title: HPA stability for children in foster care: mental health implications and moderation by early intervention.
abstract: Research on stress-sensitive biological systems has typically focused on activation at one time, yet recent theories emphasize dynamic, context-specific adaptation. This study tested hypothesized calibration of one such system by examining both mean levels and longitudinal stability of daily cortisol--reflecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation--in children exposed to high-risk versus lower-risk caregiving contexts. Context-specific effects of longitudinal cortisol profiles were addressed via relations with child psychiatric symptoms. Children from regular foster care, foster children participating in a family-based intervention, and community comparison children (n = 96 total) collected saliva samples for cortisol assay at 29 timepoints across 6+ years. High-risk (regular foster care) children showed lower and more variable cortisol levels than their lower-risk (treatment foster care, community comparison) counterparts. For the high-risk children only, higher and more stable cortisol related to elevated anxiety symptoms. Implications for contextual calibration of stress systems and family intervention mechanisms are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. hlaurent@uoregon.edu.
authors.forename: Heidemarie K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: Kathryn S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Gilliam
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: cortisol; foster care; intervention; longitudinal; stress sensitivity