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An interactional model of pubertal timing, interpersonal interaction, and HPA -axis reactivity

Anne Emilie Smith, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

In a sample of non-patient late adolescent women (N=110), this study investigated associations between pubertal timing, interpersonal conflict, and HPA-Axis dysregulation. Primary focus was on the interactional nature of pubertal timing as a risk factor, and the potential mediating role of specific coping behaviors. At high levels of perceived conflict, earlier pubertal timing was associated with both high stress in anticipation of interpersonal negotiation and low physiological recovery following the interaction. At low levels of perceived conflict, later pubertal timing was associated with both high stress in anticipation of interpersonal interaction and low physiological recovery following the interaction. Results suggest further investigation of behaviors which mediate between pubertal timing and girls' physiological response to stress.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy|Developmental psychology

Recommended Citation

Smith, Anne Emilie, "An interactional model of pubertal timing, interpersonal interaction, and HPA -axis reactivity" (2005). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI3193942.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3193942

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