Sex Differences in salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and psychological functioning following Hurricane Katrina

Jacob M. Vigil; David C. Geary; Douglas A. Granger; Mark V. Flinn

doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01464.x

Sex Differences in salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and psychological functioning following Hurricane Katrina

Jacob M. Vigil, David C. Geary, Douglas A. Granger, Mark V. Flinn

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study examines group and individual differences in psychological functioning and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity among adolescents displaced by Hurricane Katrina and living in a U.S. government relocation camp (n = 62, ages 12-19 years) 2 months postdisaster. Levels of salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, depression, anxiety, distress, aggression, and self-esteem for this group were contrasted with a demographically matched no-trauma control group (n = 53). Results revealed that hurricane exposure and SNS activity moderated the relations between lower cortisol and higher internalizing behaviors. Sex-related differences were observed in behavioral adjustment and stress regulation. Implications of sex differences in biobehavioral adjustment to loss, displacement, and relocation are discussed in relation to evolutionary and developmental theory.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	1228-1240
Number of pages	13
Journal	Child development
Volume	81
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01464.x
State	Published - Jul 2010
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
Education
Developmental and Educational Psychology

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10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01464.x

Cite this

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AU - Flinn, Mark V.

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Sex Differences in salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and psychological functioning following Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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