Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5040463 | Biological Psychology | 2017 | 11 Pages |
â¢We examined parent-child adrenocortical concordance of morning cortisol.â¢Parent and child CAR demonstrated significant concordance.â¢Parent depression history and child temperament moderated parent-child concordance.â¢Concordance of morning cortisol may serve as a mechanism underlying child outcomes.
This study examined biological concordance between parent and child morning cortisol and whether parent and child-level risk factors for depression moderated this association. Participants included 136 parents and their preschool-aged children. Parents and children obtained salivary cortisol samples at waking, and 30 and 45Â min post-waking across two days to assess the cortisol awakening response. Parental lifetime depression was assessed using a clinical interview and child temperamental negative emotionality (NE) and positive emotionality (PE) were assessed using an observational laboratory-based assessment. Results indicated significant parent-child concordance between both average cortisol levels and cortisol fluctuations across waking. Greater concordance was observed for dyads with parents with a lifetime history of depression and with children high in NE and PE. These parent- and child-level moderators were associated with different indices of concordance. Findings highlight the need to examine the role of parent and child risk factors for depression on parent-child adrenocortical concordance.