Hope Thilges

Somatic complaints (pain or fatigue) are thought to be related to internalizing symptoms (anxiousness or sadness), however few studies have analyzed the relationship of somatic complaints and internalizing symptoms and its association with diurnal cortisol rhythm. This study aims to examine how adolescents’ daily life stress is related to somatic complaints, internalizing symptoms, and diurnal cortisol measurements during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesize that higher reporting of somatic complaints will predict higher reporting of internalizing symptoms, and higher reports of somatic complaints and internalizing symptoms will predict a flatter diurnal cortisol rhythm. We also predict that those who report a greater number of life stresses related to COVID-19 will report greater somatic complaints and internalizing symptoms, and will display a flatter, more dysregulated diurnal cortisol rhythm. Preliminary analyses included 40 parent-adolescent pairs from this study which is still enrolling participants. Final analysis will include a larger sample size. Somatic complaints and internalizing symptoms were assessed through self-reported online surveys. Adolescents collected saliva at home for 3 days. COVID-19 has affected adolescents’ current life stress adversely in various ways. Further analysis of the ongoing data collection and diurnal cortisol may show physiological indicators of stress.