Article
Hair Cortisol and Lifetime Discrimination
Health Psychology Open
(2017)
Abstract
Discrimination has been associated with elevated cortisol as measured in saliva, blood, and urine. This study investigated
the association between lifetime discrimination and hair cortisol concentrations, considered a measure of chronic stress.
We recruited 180 young adults from diverse backgrounds. Participant responses to lifetime discrimination, home stress,
and subjective status measures were recorded. Lifetime discrimination significantly predicted hair cortisol concentrations,
supporting past research that discrimination experiences impact neuroendocrine systems. To our knowledge, these
are the first findings associating hair cortisol concentrations with discrimination and supports prior evidence positing
discrimination as a chronic stressor that serves as a risk factor for chronic disease.
Keywords
- hair cortisol,
- chronic stress,
- discrimination,
- microaggressions,
- physiological
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring June 1, 2017
Citation Information
Kymberlee M. O'Brien. "Hair Cortisol and Lifetime Discrimination" Health Psychology Open (2017) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kymberlee_obrien/10/