Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms And Daily Social Behavior Predict Hair Cortisol Concentration

This study investigated the relationship between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, social behavior, and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in 152 participants, including 56 with anxiety and/or depressive diagnoses. Over five weeks, participants reported on GAD symptoms, dominance, affiliation, and emotional distress during social stressors, resulting in 1,885 records. Hair samples from 91 participants were analyzed to estimate HCC over the past two months. The study found that higher baseline GAD symptoms predicted increased emotional distress and HCC. Contrary to expectations, dominance amplified the link between GAD symptoms and HCC and was associated with higher distress levels. These findings highlight the role of GAD symptoms and interpersonal processes in chronic stress.