Right frontal EFG asymmetry and lack of empathy in preschool children of depressed mothers

EEG activity, empathic reactions to emotion-inducing stimuli, and the abili ty to complete a teaching task were examined in preschool children of depre ssed and non-depressed mothers. EEG activity from frontal and parietal regi ons was recorded. Repeated measures MANOVAs indicated that the children of depressed mothers had greater relative right frontal EEG asymmetry. a patte rn that typically accompanies greater negative affect and showed less empat hic responses to a crying infant as well as to their own mothers' simulated distress. Children of depressed mothers were slower in completing the teac hing task (involving mutual cooperation with their mother) and they spent m ore time asking for help than children of nondepressed mothers. Further, th e depressed mothers stated their approval less often and spent less time he lping their child complete the task.