Number Of Stressful Life Events Research Articles

Suicidal risk factors of recurrent major depression in Han Chinese women.

The relationship between suicidality and major depression is complex. Socio- demography, clinical features, comorbidity, clinical symptoms, and stressful life events are important factors influencing suicide in major depression, but these are not well defined. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the associations between the above-mentioned factors and suicide ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt in 6008 Han Chinese women with recurrent major depression (MD). Patients with any suicidality had significantly more MD symptoms, a significantly greater number of stressful life events, a positive family history of MD, a greater number of episodes, a significant experience of melancholia, and earlier age of onset. Comorbidity with dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, and animal phobia was seen in suicidal patients. The present findings indicate that specific factors act to increase the likelihood of suicide in MD. Our results may help improve the clinical assessment of suicide risk in depressed patients, especially for women.

Stressful life events and neuroticism as predictors of late‐life versus early‐life depression

The occurrence of depression in younger adults is related to the combination of long-standing factors such as personality traits (neuroticism) and more acute factors such as the subjective impact of stressful life events. Whether an increase in physical illnesses changes these associations in old age depression remains a matter of debate. We compared 79 outpatients with major depression and 102 never-depressed controls; subjects included both young (mean age: 35 years) and older (mean age: 70 years) adults. Assessments included the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, NEO Personality Inventory and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. Logistic regression models analyzed the association between depression and subjective impact of stressful life events while controlling for neuroticism and physical illness. Patients and controls experienced the same number of stressful life events in the past 12 months. However, in contrast to the controls, patients associated the events with a subjective negative emotional impact. Negative stress impact and levels of neuroticism, but not physical illness, significantly predicted depression in young age. In old age, negative stress impact was weakly associated with depression. In this age group, depressive illness was also determined by physical illness burden and neuroticism. Our data suggest that the subjective impact of life stressors, although rated as of the same magnitude, plays a less important role in accounting for depression in older age compared to young age. They also indicate an increasing weight of physical illness burden in the prediction of depression occurrence in old age.

Chronic Stress and Calcium Oxalate Stone Disease: Influence on Blood Cortisol and Urine Composition

To evaluate the influence of chronic stress (CS) on urine composition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone patients and controls. This case-control study enrolled 128 patients during a period of 20 months. The cases were CaOx stone formers with a recent stone episode. Controls were matched by sex and age. Dimensions of CS were evaluated in cases and controls by validated self-report questionnaires measuring stressful life events, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and satisfaction with life. Blood and urine samples were collected to determine cortisol levels and urinary composition. More relations between CS dimensions and blood and urine parameters were observed in cases than in controls. In cases, the blood cortisol level was related positively with the number of stressful life events (P = .03), intensity of these events (P = .04), and anxiety (P = .04). In addition, urinary magnesium (P = .03) and pyrophosphate (P = .05) levels were positively related with satisfaction with life and burnout, respectively. In contrast, urinary magnesium levels were negatively related with perceived stress (P = .01), anxiety (P = .016), and depression (P = .03). In controls, the number of stressful life events and the intensity of stressful life events was related positively with magnesium (P = .06, P = .02) levels and negatively with blood cortisol levels (P = .03, P = .004). Based on the variation between cases and controls in relations between CS dimensions and biochemical parameters, we hypothesize that CS may trigger a differential biological response in CaOx stone formers and controls, which in turn may promote or protect against CaOx stone formation.

Pain interference and incident mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: Findings from a representative sample of men and women in the general population

