CORTISOL AND BEHAVIORAL-RESPONSES OF YOUNG-CHILDREN IN A GROUP OF UNFAMILIAR PEERS

Cortisol and behavioral reactions were examined of 36-month-old childr en in a novel playgroup of unfamiliar peers. Cor?isol levels during th e morning play session were compared with measures obtained at home. I n the initial phases of the session, when responsive caregivers were a ttending to the children, cortisol levels were lower than correspondin g home measures. However, during the subsequent phase where children p layed and interacted without adult support change in cortisol concentr ations departed from home baseline. Average cortisol concentrations re mained stable rather than decreasing as in home. A marked absolute inc rease was observed for one third of the children. Two behaviors-self-c entered and positive peer interaction-were reliable predictors of an i ncrease in cortisol during the challenging phase. Children showing an adrenocortical arousal before the challenging phase tended to develop a cautious attitude toward peers, monitoring them and avoiding social interaction. The dynamic relationships among initial adrenocortical re action, subsequent behavior, and final cortisol response are discussed .