Latent Trait Cortisol: Considering the Interplay of Adversity and Cultural Resilience Factors in Latino Adolescents

Abstract

Latent trait cortisol (LTC) has been established across multiple samples as a stable person-level indicator of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. However, extant research among predominantly White samples linking early life adversity to LTC has produced inconsistent findings, likely due to methodological and demographic differences. Using a cultural neurobiological framework, this study examined whether cultural resilience factors (ethnic racial identity [ERI], bicultural competence) may promote healthier LTC levels and protect against the deleterious effects of exposure to early adversity among Latino adolescents. Salivary cortisol was collected five times a day across three weekdays in a sample of 206 Latino high school seniors (Mage=18.1; 64.4% female). Self-reported questionnaires assessing demographics, health behaviors, adverse experiences, ERI, and bicultural competence (i.e., comfort and facility subscales) were also collected. Confirmatory factor analysis identified an adequate theory-driven model of LTC using waking and 30-minute post-waking samples and estimating within-day sample covariation. Structural equation modeling revealed that greater early adversity predicted lower LTC (b=-.11, p=.01). ERI demonstrated neither promotive nor protective effects. Bicultural facility predicted greater LTC (b=.39, p=.004) but did not moderate the association between adversity and LTC. Consistent with hypo-arousal theories, early adversity contributed to reduced LTC among Latino adolescents, whereas the ease with which youth navigate host and heritage culture demands (i.e., bicultural facility) promoted robust HPA axis functioning. Burgeoning literature establishing LTC as a stable cortisol construct should continue to be contextualized by known risk factors as well as culturally salient processes.