Sex differences in salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and psychological functioning following Hurricane Katrina.
The study examines group and individual differences in psychological functioning and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity among adolescents displaced by Hurricane Katrina and living in a U.S. government relocation camp (n = 62, ages 12-19 years) 2 months postdisaster. Levels of salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, depression, anxiety, distress, aggression, and self-esteem for this group were contrasted with a demographically matched no-trauma control group (n = 53). Results revealed that hurricane exposure and SNS activity moderated the relations between lower cortisol and higher internalizing behaviors. Sex-related differences were observed in behavioral adjustment and stress regulation. Implications of sex differences in biobehavioral adjustment to loss, displacement, and relocation are discussed in relation to evolutionary and developmental theory.
Vigil
Jacob M
JM
Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1161, USA. vigilj@unm.edu
Geary
David C
DC
Granger
Douglas A
DA
Flinn
Mark V
MV
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D055867:Cyclonic Storms; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D007206:Individuality; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology; D055291:Salivary alpha-Amylases / Q000097:blood*; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D055291:Salivary alpha-Amylases; D006854:Hydrocortisone