Is low cortisol release an indicator of positive health?

Compared to the knowledge of physiological processes associated with stress, ill-health, and disease, the understanding of physiological processes associated with positive psychological functioning is lagging behind. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological wellbeing and physiological indicators, including blood pressure, catecholamines, and cortisol. Initial questionnaires concerning demographic information, work characteristics (decision authority, job demands, and skill discretion), physical symptoms, nicotine use, and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being scales (RPWB) which cover self-acceptance, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, personal growth, purpose in life and autonomy, were completed by a group of highly educated whitecollar workers. Subsequent assessments of blood pressure, urinary catechola;,nines, and salivary cortisol were performed during two separate workdays. Analyses of data from 12 women and 11 men revealed that individuals with high psychological well-being bad significantly lower total cortisol output than individuals with low psychological well-being (p < 0.01), while no significant differences emerged for blood pressure and catecholamines. Further, individuals with high psychological wellbeing bad significantly lower levels of general (p < 0.01) as well as musculoskeletal symptoms (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the findings suggest a link between positive psychological functioning and lowered cortisol release. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.