To examine gender differences in the longitudinal relationship between past-month pain interference and incident mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders, chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression analyses were performed on data obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions from 34,465 adult respondents (47.9% men; 52.1% women) who completed waves 1 (2000–2001) and 2 (2004–2005) data collection. Models were adjusted for potentially confounding factors (i.e., age, race, marital status, educational level, employment, household income, number of stressful life events, number of general medical conditions, and wave-1 psychopathology). Respondents were categorized at wave 1 according to their past-month level of pain interference (i.e., no or low pain interference, moderate pain interference, severe pain interference). Moderate and severe pain interference (as compared to no or low pain interference) in male and female respondents was associated with the incidence of several psychiatric disorders. A stronger relationship was observed in male respondents as compared to female ones between past-month moderate pain interference and a new onset of any mood disorder (OR=1.57, p=0.03) and major depressive disorder (OR=1.60, p=0.03), and between past-month severe pain interference and a new onset of alcohol abuse or dependence (OR=1.69, p=0.045) and nicotine dependence (OR=1.48, p=0.04). These findings suggest that providers should consider screening patients with past-month moderate or severe pain interference for mood, anxiety, and substance-use problems and monitor the possible development of subsequent comorbid psychiatric disorders.

BDNF promoter methylation and suicidal behavior in depressive patients

IntroductionSuicide is a major health problem, and depression is a major psychiatric cause of suicide. Suicide is influenced by the multifactorial interaction of many risk factors. Therefore, epigenetic research may lead to understandings that are applicable to suicide. This study investigated whether epigenetic changes are associated with suicidal behavior and evaluated the treatment outcome of suicidal ideation in depressive patients. MethodsIn 108 patients with major depression, the promoter methylation of the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was measured. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including a history of previous depressive episodes, age at onset, duration of illnesses, family history of depression, and number of stressful life events as well as subjective perception of stress and assessment scales for depression (HAMD), anxiety (HAMA), function (SOFAS), disability (WHODAS-12), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were evaluated at baseline. Suicidal behavior was ascertained using a semistructured clinical interview with questions about severity and intent. Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) was administered during 12 weeks of treatment with antidepressants. ResultsA higher BDNF promoter methylation status was significantly associated with a previous suicidal attempt history, suicidal ideation during treatment, and suicidal ideation at last evaluation as well as with higher BSS scores and poor treatment outcomes for suicidal ideation. LimitationsMethylation status was investigated with limited area of the BDNF gene and sample size was relatively small. ConclusionsBDNF methylation status could be a proxy marker for previous suicidal attempts and a clinical biomarker for poor treatment outcomes of suicidal ideation in depression.

The interacting effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and stressful life events on adolescent depression is not an artifact of gene–environment correlation: evidence from a longitudinal twin study

Confounding introduced by gene-environment correlation (rGE) may prevent one from observing a true gene-environment interaction (G×E) effect on psychopathology. The present study investigated the interacting effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and stressful life events (SLEs) on adolescent depression while controlling for the rGE by two means: separating pure environmental factors (independent SLEs) from the environmental factors under partial genetic control (dependent SLEs) and adopting a prospective longitudinal design. A total of 780 pairs of Chinese twins, aged 11-17years (mean=13.6, SD=1.8) at intake, were followed up twice. Self-reported depression symptoms at Time 1 and Time 2 were assessed by the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). SLEs occurring between Time 1 and Time 2 were assessed by a self-reported checklist. SLEs were differentiated into independent and dependent ones and were validated by heritability analyses using twin design. The interacting effects between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and numbers of SLEs (total SLEs and independent SLEs) on intraindividual change of depression symptoms were examined. After controlling for sex, age, age square, and Time 1 depression, both total SLEs × BDNF Val66Met genotype and independent SLEs × BDNF Val66Met genotype significantly predicted Time 2 depression. Val allele carriers (Val/Val and Val/Met) were more susceptible to the detrimental effects of stress. There is a true G×E effect underlying the observed interaction between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and environmental stress on depression.

