From Lifetime Stressor Exposure to Daily Stress Experience: Associations with Hair Cortisol

April 2026 in “ Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology ”

Katharina Huthsteiner, Johannes B. Finke, Jari Planert, George M. Slavich, Tim Klucken, Tobias Stalder

TLDR Hair cortisol levels may be linked to stress, but results are inconsistent.

The study explored the relationship between self-reported adulthood stressor exposure and hair cortisol levels, finding partial support for a positive association. However, the results were inconsistent across the two studies conducted, reflecting the variability seen in previous research. The authors suggest that future research should consider the complexity of individual stress exposure, include hair cortisol in comprehensive assessments of the HPA axis, and work towards standardizing methodologies.

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