Family Turmoil, Violence Put Physical Strain On Organs of Adolescents

Chronic exposure to psychological stressors including family problems, abuse, poor housing and exposure to violence may damage the organs of children and adolescents, report Cornell University researchers.

Using blood pressure measurements and urine samples, the team measured allostatic load, "changes in neuroendocrine hormonal systems, cardiovascular responses and metabolism that indicate the severity of wear and tear that cumulative strain puts on organs and tissues" that indicate stress, of 207 junior high students. Past studies have linked allostatic load with mental and physiological problems.

Researchers found that the cardiovascular organs of students who reported exposure to chronic stressors in a survey took longer to respond and recovered slower than other students when presented with a tough math problem. Interestingly, students who reported supportive mothers seemed to be protected from these effects, regardless of their exposure to stressors.

Believing this physical stress may account for the persistence of poverty among low-income populations, the researchers oversampled children from a poor, rural, white community. In a press release issued on the study, lead researcher environmental and developmental psychologist Gary Evans suggests these findings may explain "why income and racial inequalities are so pervasive and persistent in our society. Low-income kids and especially low-income kids who are nonwhite bear a disproportionate burden of cumulative risk exposure."

Read more: Family turmoil and violence results in stress-induced physical problems in young, Cornell psychologist finds