Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
07:59
Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory
Published on: June 14, 2019
7.9K
Prolonged perceived stress predicts fingernail cortisol increase: A longitudinal study
Chihiro Moriishi1, Shuhei Izawa2, Shunta Maeda3
1Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ibaraki, Japan.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|August 31, 2024
Summary
Longitudinal analysis revealed that while immediate stress did not impact fingernail cortisol, prolonged perceived stress was linked to higher cumulative cortisol levels over six months in university students.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Biomarker Research
- Longitudinal Study Design
Background:
- Fingernail cortisol offers a cumulative measure of hormone levels.
- Previous research on fingernail cortisol and perceived stress shows inconsistent findings.
- Cross-sectional studies are limited by confounding factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally investigate the relationship between perceived stress, negative life events, and changes in fingernail cortisol levels over six months.
- To differentiate between within-person and between-person effects on fingernail cortisol.
- To clarify the association between chronic stress and cumulative cortisol levels.
Main Methods:
- 113 university students participated in a six-month longitudinal study.
- Perceived stress and negative life events were assessed twice.
- Fingernail samples were collected bi-weekly for cortisol analysis.
- Longitudinal multilevel analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Within-person increases in perceived stress and negative life events did not predict within-person changes in fingernail cortisol.
- Higher average negative life events did not predict the rate of increase in fingernail cortisol.
- Individuals with higher average perceived stress exhibited a steeper increase in fingernail cortisol over time.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged high levels of perceived stress may be associated with elevated fingernail cortisol.
- Fingernail cortisol may serve as a biomarker for chronic stress.
- Longitudinal designs are crucial for understanding stress-related physiological changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
91
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
91
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
49
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
49
01:30Stress and Mental Health
88
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
88
01:24Physiological Foundation of Stress
52
Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
52
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
27
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
27
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
27
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
27