Sex differences in the association between internalizing symptoms and hair cortisol level among 10-12 year-old adolescents in China.

ABSTRACT: Although numerous studies have described the relationship between HPA axis dysregulation and internalizing symptoms among adolescents, research using hair cortisol concentrations in pre- and young adolescent samples has not been reported. We investigated the association of self-reported internalizing symptoms with cortisol concertration in hair among pre- and young adolescents aged 10-12 years. Forty-six boys and 39 girls supplied a hair sample of at least 3 cm in length for an analysis of this period (3 months) cortisol excretion. Saliva cortisol reactivity to the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C) also was assessed. The study found a positive association between ratings of depressive symptoms and cumulative levels of hair cortisol only in boys. Furthermore, higher ratings of

SUBMITTER: Lu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5844552 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature