Emotion regulation skills, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, cortisol hormone levels in primary school students in Türkiye: a cross-sectional and correlational analysis study

Background: Hormones are molecules that contribute significantly to mental and physical health due to their role in emotion regulation (ER) processes. However, the role and effect of hormones on the ER has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, it was aimed to examine the salivary Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol hormone response to support ERS in primary school students depending on some parameters. Method: This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye between April 2023 and June 2023. In the sample selection, after the number of students was determined in proportional stratification, the sample selection method was made by simple random selection from each class list, first according to the school and then the grade level of each school. A total of 177 healthy students between the ages of 8 and 10 who attended these schools, were allowed to participate in the research by their families, and were volunteers, were included in the study. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Emotion Regulation Scale for Children and saliva collection cups. Human-specific Brain-derived neurotrophic factor ELISA Kit (BT LAB, Cat.No E1302Hu, CHINA) for measuring BDNF levels in saliva; In measuring the level of cortisol hormone in saliva, Human Cortisol ELISA Kit (BT LAB, Cat.No E 1 003Hu, CHINA) was used in accordance with the procedure specified in the manufacturer’s catalogue. Data were evaluated using the SPSS 26.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, Il, USA) package program. Independent Samples Test and One-Way ANOVA test, correlation and Multiple Linear Regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. P <.01 and p <.05 significance levels were used as statistical significance values. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between the mean total score of the Emotion Regulation Skills Scale for Children and the mean level of salivary BDNF, and a negative correlation between the mean level of salivary cortisol (p˂0.01). Conclusions: Within the scope of the data obtained in our current study, BDNF levels were found to be high and cortisol hormone levels to be low in children with high ERS.