Perceived chronic stress but not cortisol in hair predicts interoceptive sensibility

Chronic stress may lower interoceptive sensibility (ISb), which is the self-reported focus on internal bodily sensations and their regulation. This may lead to a disconnect between physical and emotional experiences, impairing the ability to recognize and respond to stressors. The study aimed to understand the mechanisms behind ISb impairment by CS and potential health outcomes in individuals with medium to high levels of CS.
In a teacher sample (N=20; f=16) we assessed CS using self-report (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress) and endocrinological (cortisol, DHEA) measures. To measure ISb, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire was utilized.
We observed a negative correlation between cortisol levels and the CS facet ‘social overload’, and a positive correlation between DHEA and ‘work burden’. CS was found to predict ISb, with ‘work burden’ predicting a higher tendency to worry or experience emotional distress with sensations of pain or discomfort, and ‘social overload’ predicting a higher ability to sustain and control attention to body sensations. Cortisol and DHEA were not identified as predictors of ISb.
We found that self-reported CS is associated with ISb, and that social factors contribute positively to ISb, while work-related stress may have a negative impact. For teachers, social factors, such as perceiving positive effects from their work, may enhance their ISb. Social overload may also help teachers to focus on their internal bodily processes because of increased self-consciousness and introspection while supporting others. Social overload and interoception may both require the same factor, such as internal focus and regulatory responses.