DUGi

La Resposta a un estrès psicosocial agut en nens i nenes : correlats biològics, psicopatològics i afectius

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Stress can be associated with various physiological and psychological problems and its study can be used as a predictor variable. However, there are few studies that have successfully induced an acute stress response and characterized its biomarkers in children using valid and standardized procedures. In this study, the physiological and affective response to acute psychosocial stress was evaluated in 20 children (10 boys and 10 girls) aged 7-8 years, using the TSST-M (Trier Social Stress Test-Modified). During the test, 5 saliva samples were collected, 2 before the TSST-M and 3 after, in order to analyze cortisol and alpha-amylase reactivity as indicators of HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) and SAM (Sympathetic-AdrenalMedullary system) activity, respectively. The affective response was assessed 6 times using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), 2 times before the TSST-M, 2 times during, and 2 times after. While the children performed the TSST-M, their primary caregivers completed questionnaires on the children’s childhood adversity, which were used along with previously completed instruments on psychopathic personality traits and aggressive behavior as predictor variables of the stress response. Additionally, 5 saliva samples were collected over two weekend days, 3 upon waking, one at midday, and another in the evening, to analyze the diurnal rhythms of the biomarkers, focusing on the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and salivary alpha-amylase awakening response (sAA-AR). The results show that the TSST-M is an adequate procedure to activate the physiological (cortisol and alpha-amylase) and emotional response to acute psychosocial stress in boys and girls. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that, under baseline conditions, children exhibit both CAR and sAA-AR. Moreover, there is an association between the acute stress response and psychopathic traits, as well as between the acute stress response and childhood adversity. Finally, it has been shown that there are no sex differences in physiological and affective responses to this acute psychosocial stress. No sex differences were found in CAR and sAA-AR under baseline conditions, nor were there sex differences in psychopathy. Additionally, girls with higher proactive aggression scores have a higher perception of acute stress than boys. These results highlight the importance of studying stress and show the relationship between stress and psychopathology in childhood

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