Files
Abstract
Child maltreatment is an adverse childhood experience that increases the risk for developing internalizing and externalizing problems in preadolescence and adolescence. The chronic stress that results from child maltreatment may also alter functioning of physiological stress response systems (i.e., autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis). Recent research has linked deficits in physiological stress response function to elevated internalizing and externalizing symptomology in youth. Consequently, the goal of the present study is to examine three measures of physiological stress response function as mediators in the association between childhood maltreatment and preadolescent internalizing and externalizing symptomology. To investigate these aims, I utilized data from the UGA Youth Development Institute (YDI) Parenting and Decision Making Project, which includes physiological and self-report assessments from youth and their primary caregiver (N = 101) and follow-up data obtained approximately one year later (Wave 2; N = 71). Structural equation models were constructed to test the studys hypotheses. Results showed that child maltreatment severity, and particularly the severity of emotional abuse, was associated with heightened cortisol reactivity and blunted heart rate variability reactivity. Heightened cortisol reactivity was associated with more depressive symptoms at Wave 2, providing support for mediation between child maltreatment and youth internalizing symptoms via HPA-axis reactivity. The results of the present study provide novel information on the multi-level etiology of preadolescent psychopathology. Child maltreatment may cause changes to stress response systems, leading to elevated risk for affective symptomology. Clinical and prevention programs for maltreated youth may benefit by including intervention components that help youth regulate their acute stress response reactions.