Determinants and outcomes of pubertal stress recalibration process: A scoping review

Early life stress is linked to altered stress system functioning, including hypo- or hyper- autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which contributes to the development of psychopathology. One potential theoretical framework that can guide intervention development is the pubertal stress recalibration hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that puberty, a period of significant biological change, provides an opportunity for stress systems to resample the environment and adjust or recalibrate based on current conditions, representing a potential window for intervention. Given the mediating role of altered stress physiology in connecting ACEs and health outcomes, modifying or recalibrating stress systems may be a promising intervention target. However, there is limited evidence on how these principles can be applied in practice to inform interventions. To address this gap, the current study conducted a scoping review, identifying three animal studies and thirteen human studies. These studies were examined with attention to definitions of stress recalibration, key predictors and outcomes, and areas needing further research.