Associations between hair and salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and temperament dimensions among 3–6-year-olds

Katri Sääksjärvi, Elviira Lehto, Reetta Lehto, Eira Suhonen, Marja Leppänen, Nathalie Michels, Mari Saha, Carola Ray, Henna Vepsäläinen, Riikka Pajulahti, Anu Heiman-Lindh, Taina Sainio, Maijaliisa Erkkola, Eva Roos, Nina Sajaniemi

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Abstract

Associations between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA), and temperament dimensions were examined among 3–6-year-old Finnish children (n = 833). Children's hair samples were collected at preschool, while parents collected five saliva samples from children during one weekend day and completed a questionnaire assessing child's temperament dimensions i.e. surgency, negative affectivity, and effortful control (HCC, n = 677; AUCg of sAA, n = 380; AUCg of sCort, n = 302; temperament dimensions, n = 751). In linear regression analysis, diurnal sCort associated positively with HCC, the association persisting after adjustments (β 0.31, 95% CI 0.20–0.42). In logistic regression analysis, increasing scores in effortful control associated with higher likelihood of having high HCC (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.07–2.03), the association slightly attenuating to non-significant after adjustments. Otherwise, no clear indication for associations between temperament and stress-related biomarkers were found.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105042
JournalHORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
Volume135
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Children
  • Hair cortisol
  • Salivary alpha-amylase
  • Salivary cortisol
  • Stress
  • Temperament

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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