Chryssanthopoulou, C. C.

Jessop, D.

Turner-Cobb, J. M.

English

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Title: Maternal Occupational Stress Moderates Salivary Cortisol Responses To Daycare Experience and School Transition in Children.Author Details: 1Turner-Cobb, J.M.,  1Chryssanthopoulou, C.C., & 2Jessop, D.1Centre for Research in Health Behaviour, Department of Psychology, University of Kent at Canterbury; 2Research Centre for Endocrinology, University of Bristol. Background: The influence of maternal multiple role occupancy on a child’s neuroendocrine response has been largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial influences on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity to include the role of maternal occupational stress. Methods: Self report questionnaire and salivary cortisol data were collected at baseline (T1) and at six month follow-up (T2) in 67 mother-child dyads with pre-school age children (32 boys and 35 girls). Cortisol was assessed at awakening and at 5-6pm across two consecutive days and mean diurnal change in cortisol calculated. Questionnaire data included child temperament, family relations, maternal well-being (physical health status, job role quality and level of burnout) and hours spent in day care per week. Findings: Moderating relationships were found between hours in day care and maternal well-being and child temperament on cortisol levels but not on diurnal cortisol change. Child temperament (inhibitory control and shyness) predicted T2 diurnal cortisol decline and T1 maternal physical health predicted T2 cortisol levels. Additional analyses assessing cortisol response to school transition were conducted. Discussion: This research provides support for the moderating role of maternal well-being and child temperament in protecting against stress reactivity in children. It highlights the importance of early social stress on the developing neuroendocrine system and subsequent health.

Maternal occupational stress moderates salivary cortisol responses to daycare experience and school transition in children

https://purehost.bath.ac.uk/ws/files/62430543/BPS_Health_2003_JT_C_abstract_for_symposium.doc

Maternal occupational stress moderates salivary cortisol responses to daycare experience and school transition in children

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