Child sensitivity linked to stress levels

17 Nov 2008

Children who are easily upset by family disputes are more likely to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, new research suggests.

A study conducted by a team of researchers from the universities of Rochester, Minnesota and Notre Dame found that children who show signs of distress when exposed to parental conflict have higher levels of the stress hormone in their system.

The findings indicated that children who become distressed when their parents argue show greater biological sensitivity to conflict.

Lead researcher professor Patrick T Davies from the University of Rochester explained: "Because higher levels of cortisol have been linked to a wide range of mental and physical health difficulties, high levels of cortisol may help explain why children who experience high levels of distress when their parents argue are more likely to experience later health problems."

According to Mind, the National Association for Mental Health, children who are bullied or who do not come from affectionate families have a higher risk of being suspicious and mistrusting of others.

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