Correlates and consequences of stress in infancy

Handbook of Cross-Cultural Human Development • Garland STPM Press • New York • Published In • Pages: 355-375 •
By Landauer, Thomas K., Whiting, John W.M.

Abstract

This study is a continuation of previous research on the relationship between stress during infancy and adult height. With a better understanding of the stressors that infants experience and their effects, the authors test whether the relationship between stress and adult height remains significant when accounting for other environmental factors that may influence adult height. Results suggest that the relationship between infant stress and adult height does remain significant. Findings also show a relationship between infant stress and age at menarche.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherOther ResearchersCombined data from Landauer and Whiting (1964), Gunders and Whiting (1968), and a small number of new cases

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
The effect of one physical stressor will not differ significantly from the effect of two or more combined stressors (360).Supported
Controlling for genetics, climate, and nutrition, infant stress will be significantly related to adult male height (361).Supported
Infant stress (physical or separation) will be correlated with age at menarche (366).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Megan Farrer