title: Cortisol profiles differ by race/ethnicity among young sexual minority men.
abstract: Much of the extant scientific research examining hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis functioning is conducted among White heterosexuals. Very little research examines HPA-axis functioning between different minority groups. Individuals who identify as both sexual and racial minorities may experience increased stigma and discrimination that can affect HPA-axis functioning. In the current study, we examined diurnal cortisol rhythm in young White gay men (WGM) compared to young Black gay men (BGM). The sample consisted of 70 healthy gay men (mean [SD] age=22.9 [3.2]: 68% White and 38% Black) who collected four saliva samples daily for five days. Repeated measures analysis of covariance and post-hoc tests revealed that BGM had higher cortisol levels than WGM in the evening. Secondary analyses revealed no significant group differences for the cortisol awakening response or systemic output throughout the day. However, BGM compared to WGM had a lower drop from peak (morning) to lowest (evening) cortisol concentrations. Taken together, these findings reveal a flatter diurnal cortisol rhythm among BGM compared to WGB. The functional significance of these preliminary findings must be explored further with assessment of psychosocial factors among sexual minorities at the intersection of multiple identities. In summary, we expand health disparities research aimed at delineating sexual minority and race/ethnic variation in stress physiology.
authors: Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; School of Public Health, Health Behavior Health Education Department, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States. Electronic address: sc5810@nyu.edu.
authors: Stephanie H
authors: SH
authors: Cook
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
authors: Robert-Paul
authors: RP
authors: Juster
authors: Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors: Benjamin J
authors: BJ
authors: Calebs
authors: School of Public Health, Health Behavior Health Education Department, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: Heinze
authors: School of Public Health, Health Behavior Health Education Department, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors: Alison L
authors: AL
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology*; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000208:ethnology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology / Q000378:metabolism*; D044465:White People / Q000208:ethnology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: Diurnal cortisol; Gay/bisexual young men; Race/ethnicity; Sexual orientation