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Open Access 01-02-2012 | Original Article

Social and Material Adversity from Adolescence to Adulthood and Allostatic Load in Middle-Aged Women and Men: Results from the Northern Swedish Cohort

Authors: Per E. Gustafsson, Ph.D., Urban Janlert, M.D., Ph.D., Töres Theorell, M.D., Ph.D., Hugo Westerlund, Ph.D., Anne Hammarström, M.D., Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the theoretically assumed association between adversity exposure over the life course and allostatic load in adulthood.

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether social and material adversity over the life course is related to allostatic load in mid-adulthood.

Methods

A 27-year prospective Swedish cohort (N = 822; 77% response rate) reported exposure to social and material adversities at age 16, 21, 30 and 43 years. At age 43, allostatic load was operationalized based on 12 biological parameters.

Results

Social adversity accumulated over the life course was related to allostatic load in both women and men, independently of cumulative socioeconomic disadvantage. Moreover, social adversity in adolescence (in women) and young adulthood (in men) was related to allostatic load, independently of cumulative socioeconomic disadvantage and also of later adversity exposure during adulthood.

Conclusion

Exposure to adversities involving relational threats impacts on allostatic load in adulthood and operates according to life course models of cumulative risk and a sensitive period around the transition into adulthood.

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Title: Social and Material Adversity from Adolescence to Adulthood and Allostatic Load in Middle-Aged Women and Men: Results from the Northern Swedish Cohort
Authors: Per E. Gustafsson, Ph.D.
Urban Janlert, M.D., Ph.D.
Töres Theorell, M.D., Ph.D.
Hugo Westerlund, Ph.D.
Anne Hammarström, M.D., Ph.D.
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-011-9309-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Social and Material Adversity from Adolescence to Adulthood and Allostatic Load in Middle-Aged Women and Men: Results from the Northern Swedish Cohort

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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