I investigated the mechanism between psychological factors such attachment and personal relationship and
individual health based on the bioecological model. 200 University freshmen who were in the transitional
life stage are selected for short term follow-up study from one university in Busan. The level of cortisol
was measured on the baseline, the onset of life stress (Time 1), and the end of semester (Time 2).
Insecure attachment to mother were significantly related to cortisol level in baseline, time 1, and time 2.
Cortisol level in baseline was highly correlated to health problem, while cortisol level in time 2 was
highly related to daily life stress among freshmen. Insecure attachment group showed a tendency of higher
cortisol level than secure attachment group, however there was no significant difference of cortisol level
between groups. There were significant profile differences between secure and insecure group. Secure group
showed higher cortisol level in time 1 than time 2, while insecure group showed higher cortisol level in
time 2 than time 1. That is secure individuals have higher stress in the beginning of the university life.
The stress levels were going down since they have adjusted to the school life during 3 months. In
contrast insecure individuals have higher stress in the beginning of the university life. The stress levels
were even going upward after 3 months.