Self-Reported Stress, Exercise, and the Cortisol Awakening Response in Female Students

Authors

  • Laura E. Crack University of Calgary
  • Constance M. Lebrun University of Alberta
  • Patricia K. Doyle-Baker University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v15i4.825

Keywords:

Cortisol Awakening Response, Stress, Exercise, Post-Secondary Female Students

Abstract

Background: Female undergraduate students often speak to the stress associated with their university experience. Stressors can lead to an elevated cortisol awakening response, but chronic fatigue and burnout have conversely been associated with a blunted cortisol awakening response. The impact of chronic student-life stress on the cortisol awakening response is currently understudied, and therefore more research is warranted. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to observe self-reported stress levels over the academic year and determine the impact of student-life stress on the cortisol awakening response of female undergraduate students, while controlling for the day of the menstrual cycle. A secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between self-reported exercise levels and the cortisol awakening response in this student sample, via a post-hoc analysis. Methods: As part of this feasibility study, stress and the cortisol awakening response were measured on day-21 of each menstrual cycle over the 2018-19 academic year in 19 female undergraduate students, who self-reported their exercise habits by completing the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Results: Stress and the cortisol awakening response displayed no significant relationship (p=0.398) or change over time (p=0.419) in the academic year, however a trend toward low/blunted cortisol awakening response was observed, suggesting a possible impact of burnout in this population. Exercise levels had a positive significant relationship with the cortisol awakening response (p=0.002). Conclusions: Further research is warranted to verify whether a blunted cortisol awakening response or student burnout exists, and if increased exercise levels lead to higher, healthier cortisol awakening response levels in this population.

Author Biographies

Laura E. Crack, University of Calgary

PhD Student - Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N1N4

Constance M. Lebrun, University of Alberta

Professor - Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2R3

Patricia K. Doyle-Baker, University of Calgary

Professor, Associate Dean - Graduate - Faculty of Kinesiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N1N4


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Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

Crack, L. E., Lebrun, C. M., & Doyle-Baker, P. K. (2022). Self-Reported Stress, Exercise, and the Cortisol Awakening Response in Female Students. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 15(4), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v15i4.825

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 4 (2022)

Section

STUDENTS' CORNER

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Copyright (c) 2022 Laura E. Crack, Constance M. Lebrun, Patricia K. Doyle-Baker

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