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Physiological stress measures in preschool children and their relationship with body composition and behavioral

Nadine Messerli-Bürgy1,2,3, Amar Arhab3, Kerstin Stülb1

  • 1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.

Developmental Psychobiology
|October 2, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The parasympathetic nervous system in young children is linked to lower body fat and fewer emotional/peer problems. Stress markers like diurnal salivary alpha-amylase also correlate with hyperactivity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Stress Physiology
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Limited research exists on physiological stress markers and their association with body composition or behavioral issues in young children.
  • Existing data primarily focuses on older children, leaving a gap in understanding these relationships in preschoolers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between physiological stress indicators and body composition in preschool-aged children.
  • To examine the association between physiological stress markers and behavioral problems in young children.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved 324 children aged 2-6 years from the SPLASHY study.
  • Physiological stress was measured using diurnal salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), salivary cortisol, nail cortisol, and overnight heart rate variability (HRV) for parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activation.
  • Body composition (BMI, skinfold thickness) and behavioral problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activation showed an inverse relationship with body fat, emotional problems, and peer problems.
  • Diurnal salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) was associated with hyperactivity problems.
  • sAA moderated the relationship between cortisol and hyperactivity, while cortisol alone was not linked to other health issues.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a potential protective role of the parasympathetic nervous system in early life concerning body composition and behavioral outcomes.
  • Early-life stress pathways may influence physical and behavioral development in preschool children.
Abstract

Keywords:
SPLASHYbehavioral problemsbody compositionchildphysiological stress

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