The relationship of adverse childhood experiences, hair cortisol, C-reactive protein, and polygenic susceptibility with older adults' psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigated the individual differences in older adults' psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic, testing whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), hair cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and polygenic scores (PGS) are independent risk factors for depression, anxiety, and loneliness. ACEs were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the pandemic. Hair cortisol was related to increased depression risk, and CRP was associated with greater loneliness. The relationship between cortisol and psychological distress was stronger among participants with ACEs. Individuals with high CRP experienced greater increases in loneliness, and those with 2+ ACEs experienced greater increases in depressive symptoms compared to those with none. Higher hair cortisol was related to worse changes in depressive symptoms. These results highlight the lasting impact of biosocial vulnerabilities on older adults' mental health during environmental stressors.

Katie S. Taylor, Andrew Steptoe, Eleonora Iob