A decrease in perceived social support during military service is associated with a concomitant increase in baseline and decrease in stress reactivity levels of salivary α-amylase

Abstract

Rationale/statement of the problem: Stress provokes physiological alterations, which are thought to mediate the development, maintenance, and progression of several disorders. Social support is thereby thought to possess a buffer function, decreasing the physiologic effects of stress. In our previous work, we were able to show a buffering effect of perceived social support (PSS) on the stress response of salivary α-amylase (sAA), an index of sympathetic nervous system activity. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to examine the effects of alterations in PSS on baseline and stress levels of sAA. Methods: Swiss male recruits (n=145) participated twice in a standardized psychosocial stress test (Trier Social Stress Test for Groups, TSST-G) 10 weeks apart. Saliva was collected prior to and after the stress test to measure the activity of sAA. On both examinations, a questionnaire was distributed to determine the level of PSS (Berlin Social Support Scale, BSSS). Results: The TSST-G induced a significant increase in sAA activity on both occasions, while military service resulted in an overall decrease in PSS. Changes in PSS were associated with alterations in baseline and stress responses of sAA: recruits with a decrease in PSS over the 10-week period revealed an increase in baseline activity (r= − 0.248, p=0.005) and a decrease in stress reactivity of sAA (r=0.226, p=0.010) over time. Conclusion: Our findings show that military service is associated with a decrease in PSS. This decrease is related to alterations of sympathetic nervous system activity, characterized by an increased tone and decreased responsiveness. This longitudinal study emphasizes the need to boost psychosocial resources during military service.

Keywords

• Perceived stress
• Trier Social Stress Test
• amylase
• stress reactivity
• military service