Using Affectionate Communication as a Response to Acute Stress
Affectionate Communication as a Mechanism for Responding to Acute Stress
Study Overview
Status
Conditions
Intervention / Treatment
Detailed Description
Stress is a large part of daily modern life; however, it can cause a number of long-term problems for mental and physical health. Recent research has confirmed that there are definite mental and physical health benefits of maintaining significant positive social bonds. Many of these benefits appear to be associated with the ability to regulate stress that is caused by environmental challenges. Drawing on close relationships and expressing affection may help people to recover from stress more effectively. This study will evaluate the tend-and-befriend theory, which suggests that engaging in behaviors aimed at maintaining and strengthening significant social bonds can act as an adaptive response to acute stress.
All participants in this study will undergo a series of standard laboratory stressors designed to elevate cortisol levels. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," is activated and secreted within the body in response to stress. Current research suggests that displaying signs of affection toward a loved one can lower cortisol levels, causing the body to relax and recover from a stressful situation more quickly. After lab tests have been completed, participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Participants assigned to the experimental group will spend 20 minutes writing an affectionate letter to a loved one. Participants assigned to the control group will spend 20 minutes writing about meaningless topics. Levels of cortisol will be measured using saliva samples from each participant during the writing session. Levels of oxytocin, a hormone known to transmit signals within the brain and often associated with bonding and building trusting relationships, will be measured from blood samples taken during the writing session as well. Participants will also provide a self-report of their current stress level at the end of the study. Participation in this study will last approximately 2 hours. By examining associations between the communication of affection and responses to acute stress, this study may eventually lead to the development of new and better treatment options for people with constant acute stress.
Study Type
Enrollment (Anticipated)
Phase
- Not Applicable
Contacts and Locations
Study Locations
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Arizona
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Tempe, Arizona, United States, 85287
- Exercise and Sports Research Institute
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Participation Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Genders Eligible for Study
Description
Inclusion Criteria:
- English-speaking
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Moderate to no anxiety about having blood drawn
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hypertension or diabetes
- Current or recent pregnancy
- Colorblindness
- History of cancer
- Current use of alpha blockers, beta blockers, or steroids
Study Plan
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Basic Science
- Allocation: Randomized
- Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
- Masking: Single
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
|---|---|
|
Experimental: 1
Participants will receive treatment with affectionate writing
|
Participants assigned to the experimental group will spend 20 minutes writing an affectionate letter to a loved one.
Levels of cortisol will be measured using saliva samples from each participant during the writing session.
Levels of oxytocin, a hormone known to transmit signals within the brain and often associated with bonding and building trusting relationships, will be measured from blood samples taken during the writing session as well.
|
|
Active Comparator: 2
Participants will receive treatment with meaningless writing
|
Participants assigned to the control group will spend 20 minutes writing about meaningless topics.
Participants will undergo the same testing during the writing session as the experimental group.
|
What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Time Frame |
|---|---|
|
Oxytocin levels
Time Frame: Measured at Hour 2
|
Measured at Hour 2
|
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Cortisol levels
Time Frame: Measured at Hour 2
|
Measured at Hour 2
|
Secondary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Time Frame |
|---|---|
|
Self-reported stress level
Time Frame: Measured at Hour 2
|
Measured at Hour 2
|
Collaborators and Investigators
Sponsor
Collaborators
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Kory Floyd, PhD, Arizona State University
Publications and helpful links
Study record dates
Study Major Dates
Study Start
Primary Completion (Actual)
Study Completion (Actual)
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
First Posted (Estimate)
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Estimate)
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
Last Verified
More Information
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