Status Of Boys Research Articles

Abstract P272: Gender Features of Angiological Screening in Young People

Relevancy: The wide occurrence of risk factors (RF) necessitates rapid introduction of angiological screening. Purpose: To determine the results of mass instrumental evaluation of vascular stiffness in students taking into account gender and cases of EVA-syndrome. Methods and Materials: It was surveyed 224 students on base of Student Health Centre of StSMU as a part of project “ The University of healthy life style” for study of FR profile, including fat metabolism by using rapid diagnosis "Lipid Panel" (USA). It was valued the condition of the vessel wall according to Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) from left (L) and right (R) sides thanks to device Vasera VS-1500(‘Fukuda Danshi’, Japan). The device also gives an opinion on vascular age, which allows to identify cases of early vascular aging or EVA syndrome. Statistics analyses were made with programme ‘ Statistica 10.0’( StatSoft Inc, USA). Results: Among boys in the upper quartile of CAVI-R and CAVI-L there were 18 (25,4 %) and 17 (23,9%) , but among the female - 30 (19,6%) and 26 (17,0%). Signs of syndrome EVA also were recorded more often in boys than in girls - 9 (12,7 %) versus 12 (7,8%). Noteworthy that there were some differences in lipidogram in carriers of this syndrome, depending on sex. Thus, girls' total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were 4.4±0.34 and 2.76±0.24 versus 3.7±0.11 and 2.3±0.32 mmol/l in males. But at same time, high density lipoproteins were also higher in the fairer sex - 1,3±1,2 against 0,98±0,06 mmol/l in boys. In girls triglycerides were registered at lower level - 0,72±0,1 against 0,98±0,25 mol/l. However, all described differences did not reach a reliable level. The average value of CAVI-R and CAVI-L for male were 5,80 ± 0,09 and 6,01 ± 0.09, but for female - 5,58 ± 0,06 and 5,90 ± 0,05. The median of CAVI-R and CAVI-L for men was 5, 81 and 6,02, but for the women - 5,73 and 5,81. Conclusion: In upper quartile of CAVI values boys fall almost a third more than girls. Carriers of EVA syndrome are also almost half the most common among representatives of the stronger sex. At the same time, not all indicators of lipid status in boys with EVA syndrome are worse than in their girl-peers with same syndrome. These data can be useful in forming groups of increased cardiovascular risk among young people.

FACTOR ANALYSIS AS OPTIMAL METHOD IN DETERMINING MOTORIC ABILITIES AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE, HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELLNESS OF PERSPECTIVE JUDOKAS

The goal of this study is a comparative analysis of the possibilities of physical education for children with health problems and the current status in boys and girls. Understanding the concept of impaired health is a precondition for the realization of the training process and possible integration in the process of physical education, according to the structure of health disadvantages. Quality of life assessment is performed on three levels. The first level are items that are given in the form of a statement. On the second level, item-like particles are observed in the sub-segments (scales that cover different dimensions of health and quality of life). The raw scores of each scale are transformed into standardized ones with a possible value of 1-4, which facilitates the interpretation of the results. The third level represents total physical and psycho-social health. Up to this level, there are certain mathematical procedures, based on the individual scale scores. Comparative analyses in regard of the cultural and gender specificities are provided, based on MANOVA and DISCRA analyses, within the introductory part, and 11 scales of the Questionnaire. Analysis of the data point out major differences in the possibility of physical activity application in children with medical conditions, with a special overview of boys and girls from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, in Serbia and the Northern Aegean region of Greece.

Nutritional Status among Pre-School Children of South Kashmir Himalayas - A Cross Sectional Study

Malnutrition has been a major concern in India. In spite of overall improvements in the availability of food, malnutrition especially in children is at an unacceptably high level as revealed by various national surveys. This is true to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as well. The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of pre-school children of South Kashmir Himalayas. Four hundred children aged 0-5 years from 37 villages were studied for anthropometric signs of nutritional deficiencies. This was a community based, study that showed wide variation in level of nutritional status of boys and girls. The study revealed widespread prevalence of malnutrition is based on anthropometric measurements. Various indices of nutritional status were expressed in standard deviation units (z-scores) from the reference median. The study revealed a gloomy picture of malnutrition with wasting (21.04%) wasted, stunting (23.78%) and underweight (17.53%) among children underweight and (23.78%) stunted. Positive inputs to improve growth and to overcome body weight deficits are recommended. Preventive measures are needed to improve food security, strengthen supplementary feeding programmes and provision of adequate subsidized food through PDS is recommended to achieve better growth and development of children. Both ecological imbalances and etiological factor like unhygienic personal habits and adverse cultural practices relating to child rearing (early weaning) were prevalent among them. The study highlighted a need for an integrated approach towards improving the child health as well as nutritional status in this area.

Self-Rated Health among youth and its associations with physical activity outside school, BMI and television time in an urban municipality of Portugal

This study examined associations of physical activity (PA) outside school, Body mass index (BMI) and Television time (TVT) with SRH among youth. 1121 adolescents, aged from 10-18 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. PA was obtained through a questionnaire developed by Telama et al. (1997)1. TVT was accessed by asking the participant how many hours/day did they watch tv in the preceding week. Cole et al. (2000)2 cut points for BMI [weight (kg)/ height2 (m)] were used as an indicator of children’s nutritional status. Associations of self-reported PA, TVT and BMI to SRH were assessed by gender, using Chi Squared and multivariate logistic regression controlling for mothers’ education level. High levels of physical activity (boys: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.78; girls: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.24) were significantly associated with better SRH in adolescents. Obese/overweight boys were less likely to report positive SRH (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.81) compared to their normal-weight peers. TVT in both genders and being overweight/obese in girls was not significantly associated with SRH. Results suggest that positive SRH is associated with PA levels, in both boys and girls, and with better nutritional status in boys.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОГО И ПСИХОФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ ТУВИНСКИХ ЮНОШЕЙ С РАЗЛИЧНОЙ ДВИГАТЕЛЬНОЙ АКТИВНОСТЬЮ

Aim. To reveal morphofunctional and psychophysiological indicators in Tuvan boys with different levels of motor activity. Materials and Methods. Forty boys with a low level and 115 boys with a high level of motor activity (practicing general physical conditioning (n = 45), freestyle wrestling (n = 35), and volleyball (n = 35)) aged 17?21 were recruited as participants of the study. Anthropometric, physiometric, and functional parameters in the subjects were assessed using standard methods. Psychophysiological indicators including short-term memory span and attention skills were estimated with the help of complex assessment of physical and mental health. Results. Volleyball players and wrestlers had a normal weight, physical fitness above average, and brachyskelia; along with that, volleyball players had a narrow chest while wrestlers had a normal chest width. Volleyball players had high indicators of the functional status of respiratory organs and attention skills. Boys practicing general physical conditioning had a normal weight along with a higher muscle mass, the highest strength indicators, higher functional status of respiratory organs, and fine semantic memory and attention capacity. Conclusion. Motor activity level and sports specialization have a significant effect on morphological, functional, and psychophysiological indicators in boys. General physical conditioning due to non-specific exercises having different levels of loads and difficulty and targeting different groups of muscles harmonize morphofunctional and psychophysiological status in boys.

Flow cytometric characteristics of extrathymic thymocytes in adenoid tissue: A case report and comparison to normal thymus and thymoma.

Normal thymocyte precursors in secondary lymphoid organs have previously been described. It is important to recognize normal thymocyte precursors by flow cytometry to differentiate them from T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. A 3-year-old boy status 2 years post-allogenic cardiac transplant underwent adenoidectomy to exclude post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Microscopic, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometry analyses of the adenoid were performed. By flow cytometry, a population of CD45+(dim)/CD7+(bright)/CD3- cells were observed at 1.0% of lymphocytes. These cells expressed CD10, partial CD34, and exhibited acquisition of CD4 followed by CD8. Within the brighter CD45+ lymphocytes, a population of CD3-/CD4+/CD8+ thymocytes and a similarly sized population of CD4+/CD8+ cells exhibiting acquisition of low-density CD3 were identified. By immunostaining, clusters of TdT+/CD1a+/CD4+/CD8+ T-cells were identified in the interfollicular areas. Compared to normal thymus, thymocytes in the adenoid tissue lacked the classic CD4xCD8 winged differentiation profile but showed a normal early precursor pattern. Thymocytes in adenoid show a similar differentiation pattern to thymus and thymoma. However, the classic winged pattern of common thymocyte differentiation may not be readily apparent in thymocytes differentiating outside of the thymus. Recognition of the early thymocyte precursor antigen acquisition profile can be crucial to correct interpretation. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Assessment of Nutritional Status Using Anthropometric Methods: A Study of Rural and Urban Primary Children in Coastal Belt of Bangladesh

This study deals with the assessment of nutritional status of rural and urban primary school going children in coastal belt of Bangladesh. Anthropometric data were collected from anthropological survey among 200 participants of twenty primary schools. Ten of these were from urban area and ten were from rural area and equal percentages of participants were taken from boys and girls who were selected randomly. The study found that rural school going children suffering more from under nutrition (Stunting, wasted, and underweight) problem where overweight and obesity is the major problem for urban children. It is also found that the health status of boys is slightly better than girls from rural area. Such as in rural area percentages of underweight girls are more than boy. But in case of urban area of Barisal the nutritional condition of girls is better than the boys. The study found remarkable deference of nutritional between rural and urban girls. Thinness and underweight is the major problem for rural girls but it is less in urban girls.

Serum Ferritin Is Inversely Correlated with Testosterone in Boys and Young Male Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan.

ObjectiveThe transition from childhood to teenaged years is associated with increased testosterone and a decreased iron status. It is not clear whether higher testosterone levels cause the decreased iron status, and to what extent, obesity-related inflammation influences the iron-testosterone relationship. The aim of the present study was to examine relationships of testosterone, iron status, and anti-/proinflammatory cytokines in relation to nutritional status in boys and young adolescent Taiwanese males.MethodsIn total, 137 boys aged 7~13 yr were included. Parameters for obesity, the iron status, testosterone, and inflammatory markers were evaluated.ResultsOverweight and obese (ow/obese) boys had higher mean serum testosterone, interleukin (IL)-1β, and nitric oxide (NO) levels compared to their normal-weight counterparts (all p<0.05). Mean serum ferritin was slightly higher in ow/obese boys compared to normal-weight boys, but this did not reach statistical significance. A multiple linear regression showed that serum ferritin (β = -0.7470, p = 0.003) was inversely correlated with testosterone, while serum IL-10 (β = 0.3475, p = 0.009) was positively associated with testosterone after adjusting for covariates. When normal-weight boys were separately assessed from ow/obesity boys, the association between testosterone and serum ferritin became stronger (β = -0.9628, p<0.0001), but the association between testosterone and IL-10 became non-significant (β = 0.1140, p = 0.4065) after adjusting for covariates. In ow/obese boys, only IL-10 was weakly associated with serum testosterone (β = 0.6444, p = 0.051) after adjusting for age.ConclusionsTestosterone and serum ferritin are intrinsically interrelated but this relationship is weaker in ow/obese boys after adjusting for age.

Association of adenovirus 36 infection with obesity-related gene variants in adolescents.

Both, common gene variants and human adenovirus 36 (Adv36) are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. The potential relationship between these two pathogenic factors has not yet been investigated. The aim of our study was to examine the association of obesity susceptibility loci with Adv36 status. Genotyping of ten gene variants (in/near TMEM18, SH2B1, KCTD15, PCSK1, BDNF, SEC16B, MC4R, FTO) and analysis of Adv36 antibodies was performed in 1,027 Czech adolescents aged 13.0-17.9 years. Variants of two genes (PCSK1 and BDNF) were associated with Adv36 seropositivity. A higher prevalence of Adv36 antibody positivity was observed in obesity risk allele carriers of PCSK1 rs6232, rs6235 and BDNF rs4923461 vs. non-carriers (chi(2)=6.59, p=0.010; chi(2)=7.56, p=0.023 and chi(2)=6.84, p=0.033, respectively). The increased risk of Adv36 positivity was also found in PCSK1 variants: rs6232 (OR=1.67, 95 % CI 1.11-2.49, p=0.016) and rs6235 (OR=1.34, 95 % CI 1.08-1.67, p=0.010). PCSK1 rs6232 and BDNF rs925946 variants were closely associated with Adv36 status in boys and girls, respectively (chi(2)=5.09, p=0.024; chi(2)=7.29, p=0.026). Furthermore, PCSK1 rs6235 risk allele was related to Adv36 seropositivity (chi(2)=6.85, p=0.033) in overweight/obese subgroup. In conclusion, our results suggest that obesity risk variants of PCSK1 and BDNF genes may be related to Adv36 infection.

Growth, body mass index, bone health and ambulatory status of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treated with daily vs intermittent oral glucocorticoid regimen

Growth, body mass index, bone health and ambulatory status of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treated with daily vs intermittent oral glucocorticoid regimen

Vitamin D status in Saudi school children based on knowledge.

BackgroundThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rising unexpectedly in every age group. Apart from several risk factors, the lack of awareness is posing a serious threat for low vitamin D levels in children as well. The aim of our study was to compare the knowledge and status of vitamin D in Saudi school children.MethodsSaudi students, 1188 boys (15.1 ± 2.2 years) and 1038 girls (15.1 ± 2.0 years), were recruited and a pre-designed questionnaire with regards to knowledge about vitamin D was administered. Blood samples were collected and serum 25hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D was measured.ResultsA significantly higher percentage of boys answered correctly than girls regarding knowledge questions as sun exposure (p = 0.002, and 0.011), breastfeeding (p < 0.001) and diseases (p < 0.001). The percentage of girls was significantly higher who thought that fruits and vegetables are not rich sources of vitamin D (24.7% girls vs. 15.4% boys; p < 0.001and 29.6% girls vs. 20.9% boys p < 0.001), respectively. Boys had a higher prevalence and frequency of sun exposure than girls (p < 0.001 for both). Girls showed a significantly higher percentage of sunscreen use and full covering during sun exposure (p = 0.001 for both).Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in girls than boys (47.0% versus 19.4.0%; p < 0.001). Vitamin D status in boys was significantly higher than girls (p < 0.001). In girls, those who answered correctly about vitamin D related disease (p = 0.03) and sources (p = 0.015), demonstrated significantly higher vitamin D levels.ConclusionsThe awareness of vitamin D and sunlight in children needs to be improved by provision of trained physicians and school teachers. Creating more areas where girls can uncover freely during routine works and outdoor activities will help increase their vitamin D levels.

Which measures of adiposity are related to Australian adolescent's perception of their weight?

To determine which measurement of adiposity - standardised body mass index (BMI-z), waist circumference or body fat percentage - is most closely correlated with adolescents' weight perception and whether this differs by gender. Weight and height (used to calculate BMI-z), waist circumference and body fat percentage were measured in 2278 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 and compared with self-reported weight status. The distribution of subjects across the three weight categories (underweight, healthy weight and overweight) differed significantly between BMI-z, waist circumference and body fat percentage (p < 0.001). BMI-z was most closely aligned with perceived weight status in boys and girls, and waist circumference was also a good correlate of weight perception in boys. Boys were more likely than girls to underestimate their weight when it was defined by BMI-z; however, girls were equally likely to underestimate their weight when it was defined by waist circumference. The majority of adolescents underestimated their weight status when it was defined by BF%. BMI-z is the closest correlate of self-perceived weight status. In the absence of internationally accepted reference values for waist circumference, BMI-z is the most appropriate measure to verify weight perception.

Prevalence and gender patterns of mental health problems in German youth with experience of violence: the KiGGS study

