Determined the relation of salivary cortisol to psychologic distress immediately after a traumatic event and then during follow-up. Measurement of morning and evening salivary cortisol and ratings of psychologic distress (using the Impact of Events Scale [IES], the Post Traumatic Symptom Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire) were performed with 31 United Nations soldiers (aged 21-34 yrs) at 3 time points--5 days and 2 and 9 mo-following a mine accident in Lebanon. Five days after the accident, 15 Ss reported substantial posttraumatic distress according to the IES, as well as significantly lower morning and higher evening cortisol levels compared with the low-impact group. Within 9 mo, the posttraumatic distress of the high-impact group was reduced, accompanied by an increase in morning and a decrease in evening cortisol levels. There were significant relationships between evening cortisol and all rating scales at the 1st and 3rd time points.