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Increasing correlations between personality traits and cortisol stress responses obtained by data aggregation
J C Pruessner1, J Gaab, D H Hellhammer
1Center for Psychobiological and Psychosomatic Research, University of Trier, Germany.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|March 4, 1998
Summary
Investigating personality traits and cortisol stress responses, this study found that aggregating multiple stress exposures revealed significant correlations. Repeatedly measuring cortisol stress responses helps uncover associations between personality and stress coping mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Personality Psychology
- Stress Research
Background:
- Previous attempts to link personality traits and cortisol stress responses yielded inconclusive results.
- Individual differences in stress responses may be masked by situational factors like novelty during initial exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between personality traits (locus of control, self-concept, social dominance) and cortisol stress responses.
- To determine if aggregating repeated cortisol stress measurements enhances the detection of these associations.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy men underwent a public speaking and mental arithmetic stressor over five days.
- Six cortisol levels were measured at 10-minute intervals, and Areas Under the Curve (AUC) were calculated.
- Personality traits were assessed using the Questionnaire for Competence and Control (FKK) and the Giessen-Test (G-T).
Main Results:
- Cortisol stress responses on the first day did not correlate with personality scales.
- Correlations between personality scales and aggregated cortisol stress responses (days 2-5) became significant with increased data aggregation.
- Social dominance and locus of control showed stronger negative correlations with aggregated cortisol stress responses as more exposures were included.
Conclusions:
- Repeated stress exposure and data aggregation are crucial for uncovering the relationship between personality traits and cortisol stress responses.
- Initial stress responses may be influenced by novelty, while subsequent exposures better reflect individual coping abilities and personality-related stress patterns.
- This methodology suggests a more reliable approach to investigating the trait component of cortisol stress responses.