TitleAge and the association between negative affective states and diurnal cortisol.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsPiazza, JR, Charles, ST, Stawski, RS, Almeida, DM
JournalPsychol Aging
Volume28
Issue1
Pagination47-56
Date Published2013 Mar
ISSN1939-1498
KeywordsAdult, Affect, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Area Under Curve, Circadian Rhythm, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Male, Middle Aged, Saliva, United States
Abstract

<p>The current study examined age differences in the association between daily negative affect, average negative affect, and diurnal cortisol among participants from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N = 1,423; age range: 33-84 years). Across four consecutive days, participants reported the negative emotions they experienced and provided four saliva samples per day, from which cortisol was assayed. Results revealed that higher levels of average negative affect were associated with greater daily cortisol output (area-under-the-curve, with respect to ground), but only among the older participants in our sample. Higher levels of daily negative affect were also associated with elevated levels of bedtime cortisol, but only among older adults who, on average, reported lower levels of average negative affect. Findings support the theory of strength and vulnerability integration, and underscore the importance of age when examining associations between negative affective states and diurnal cortisol.</p>

DOI10.1037/a0029983
Alternate JournalPsychol Aging
PubMed ID23088196
PubMed Central IDPMC3609945
Grant ListP01AG020166 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P01 AG020166 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG019239 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01AG019239 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R24 HD041025 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States