Brain white matter organisation in adolescence is related to childhood cerebral responses to facial expressions and harm avoidance

► We assessed temperament and ERP activation to facial expressions at ages 7-9. ► We measured fractional anisotropy in the same subjects at age 15. ► Reduced fractional anisotropy was related to reduced ERP amplitudes to angry faces. ► Reduced fractional anisotropy was related to higher levels of Harm avoidance. ► These relations can map the transition from behavioural inhibition to social phobia.