ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4421-2318
Date of Award
Fall 2025
Language
English
Embargo Period
11-5-2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College/School/Department
Department of Psychology
Program
Psychology (Master's)
First Advisor
Betty Lin
Committee Members
Elana Gordis
Keywords
lactation programming, cortisol, infant temperament, breastfeeding
Subject Categories
Child Psychology | Developmental Psychology
Abstract
The current study examined how maternal cortisol and breastfeeding duration across the first six months postpartum might relate to infant temperament profile membership at 12 months in 322 low-income Mexican American mother-infant dyads (46.3% male). Results revealed that maternal postnatal cortisol levels were significantly moderated by breastfeeding duration to predict infant temperament profile (β = 0.14, p = .030) such that more maternal cortisol was linked to higher likelihood of belonging to a high positive affect, well-regulated profile when mothers breastfed for above average durations. This suggests that while maternal cortisol in breastmilk might initially shape infant negative temperament, there may be a threshold at which the influence of cortisol is overridden by the benefits of extended breastfeeding duration.
License
This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.
Recommended Citation
Bierce, Lydia, "Postnatal Programming of Infant Temperament at 12-Months: A Test of Lactation Programming Theory" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 304.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/304