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Parental Cortisol Rhythm

Meaning

Parental Cortisol Rhythm describes the characteristic 24-hour pattern of cortisol secretion exhibited by a parent, which is a physiological marker of their Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis function and chronic stress load. This rhythm is clinically significant because it serves as a powerful, non-verbal biological cue that can influence the stress physiology and HPA axis development of their children. A flattened or erratic parental rhythm often signals chronic stress and may contribute to a less predictable emotional environment for the offspring.