Children's Cortisol Patterning at ChildCare Centers

보육의 특성에 따른 유아의 코티솔 패턴

  • 박경자 (연세대학교 아동.가족학과) ;
  • 최정윤 (연세대학교 아동.가족학과) ;
  • 권연희 (MBC 푸르니 어린이집) ;
  • 김지현 (연세대학교 생활과학연구소)
  • Received : 2007.08.30
  • Accepted : 2007.11.20
  • Published : 2007.12.01

Abstract

This study examined cortisol patterning in 160 children(79 boys, 81 girls; aged 4-5) attending twelve childcare centers in Seoul and Kyunggi Province. Saliva samples for the assay of cortisol were collected twice a day at 10 : 30 am and 3 : 30 pm. Saliva samples were collected again within a week after the first collection. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The cortisol level of the afternoon showed neither increase nor decrease compared to morning. Regression analysis indicated that time children spent at childcare centers accounted for increased afternoon cortisol levels; that is, higher levels of afternoon cortisol were associated with more hours per day at childcare centers.

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Acknowledgement

Supported by : 삼성복지재단