Children's Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker of Stress at School: A Follow-Up Study

The study investigated hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) in 30 children aged 6 as they moved from a playful early school environment to a more formal third-grade setting, finding a significant increase in cortisol levels, indicating heightened stress. This increase was linked to lower inhibitory control rather than social fearfulness or academic achievement. Children with lower inhibitory control showed higher cortisol levels, suggesting they experienced more stress during the transition. The study emphasized the need for support, particularly for children with low inhibitory control, to reduce stress and its potential negative effects on academic performance and mental health, recommending interventions like stress management techniques and physically active lessons.