ACONTECIMENTOS DE VIDA STRESSANTES E APOIO SOCIAL EM FAMÍLIAS EM RISCO PSICOSSOCIAL

Perceived social support has been one of the most widely studied variables due to its direct and indirect effects to reduce the negative impact of some risk factors on physical and psychological well-being. However, in Portugal there are few studies that focus on the social support of families with at psychosocial risk minors. In this study we examined the relationships between perceived social support and the number and emotional impact of stressful life events. The participants were 133 mothers, aged between 16 and 58 years-old, with children monitored by the Commissions for Child and Adolescent Protection of Algarve. The Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule, the Social Support Scale for Stressful Life Situations, the Stressful and Risk Situations Inventory, and a socio-demographic questionnaire were applied, through an individual interview. Participants experienced a significant number of stressful life events with high emotional impact, either in the past or over the last three years. Death of a family member, financial and labor problems, marital conflicts, and psychological problems were the most frequent stressful life events. Mothers reported greater emotional than tangible or informative needs. In turn, we observed a low presence of support from professionals, and the main source of support was family members and friends. We discuss the implications for social policies along this vulnerable group.

APOIO SOCIAL, ACONTECIMENTOS STRESSANTES, ADAPTABILIDADE E COESÃO EM FAMÍLIAS EM RISCO PSICOSSOCIAL

Over the last decades the infant protection systems shifted from an assistance perspective to a perspective focused on family preservation. Since the effectiveness of interventions depends on its adjustment to the needs of these families, it is crucial to analyze the life trajectories and understand the family dynamics. In this study we analyzed family cohesion and adaptability, stressful life events, and social support in families with minors at psychosocial risk. We interviewed 51 participants (64,7% females), aged between 16 and 57 years-old, living in Faro. We used the Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule, the Scale of Social Support for Stressful Life Situations, the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scales, the Inventory of Stressful and Risk Situations, and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Families had a high unemployment rate and an accentuated educational, financial and occupational precariousness. Participants experienced a significant number of stressful life events, mainly related to psychological, marital and financial problems, with high emotional impact. Regarding family functioning, cohesion levels were higher than adaptability levels. Participants reported a higher need for emotional support than informative or material support. Participants received little support from professionals and their main source of social support were Familias em risco psicossocial 305 family members and friends. We discuss the needs for support and intervention to be taken into account by professionals who work with these families.

Symptoms of borderline personality disorder predict interpersonal (but not independent) stressful life events in a community sample of older adults.

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often experience stressful life events at a higher frequency than those without BPD. It is less clear what specific types of events are involved in this effect, and it has not been determined whether some features of BPD are more important than others in accounting for this effect. The latter issue is important in light of the heterogeneous nature of this diagnostic construct. These issues were examined in a large, representative community sample of men and women, ages 55-64. Ten Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev., DSM-IV-TR, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000) personality disorders were assessed at baseline using the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality: SIDP-IV (B. Pfohl, N. Blum, & M. Zimmerman, 1997, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Press). Life events were measured at three sequential assessments following baseline at 6-month (N = 1,294), 12-month (N = 1,070), and 18-month (N = 837) follow-ups. Stressful life events were identified using a self-report questionnaire (LTE-Q; List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire: A subset of prescribed life events with considerable long-term contextual threat by T. Brugha, C. Bebbington, P. Tennant, and J. Hurry, 1985, Psychological Medicine, Vol. 15, pp. 189-194.) followed by a telephone interview. Only borderline personality pathology was related to an increase in the frequency of interpersonal stressful life events. Three specific symptoms of BPD were largely responsible for this connection: unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and chronic feelings of emptiness (negative association). Symptoms of avoidant and schizoid personality disorders were associated with a reduced number of stressful life events that are considered to be outside a person's control (e.g., serious illness, injury, or death of a loved one). None of the personality disorders predicted an increase in the number of stressful financial events (e.g., major financial crisis). These findings suggest that, as individuals approach later life, certain features of BPD continue to serve as important risk factors for stressful life events of an interpersonal nature.

Psychosocial risk factors for HIV sexual risk among Indian men who have sex with men

Indian men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HIV compared to the general Indian population. Psychosocial factors may be uniquely associated with HIV risk among Indian MSM and may moderate the beneficial impact of standard HIV prevention approaches. Psychiatric diagnostic interviews and psychosocial and sexual risk assessments were conducted among 150 MSM in Mumbai, India. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association of psychiatric disorders and psychosocial problems to recent sexual risk behavior. Twenty-five percent of participants reported engaging in unprotected anal sex (UAS) during their last sexual contact with a man. Men who were married to a woman were more likely to have engaged in UAS during their last sexual contact with a man (35% vs. 17%, p=0.018). In multivariable models, significant predictors of engaging in UAS were current major depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 6.39) and number of stressful life events (AOR=0.91; 95% CI 0.83, 0.99). Alcohol dependence, anxiety, and self-esteem were not associated with engaging in UAS. Indian MSM with depression are at higher odds of engaging in UAS compared to MSM without depression. HIV prevention programs for Indian MSM may benefit from incorporating treatment or triage for mental health problems.

Prenatal micronutrient supplementation and postpartum depressive symptoms in a pregnancy cohort

BackgroundPostpartum depression is a serious problem for women and their offspring. Micronutrient supplements are recommended for pregnant women because of their documented protective effects for the offspring, but their potential beneficial effects on maternal mental health are unknown. This study investigated the association between prenatal micronutrient supplementation and the risk for symptoms of postpartum depression in a longitudinal pregnancy cohort from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study.MethodsParticipants came from a cohort of the first 600 APrON women. Supplemental nutrient intake and symptoms of depression (measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) were collected at each trimester and 12 weeks postpartum.ResultsOf the 475 participants who completed the EPDS at least twice in pregnancy and at 12 weeks postpartum, 416 (88%) scored <10 and 59 (12%) scored ≥10, where an EPDS ≥10 is considered to be “at least probable minor depression”. Mean nutrient intakes from supplements were higher in women with lower EPDS scores, particularly selenium (p = 0.0015) and omega-3s (p = 0.01). Bivariate analyses showed that several demographic and social/lifestyle variables were associated with EPDS ≥10: not having been born in Canada (p = 0.01), greater number of chronic conditions (p = 0.05), greater number of stressful life events during this pregnancy (p = 0.02), and lower prenatal and postnatal support (p = 0.0043 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Adjusting for covariates and nutrients known to be associated with postpartum depression, logistic regression showed that having a prenatal EPDS ≥ 10 increased the odds of postpartum depressive symptoms (second and third trimester OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.55 - 7.01, p = 0.004 and OR = 4.26, 95% CI = 2.05 - 8.85, p < 0.0001, respectively), while prenatal supplemental selenium (per 10 mcg, OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.74 - 0.78, p = 0.0019) and postnatal social support (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78 - 0.97, p = 0.0015) were protective.ConclusionsMultiple factors, including supplementary selenium intake, are associated with the risk of postpartum depressive symptoms. Future research on dietary supplementation in pregnancy with special attention to selenium intake is warranted.

777 – The impact of stressful life events on the functionality of patients with schizophrenia

Objective Clinical symptoms, functional recovery and stressful life events of patients with schizophrenia were evaluated to investigate the relationship between life events and functional recovery. Methods Fifty-three subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia in the remission period were enrolled in the study. Three interviews each at 3 months interval were made with the participants. The participants were evaluated with socio-demographic data form, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Calgary Depression Scale, the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia Scale at the baseline, third and sixth month interview. The number of stressful life events were determined according to Life Events List. Results There was no significant change in the PANNS scores measured at the baseline and follow interview (p>0.05). Depression scores were significantly increased at the follow interviews(p 0.05). A significant relationship and a negative correlation was found between functional recovery and depression scores at both the baseline and third month interviews (p 0.05). Conclusions Stresfull life events in remitted schizophrenia patients reduces functionality over depressive symptomatology without affecting positive and negative symptoms.

Psychosocial Stressors and Patterns of Coping in Adolescent Suicide Attempters

Context:Different risk factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts have been identified including those of socio-demographic and clinical variables. Relatively, little research has been done in the area of their stressors and coping patterns.Aims:To study the recent psychosocial stressors and patterns of coping associated with adolescent suicide attempts.Settings and Design:Tertiary care hospital, case-control study.Materials and Methods:One hundred consecutive cases of adolescent attempted suicide admitted to the hospital and an equal number of controls, matched individually for age and sex, from the relatives and friends of other patients in the ward, were studied. Assessment included details regarding socio-demographic data, psychiatric and physical morbidity, their recent stressors, and patterns of coping. Stressors were assessed using Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale and coping strategies by Ways of Coping Questionnaire (revised).Statistical Analysis:Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:The number of stressful life events and mean stress scores in the preceding 1 month and certain coping strategies such as confronting, distancing, and escape-avoidance were found to be significant risk factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts. Strategies such as self-control, seeking social support, accepting responsibilities, problem solving, and positive appraisal act as protective factors.Conclusions:Recent stressors and strategies such as confronting, distancing, and escape-avoidance are significant risk factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts, whereas certain coping strategies act as protective factors. Teaching adolescents these protective coping patterns may be a promising strategy for prevention of adolescent suicide attempts.

A history of heart interventions moderates the relationship between psychological variables and the presence of chest pain in older women with self-reported coronary heart disease

This study examines the hypothesis that a past history of heart interventions will moderate the relationship between psychosocial factors (stressful life events, social support, perceived stress, having a current partner, having a past diagnosis of depression or anxiety over the past 3 years, time pressure, education level, and the mental health index) and the presence of chest pain in a sample of older women. Longitudinal survey over a 3-year period. The sample was taken from a prospective cohort study of 10,432 women initially aged between 70 and 75 years, who were surveyed in 1996 and then again in 1999. Two groups of women were identified: those reporting to have heart disease but no past history of heart interventions (i.e., coronary artery bypass graft/angioplasty) and those reporting to have heart disease with a past history of heart interventions. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to show that for the women with self-reported coronary heart disease but without a past history of heart intervention, feelings of time pressure as well as the number of stressful life events experienced in the 12 months prior to 1996 were independent risk factors for the presence of chest pain, even after accounting for a range of traditional risk factors. In comparison, for the women with self-reported coronary heart disease who did report a past history of heart interventions, a diagnosis of depression in the previous 3 years was the significant independent risk factor for chest pain even after accounting for traditional risk factors. The results indicate that it is important to consider a history of heart interventions as a moderator of the associations between psychosocial variables and the frequency of chest pain in older women.

A comparison of the clinical characteristics of women with recurrent major depression with and without suicidal symptomatology

The relationship between recurrent major depression (MD) in women and suicidality is complex. We investigated the extent to which patients who suffered with various forms of suicidal symptomatology can be distinguished from those subjects without such symptoms. We examined the clinical features of the worst episode in 1970 Han Chinese women with recurrent DSM-IV MD between the ages of 30 and 60 years from across China. Student's t tests, and logistic and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between suicidality and other clinical features of MD. Suicidal symptomatology is significantly associated with a more severe form of MD, as indexed by both the number of episodes and number of MD symptoms. Patients reporting suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts experienced a significantly greater number of stressful life events. The depressive symptom most strongly associated with lifetime suicide attempt was feelings of worthlessness (odds ratio 4.25, 95% confidence interval 2.9-6.3). Excessive guilt, diminished concentration and impaired decision-making were also significantly associated with a suicide attempt. This study contributes to the existing literature on risk factors for suicidal symptomatology in depressed women. Identifying specific depressive symptoms and co-morbid psychiatric disorders may help improve the clinical assessment of suicide risk in depressed patients. These findings could be helpful in identifying those who need more intense treatment strategies in order to prevent suicide.

