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Adult attachment style and cortisol responses in women in late pregnancy

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Resumo:Background: Recent research has documented the association between attachment and cortisol rhythms. During pregnancy, when attachment patterns are likely to be activated, elevated levels of cortisol are associated with negative effects for the mother and the foetus. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of adult attachment style and cortisol rhythms in pregnant women. Methods: Eighty women in the third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study. Adult attachment was assessed using the Adult Attachment Scale–Revised (AAS-R). Participants collected 4 samples of salivary cortisol at two different days; 3 samples were collected in the morning immediately after wakeup and one sample was collected by bedtime. Results:Results found group significant differences in the cortisol diurnal oscillation ( F (1,71) = 26.46, p < .001,), with secure women reporting a steep decrease in cort isol from awakening to bedtime, while women with fearful avoidant attachment reported no changes. No group differences were found regarding the cortisol awakening response. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of consi dering attachment patterns during pregnancy, suggesting fearful avoidant attachment style as a possible risk factor for emotional difficulties and dysregulation of the neuroendocrine rhythms.
Autores principais:Martins, José Manuel Costa
Outros Autores:Ramos, Mariana Moura; Cascais, Maria João; Silva, Carlos Fernandes da; Martins, Henriqueta Maria Ramalhinho Ginja da Costa; Pereira, Marco Daniel de Almeida; Coelho, Rui Manuel Bento de Almeida; Tavares, Jorge Mergulhão
Assunto:Attachment Cortisol Pregnancy
Ano:2016
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Ispa-Instituto Universitário
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório do Ispa - Instituto Universitário
Descrição
Resumo:Background: Recent research has documented the association between attachment and cortisol rhythms. During pregnancy, when attachment patterns are likely to be activated, elevated levels of cortisol are associated with negative effects for the mother and the foetus. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of adult attachment style and cortisol rhythms in pregnant women. Methods: Eighty women in the third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study. Adult attachment was assessed using the Adult Attachment Scale–Revised (AAS-R). Participants collected 4 samples of salivary cortisol at two different days; 3 samples were collected in the morning immediately after wakeup and one sample was collected by bedtime. Results:Results found group significant differences in the cortisol diurnal oscillation ( F (1,71) = 26.46, p < .001,), with secure women reporting a steep decrease in cort isol from awakening to bedtime, while women with fearful avoidant attachment reported no changes. No group differences were found regarding the cortisol awakening response. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of consi dering attachment patterns during pregnancy, suggesting fearful avoidant attachment style as a possible risk factor for emotional difficulties and dysregulation of the neuroendocrine rhythms.