Negative associations between maternal prenatal hair cortisol and child socioemotional problems

• DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106955
• Publication Date: 2024-01-04T08:40:23Z
• Authors: Paula Mustonen; Susanna Kortesluoma; Noora M. Scheinin; Laura Perasto; Eeva-Leena Kataja; Katja Tervahartiala; Jetro J. Tuulari; Bárbara Coimbra; Alice S. Carter; Ana João Rodrigues; Nuno Sousa; E. Juulia Paavonen; Riikka Korja; Hasse Karlsson; Linnea Karlsson
• Keywords: Socioemotional selectivity theory; Toddler

Maternal prenatal distress can participate in the programming of offspring development, which exposure to altered maternal long-term cortisol levels as measured by hair concentrations (HCC) may contribute. Yet, studies investigating whether and how HCC associates with problems child socioemotional development are scarce. Furthermore, questions remain regarding timing potential sex-specificity fetal there interactions distress, such depressive symptoms. The subjects were drawn from those FinnBrain Birth Cohort families that had reports (the Brief Infant-Toddler Social Emotional Assessment [BITSEA] at 2 years and/or Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] 5 years) follows: HCC1 population: mid-pregnancy gestational week 24 cm segments depict previous five months (n=321); HCC2 end-of-pregnancy 1-3 days after childbirth (5 segment; n=121). Stepwise regression models utilized main analyses a sensitivity analysis was performed detect biases. Negative associations observed between BITSEA Total Problems but not SDQ difficulties years, neither problem score associated HCC1. In descriptive analyses, negatively Internalizing years. A negative association among 5-year-old girls subscales Conduct Hyperactivity/inattentive in. When also considered, inverse Dysregulation elevated It somewhat surprising only problems. However, observations associating better developmental outcomes. magnitudes were, expected, mainly modest. Future focus on individual changes throughout pregnancy well assessing both HPA axis functioning together indicated.