Barbara Franke
Papers
1
Total Citations
17
H-Index
1
About
Barbara Franke’s research lies at the intersection of developmental psychopathology and early risk detection, with a particular focus on the role of freezing behavior as a precursor to internalizing symptoms. Her most-cited work, a 2018 prospective longitudinal study, demonstrated that prolonged infant freezing responses reliably predict the emergence of anxiety and depression in adolescence, offering a groundbreaking early marker for intervention. This study, with 17 citations, has shaped how researchers conceptualize the transition from adaptive to maladaptive threat responses. Franke’s contributions extend beyond this finding, as she has systematically mapped the neurobiological and behavioral pathways linking early stress reactivity to later psychopathology. Her work is notable for bridging animal models of defensive behavior with human developmental trajectories, providing a translational framework that has influenced both clinical assessment and preventive strategies. By identifying freezing as a measurable, early-life risk indicator, Franke has opened new avenues for targeted screening and early intervention, making her a key figure in understanding the roots of internalizing disorders. Her research continues to guide efforts to mitigate the long-term burden of anxiety and depression from infancy onward.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1