UCLA

OBJECTIVE: This study examined women's mood responsiveness associated with patterns of stress hormone levels in everyday situations. METHODS: Self-reports of negative, positive, and energy dimensions of mood were obtained from 203 nurses throughout the day on a workday and on an off-work day during the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Individual differences in daytime norepinephrine and cortisol were assessed. RESULTS: Patterns of norepinephrine and cortisol levels were associated with ratings of the following moods: tired, sad, and happy. Phase of the menstrual cycle and the day factor (workday, off-work day) modified the association of mood ratings and stress hormone patterns. CONCLUSION: The experience of negative mood is associated with both hypoarousal and hyperarousal conditions. A homeostatic arousal-related concept of mood regulation is discussed.