Cortisol response to challenge involving low controllability: The role of control beliefs and age

Cortisol responses are typically more pronounced under low controllability conditions, yet little is known about the role of individual differences. This study examined whether cortisol response to a situation with low controllability differs as a function of preexisting control beliefs and age. We manipulated level of controllability using a driving simulator. Control beliefs were assessed prior to the lab session. Salivary cortisol was measured before and after the driving simulation. Participants were 152 adults aged 22–84 from a Boston area sample. In comparison to the normal controllability condition, those in the low controllability condition reported less perceived control over driving, supporting the effectiveness of the manipulation. In the low controllability condition those with higher control beliefs showed a greater cortisol response than those with low control beliefs. Older adults showed a greater cortisol response than younger adults during the challenge. Implications of acute cortisol responses for performance outcomes are discussed.

► We examined cortisol response to a low controllability situation as a function of age and prior general control beliefs.
► The low controllability situation was experimentally induced using a driving simulation.
► In the low controllability situation those with higher general control beliefs showed a greater cortisol response.
► Older adults showed a greater cortisol response than younger adults across conditions.