Back to TTM ResultsWe asked all the couples who visited the lab to provide saliva samples so that we could obtain hormone assays. We have not yet analyzed this data, but we plan to assay Cortisol and Testosterone for example. Cortisol is a hormone that is involved in regulating glucose metabolism, blood pressure, immune function, and inflammatory response. It is the so called ‘stress hormone’ because it is released in higher levels during the fight, flight, or freeze reaction (e.g., when we are feeling stressed or anxious). Although in relatively small doses cortisol prepares the body to meet a threat (e.g., by increasing blood pressure and blood sugar), chronic activation of the stress response results in higher and prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. This can have negative effects such as reduced immune response, blood sugar imbalances, higher blood pressure, and increased abdominal fat. We will assess cortisol levels from the saliva at baseline (when you arrived at the lab), and following a challenging situation (discussing difficult relationship topics with your spouse). We hope to link cortisol reactivity to physical changes over time (e.g., weight gain or increasing body fat) and to physical and mental health outcomes.
There is also some emerging evidence that testosterone is related to relationship formation and stability. We plan to examine whether testosterone levels predict stability and satisfaction in the TTM couples.