Effect of hostility on salivary cortisol levels in university students

The influence of hostility on Cortisol levels in saliva was investigated in 47 university students (27 males and 20 females). The students were divided into high and low hostility groups by cluster analyses based on their scores on the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the Mtiller Anger Coping Questionnaire. Their saliva was collected twice, in the morning immediately after awakeningat a two week interval. On the day before saliva collection, they completed questionnaires about stressful events and their moods in the previous two weeks. The results of the ANOVA showed higher Cortisol levels and higher frequencies of stressful events and negative moods in the high hostility group. The effect of hostility on Cortisol levels was diminished by controlling for stressful events and negative moods, which suggests that stressful events and negative moods are mediators between hostility and Cortisol. The results are discussed in relation to the association between hostility and coronary heart disease.