Rochester, N.Y. - Parents know that raising a child can be stressful. A new University of Rochester study looked at the triggers and the effects of such stress.
Researchers used heart monitors to measure stress levels of mothers who interacted with their children.
They found that poverty, environment, and depression all contribute to chronic stress levels in mothers, and have effects on children.
Researchers said problems that parents cope with won't resolve themselves. Fred Rogosch, who helped author the study, said services are available to help parents facing problems that trigger stress, like depression.
Researchers say chronic stress can lead parents to be neglectful, hostile or insensitive.
