Two‐year stability of individual differences in (para)sympathetic and HPA‐axis responses to public speaking in childhood and adolescence. (30th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van den Bos, Esther; Westenberg, P. Michiel
• Is Part Of: Psychophysiology. Volume 52:Number 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2014-09-30
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-5772

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Long‐term stability of individual differences in stress responses has repeatedly been demonstrated in adults, but few studies have investigated the development of stability in adolescence. The present study was the first to investigate the stability of individual differences in heart rate, parasympathetic (RMSSD, pNN50, HF), sympathetic (LF/HF, SC), and HPA‐axis (salivary cortisol) responses in a youth sample (8–19 years). Responses to public speaking were measured twice over 2 years. Stability was moderate for absolute responses and task delta responses of HR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF. Stability was lower for SC and task delta responses of LF/HF and cortisol. Anticipation delta responses showed low stability for HR and cortisol. The latter was moderated by age or puberty, so that individual differences were more stable in more mature individuals. The results support the suggestion that stress responses may be reset during adolescence, but only for the HPA axis.</p> </abstract>