Unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol among emerging adults

Though considerable work supports the Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology, prior research has not tested whether the dimensions—threat (e.g., abuse) and deprivation (e.g., neglect)—are uniquely related to salivary trait indicators of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity. We examined the unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol (LTC)—and whether these effects were modified by co-occurring adversities. Emerging adults (n = 90; M_age = 19.36 years; 99.88% cisgender women) provided salivary cortisol samples four times a day (waking, 30 min and 45 min postwaking, bedtime) over three 3-day measurement waves over 13 weeks. Contextual life stress interviews assessed early adversity. Though the effects varied according to the conceptualization of early adversity, overall, threat—but not deprivation, nor other co-occurring adversities—was uniquely associated with the across-wave LTC. Specifically, the incidence and frequency of threat were each negatively related to the across-wave LTC. Threat severity was also associated with the across-wave LTC, but only among those with no deprivation. Finally, the effects of threat were modified by other co-occurring adversities. Findings suggest that threat has unique implications for individual differences in HPA axis activity among emerging adults, and that co-occurring adversities modify such effects.