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. 2013 Apr;93(1):138-42.
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.01.003. Epub 2013 Jan 21.

Cortisol response to challenge involving low controllability: the role of control beliefs and age

Stefan Agrigoroaei  1 , Michael Polito, Angela Lee, Eileen Kranz-Graham, Teresa Seeman, Margie E Lachman
Affiliations

Cortisol response to challenge involving low controllability: the role of control beliefs and age

Stefan Agrigoroaei et al. Biol Psychol. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Cortisol responses are typically more pronounced under low controllability conditions, yet little is known about the role of individual differences. This study examined whether cortisol response to a situation with low controllability differs as a function of preexisting control beliefs and age. We manipulated level of controllability using a driving simulator. Control beliefs were assessed prior to the lab session. Salivary cortisol was measured before and after the driving simulation. Participants were 152 adults aged 22-84 from a Boston area sample. In comparison to the normal controllability condition, those in the low controllability condition reported less perceived control over driving, supporting the effectiveness of the manipulation. In the low controllability condition those with higher control beliefs showed a greater cortisol response than those with low control beliefs. Older adults showed a greater cortisol response than younger adults during the challenge. Implications of acute cortisol responses for performance outcomes are discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cortisol Response as a Function of Level of Situational Controllability and Control Beliefs; Error bars are one standard error of the mean
Figure 2
Figure 2
Age Differences in Cortisol Response; Error bars are one standard error of the mean
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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