Social desirability scores are associated with higher morning cortisol levels in firefighters.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of social desirability (SD) responding ("defensiveness") and cortisol levels.


METHODS
Marlowe-Crowne SD scores and morning salivary cortisol were measured in firefighters.


RESULTS
SD scores were associated with higher cortisol levels (r=.28) in 60 firefighters under age 45, but not in 25 older firefighters (or the combined sample).


CONCLUSIONS
The results are consistent not only with SD scores being an indicator of coarctation of experience as a coping mechanism, but also (at least for younger persons) perhaps a risk factor for the psychobiological dysfunctions associated with chronic elevations of cortisol.
Brody
S
S
Center for Psychobiological and Psychosomatic Research, University of Trier, Friedrich-Wilhelm Strasse 23, D-54290, Trier, Germany. brody@fpp.uni-trier.de
Wagner
D
D
Heinrichs
M
M
James
A
A
Hellhammer
D
D
Ehlert
U
U
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009790:Occupations; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012928:Social Desirability; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism; D014852:Wales
D006854:Hydrocortisone