Brief Report

Marshmallows used as saliva stimulant do not affect cortisol concentrations: Finally a palatable alternative for toddler saliva collection

  1. Andrea D. Clements1,*,
  2. C. Richard Parker Jr.2,
  3. Wallace E. Dixon Jr.3,
  4. Brenda Salley4

Article first published online: 17 OCT 2007

DOI: 10.1002/dev.20238

Issue

Developmental Psychobiology

Developmental Psychobiology

Volume 49, Issue 7, pages 702–707, November 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

D. Clements, A., Parker, C. R., Dixon, W. E. and Salley, B. (2007), Marshmallows used as saliva stimulant do not affect cortisol concentrations: Finally a palatable alternative for toddler saliva collection. Dev. Psychobiol., 49: 702–707. doi: 10.1002/dev.20238

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Box 70649, Johnson City TN 37614

  2. 2

    Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham AL

  3. 3

    Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University

  4. 4

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA

*Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Box 70649, Johnson City TN 37614.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 OCT 2007
  2. Article first published online: 17 OCT 2007
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 24 MAR 2007
  4. Manuscript Received: 29 SEP 2006

Funded by

  • NIH/NICHD. Grant Number: HD043865

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Keywords:

  • hormones;
  • human;
  • infant;
  • saliva collection;
  • methods

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to validate marshmallows as a saliva stimulant for use with toddlers. First, cortisol concentrations from 14 subjects (ages 6–46 years) were compared using three saliva collection methods: (1) plain cotton dental roll, (2) dental roll with one mini-marshmallow, and (3) expectorating into a collection tube using no cotton or stimulant. EIA was used for analyses. There were no significant differences among cortisol concentrations. Second, saliva collection compliance rate was compared for 21-month-olds (n = 51) using either flavored drink crystal- (compliance rate = 16.7%) or marshmallow-flavored (compliance rate = 60%) dental rolls for saliva collection (χ2 )1) = 4.02, p = .045). These studies indicate that marshmallow is a viable option for saliva stimulation to determine toddler cortisol concentrations using EIA. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 702–707, 2007.

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