Date of Award
Summer 8-8-2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Bethany Turner-Livermore
Second Advisor
Cassandra White
Third Advisor
Robin Bernstein
Abstract
The effects of maternal stress on breastfeeding and ultimately infant health are largely under-studied. This is of particular concern given the documented disparities in rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration among Black women compared to White women in the United States, the underlying causes of which are debated. This study assesses psychosocial stress and levels of peer support among Black and White mothers of infants in Georgia through participant survey, perceived stress scale (PSS), and assay of hair samples for cortisol concentration. Findings suggest maternal cortisol production is tied to parity, perceived stress and perceived social support rather than received social support. Breastfeeding outcomes were associated with increases in maternal age, indicating significant levels of agency and access to resources which support exclusive breastfeeding.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/10251343
Recommended Citation
Evans, Brandice, "Psychosocial Stress, Race, and Social Support among Breastfeeding Mothers in the American South." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2017.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/10251343