Self-esteem and neuroendocrine response to challenge: MacArthur studies of successful aging.
The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation designed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmacologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 micrograms/kg). Both challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly and negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response to the driving simulation challenge (r = -0.51, p = 0.04). ACTH responses showed similar trends (r = -0.41, p = 0.12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indicate that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a role in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/behavioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.
Seeman
T E
TE
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Berkman
L F
LF
Gulanski
B I
BI
Robbins
R J
RJ
Greenspan
S L
SL
Charpentier
P A
PA
Rowe
J W
JW
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone