Abstract:
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted multiple domains of life, such as work and employment, education and training, social activities, and home environment. Families living in poverty have been disproportionately impacted by pandemic generated stressors. Pandemic-stress has been linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Moreover, the link between stress and internalizing symptoms may be stronger for females than males. Differences in endocrine functioning and sensitivity to stress is one proposed mechanism. The present study aims to examine the role of endocrine functioning in the gender difference in sensitivity to stress in a racial/ethnic and sociodemographic diverse sample of youth.