Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Young children aged 0-4 years may be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or early life adversity (ELA), which are linked with worse physical and mental health across their lifespan. On the other hand, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can build resilience and prevent or protect against these detrimental outcomes. Data analyses will assess the interactions of ACEs, PCEs, parenting, and poverty on the early social psychology of childhood and develop objective measures for altered stress regulation using hair cortisol as a chronic stress biomarker.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Normal, healthy children aged 6 months to 24 months and their mothers (or father, if mother is not able to participate). 2. Living in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, or Alameda County in Northern California. 3. Willing to give their home address (in order to receive the study kits at home). 4. Committed to regular follow-up at 6-month intervals for the full study duration of 2 years. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children with tinea capitis, alopecia areata, scalp eczema, dermatitis, or other scalp conditions. 2. Children exposed to systemic steroid therapy for any diagnosis in the 3 months prior to study entry. 3. Children receiving any other prescription drugs that alter HPA axis function or cortisol release, if the period of exposure is 2 weeks or longer within the 3 months prior to study entry. 4. Children with chronic medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, asthma, eczema, or other chronic conditions. 5. Children with known developmen