School performance, type a behavior and adrenocortical activity in primary school children

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Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the adrenocortical activity of first-graders as related to their school-related behavior in school as well as at home. The sample consisted of 20 6-year-olds (11 boys, 9 girls). Behavioral measures were assessed through questionnaires and interview provided by the mother and through the teachers' school reports. To assess the children's adrenocortical activity, salivary cortisol was determined in three consecutive days during school and three consecutive days during holidays, each time in the morning before school and at noon after school. There were no cortisol differences between school days and holidays. Whereas there were no contextual cortisol responses to school attendance, lower morning cortisol values were observed in type A children and, in addition, in children with non-optimal school performance. The findings indicate relations between behavioral organization and individual differences in adrenocortical activity in children.