SELF-ESTEEM AND NEUROENDOCRINE RESPONSE TO CHALLENGE - MACARTHUR STUDIES OF SUCCESSFUL AGING

The role of self-esteem in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine respo nse to challenge at older ages was examined in 16 healthy 70-yr-olds. Responses to two challenges were examined: (1) a driving simulation de signed to reflect a 'real life' challenge situation; and (2) a pharmac ologic, corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) challenge (1 mu g/kg). B oth challenges evoked significant elevations in cortisol and adrenocor ticotropic hormone (ACTH). Levels of self-esteem were significantly an d negatively associated with peak elevations in cortisol in response t o the driving simulation challenge (r = -0.51,p = 0.04). ACTH response s showed similar trends (r = -0.41, p = 0.12). Self-esteem levels were not correlated with responses to the CRH challenge. These data indica te that psychological characteristics such as self-esteem may play a r ole in modulating patterns of neuroendocrine response to cognitive/beh avioral challenges in everyday life in older individuals.