Attentional biases for threat and unfamiliarity in behaviourally inhibited children

Two studies assessed information processing biases related to threat and novelty in school age children who differed in behaviourally inhibited temperament (BI). Study 1 (N = 40) assessed selective attention for threatening expressions in novel and familiar faces using the Dot Probe task. BI ratings were obtained using two self-report measures: the BIQ and BII. Children with higher BI exhibited a greater attentional bias towards threat (with no evidence for avoidance following initial vigilance), and responded faster to novel faces across trials. Study 2 (N = 188) attempted to replicate and expand on Study 1. The Dot Probe task had additional trials to directly assess potential attentional biases for novel faces, and the parent-report versions of the BIQ and BII were administered in addition to the self-report versions. The findings regarding selective attention for threat were inconsistent, and there was no evidence that response to novelty differed based on BI.