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A preliminary study of cortisol reactivity and behavior problems in young children born premature
Daniel M Bagner1, Stephen J Sheinkopf, Betty R Vohr
1Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th St., Miami, Florida 33199, USA. dbagner@fiu.edu
Insights
Cortisol reactivity in premature infants is linked to more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. This study highlights the connection between stress response and behavioral issues in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Premature birth (<37 weeks gestation) is associated with increased risk for behavioral problems.
- Cortisol reactivity, a measure of the stress response system, is implicated in various developmental outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay between stress response and behavior in premature children is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cortisol reactivity and comorbid internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in children born premature.
- To explore differences in behavioral manifestations based on cortisol response patterns.
Main Methods:
- Study included children aged 18-60 months born <37 weeks gestation with significant externalizing behaviors.
- Participants were categorized based on their cortisol response to a laboratory stressor.
- Maternal reports and mother-child interaction observations were used to assess behavior.
Main Results:
- Children with a cortisol response exhibited more attention problems, emotional reactivity, anxiety, and depression.
- Maternal reports indicated higher levels of these internalizing behaviors in the cortisol-responsive group.
- Children with a cortisol response also displayed more negative verbalizations during mother-child interactions.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol reactivity is associated with a higher prevalence of comorbid internalizing and externalizing behaviors in premature children.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering stress system functioning in the behavioral development of preterm infants.
- Early identification and support for stress-related behavioral issues in this population are warranted.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to examine the relation between cortisol reactivity and comorbid internalizing and externalizing behavior problems among children born premature. Children between the ages of 18 and 60 months who were born <37 weeks gestation and presented with clinically significant externalizing behavior problems were included. Children were categorized based on those who mounted a cortisol response to a stressor and those who did not mount a cortisol response. Children demonstrating the cortisol response were reported to have more problems with attention, emotional reactivity, anxiety, and depression based on maternal report and displayed higher rates of negative verbalizations during a mother-child interaction than children without a cortisol response. These results extend the findings of the relation between cortisol reactivity and comorbid internalizing and externalizing behavior problems to a sample of children born premature.
