The Strain of Isolation: Cortisol Reactivity to Rejection and Affiliation After Stress

I’m Allison E. Gaffey from the University of Notre Dame and I presented my research at the APS 23rd Annual Convention in Washington, DC.

Participants engaged in a computer social rejection task (Cyberball), a speech stressor, or a control task. Social rejection resulted in cortisol reactivity comparable to the standard speech stressor. A trend suggested those who were more likely to affiliate after stress had lower post-stress cortisol.

Poster Session XII – Board: XII- 007
Sunday, May 29, 2011, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Columbia Hall

Allison E. Gaffey
University of Notre Dame

Michelle M. Wirth
University of Notre Dame


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