Lifestyle coping behaviours therefore have a significant contribution to AL .
This study is among the first to explore multiple domains of HRB in relation to AL .
Health risk behaviours ( HRB ) across the lifespan have been associated with higher cumulative physiological burden as measured by allostatic load ( AL ) .
This study examines the contribution of HRB and their effects on multisystem biological risk associated with morbidity and early mortality .
Childhood cumulative risk and later allostatic load: mediating role of substance use.
OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the long-term impact of exposure to  poverty-related stressors during childhood on allostatic load , an index of physiological dysregulation , and the potential mediating role of substance use . METHOD Participants ( n = 162 ) were rural children from New York State , followed for 8 years ( between the ages 9 and 17 ) .  Poverty- related stress was computed using the cumulative risk approach , assessing stressors across 9 domains , including environmental , psychosocial , and demographic factors . Allostatic load captured a range of physiological responses , including cardiovascular , hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis , sympathetic adrenal medullary system , and metabolic activity . Smoking and alcohol/drug use were tested as mediators of the hypothesized childhood risk-adolescent allostatic load relationship . RESULTS Cumulative risk exposure at age 9 predicted increases in allostatic load 8 years later . Smoking , but not alcohol and drug use , was a significant mediator of the prospect i ve , longitudinal relationship between childhood cumulative risk and adolescent allostatic load . CONCLUSIONS The present paper contributes to the underst and ing of the role of early life stress in health across the life span and of the mechanisms by which adverse childhood environments impact health as children emerge into early adulthood . This knowledge will have implication s for early intervention efforts
Lifestyle coping behaviours therefore have a significant contribution to AL .
This study is among the first to explore multiple domains of HRB in relation to AL .
Health risk behaviours ( HRB ) across the lifespan have been associated with higher cumulative physiological burden as measured by allostatic load ( AL ) .
This study examines the contribution of HRB and their effects on multisystem biological risk associated with morbidity and early mortality .