Does HPA-axis activity mediate the relationship between obstetric complications and externalizing behavior problems? The TRAILS study

Marsman, Rianne; Rosmalen, Judith G. M.; Oldehinkel, Albertine J.; Ormel, Johan; Buitelaar, Jan K.

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@article{ Marsman2009,
 title = {Does HPA-axis activity mediate the relationship between obstetric complications and externalizing behavior problems? The TRAILS study},
 author = {Marsman, Rianne and Rosmalen, Judith G. M. and Oldehinkel, Albertine J. and Ormel, Johan and Buitelaar, Jan K.},
 journal = {European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry},
 number = {9},
 pages = {565-573},
 volume = {18},
 year = {2009},
 doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-009-0014-y},
 urn = {https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-202712},
 abstract = {To examine whether HPA-axis activity mediates the relationship between obstetric complications (OCs) and externalizing behavior problems, and to investigate whether this model is different for boys and girls. In a population-based cohort of 1,768 10- to 12-year-old early adolescents, we assessed the cortisol awakening response and evening cortisol levels. Externalizing behavior problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth Self-Report. OCs were retrospectively assessed in a parent interview. OCs significantly predicted externalizing behavior problems, but OCs did not predict HPA-axis activity. Thus, the mediation model was not supported. In addition to the relationship between HPA-axis activity and externalizing behavior problems, which is specific for girls, there is also a relationship between OCs and externalizing behavior problems. However, these two mechanisms are not related to each other indicating that HPA-axis activity is not a mediator in the relationship between OCs and externalizing behavior problems. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanism through which OCs cause externalizing behavior problems.},
}