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

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 (beta 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.

Automated summary

The study found a positive correlation between diurnal salivary cortisol and hair cortisol concentration in children. Additionally, an increase in effortful control scores was associated with a higher likelihood of having high hair cortisol levels, although this association slightly weakened after adjustments. No clear associations were found between temperament dimensions and stress-related biomarkers.