The Buffering Effects of Active Coping on the Relationship Between SES and Cortisol Among African American Young Adults

Abstract

Cortisol levels have consistently been related to socioeconomic status (SES). Possible moderators for this relationship are coping styles that are known to moderate relationships between cardiovascular factors and SES. The authors examined whether coping style moderated a relationship between resting Cortisol levels and various measures of SES in a sample of urban, African American young adults. Those scoring low on coping style had high Cortisol levels if they were currently students or unemployed. This effect, however, differed for men and women. The authors suggest that coping style may play an adaptive role regarding salivary Cortisol measures in young adults when they are students or unemployed. Active coping may help protect against stress among young African American adults.

Key Words:

• active coping
• Cortisol
• SES

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James L. Abelson

Dr Schmeelk-Cone and Dr Zimmerman are with the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Dr Abelson is with the University of Michigan Medical School.