Associations among hair cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, psychological capital, harsh parenting, and internalizing problems in adolescence

Introduction

Internalizing problems are increasingly prevalent among Chinese students in junior high school, and posing significant risks for long-term maladjustment. However, the mechanisms underlying these problems are unclear. The present study aimed to test the moderating effects of psychological capital and harsh parenting in the association between the hair cortisol-to-DHEA (C/D) ratio and internalizing problems in adolescence.