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The relation between gaze aversion and cortisol reactivity in middle childhood
Danielle M J de Veld1, J Marianne Riksen-Walraven1, Carolina de Weerth1
1Department of Developmental Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Hormones and Behavior
|December 28, 2013
Summary
Children
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Stress and Coping Mechanisms
- Childhood Psychosocial Studies
Background:
- Understanding children's stress responses is crucial for developmental health.
- Ethological observations and physiological measures offer insights into stress.
- Gaze aversion as a potential behavioral coping strategy in children warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between children's gaze aversion during stress and cortisol reactivity.
- To explore how perceived stress moderates the association between gaze aversion and cortisol levels.
- To assess the role of gaze aversion as a coping mechanism in 9- to 11-year-olds.
Main Methods:
- 140 children (7-11 years) underwent a psychosocial stress task.
- Videos were coded for gaze aversion; saliva samples measured cortisol reactivity.
- Perceived stress was assessed via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Higher perceived stress correlated with increased cortisol reactivity.
- A quadratic relationship between gaze aversion and cortisol reactivity was observed.
- This relationship varied based on perceived stress levels, with intermediate gaze aversion showing distinct patterns.
Conclusions:
- A modest association exists between subjective and physiological stress responses in children.
- Gaze aversion appears to play a limited role as a behavioral coping strategy in this age group.
- Perceived stress significantly influences the interplay between behavioral and physiological stress indicators.
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