Psychology A-Level
Cortisol
What Cortisol means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Cortisol
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Cortisol in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Sustained levels reduce lymphocyte production and blunt natural killer cell activity, so infections take hold.
Provides sustained energy via glucose release but suppresses immunity.
Topics that use Cortisol
- Stress (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Biofeedback
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system
- Life changes
- self-report
- Skin conductance
- social desirability
- Sympathomedullary pathway
- Triangulation of measures
Using Cortisol in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Psychology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Psychology A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge