Stressful life events and daily stressors affect awakening cortisol level in midlife mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Objectives The current study examines the awakening cortisol level in midlife mothers (M=51.4 years old, SD=8.4) of individuals (M=22.1 years old, SD=7.1) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) under stressful conditions that are not specific to the son or daughter's ASD symptoms. Methods In addition to completing a set of questionnaires and in-home interviews, 82 mothers from the Adolescents and Adults with Autism Study (AAA) participated in a Daily Diary Study. Results Findings from the multilevel models indicated that mothers who previously were exposed to no negative life events in the previous period had an increased awakening cortisol level on days following a greater number and more severe stressors, a normative stress response. In contrast, we observed a flatter cortisol level of daily stressors in mothers who experienced a greater number of negative life events in the previous period. Conclusion These findings highlight the sustained toll that global and everyday stressors have on awakening cortisol level of midlife and aging mothers of individuals with ASD.

Daily Work Stress and Awakening Cortisol in Mothers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Fragile X Syndrome

“…The finding is consistent with the literature on individuals with a history of PTSD indicating that despite lower overall levels, they may exhibit an elevated cortisol response to stressful events that are distinct from the original trauma (e.g., Bremner et al, 2003; Heim et al, 2001); by analogy, work stressors are distinct from child-related stress for mothers of individuals with DD. This study focused on nonfamily work stress and thus extends prior research on blunted or flattened cortisol patterns in the context of child- or family-related stress for parents of sons or daughters with disabilities (e.g., Seltzer et al, 2009; Seltzer et al, 2010; Wong et al, 2012). The results position us to better understand how different sources of stressors affect the health and physiology of adults experiencing a sustained life of emotional and personal demands (i.e., parenting an adolescent or adult offspring with a disability).…”

“…Although there are different approaches to examining cortisol, including the complete daily rhythms, this study focuses on awakening cortisol levels, consistent with our prior analysis of the effects of stressful life events and daily stress in mothers of children with ASD (Wong et al, 2012). The morning cortisol level reflects the body’s ability to mobilize energy to handle the tasks of the day (Clow, Thorn, Evans, & Hucklebridge, 2004).…”

“…Much of the prior caregiving literature focused on stress physiology has emphasized the impacts of child- or family-related stressors (e.g., Hartley et al, 2012; Seltzer et al, 2009; Wong et al, 2012). Less attention has been directed toward the influence of nonfamilial demands, specifically work stress, on cortisol reactivity.…”

Chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia: a “stress-adaptation” model

“…[32,40] Moreover, the possibility of a "switch" from HPA-axis hyper-to hypofunction, although in accordance with Selye's original "general adaptation syndrome," [41] as well as with more recent neurobiological stress models [42,43] including McEwen's allostasis paradigm, [44,45] awaits further empirical research. Particularly, it should be clarified under which particular conditions (epigenetic consequences of victimization, role of precedent depression, inadequate coping, duration of illness, interference of physical factors …) such a HPA-axis "switch" could occur (see in this context, e.g., [46][47][48]). …”

Life events trajectories, allostatic load, and the moderating role of age at arrival from Puerto Rico to the US mainland

“…In the general population, stressful life events have been found to be adversely associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression (Barry & Petry, 2008; Cutrona et al, 2005; Engstrom, Hedblad, Rosvall, Janzon, & Lindgarde, 2006; Engstrom et al, 2004; Kendler, Karkowski, & Prescott, 1999; Pyykkonen et al, 2010). Recent studies have also found that stressful life events were positively associated with individual biological markers such as cortisol concentration (Karlen, Ludvigsson, Frostell, Theodorsson, & Faresjo, 2011; Wong et al, 2012) and with increased odds for metabolic syndrome (Raikkonen, Matthews, & Kuller, 2007). However, limited evidence exists for the effect of stressful life events on multisystem dysregulation, such as that captured by a composite measure of allostatic load, which may precede harmful health outcomes (McEwen & Stellar, 1993; Seeman, Singer, Rowe, Horwitz, & McEwen, 1997).…”