Hydrocortisone, also known as cortisol, is a steroid hormone which is produced in the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is released in response to physical and psychological stress. This project was designed to use chemical techniques to determine cortisol levels present in an individual due to the effects of positive and negative stress. Cortisol was extracted from samples of human saliva that were collected during stress-related experiments, and the levels of each sample were quantified through the use of ELISA. Statistical analysis was used to determine changes in cortisol levels resulting from various types of stressors. The importance of this research lies in its ability to indicate whether a physiological difference exists between positive and negative stress. This information can be a useful asset in many situations to better motivate individuals and groups in the workplace.

Quantitative analysis of hydrocortisone levels in human saliva due to the effects of positive and negative stressors

249th National Meeting (2015)

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