Heart rate variability in 2014 predicted delayed onset of internalizing problems in 2015 among children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Experience of natural disaster was related to an increased risk of long-term child internalizing problems. Initial traumatic experiences are hypothesized to work as disaster-related stresses and sensitize neural circuitry, leading to heightened reactivity to subsequent stressful experiences, which in turn results in delayed onset of internalizing problems. However, empirical evidence is lacking. Thus, we aimed to examine the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and internalizing problems among children exposed to the disaster. The Great East Japan Earthquake Follow-up for Children (GEJE-FC) study followed children aged 4–6 years old and their siblings and parents from three affected prefectures (Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate) and one unaffected prefecture (Mie) in Japan over four periods: from August 2012 to June 2013 (= T1), August 2013 to April 2014 (= T2), July 2014 to December 2014 (= T3), and August 2015 to December 2015 (= T4) (n = 155). HRV was assessed at T2 and T3 as a biomarker of autonomic nervous system activity. Child internalizing problems were assessed by caregivers at T3 and T4, using the Child Behavior Checklist. HRV measurements at T2 were not associated with child internalizing problems at T3. However, HRV in low frequency domains at T3 showed an inverse association with child internalizing problems at T4 (B = −1.72, 95% CI = −3.12 to −0.31). The findings indicated that later exacerbation of internalizing problems could be predicted by dysfunction of autonomic nervous system measured by HRV. •Lower LF-HRV 3 years after the disaster predicted more internalizing problems in the following year in school-aged children.•The association between HRV and internalizing problems was not observed two years after the disaster.•Autonomic nervous system may be relevant to exacerbation of internalizing problems in the chronic phase.