed a quadratic RSA change trajectory during a speech task (first decreased and then increased), and childhood abuse (rather than childhood neglect) was associated with increased risks of internalizing and externalizing symptoms via dynamic vagal dysregulation. These findings suggest that dynamic vagal regulation could serve as a potential mechanism linking childhood abuse with adolescent psychopathological symptoms.