Exposure to community violence and biomarkers of allostatic load: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: A large body of research has examined the effects of exposure to community violence on myriad health outcomes. Less is known about the potential impact of exposure to violence on allostatic load. According to allostatic load theory, chronic stressors, such as exposure to violence, may lead to disrupted physiological functioning in multiple systems, ultimately increasing the risk for poor health. As such, a better understanding of whether and how exposure to violence may affect indicators of allostatic load is critical. In the present systematic review, we synthesize evidence from 36 studies examining associations between exposure to violence and at least one of the four primary mediators of allostatic load: cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dehydroepiandrosterone. We then present

SUBMITTER: Gresham B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12584929 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature