Trajectories of physiological and perceived stress among South African youth: the role of developmentally nurturing relationships

Trajectories of physiological and perceived stress among South African youth: the role of developmentally nurturing relationships

Although research on stress – measured through self-reports or physiological markers – has been increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about its nature during adolescence. This study aimed to describe among South African youth different trajectories of physiological stress (salivary corti...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Roya Abbasi-Asl, Natasha Keces, Margaret Mackin, Richard M. Lerner, Elizabeth M. Dowling, Jonathan M. Tirrell, Ruoying Zhang, Kirsten Olander, Alexa Hasse, Angela Larkan, Chuma Mashita, Raah Msimango, Sinenhlanhla Mkhithi, Tyler Howard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:International Journal of Adolescence and Youth
Subjects:
Physiological stress
salivary cortisol
perceived stress
developmentally nurturing relationships
intensive longitudinal design
South Africa
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02673843.2025.2540057
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Although research on stress – measured through self-reports or physiological markers – has been increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about its nature during adolescence. This study aimed to describe among South African youth different trajectories of physiological stress (salivary cortisol), perceived stress (self-reports), and potential predictors of these trajectories, that is, indicators of developmentally nurturing relationships and demographic variables. Participants (71; Mage = 11.58, SDage = 0.62) took part in an intensive longitudinal study of 16 weekly salivary cortisol assessment and completion of a brief survey. Growth mixture modelling was used to identify trajectories of salivary cortisol and self-reported stress, followed by multinomial logistic regression to examine predictors of the identified trajectories. Findings, including heterogeneity in physiological (three) and perceived stress (five) trajectories and varying associations between predictors and classes, highlight the dynamic role of person ⇔ context relations in shaping these trajectories and underscore the need for person-specific, context-sensitive approaches in stress interventions and research.
ISSN:0267-3843
2164-4527

Similar Items