BackgroundResearch examining mental health in violence-affected youth in representative samples is rare. Using data from the nationally representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) this study reports on gender-specific prevalence rates and associations of a broad range of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems: emotional problems, conduct problems, ADHD, disordered eating, somatic pain and substance use in youth variously affected by violence. While internalizing is generally more common in girls and externalizing in boys, observations of prior non-normative studies suggest reverse associations once an individual is affected by violence. The occurrence of such “gender cross-over effects” is therefore examined in a representative sample.MethodsThe sample consisted of 6,813 adolescents aged 11 to 17 from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS): Applying multivariate logistic regression analyses, associations between each type of violence history and mental health indicator were determined for perpetrators, victims, and perpetrating victims of youth violence. Moderating effects of gender were examined by using product term interaction.ResultsVictim status was associated primarily with internalizing problems, while perpetrators were more prone to externalizing problems. Perpetrating victims stood out with respect to the number and strength of risk associations with all investigated mental health indicators. However, the risk profiles of all violence-affected youth included both internalizing and externalizing mental health problems. Gender cross-over effects were found for girls and boys: despite lower overall prevalence, girls affected by violence were at far higher risk for conduct problems and illicit drug use; by contrast, somatic pain, although generally lower in males, was positively associated with perpetrator status and perpetrating victim status in boys. All violence-affected youth exhibited significantly higher rates of cumulative mental health problems.ConclusionsThe results highlight the importance of violence for the mental health of youth. They reveal a particular vulnerability as a function of gender. Implications for policy making, clinical practice and research are discussed.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Pediatric Urology: An Update

This article discusses the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment of three common conditions encountered by the pediatric urologist: 1) children with urinary infection and structurally and neurologically normal urinary tracts; 2) children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR); and 3) children with prenatally diagnosed ureteropelvic and ureterovesical obstruction. The literature remains unclear and contradictory. Additional significant risk factors for recurrent infection are age, circumcision status in boys, and toileting function. The evidence for the use of prophylaxis is best in those with VUR, although not everyone with VUR must be on medication. In the absence of definitive evidence, the clinician must individualize the treatment of each patient and family.

Comparative study of dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and quantitative ultrasonography with the use of biochemical markers of bone turnover in boys with haemophilia

Our aim was to evaluate bone status in boys with haemophilia using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultraSonography (QUS), and in addition, to compare these two methods with the use of biochemical markers of bone turnover. Twenty-six boys with a mean decimal age of 12.08 ± 4.44 years were included in the study which included a DXA scan at lumbar spine and radial, as well as tibial QUS. Serum levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (sRANK-L), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OC) were measured and joint evaluation was performed using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). With regard to the study results, only 2 of 26 patients (7.7%) had bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores < -2, and 4 patients (15.4%) had BMD Z-scores between -1 and -2. Only one patient had radial and other two had tibial QUS Z-scores < -2. No agreement was recorded between QUS and DXA in identifying patients at risk for osteoporosis (k = 0.275, P = 0.063). Haemophiliacs had significantly higher serum levels of sRANK-L (21.04 ± 4.78 vs. 18.58 ± 2.28 ng mL(-1), P = 0.038) and of OC (5.35 ± 2.29 vs. 3.09 ± 0.61 ng mL(-1), P = 0.002) and significantly decreased levels of OPG (15.78 ± 2.53 vs. 23.79 ± 4.39 pg mL(-1), P < 0.001) compared with controls. QUS Z-scores at tibia significantly correlated with HJH Scores (r = -0.450, P = 0.040), whereas lumbar BMD Z-scores significantly correlated with body mass index Z-scores (r = 0.500, P = 0.009). More studies are warranted to identify the most accurate densitometric method for assessing bone status in haemophiliacs.

Humour as a resource and strategy for boys to gain status in the field of informal school

Through a feminist approach this paper illustrates how humour is used as a resource and strategy for status among Finnish school boys and in constructing culturally accepted masculinity in the field of informal school. Based on interview and observation material collected in three schools, the results suggest that although humour is often affiliative and positive in nature, exclusive, violent humour is also used as a resource and strategy, which might have serious consequences on targeted students’ lives. The effect of humour as a symbolic resource of status depends not only on context and power relations between the agents, but also on a credible, strategic usage of the resources available to a boy. Humour has an important influence on constructing masculinities and the social status of boys. Furthermore, the status of a boy defines the value of his humour among his peer group.

