Patterns of cortisol reactivity in African-American neonates from low-income environments

Individual differences and stability in patterns of salivary cortisol reactivity were examined in 100 African-American neonates from low-income environments. A pattern of reactivity was defined by the change from prestressor to poststressor cortisol concentrations and the change following the poststressor during a recovery phase. Cortisol reactivity was measured in response to two stressors: the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS; T. B. Brazelton & J. K. Nugent) and the routine hospital heels-tick procedure. The use of two stressors allowed an examination of whether patterns of reactivity to different stimuli vary and whether there is individual stability in patterns of cortisol reactivity. Cortisol concentrations changed significantly across the three time points. The magnitude of change during the recovery period differed across stressors. Prestressor cortisol values were associated with cortisol reactivity. Both prestressor cortisol concentrations and pattern of cortisol response were significantly associated within individuals.