SSAMBA

(Self-selected activities and their relationships with laboratory and ambulatory blood pressure responses)
(Summer 2014 – Spring 2016)

PI: Marcellus Merritt, Ph. D.

For this study, we are utilizing ambulatory blood pressure equipment to capture the effects of stress and coping in a highly useful way, i.e., the participant’s normal environment. We are gathering approximately 24-hours worth of data utilizing a Polar heart rate monitor as well as an Ambulo 2400 blood pressure cuff. These devices produce a wide range of blood pressure and heart rate data both during the day and overnight which increases the external validity of this study (versus in lab only manipulation) to a great extent. We are currently in year one of data collection for this study and anticipate approximately one to two more years for data collection.

 

Walk it Off!

(Fall 2012 – Fall 2014)

PI: Michelle R Di Paolo, M.S.

This study investigated the moderating effects of perseverative cognition and desire for control on one’s self-selected coping style of either physical active (PAC) or physically passive (PPC) coping techniques when very stressed/angry. Participant (only self-selected PACs) came into the lab and after engaging in a psychological stressor (recounting a highly stressful/angry event) were randomly assigned to either a control condition, i.e., sitting quietly in a chair for 10 minutes, or a physically active condition, i.e., walking on a treadmill at a self-selected pace for 10 minutes. Measures of blood pressure, heart rate, and subjective mood were collected using the Finapres Portapres monitor and the momentary mood scale, respectively. Data collection for this study is finished as of the Fall 2014 semester. We are currently in the process of final data collection and ongoing data analysis.

 

Stress Management and Coping Study

(Fall 2011 – Spring 2013)

PI: Marcellus Merritt, Ph. D.

This study’s main aim was to gain knowledge of, and empirically test the effectiveness of self-selected coping activities (SSAs) when coping with stress. Participants filled out a questionnaire telling us what their preferred activities are to cope with stress. Then, we brought participants to the lab twice for a within-subjects comparison, where for one visit they would engage in mindfulness meditation (participants were naïve or low experience meditators) and for their second visit, instead engage in the coping activity they currently use and like the most when dealing with stress. The Finapres Portapres monitor was used to assess blood pressure and heart rate. Data processing for this study is ongoing.

 

 

If you’d like any more information on the studies listed above, other past research conducted in this lab, or pilot future projects, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Michelle Di Paolo via email, mdipaolo@uwm.edu