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Differential associations between childhood trauma subtypes and adolescent HPA-axis functioning
Kate R Kuhlman1, Elisa G Geiss2, Ivan Vargas2
1University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|February 24, 2015
Summary
Different childhood traumas uniquely impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. Physical abuse speeds stress response, emotional abuse delays recovery, and non-intentional trauma alters bedtime cortisol levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Child Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Inconsistent findings link childhood trauma to neuroendocrine changes.
- Few studies differentiate trauma types' impact on neuroendocrine adaptation.
- No prior research used multiple hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate unique associations between physical abuse, emotional abuse, and non-intentional trauma exposure.
- To examine these associations using multiple indices of HPA axis functioning.
Main Methods:
- 138 youths (9-16 years) participated in a community sample.
- The Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SE-CPT) assessed acute stress response.
- Diurnal salivary cortisol samples measured HPA axis functioning over two days.
Main Results:
- Non-intentional trauma linked to elevated bedtime cortisol and intact diurnal regulation.
- Physical abuse correlated with faster cortisol reactivity to acute stress.
- Emotional abuse associated with delayed cortisol recovery post-stress.
Conclusions:
- Distinct childhood trauma types elicit specific HPA axis dysregulations.
- Multiple HPA axis indices are crucial for understanding trauma's neuroendocrine effects.
- This research informs understanding of stress-related psychopathology development.
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