Abstract P128: The Association between Stressful Life Experiences and Hyperuricemia in Korean Adults

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) may influence disease intensity and duration. However, the direct association between SLEs and disease manifestations are still controversial and not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the quantitative associations between number of SLEs and hyperuricemia in a community-based cohort study in South Korea. Hypothesis: Prevalence of hyperuricemia in people with the more SLEs is higher than that in people with less SLEs. Methods: We performed cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of 1758 men and 2826 women (aged 27-87) in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study- Kangwha study (2006 to 2010). Life Experience Survey questionnaire was used to measure SLEs during the last 3 months. People who experienced at least five SLEs during the last 3 months were classified as frequent SLE group (N=413, 9.0 %). Blood samples were collected after at least 8-hour fast. Hyperuircemia is defined as serum uric acid level ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in men, and ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in women. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess independent association between SLEs and hyperuricemia. Results: Frequent SLE group had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperuricemia than those who were not (10.9 % versus 5.4 %) : odds ratio (95% CI) was 2.32 (1.59-3.38) when adjusted for age, sex, body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, serum total billirubin, leukocyte count, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. The association was similar in men (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.45-3.25) and women (OR 3.80, 95%CI 1.38-10.43). Conclusion: These findings suggest that recently experienced SLEs are positively associated with hyperuricemia.

Psychosocial Determinants of Attrition in a Longitudinal Study of Tobacco Use in Youth

To gain knowledge on psychosocial characteristics that predict the propensity of participation in longitudinal studies, attrition was analysed in a cohort of 3020 adolescents participating in the baseline survey of a longitudinal study with repeated followup focusing on adolescents' tobacco use. During the followup surveys, the proportion of responders was constantly at or above 90%. There were 941 adolescents (31.2%) who failed to participate in at least one of the six followup surveys. Boys had a fifty percent increased risk of nonparticipation compared with girls. Adolescents in families with experience of divorce, unemployment, and change of residence had a higher risk of nonparticipation. An increasing number of stressful life events during the previous year, uptake of tobacco use, number of friends, perceived performance at school, truancy, and alcohol use during the last term also independently associated with nonparticipation. Diverse psychosocial characteristics are independently associated with nonparticipation of youths in longitudinal studies.

The Relations of Stressful Events and Nonacademic Future Expectations in African American Adolescents: Gender Differences in Parental Monitoring

Urban African American high school students (N = 206) completed a study to examine gender differences in parental monitoring and the effect on the relationship between exposure to stressful life events and nonacademic future expectations. Participant's ages range from 13 to 18 (M = 15.78, SD = 1.19). Participants reported high exposure to stressful life events, but also high future expectations. Older girls reported the highest levels of parental monitoring. Parental monitoring showed a moderating effect on the future expectations only for African American adolescent males, who were exposed to a high number of stressful life events. This finding seems to suggest that while older African American adolescent females report the highest levels of parental monitoring, the construct has more of an impact on outcomes for males.Keywords: gender differences, stressful events, parental monitoring, future expectations, African American adolescentsAdolescence is a difficult and stressful time in the lives of youths regardless of gender, race, and background. Along with the normal trials associated with puberty, adolescence may be more challenging for ethnic and minority youth (Garcia Coll et al., 1996). Racial and ethnic minority families tend to reside in urban neighborhoods, which are often characterized by many challenges to academic success and good psychological, cognitive, social, and physical development (Leventhal & Brooks-Gunn, 2000). However, living in an urban environment does not automatically lead to negative outcomes. Parents often buffer adolescents' experiences. In particular, parental monitoring plays significant roles for most adolescents (Spencer, Dupree, Swanson, & Cunningham, 1996, 1998).PARENTAL MONITORINGParents play important roles in the lives of adolescents, and it is no secret that parents hold very different views about sons and daughters. It has also been shown that as early as 3 -years old, parents pressure their children into appropriate sex-typed play (Eisenberg, Wolchik, Hernandez, & Pasternack, 1985). Studies reveal that parents use rewards and punishments differently for boys and girls for appropriate play (Eisenberg et al, 1985). It is important to understand this gender-based differential treatment of boys and girls in early childhood to have a more holistic view of its consequences in adolescence. This point is especially true for African American adolescents. Mandara, Murray, and Joyner (2005) demonstrated in one study how a father's absence or presence differentially affects African American girls and boys. In particular, they found that African American father-absent boys reported lower levels of masculinity (e.g., self-defined traditional notions of maleness as assessed on a scale of Adjective Q-sort of ideal masculine to ideal feminine) than African American father-present boys. The same study showed that lower income African American father-absent girls reported the highest levels of current masculinity of all African American girl participants (Mandara et al., 2005). These findings demonstrate how fathers differentially socialize boys and girls based on gender, and that girls are encouraged by dads to be more feminine and boys to be more masculine. Therefore, this study demonstrates how parenting strategies, and parental monitoring in particular, becomes more salient and meaningful for African American adolescents.In adolescence, one area where gender-based differences become important is in the levels of parental monitoring (Hamza & Willoughby, 2011; Spencer et al., 1996, 1998). Parental monitoring is defined as parents' knowledge, supervision, and control of their children's daily activities and peer relationships in an attempt to minimize the potential risks to which their children are exposed (Cottrell et al., 2003; Hamza & Willoughby, 2011; Spencer et al., 1996, 1998). For example, families that show moderate to high parental monitoring may include parents that are familiar with their children's friends, extracurricular activities, and express concern about where their children spend time away from home and school (Spencer et al. …

Negative affectivity moderated by BDNF and stress response

Gene×environment (G×E) interactions are known to predict susceptibility to disorders such as depression and anxiety. Adverse experiences in childhood and number of stressful life events (SLEs) have been widely studied as environmental risk factors; however, SLE response has not yet been studied. Here we present a first attempt at the analysis of the interaction between the response to personal and academic stressful events during different life stages and the gene polymorphisms 5-HTTLPR, 5-HTTVNTR (STin2), HTR1A C(-1019)G, and BDNF Val66Met in the prediction of negative affectivity (NA). Standardized questionnaires (ST-DEP and STAI) were used to measure negative affectivity derived from depression and anxiety in a sample of 303 undergraduate students. Response to stressful events during childhood, high school and college years was evaluated together with a self-report personal history form. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to perform association and G×E analysis. Negative affectivity is strongly associated with childhood maltreatment and stress response. Gene associations were observed between 5-HTTVNTR allele 12 and the S_12 haplotype with NA derived from high scores in both depression and anxiety. The BDNF gene variant was not associated with NA derived from depression or anxiety alone, but it was associated with the comorbid presentation. A significant G×E interaction was observed between the BDNF Val66Met and stress response during childhood and college years although the risk for negative affectivity conferred by stress response during childhood was only significant among the Met allele carriers, while stress response during college years was a significant risk factor regardless of the BDNF Val66Met genotype. A significant G×E interaction was also found between the HTR1A C(-1019)G variant and childhood maltreatment. The study has two main limitations, sample size is low and retrospective recognition of SLEs is a concern. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the BDNF Val66Met variant moderates the effect of stress during both childhood and college years; although this effect seems to be more critical during childhood given that the risk conferred by childhood stress was restricted to the Met allele carriers. We also found that the HTR1A C(-1019)G variant moderates the effect of childhood maltreatment in our study population.

Sex, stressful life events, and adult onset depression and alcohol dependence: Are men and women equally vulnerable?

Higher rates of major depression (MD) among females, and of alcohol dependence (AD) among males, are among the most routinely reported findings in psychiatric epidemiology. One of the most often pursued explanations for sex differences in both disorders suggests that males and females have a differential vulnerability to stressors, which is manifested in sex-specific ways (MD for females, AD for males). However, existing evidence in support of this explanation is mixed. In the present study, we investigated sex differences in the association between stressful life events and MD and AD in a large national sample of adults in the United States (n = 32,744) using a prospective design. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between stressful life events and both MD and AD; sex-specific effects of stress on MD and AD were evaluated by testing interaction terms between sex and stressors in the prediction of both outcomes. The number of stressful life events was predictive of first onset MD and AD. This was true for both males and females, and sex-by-stress interaction terms did not support the hypothesis that sex-specific responses to stressful life events lead to sex differences in first onset of MD and AD among adults. These results indicate the resistance of sex differences in MD and AD to simple explanations, and suggest the need for more nuanced models that incorporate both physiological and social aspects of vulnerability.