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Association between hair cortisol levels and psychological self-perception of stress in students of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile

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No. 52 (2025): Segundo Semestre
https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-1472.2025.82830
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Abstract

Stress is currently one of the most prominent phenomena, with chronic stress significantly impacting individuals’ health across various dimensions. Particularly, academic stress affects university students during their educational journey, detrimentally influencing their quality of life. However, in Chile, there are few studies exploring the correlation between chronic physiological stress and the multifaceted aspects of psychological stress. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between hair cortisol levels and self-perceived psychological stress among university students. Subjects and methods: A sample comprising 38 students from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Chile underwent evaluation for chronic stress through hair cortisol analysis, alongside self-reported stress perception utilizing the Global Perception of State Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test were employed for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that 34% of the students exhibited elevated levels of cortisol in their hair. Moreover, a correlation was observed between cortisol levels and memory function among female participants, as well as between cortisol levels and the “physical symptoms” dimension of the CPGE among male participants. Conclusion: This study underscores a nuanced association between perceived stress and hair cortisol levels, indicating that while certain psychological stress indicators may not consistently align with high cortisol levels, they should be addressed independently. Conversely, elevated cortisol levels could serve as markers of physiological stress.

Keywords:

academic stress , chronic stress , physiological stress , psychological stress , cortisol
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How to Cite
López Salas, I., Retamal, R., Morrison, R., Espinosa, A. ., González, A. ., Díaz, C., Gutiérrez, P., Soto, P., & Mella, S. (2026). Association between hair cortisol levels and psychological self-perception of stress in students of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile. Revista Chilena De Antropología, (52), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-1472.2025.82830
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Revista Chilena de Antropología
Facultad de Ciencias Sociales
Universidad de Chile
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