THE RELATION BETWEEN MATERNAL SENSITIVITY AND ENDOCRINE STRESS RESPONSES IN INFANTS AND MOTHERS.

Abstract

Regulatory processes are acquired during development and facilitate the physiological, emotional, and behavioral adaptation of individuals. The environment plays a significant role in the regulation of these processes. During childhood, caregivers (primarily mothers) take on the role of co-regulators. An important aspect of mother-baby interaction is maternal sensitivity, which refers to the mother's capacity to detect, understand, and appropriately respond to the baby's behaviors and cues. Previous research has highlighted the correlation between maternal sensitivity and the baby's cortisol levels, emphasizing the necessity of sensitive and responsive caregiving in effectively managing stressors and preventing overexposure to the hormone. Early-life chronic stress can have enduring adverse effects, heightening the likelihood of mental and physical health issues in adulthood. Hair cortisol, a biomarker of chronic stress, is detectable in strands of hair over time. The objective of the following project is to examine the relationship between sensitivity at 6 months of age and cortisol levels in mothers and babies at 12 months of age. The study will longitudinally assess 55 mother-baby pairs. Maternal sensitivity at 6 months will be evaluated during a 9-minute mother-infant interaction, recorded on video, and analyzed using the Ainsworth Maternal Sensitivity Scale. Hair cortisol samples will be obtained at 9 months following a custom protocol. Data analysis will take place at the ProChild Laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. Ana Mesquita and her team, who specialize in child development.