Cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress is greater in sexual risk takers

Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
Claire HarrisonMichael A Smith

Abstract

Several studies have reported an association between deviant behaviour and cortisol reactivity to stress. However, relatively few studies have investigated the relationship between psychobiological stress reactivity and sexual risk-taking behaviours. In this study, cortisol reactivity to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was measured in 26 healthy young adults prior to the administration of a sexual health and behaviour questionnaire. The cortisol response to the TSST was greater in those individuals who reported that at least one of their previous two sexual partners was someone whom they had just met. Results are discussed in the context of a model which suggests that early life stress dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increases the likelihood of later life risk-taking behaviour. The findings have implications in terms of improving our understanding of psychobiological factors which predispose individuals to engage in adverse sexual health behaviours.

References

Jan 1, 1989·Neuropsychobiology·C Kirschbaum, D H Hellhammer
Jan 1, 1996·Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy·P B Anderson, D A Mathieu
Dec 29, 2000·Journal of Personality·R H HoyleJ D Miller
Dec 19, 2002·Hormones and Behavior·Carolyn Tucker HalpernJ Richard Udry
May 5, 2004·Psychological Bulletin·Sally S Dickerson, Margaret E Kemeny
Mar 12, 2005·BMJ : British Medical Journal·John Tripp, Russell Viner
Dec 6, 2005·International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·Julian F ThayerJoachim E Fischer
Jun 2, 2006·Psychosomatic Medicine·Sheldon CohenAndrew Baum
Aug 1, 2006·Hormones and Behavior·Amanda R Tarullo, Megan R Gunnar
May 18, 2007·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Bea R H Van den BerghLieven Lagae
Sep 4, 2007·Psychosomatic Medicine·Desta B FekedulegnDiane B Miller
Oct 16, 2008·International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·Eva FriesClemens Kirschbaum
Apr 30, 2009·Nature Reviews. Neuroscience·Sonia J LupienChristine Heim
Jan 26, 2013·Biological Psychology·Evelien PlatjeRobert R J M Vermeiren
Jul 16, 2013·Psychoneuroendocrinology·Ulrike Ehlert

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Feb 2, 2020·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Jenna AlleyKaren Grewen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.