Cortisol, stress, and cognition in military subpopulations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Katherine E Crabb1, Madeleine Clay1, Uyen Pham2
1Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
Abstract:
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the role of cortisol in the relationship between acute stress and cognitive performance in military subpopulations. Given the high operational demands placed on military personnel, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that support or impair cognition under stress may provide critical insight into managing the effects of this relationship. A comprehensive literature search identified 18 studies (n = 572) assessing cortisol levels and cognitive performance in military personnel exposed to acute stressors. Cortisol was not a consistent moderator of stress-related cognitive changes in military personnel, highlighting the complexity of neuroendocrine influences on cognition in general, and in this subpopulation in particular. Findings suggest that cognitive domain and methodological characteristics meaningfully shape outcomes.
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