Determinants of the prevalence and incidence of overweight in children and adolescents

To systematically analyse determinants of overweight prevalence and incidence in children and adolescents, as a basis of treatment and prevention. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data of the Kiel Obesity Prevention Study (KOPS). Schools in Kiel, Germany. Cross-sectional data from 6249 students aged 5-16 years and 4-year longitudinal data from 1087 children aged 5-11 years. Weight status of students was assessed and familial factors (weight status of parents and siblings, smoking habits), social factors (socio-economic status, nationality, single parenting), birth weight as well as lifestyle variables (physical activity, media time, nutrition) were considered as independent variables in multivariate logistic regression analyses to predict the likelihood of the student being overweight. The cross-sectional data revealed the prevalence of overweight as 18·3 % in boys and 19·2 % in girls. In both sexes determinants of overweight prevalence were overweight and obese parents, overweight siblings, parental smoking, single parenthood and non-German nationality. High birth weight and low physical activity additionally increased the risk in boys. High media time and low parental education were significant determinants in girls. Effect of media time was mediated by maternal weight status in boys as well as by socio-economic status and age in girls. From the longitudinal data, the 4-year cumulative incidence of overweight was 10·0 % in boys and 8·2 % in girls. Parental obesity, parental smoking and low physical activity were determinants of overweight incidence in boys, whereas paternal obesity increased the risk in girls. Treatment and prevention should address family and social determinants with a focus on physical activity and media use.

PW01-58 - Association between depressive symptoms and pubertal status in boys and girls from a UK cohort

ObjectivesTo examine the association between advancing pubertal status and the emergence of depressive symptoms in boys and girls from a UK cohort.MethodsSelf-reported depressive symptoms were assessed using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire at three time-points (10.5, 13 and 14 years). We derived trait measures of depressive symptom level at each time-point using confirmatory factor analysis and compared the 3 depressive symptom factors with pubertal status (using regular self-reported Tanner assessments from 8-14 years) separately in boys (n=2902) and girls (n=2886). Main effects were estimated, adjusted for time lag between assessment of pubertal status and depressive symptoms, and then further adjusted for confounders (social class, maternal education, parental separation, financial problems, housing tenure).ResultsFor girls at age 10.5 years, there was little evidence of a relationship between pubertal status and depressive symptoms, with an increase in symptoms of 0.025 SD's for each additional pubertal stage (indicated by Tanner stages 1 through 5) for breast development and 0.023 SD's for each additional stage for pubic-hair development. With increasing age, the association between pubertal stage and depressive symptoms in girls strengthened. At age 14 years, advancement of each pubertal stage represented an increase in 0.13 SD's of depressive symptoms for breast development and 0.10 SD's for pubic hair development. For boys, there was no clear relationship between pubertal development and depressive symptoms at any time-point.ConclusionsMore advanced pubertal status was associated with an increased level of depressive symptoms in girls in early/mid adolescence but not boys.

Before they're victims: Rethinking youth-targeted relationship abuse prevention in Australia

Intimate partner abuse (or relationship abuse) against women is recognised as a major public health issue. A number of relationship abuse prevention programs targeted at youth have been developed in Australia. These programs are generally aimed at changing attitudes, and take the stance that girls should not be viewed as being responsible for protecting themselves against violence. In this paper it is argued that the current, dominant focus on physical violence, over other forms of relationship abuse, limits the potential effectiveness of programs that might otherwise help young people to resist the development of abusive dynamics. It is also argued that programs that presume a victim status for girls and a perpetrator status for boys are both inconsistent with contemporary evidence and unlikely to empower young people at risk of chronic perpetration and/or victimisation to avoid such outcomes. A dyadic slippery slope model of chronic relationship abuse is proposed and new directions for prevention research in this area are suggested.

Reconciliation, dominance and cortisol levels in children and adolescents (7–15-year-old boys)

The stress reduction hypothesis of reconciliation (Aureli, 1997; Aureli & Smucny, 2000) is tested on hormonal level. This study explores the potential relationships between post-conflict behaviour and cortisol level in boys between 7 and 15 years of age observed in summer camp during their free-time playing. Data on 56 boys are presented. Cortisol levels were measured in the morning (fixed time of the day), about 15 min after the end of conflict (PC) and next day without conflict as a match control (MC). Post-conflict of two types were analyzed: those followed with affiliation between former opponents and without affiliation. Age and dominance status of boys were taken in account in analyses of relationships between cortisol and post-conflict behaviour. The differences of cortisol level according to the occurrence of reconciliation were demonstrated. The stress reduction hypothesis of reconciliation was confirmed at the physiological level in children and adolescents.