Self-esteem and neuroendocrine response to challenge: MacArthur studies of successful aging

Teresa E. Seeman; Lisa F. Berkman; Barbara I. Gulanski; Richard J. Robbins; Susan L. Greenspan; Peter A. Charpentier; John W. Rowe

doi:10.1016/0022-3999(94)00076-H

Self-esteem and neuroendocrine response to challenge: MacArthur studies of successful aging

Teresa E. Seeman
, Lisa F. Berkman
, Barbara I. Gulanski
, Richard J. Robbins
, Susan L. Greenspan
, Peter A. Charpentier
, John W. Rowe

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

90 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation designed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmacologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 μg/kg). Both challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly and negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response to the driving simulation challenge (r = -0·51, p = 0·04). ACTH responses showed similar trends (r = -0·41, p = 0·12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indicate that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a role in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/behavioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	69-84
Number of pages	16
Journal	Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume	39
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(94)00076-H
State	Published - Jan 1995

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@article{9c40a4262a6b4bd3839d31e1a2080711,

title = "Self-esteem and neuroendocrine response to challenge: MacArthur studies of successful aging",

abstract = "The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation designed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmacologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 μg/kg). Both challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly and negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response to the driving simulation challenge (r = -0·51, p = 0·04). ACTH responses showed similar trends (r = -0·41, p = 0·12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indicate that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a role in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/behavioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.",

author = "Seeman, \{Teresa E.\} and Berkman, \{Lisa F.\} and Gulanski, \{Barbara I.\} and Robbins, \{Richard J.\} and Greenspan, \{Susan L.\} and Charpentier, \{Peter A.\} and Rowe, \{John W.\}",

note = "Funding Information: Ackno,\textasciitilde{}ledgrmmrs\textasciitilde{}This research was supported by the MacArthur Research Network on Successful Aging through a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, NIA-SERCA Grant AG00586-01 (to TES) and NIH GCRC Grant \#R00125 to the Clinical Research Center. School of Medicine. Yale University. The authors would also like to acknowledge Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital for their cooperation and use of their DORON Model L-225 driving simulator for the Driving Challenge.",

year = "1995",

month = jan,

doi = "10.1016/0022-3999(94)00076-H",

language = "English",

volume = "39",

pages = "69--84",

journal = "Journal of Psychosomatic Research",

issn = "0022-3999",

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T2 - MacArthur studies of successful aging

AU - Seeman, Teresa E.

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AU - Greenspan, Susan L.

AU - Charpentier, Peter A.

AU - Rowe, John W.

N1 - Funding Information: Ackno,~ledgrmmrs~This research was supported by the MacArthur Research Network on Successful Aging through a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, NIA-SERCA Grant AG00586-01 (to TES) and NIH GCRC Grant #R00125 to the Clinical Research Center. School of Medicine. Yale University. The authors would also like to acknowledge Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital for their cooperation and use of their DORON Model L-225 driving simulator for the Driving Challenge.

PY - 1995/1

Y1 - 1995/1

N2 - The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation designed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmacologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 μg/kg). Both challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly and negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response to the driving simulation challenge (r = -0·51, p = 0·04). ACTH responses showed similar trends (r = -0·41, p = 0·12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indicate that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a role in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/behavioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.

AB - The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation designed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmacologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 μg/kg). Both challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly and negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response to the driving simulation challenge (r = -0·51, p = 0·04). ACTH responses showed similar trends (r = -0·41, p = 0·12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indicate that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a role in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/behavioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.

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Self-esteem and neuroendocrine response to challenge: MacArthur studies of successful aging

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