Research advances in reward positivity and internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents

YAO Ke-Ke; WANG Huan; YANG Zhen-Zhen

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408086

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1) : 109-114. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408086

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Research advances in reward positivity and internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents

YAO Ke-Ke, WANG Huan, YANG Zhen-Zhen

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Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of the reward circuit, and reward positivity (RewP) is one of the electrophysiological indicators reflecting reward processing. Many studies have shown that abnormalities in RewP is closely associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents. In addition, factors such as stressful life events and sleep disorders can affect reward-related brain activity and increase the risk of various psychopathological problems in this population. The article reviews the characteristics of changes in RewP among children and adolescents with various internalizing and externalizing problems in recent years, aiming to provide a reference for the basic research on the pathogenesis of these issues and to identify new targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Key words

Reward positivity / Internalizing problem / Externalizing problem / Child / Adolescent

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YAO Ke-Ke, WANG Huan, YANG Zhen-Zhen. Research advances in reward positivity and internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2025, 27(1): 109-114 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408086

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