A research which appeared in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology states that physical violence against women by male partners leads to a disruption of a key steroid hormone that may trigger various negative health effects.
Saliva samples of 122 couples were used. Cortisol was drawn from saliva samples during on-site assessments four times a day over four consecutive days. Researchers compared the cortisol levels with the frequency of interpersonal violence. The team noted a disruption from normal daily cortisol rhythms only in women as seen by a slower decline through the afternoons and higher-than-normal levels late in the day.
The findings show a correlation between violence and cortisol levels in women. The authors do not rule out the possibility that abnormal cortisol cycling may contribute to interpersonal violence.
Source: IANS
