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Association between parental well-being and preschooler stress measured as hair cortisol concentration: A prospective

Yun-Shiang Kang1, Ling-Chu Chien1,2,3, Jian-Pei Huang4

  • 1School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Stress and Health : Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress
|August 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in preschoolers is linked to parental stress and mental health. Parental stress and depression increase children's HCC, while maternal well-being decreases it, highlighting family influences on early stress responses.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is an established biomarker for chronic stress.
  • Limited research exists on early life HCC and its determinants.
  • Understanding factors influencing preschooler HCC is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between parental HCC and child HCC in preschoolers.
  • To examine the relationship between parental mental health and child HCC.
  • To explore early life stress markers in a Taiwanese cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study (Longitudinal Examination Across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan - LEAPP-HIT).
  • Hair samples collected from 177 families (parents and children aged 6-48 months).
  • Parental mental health assessed via questionnaires; statistical analysis using multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

  • Significant positive correlation found between parental and preschooler HCC.
  • Maternal depression and perceived stress were positively associated with child HCC.
  • Maternal eudaimonia (well-being) was negatively associated with child HCC.

Conclusions:

  • Parental mental health and stress levels significantly impact children's physiological stress responses.
  • Hair cortisol concentration serves as a valuable indicator of stress in early childhood.
  • Early detection of stress markers in preschoolers can facilitate timely interventions.

Keywords:
anxietyeudaimoniafathershair cortisol concentrationperceived stresspreschoolers

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