What is cortisol in psychology? Cortisol is commonly referred to as the ‘stress hormone’, although it is a steroid hormone with multiple effects across the body and is not purely related to stress. Cortisol functions vary in psychology. It is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, regulated by the pituitary gland, which thehypothalamus controls (for hormone release). As part of the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones, once cortisol is produced, it is released into the bloodstream, where it travels around the body. Show
Interestingly, almost every cell in the body has a receptor for cortisol. As a result, ensuring cortisol levels remain steady and only fluctuate when necessary is extremely important, as it has a widespread effect on cells and tissues. Too much or too little cortisol is bad for your health if it remains that way for a long time.
Fig. 1: Cortisol is more commonly known as the stress hormone. Cortisol in PsychologyAs we briefly discussed above, cortisol is characterised as a stress hormone with multiple effects on the body. The zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex produces cortisol. When you are stressed, cortisol is released, and it is implicated in issues with chronic stress. Cortisol is also known for its homeostatic properties. Let's explore the various functions of cortisol in psychology. Cortisol FunctionCortisol functions vary across the body. The functions of cortisol include:
It reacts to stress by inhibiting functions not needed for immediate survival, such as the immune and digestive systems so that the body can focus on the immediate threat.
When your cortisol levels are normal or reacting appropriately to stimuli from your environment, your body can regulate the above functions so that you can navigate the situation appropriately. Your body is usually quite good at bringing hormone levels back to normal after a frightening or stressful situation. It would be useless to you if your heart suddenly started pumping blood rapidly because you were mildly surprised by a dog running past you. Imagine a situation where you start to get stressed or angry (for example, when your parents lecture you). It would be impractical for your body to tense up and react strongly (as if you had to run away or fight a bear). Issues arise with the primitive nature of such responses, however. Stressful situations occur almost every day. They are unavoidable for most people, so the body needs to decide what to do in response to these stressors. Acting aggressively is not always appropriate, nor is being perpetually stressed due to minor inconveniences or issues throughout the day. Too much or too little cortisol can affect the body negatively. For example, too much cortisol can result in Cushing's Syndrome. Cortisol Stress Hormone: How Cortisol Affects BehaviourHow does cortisol affect behaviour as a stress hormone? Cortisol acts as a hormonal modulator of aggression alongside testosterone, and research has indicated the two are linked quite closely when it comes to aggression (Montaya et al., 2012). According to Dabbs et al. (1991): Cortisol may be a biological indicator of psychological variables (e.g., social withdrawal) that moderate the testosterone-behaviour relationship. Cortisol is an antagonist to testosterone (which usually facilitates aggressive behaviours and impulsiveness). Cortisol is instead an inhibitor of aggression. When cortisol levels are high, testosterone is inhibited, reducing aggressive behaviours in the person. Similarly, lower cortisol levels have been linked to higher levels of aggression. This link could be due to multiple reasons.
Fig. 2: Cortisol has a moderating effect on testosterone and aggression. Fear, Aggression, and CortisolFear and cortisol levels are somewhat related to their effects on aggression. Cortisol can inhibit aggression through fear responses. Lower cortisol levels mean behaviours are less inhibited, and people will likely act more impulsively. Consider the study by Goozen et al. (2004). Children with a disruptive behaviour disorder (DBD) show disruptive behaviours, sometimes manifesting in hostility or aggression. Overall, they can be stubborn, difficult, and irritable. They may intentionally violate others and be physically aggressive (Disruptive Behavior Disorders, 2021).
Cortisol Research: Evaluation of Cortisol's Effect on AggressionIt is essential to understand what supports and disagrees with the role of cortisol and how it affects behaviour and aggression.
Cortisol Research - Key takeaways
References
Which concept states that people are guided by their desire for pleasure and aversion to pain?According to Bentham's utilitarianism theory, people are guided by a desire for pleasure and aversion to pain.
Which of the following is a key difference between adolescent limited offenders and life course persistent offenders?The Adolescent Limited offenders exhibit antisocial behavior without stability over their lifetime, while Life-Course-Persistent offenders typically display antisocial behavior from very early ages.
Which of the following would Moffitt argue is the most important cause of a person becoming a life course persistent offender?Which of the following would Moffitt argue is the most important cause of a person becoming a "life-course persistent" offender? Neuropsychological deficits that evoke poor early parenting and cause youth to have difficulty in other social settings.
What percentage of the population never offends at all during the adolescent years?It should be noted that a small percentage (about 1–3%) of the population are nonoffenders who, quite frankly, do not have normal relations with their peers and therefore do not offend at all, even in adolescence.
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