Current Projects:

Physiological Effects of Emotional Expression and Suppression in Interpersonal Interactions

With strangers – This research explored the consequences of interacting with emotionally suppressive individuals. Target participants interacted with partners who were instructed to suppress or express their emotions while their cardiovascular responses were recorded. This work will extend research in the area by exploring both agents and targets while suppressing their emotions. 

With romantic partners – This research project is similar to the one above, but instead examines how the effects of emotional expression and suppression can lead to differences in physiological responses in the context of romantic relationships. 

Laboratory and Field Experimental Tests of Psychophysiological Mechanisms

This project’s focus is examining the psycho-physiological mechanisms explaining why and how two brief psychological interventions might improve physical and mental health during the transition to high school. This laboratory study will assess the effects of the brief interventions on high school students’ neuroendocrine and psychophysiological responses to an experimentally-induced social stressor.