Stress, Optimism, Resiliency, and Cortisol with Relation to Digestive Symptoms or Diagnosis
Author(s): Pamela M. Armata, Debora R. Baldwin
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between stress, optimism, resiliency and salivary cortisol in control individuals and individuals with recurrent symptoms or diagnosis of digestive disorders ('digestive' group). Findings from 134 university students revealed that 'digestive' participants reported significantly more stressful life events, perceived significantly more stress, had significantly more physical symptoms, and had higher cortisol levels than control participants. Optimism and resiliency co-varied with perceived stress and optimism co-varied with physical symptoms as possible coping mechanisms. This study adds support to the connection between stress and digestive disorders while furthering research regarding the health benefits of optimism and resiliency within a college student population.
Pages: 123-138
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