Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers
Published on: December 18, 2013
Saliva cortisol responses to unpleasant film stimuli differ between high and low trait anxious subjects
1Institute of Psychology I, University of Münster, FRG.
Abstract:
The present study, which aims to investigate effects of low and high trait anxiety on saliva cortisol secretion, was performed on 64 healthy male volunteers. They were assigned either to an unpleasant or a control film. Furthermore, subjects were divided within each film group by median split of their anxiety ratings into high and low trait anxious groups, resulting in four equal-sized groups. Saliva cortisol and mood ratings were the dependent variables. In contrast to the low anxious, the high anxious subjects responded with a diminished saliva cortisol response.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress
Social Anxiety Disorder
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles

