Differences in Self-Reported Stress Versus Hair and Nail Cortisol Among Adolescent and Young Adult Males

This study aimed to compare self-reported stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with hair and nail cortisol concentrations among adolescent and young adult males, including both heterosexual and sexual and gender-minoritized individuals. The results showed a significant correlation between hair and nail cortisol values but no significant relationship between PSS scores and cortisol levels. No significant differences were found between heterosexual and sexual minoritized groups. Interestingly, Black participants reported lower perceived stress than White participants, while non-binary or genderqueer individuals and older participants had higher hair cortisol values. The study suggests that hair and nail cortisol can be used interchangeably as stress markers.