The differential impacts of early physical and sexual abuse and internalizing problems on daytime cortisol rhythm in school-aged children

Child Dev. 2010 Jan-Feb;81(1):252-69. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01393.x.

Abstract

The impact of early physical and sexual abuse (EPA/SA) occurring in the first 5 years of life was investigated in relation to depressive and internalizing symptomatology and diurnal cortisol regulation. In a summer camp context, school-aged maltreated (n = 265) and nonmaltreated (n = 288) children provided morning and late afternoon saliva samples on 5 consecutive days. Child self-report and adult observer reports of child internalizing and depressive symptoms were obtained. Children experiencing EPA/SA and high depressive or internalizing symptoms uniquely exhibited an attenuated diurnal decrease in cortisol, indicative of neuroendocrine dysregulation. These results were specific to EPA/SA rather than later onset physical or sexual abuse or early occurring neglect or emotional maltreatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / metabolism
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Critical Period, Psychological*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Social Environment
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone