Hair cortisol in the perinatal period mediates associations between maternal adversity and disrupted maternal interaction in early infancy.

ABSTRACT: Existing literature points to the possibility that cortisol could be one link between maternal adversity and poorer parenting quality, but most studies have examined salivary cortisol concentrations rather than hair cortisol concentrations. The current study examined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) during the third trimester of pregnancy as a mediator between maternal adversity indicators (childhood abuse, severe mental illness, symptomatic functioning) and maternal caregiving behavior at 4 months postpartum. Forty-four women participated in the study: 30 with severe mental disorders, and 14 nonclinical controls. HCC was assessed during the third trimester of pregnancy (HCC-P) and at 4 months postpartum (HCC-4M). Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse were assessed by the Adverse Childhoo

SUBMITTER: Nystrom-Hansen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6545887 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature