Trait and state perseverative cognition and the cortisol awakening response
Peggy M Zoccola1, Sally S Dickerson, Ilona S Yim
1Department of Psychology, Ohio University, USA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|November 6, 2010
Summary
State perseverative cognition, like worrying or ruminating, significantly impacts cortisol stress responses. Trait perseverative cognition, however, did not affect the cortisol awakening response in this study.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Stress Physiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Perseverative cognition, encompassing rumination and worry, is linked to amplified stress responses.
- The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a key indicator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity.
- Understanding factors influencing the CAR is crucial for stress research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of trait and state perseverative cognition (PC) on the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
- To determine if dispositional (trait) or situational (state) PC is more influential on morning cortisol levels.
- To examine the relationship between PC and HPA axis regulation in a student population.
Main Methods:
- Assessed trait perseverative cognition (PC) by categorizing undergraduates into high (N=77) and low (N=42) scorers.
- Measured state PC through daily reports of worry and rumination.
- Collected saliva samples post-awakening (0, 30, 45, 60 min) to calculate CAR (AUC and 30-min increase).
Main Results:
- Trait PC did not show a significant association with the CAR.
- State PC, specifically worry and rumination the night before, predicted a greater CAR (increased cortisol output and concentration).
- These findings remained significant even after controlling for mood, anxiety, sleep, and recent stressors.
Conclusions:
- State perseverative cognition, but not trait perseverative cognition, significantly influences the cortisol awakening response.
- The findings underscore the importance of proximal, state-level measures in understanding individual differences in CAR.
- This research contributes to understanding the psychobiology of stress and cognitive influences on HPA axis regulation.
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