Parental support buffers the association of depressive symptoms with cortisol and C-reactive protein during adolescence.

TitleParental support buffers the association of depressive symptoms with cortisol and C-reactive protein during adolescence.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsGuan S-SAngie, Bower JE, Almeida DM, Cole SW, Dahl RE, Irwin MR, Seeman TE, McDade T, Fuligni AJ
JournalBrain Behav Immun
Volume57
Pagination134-43
Date Published2016 Oct
ISSN1090-2139
Abstract

Social experiences can affect the relationship between depression and physical health. The current study examined how social support from parents and friends may moderate the association of depressive symptoms with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and C-reactive protein among adolescents (N=316, Mage=16.40, SD=.74; 57% female) from diverse ethnic backgrounds (23.1% Asian, 29.1% European, 41.8% Latino, and 6.0% other backgrounds). Results indicated that parent support, but not friend support, moderated the link between depressive symptoms and both total daily cortisol output (a measure HPA activity) and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation). These patterns did not differ by ethnicity. Overall, the study highlights the continued, and perhaps accumulated, importance of parents during adolescence despite increasing needs for autonomy from and exploration outside of the family unit.

DOI10.1016/j.bbi.2016.03.007
Alternate JournalBrain Behav. Immun.
PubMed ID26995316
PubMed Central IDPMC5010993
Grant ListP30 AG017265 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P30 AG028748 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD062547 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R24 HD041022 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States