Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Jennifer Ma

Reader 2

Stacey Doan

Abstract

Evidence suggests that for children, consistent routines can promote wellbeing. However, few studies have examined individual variation in this effect. In the current study, we examine the role of the stress response in the relationship between engagement in routine and children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. This study drew data from a cross-sectional study of 106 mother-child dyads. Parents reported on children’s routines using the Childhood Routines Questionnaire, and used the Child Behavior Checklist to report on their children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Hair cortisol was an index of individual differences in the stress response. Routine was found to be negatively correlated with internalizing ((r(174) = -.25, p < .001)) and externalizing (r(174) = -.28, p < .001), behavior. Hair cortisol was positively correlated with somatic symptoms and internalizing behaviors, which were subscales of the behavior measure. Hair cortisol did not moderate the relationship between routine and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. These findings shed light on the role of routines in relation to stress and mental health among children.

Additional Files
Thesis Embargo-Exemption Form-Stannard Stockton.pdf (362 kB)
Exemption Request Form
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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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