scholarly journals Salivary Cortisol Levels and Depressive Symptomatology in Consumers and Nonconsumers of Self-Help Books: A Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Raymond ◽  
Marie-France Marin ◽  
Anne Hand ◽  
Shireen Sindi ◽  
Robert-Paul Juster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Book Industry ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Impact

The self-help industry generates billions of dollars yearly in North America. Despite the popularity of this movement, there has been surprisingly little research assessing the characteristics of self-help books consumers, and whether this consumption is associated with physiological and/or psychological markers of stress. The goal of this pilot study was to perform the first psychoneuroendocrine analysis of consumers of self-help books in comparison to nonconsumers. We tested diurnal and reactive salivary cortisol levels, personality, and depressive symptoms in 32 consumers and nonconsumers of self-help books. In an explorative secondary analysis, we also split consumers of self-help books as a function of their preference for problem-focusedversusgrowth-oriented self-help books. The results showed that while consumers of growth-oriented self-help books presented increased cortisol reactivity to a psychosocial stressor compared to other groups, consumers of problem-focused self-help books presented higher depressive symptomatology. The results of this pilot study show that consumers with preference for either problem-focused or growth-oriented self-help books present different physiological and psychological markers of stress when compared to nonconsumers of self-help books. This preliminary study underlines the need for additional research on this issue in order to determine the impact the self-help book industry may have on consumers’ stress.

A Randomized Pilot Study of Rhythm-Based Music with Movement Strategies on Stress and Interaction Behaviors of Infant Caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-19
Author(s):  
Kamile Geist ◽  
Peggy Zoccola ◽  
Nathan Andary ◽  
Eugene Geist ◽  
Godwin Dogbey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Stress Hormone ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Movement Strategies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Interaction Behaviors

Consistent, prolonged, and nurturing interactions of a primary caregiver with an infant is necessary for optimal development of the infant. Lowering parental stress can promote positive caregiver-infant social interaction behaviors. Studies show that when caregivers use rhythm-based music and movement strategies during interactions with their infants, non-verbal communication, mutual attunement, and self-reported stress levels improve. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine caregiver benefits (stress hormones and positive interaction behaviors) when learning rhythm-based music with movement strategies while interacting with their infant. This was achieved through randomization of caregiver/infant dyads to a treatment (instructional intervention) or control condition with no instruction. Significantly lower salivary cortisol levels and lower salivary cortisol/DHEA ratio values pre-post were observed for the treatment condition as compared to control. These findings suggest that learning and using rhythm-based music and movement interventions are promising for lowering stress in caregivers. The impact of the intervention with families at risk due to stress-related environmental factors should be further investigated. In addition, observing social emotional behaviors and stress hormone levels of the infant is suggested.

Self Help Groups

2016 ◽  
pp. 221-235
Author(s):  
Shruti Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Favorable Environment ◽  
Self Help Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Self Help Group

The chapter is based on the Self Help Group-Bank linkage Programme in India. The objective of the chapter is to assess the SHGs access to credit under SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, to know the progress of SHG-Bank Linkage Programme in India and to evaluate the impact of SHG-Bank Linkage Programme in India. Finally the chapter ends with suggestions to improve self help group-bank linkage programme and concludes that SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has provided a more favorable environment for enhancing India's potential for greater equitable growth with empowerment while considering the positive signs in their performance.

scholarly journals Blunted Diurnal Cortisol Pattern Is Associated With Frailty: A Cross-Sectional Study of 745 Participants Aged 65 to 90 Years

