Early Trauma Exposure and Cortisol Reactivity Among Inmates

• In Event: A Biosocial Perspective: How Biological and Social Factors Interact to Increase Risk for Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that greater exposure to trauma early in life could contribute to blunted stress responsivity later in life (e.g., Lovallo, Farag, Sorocco, Cohoon & Vincent, 2012; Ouellet-Morin, et al., 2011). Increased understanding of the etiology of individual differences in cortisol reactivity is important because these differences may be associated with impulsivity and antisocial tendencies (Lovallo, 2013). Among a sample of 224 inmates within the Maryland correctional system decreased cortisol responsivity to a stressor was associated with decreased completion of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy program. Greater cortisol reactivity was associated with a larger reduction in institutional infractions and segregations following treatment (Fishbein & Sheppard, 2006). Using this same dataset, we will assess whether early exposure to trauma was associated with differences in cortisol responsivity among these inmates. If so, the degree to which the variance in treatment completion and outcomes can be explained by prior trauma exposure as opposed to cortisol reactivity will be explored. Demonstrating a link between early trauma exposure, cortisol reactivity, and CBT treatment outcomes could have treatment implications in that it might be necessary to first treat trauma symptoms prior to enrolling inmates in a course of therapy targeted at specific behavioral interventions.

Authors

• Alexandria Johnson, University of Alabama

• Andrea Glenn, University of Alabama