Neuroticism, acculturation and the cortisol awakening response in Mexican American adults

Deborah Mangold, Jim Mintz, Martin Javors, Elise Marino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuroticism is associated with greater susceptibility to the adverse effects of stress and greater exposure to the stressors associated with acculturation in U.S. born Mexican Americans. Neuroticism and acculturation have been associated with injury to crucial stress response systems and are known risk factors for certain mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of neuroticism, and acculturation on the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in healthy Mexican-American adults. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at awakening and 30, 45, and 60. min thereafter, on two consecutive weekdays from 59 healthy Mexican American adult males (26) and females (33), ages 18 to 38. years. Participants were assessed for level of neuroticism and acculturation. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects regression model with repeated measures at four time points. Results showed a significant Neuroticism. ×. Acculturation. ×. Time interaction. The CAR was virtually eliminated in highly acculturated Mexican Americans with greater Anglo orientation and high neuroticism compared with less acculturated Mexican Americans with greater Mexican orientation and lower neuroticism. Findings suggest that some Mexican Americans with high levels of neuroticism may be particularly susceptible to certain challenges and stressors associated with acculturation leading over time to the development of allostatic load, desensitization of the Hypothalamic CRF system and attenuation of the CAR.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-30
Number of pages8
JournalHormones and Behavior
Volume61
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acculturation
  • Acculturative stress
  • Cortisol
  • HPA axis
  • Mexican-Americans
  • Neuroticism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neuroticism, acculturation and the cortisol awakening response in Mexican American adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this