Hair Sampling for Physiological Stress Among Early Childhood Educators.

Abstract

Background: Despite expanding investigations of chronic physiological stress as measured by hair cortisol concentration among adults, there is little research examining chronic physiological stress among early childhood educators. Despite the "calling" of the career, these educators are at a unique increased risk for chronic stress due to earning stagnant, unlivable wages as compared to their K-12 educator colleagues and often being primary care providers to children and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. Because physiological stress may be linked to chronic disease later in life and may present differently than psychological stress, it is important to understand the feasibility of measuring chronic physiological stress, as commonly measured with hair cortisol, in this essential and unique population.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility of collecting hair to measure cortisol concentration as an estimate of chronic physiological stress among early childhood educators by understanding variations in their participation.

Methods: Analyses of hair sampling participation of center-based educators by sociodemographic characteristics occurred across two pilot studies: one longitudinal (n = 67) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021) and one cross-sectional (n = 31) occurring post-pandemic (2024). Educators were asked to provide hair samples for cortisol analysis to measure physiological stress and complete surveys on reasons for non-participation and their sociodemographic characteristics, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, and highest level of education.

Results: Educators' sociodemographic characteristics generally reflected nationally representative samples. Across the studies, 75.3% of educators participated in initial hair sampling. Collectively, the most common reason for non-participation was related to hairstyle or hair characteristics. Educators who were Black/African American or had less than a bachelor's degree in education were least likely to participate in hair sampling.

Discussion: Collecting hair for cortisol as a measure of physiological stress among early childhood educators is feasible. However, researchers may want to consider alternative measures of chronic physiological stress to promote equitable research practices among educators who are Black/African American or who have lower than a bachelor's degree in education. Given the importance of chronic physiological stress for health, avenues for future research are discussed.