FOR 1232 TP06 - Social modulation of behavioural profile and stress responsiveness during adolescence: mechanisms and function.

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted outside University of Münster

Duration at the University of Münster: 09/10/2009 - 31/12/2012 | 1st Funding period

Description

Adolescence is the gradual transition from childhood to adulthood. In the fields of bio-medical and bio-psychological sciences, this time is regarded as an important, dangerous, and potentially stressful life stage. From an evolutionary perspective, however, adolescence may also be an opportunity for adaptation. Our previous work in guinea pigs shows a conspicious environment-dependent canalization of behavioural profiles and stress responsiveness during this phase of life. Based on these findings, the aim of the present project is to analyse underlying mechanisms and the possible adaptive significance of this phenomenon. We hypothesize that shape the individual's behavioural and hormonal profile and thereby adjust it to the current social situation and maximise its reproductive success. From this approach we expect a significant new contribution to the understanding of how and why social environment, hormones, and behaviour interact during adolescence to shape individual behavioural profiles.

Keywords: stress; adolescence; social modulation; behaviour

Website of the project: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/biologie/fg1232/P6

Funding identifier: SA 389/11-1:1

Funder / funding scheme: