Which group has been observed to demonstrate a low cortisol response rate in trauma-related studies?

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Trauma exposure can reshape the body's stress hormone system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to changes in how cortisol responds to stress. When the exposure is indirect and ongoing—like witnessing caregiver conflict—the system often becomes less reactive over time. This results in a blunted cortisol response to stressors, meaning cortisol doesn’t rise as much as it does in people without such exposure. This pattern, sometimes described as hypocortisolism, reflects the body adapting to chronic stress by dampening the stress signal.

The indirect-trauma group fits this pattern best because witnessing violence is a persistent, uncontrollable stressor that can chronically activate the system without direct physical harm, leading to reduced cortisol reactivity. In contrast, direct excessive stress can provoke higher cortisol responses, adults with no history of abuse typically show normal cortisol reactivity, and athletes under peak training experience stress responses tied more to physical load than trauma exposure.