2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. E464-E468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamimatunnisa Johar ◽  
Rebecca T. Emeny ◽  
Martin Bidlingmaier ◽  
Martin Reincke ◽  
Barbara Thorand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
Diurnal Cortisol ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The role of neuroendocrine alterations in the etiology of frailty syndrome is still poorly understood. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation is a plausible candidate pathway contributing to frailty. Thus, we sought to examine the associations of diurnal cortisol secretion with frailty in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 745 study participants (age 65–90 years, mean age 75.1 years) of the population-based KORA Age study. Associations between salivary cortisol measures at awakening (morning 1 [M1]), 30 minutes after awakening (M2), and evening (E) and frailty criteria were determined. Results: Lower cortisol levels in the first morning sample (M1) (P = .18) and M2 (P = .14) and increased E levels (P = .004) were observed in prefrail (35.17%, n = 262) and frail (3.36%, n = 25) individuals, in a dose-response manner. Frailty was strongly associated with smaller ratios of morning to evening levels; M1 to E ratio (P = .02) and M2 to E ratio (P = .003). Higher evening cortisol levels were associated with a 24% increased risk of a prefrail state (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.44). A smaller morning to evening ratio was associated with an increased risk of low grip strength (1.42, 1.09–1.86) and gait speed (1.31, 1.02–1.68). Conclusion: Frailty status is associated with blunted cortisol reactivity as demonstrated by lower morning and higher evening salivary cortisol levels.

Relationship between perceived family functioning and recovery from surgery

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1333-1333
Author(s):  
F.J. Vaz-Leal ◽  
M.J. Cardoso-Moreno ◽  
M.I. Ramos-Fuentes ◽  
L. Rodriguez-Santos ◽  
N. Fernandez-Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the impact of several psychological and/or biological variables in the recovery from surgery.MethodsThe selected sample was composed of 42 patients (age range: 25–70) admited for surgical treatment to a University Hospital. The patients who presented impaired cognitive functioning were excluded from the study. Prior to surgical intervention (48 to 72 hours), patients were administered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES-II). Salivary cortisol was measured 24 hours before surgery. Following surgical intervention, recovery was coded as “good” or “poor” accordingly to Moix et al.’s criteria (1995). Dietary intake, resting and sleeping time, fever, perceived pain and surgery-related complications were assessed on a daily basis.ResultsSignificant relationships between better recovery, family cohesion and salivary cortisol level were found. The patients with lower scores in the cohesion dimension of the FACES-II and higher cortisol levels had more complications during the recovery phase (F = 10.96, p = 0.006).ConclusionsOur results suggest that social support (family cohesion) and the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (cortisol levels) can have a significant influence on postoperatory recovery. Taking these data into account, it would be suitable to assess psychopathology and social support in patients waiting for surgically interventions.

scholarly journals Using the Social Robot NAO for Emotional Support to Children at a Pediatric Emergency Department: Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Rossi ◽  
Silvano Junior Santini ◽  
Daniela Di Genova ◽  
Gianpaolo Maggi ◽  
Alberto Verrotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Pediatric Emergency Department ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Social robots (SRs) have been used for improving anxiety in children in stressful clinical situations, such as during painful procedures. However, no studies have yet been performed to assess their effect in children while waiting for emergency room consultations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the impact of SRs on managing stress in children waiting for an emergency room procedure through the assessment of salivary cortisol levels. METHODS This was an open randomized clinical trial in children attending a pediatric emergency department. Children accessing the emergency room were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (1) playing with a NAO SR, (2) playing with a study nurse, or (3) waiting with parents. The salivary cortisol levels of all children were measured through a swab. Salivary cortisol levels before and after the intervention were compared in the 3 groups. We calculated the effect size of our interventions through the Cohen <i>d</i>-based effect size correlation (<i>r</i>). RESULTS A total of 109 children aged 3-10 years were enrolled in the study, and 94 (86.2%) had complete data for the analyses. Salivary cortisol levels significantly decreased more in the group exposed to robot interaction than in the other two groups (<i>r</i>=0.75). Cortisol levels decreased more in girls (<i>r</i>=0.92) than in boys (<i>r</i>=0.57). CONCLUSIONS SRs are efficacious in decreasing stress in children accessing the emergency room and may be considered a tool for improving emotional perceptions of children and their families in such a critical setting. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04627909; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04627909

scholarly journals Effects of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Healthy Volunteers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Chaiyavat Chaiyasut ◽  
Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi ◽  
Jakkrit Wongwan ◽  
Kanyarat Thiwan ◽  
Wandee Rungseevijitprapa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Litsea Cubeba ◽  
Salivary Cortisol Level ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Impact

Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies to improve health. The aromatic essential oils have been used in the treatment procedure through inhalation of essential oil vapor, massage, and herbal bathing. Litsea species are generally used in traditional medicine, and Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon is a potent fumigant plant, used in cosmetics and foods as essence. The chemical composition of the essential oil of different parts of L. cubeba has been found to be varied. L. cubeba essential oil (LEO) is known for the treatment of cognition-associated discomforts. The current study assessed the impact of inhalation of LEO on mood states and salivary cortisol levels of healthy people. Fifteen healthy volunteers were involved in the study. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire and ELISA methods were employed to determine the mood states and salivary cortisol level, respectively. (-)-β-pinene, β-citral, cis- and trans-citral, citronellal, limonene, linalool, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were detected in LEO by GC-MS analysis. The heart rate and blood pressure were not affected significantly during LEO exposure. The inhalation of LEO significantly improved the total mood disturbance and reduced the confusion among the healthy human subjects. LEO inhalation reduced the salivary cortisol level at a notable level. The results of the current study warrant further studies on the beneficial effect of LEO aromatherapy in healthy and diseased subjects to uncover the therapeutic nature of the L. cubeba plant.

scholarly journals Infant emotion regulation strategy moderates the relation between maternal depressive symptomatology and infant HPA-Axis regulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Khoury
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Strange Situation ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
Physiological Regulation ◽  
Emotion Regulation Strategy ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Depressed Mothers ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Children of depressed mothers often have atypical cortisol levels. Child characteristics associated with emotion regulation difficulties moderate associations between maternal depression and child hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity. We hypothesize that infants of more depressed mothers who utilize more independent emotion regulation will have higher cortisol levels. Mother-infant dyads (N = 193) were recruited from the community. Maternal depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, infant regulation strategies were coded during a Toy Frustration Task, and cortisol was collected at baseline, 20, and 40 minutes after two challenges (Toy Frustration and Strange Situation). Results indicate that infant emotion regulation moderates associations between maternal depressive symptoms and infant total cortisol output (AUCG) and cortisol reactivity (AUCI), during the Toy Frustration task. Infants who used more independent regulation had elevated cortisol secretion. Associations were not replicated during the Strange Situation procedure. Findings are discussed in terms of adaptive emotional and physiological regulation.

scholarly journals Adult adiposity linked to relationship hostility for low cortisol reactors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine R. Thorson ◽  
Michael F Lorber ◽  
Amy Smith Slep ◽  
Richard Heyman
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Relationships ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
Couple Conflict ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Low Cortisol ◽  
Over Time

Past research on the relation between hostility in intimate relationships and adiposity has yielded mixed findings. The present study investigated whether the association between relationship hostility and adiposity is moderated by people’s biological reactions to couple conflict. Cohabiting adult couples (N = 117 couples) engaged in two conflict interactions, before and after which salivary cortisol levels were measured. Results revealed an association between relationship hostility and adiposity, but this association was concentrated among people with relatively low levels of cortisol reactivity to couple conflict. Results are interpreted in light of research demonstrating that cortisol reactivity can become blunted over time in response to repeated stressors. These results provide precision to etiological models of obesity by identifying cortisol reactivity as a factor that moderates the association between relationship hostility and adiposity.

Salivary cortisol levels in children of low-income women with high depressive symptomatology

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 423-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia C. H. Fernald ◽  
Heather M. Burke ◽  
Megan R. Gunnar
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Maternal Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cortisol Levels

AbstractChildren (N = 324 boys, 315 girls) between the ages of 2.5 and 6 (mean age = 3.63) were identified in a house to house survey in low-income areas (income <20th percentile nationally) of urban Mexico. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale was administered to mothers of all children. Salivary cortisol samples were taken in children as a measure of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) system activity at time of arrival (baseline, Time 0), 25 min after arrival (Time 1), and 50 min after arrival (Time 2). Between Time 0 and Time 1, children were administered several cognitive tests. Results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were associated with lower baseline cortisol levels in their children (p < .05), while controlling for age, gender, and time since awakening. Higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were associated with less of an increase in salivary cortisol to the arrival of the experimenters and subsequent cognitive testing (p < .05). All results were moderated by gender, with enhanced cortisol response in girls and no response in boys. These results suggest that among very low-income families, high maternal depressive symptoms are associated with hypoactivity of the HPA system in children, particularly boys.

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