Developmental changes in inhibitory processing: evidence from psychophysiological measures

Journal/Book: Biol Psychol. 2000; 54: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science Bv. 207-239.

Abstract: Two major theories of the development of inhibitory functioning are discussed that assume a close relation between inhibitory ability and the maturation of the frontal lobes. It is argued that a psychophysiological approach may add considerably to the study of developmental change in inhibitory processes. A selective review is presented of studies examining heart rate and brain potential measures obtained in a variety of paradigms supposedly showing inhibitory control. The results of these studies are discussed within the framework proposed by Stuss et al. [Stuss, D.T., Shallice, T., Alexander, M.P., Picton, T.W., 1995. A multidisciplinary approach to anterior attentional processing. In: Grafman, J., Holyoak, K.J., Boiler, F. (Eds.), Structure and functions of the human prefrontal cortex. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 769, 191-211], relating component processes of supervisory-system control to distinct brain regions and psychophysiological measures of attention. It is concluded that the supervisory-system framework provides a heuristic way for examining developmental changes in inhibitory processing.

Note: Review van der Molen MW, Univ Amsterdam, Dept Psychol, Roetersstr 15, NL-1018 WB Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): inhibition; supervisory attention; heart rate; event-related potential; development; EVENT-RELATED POTENTIALS; CONTINGENT NEGATIVE-VARIATION; AUTONOMIC NERVOUS-SYSTEM; GO/NO-GO DISCRIMINATION; SELECTIVE ATTENTION; PREFRONTAL CORTEX; HEART-RATE; COGNITIVE-DEVELOPMENT; BRAIN POTENTIALS; ERROR-DETECTION

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