Abstract
Purpose
To clarify the relationship between postpartum mother's psychological state by Profile of Mood States (POMS) and stress indicators in saliva (SIgA and cortisol concentrations).
Objects and methods
This subjects were 22 mothers in whom we measured the psychometrical status by POMS and the saliva concentrations of SIgA and cortisol as stress indicator within 2 weeks of delivery.
Result
The saliva concentration of cortisol was positively correlated with T-A (Tense-Anxiety) of POMS, and was also associated with some other POMS scores indicating negative feelings. It was not correlated with the V (Vitality) score, which indicates positive feelings. The saliva concentration of SIgA was not correlated with the POMS scores nor with the concentration of cortisol.
Conclusion
The POMS score for negative feelings was correlated with the saliva concentration.
As the saliva SIgA concentration was not correlated with either the cortisol concentration or POMS scores, SIgA and cortisol may be stress indicators of different stressful situations.
