The results of the investigations carried out in relation to the link between cortisol secretion and personality reveal differences in the reported evidence. Some of this research indicates that personality traits or disorders play a relevant role in individual differences in the endocrine response to cortisol, both in its basal levels and in the face of stressful stimuli.The relationship between antisocial personality and cortisol levels has been described in several investigations. Among the most reported neuroendocrinological abnormalities in antisocial men is a decrease in cortisol secretion levels. In this regard, Moss, Vanyukov and Martin conducted a case control study comparing cortisol secretion in stressful situations in children between 10 and 12 years of age at risk of presenting aggressive and abusive behavior in adolescence based on their family history. The groups were formed in relation to the presence or absence of a family history of aggression and substance abuse, specifically in the parents. The results found showed that children had a higher risk of antisocial behavior, if their parents had a history of substance abuse and violent behavior, they had lower levels of cortisol secretion in stressful situations than children in the control group whose parents did not present these behaviors negative. The researchers argue that these results could be indicating that a lower increase in cortisol levels in the face of stressful situations could be a biological marker of future antisocial adolescents. Likewise, a longitudinal study with 38 school-age children who had symptoms of aggressive behavior (clinically reported), who were assessed for the circadian rhythm of cortisol in saliva during the second and fourth years of schooling; reported the relationship between the decrease in HPA axis activity and the presence of severe and persistent aggressive behaviors.
