Parenting and Cortisol in Infancy Interactively Predict Conduct Problems and Callous–Unemotional Behaviors in Childhood. Issue 1 (24th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wagner, Nicholas J.; Mills‐Koonce, W. Roger; Willoughby, Michael T.; Cox, Martha J.
• Other Names: Vernon‐Feagans Lynne investigator.; Blair Clancy investigator.; Burchinal Margaret R. investigator.; Crnic Keith investigator.; Crouter Ann investigator.; Garrett‐Peters Patricia investigator.; Greenberg Mark T. investigator.; Frank Jennifer L. investigator.; Stifter Cynthia investigator.; Werner Emily investigator.; Lanza Stephanie investigator.
• Is Part Of: Child development. Volume 90:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 279
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2017-07-24
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child Development -- Periodicals; Child Development; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pedicatrics; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12900
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-3920

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines observed maternal sensitivity, harsh‐intrusion, and mental‐state talk in infancy as predictors of conduct problems (CP) and callous–unemotional (CU) behaviors in middle childhood, as well as the extent to which infants' resting cortisol and cortisol reactivity moderate these associations. Using data from the Family Life Project ( n = 1, 292), results indicate that maternal sensitivity at 6 months predicts fewer CP at first grade, but only for infants who demonstrate high levels of cortisol reactivity. Maternal harsh intrusion predicts fewer empathic–prosocial behaviors, a component of CU behaviors, but only for infants who demonstrate high resting cortisol. Findings are discussed in the context of diathesis–stress and differential susceptibility models.