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

Abstract

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