Stress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab
Current Studies
The Impact of Facial Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (fNMES) on Emotion Across Diverse Populations
Researchers: Jazlyn Luu
The Facial Feedback Hypothesis (FFH) has been widely supported in previous literature, highlighting how the mere activation of certain facial muscles can modulate emotional experiences. Past studies have demonstrated how stimulating the zygomaticus major (i.e., lifting cheeks) and the orbicularis oculi (i.e., wrinkling corner of eyes) – facial muscles that are activated when displaying a genuine smile – are linked to improved emotional and physiological responses during distress and negative experiences. To test the FFH, pilot studies are beginning to explore the potential uses of facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (fNMES), a noninvasive technique that delivers small electrical impulses to stimulate specific facial muscles. This study will test the FFH by utilizing fNMES and exploring whether the stimulation of the zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi through this technique will effectively influence emotion and physiological outcomes, all while emphasizing a more culturally diverse approach that compares how the FFH may differ among White/European, Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, and Hispanic/Latinx groups.
Stress, Emotion, and Energy (SEE) Study
Researchers: Sarah Pressman, Jazlyn Luu
Previous research has demonstrated that positive emotion can have significant benefits when it comes to physical and mental health. However, growing work indicates that not all positive emotions are created equally when it comes to health. Specifically, it is consistently feelings of vigor driving effects for important outcomes like sleep, likelihood of disease, and even risk of death, as opposed to other positive traits. In this study, we investigate the biological, behavioral, social, and psychological factors that are connected to feeling vigorous or energetic. We are also interested in whether there are age differences in any of these factors. In this 3-part study, participants take part in a series of tasks involving measures of physical fitness, physical and psychological health, and biogenetic markers. In addition, information regarding sleep, physical fitness, and emotion will be collected over the course of a week.
Sunflower Project
Researchers: Logan Martin, Sarah Pressman
Emotion Preferences refers to the emotions that people would like to feel, which may be distinct to the emotions people actually feel. The Sunflower project seeks to gain insight into Emotion Preferences in a variety of ways across many studies. Most people and most groups desire to feel happy in most situations. However, individual, situational, cultural, and developmental differences in Emotion Preferences have been documented. The Sunflower project aims to test theories and measures of Emotion Preferences, to strengthen the foundation of the field and potentially develop novel theories and measures for future research.
Crabgrass Project
Researchers: Logan Martin, Sarah Pressman
To some individuals, participating in psychological research can be burdensome, agitating, or seem pointless. To some others, participating is engaging, indulges their curiosity, and satisfies a need to behave prosocially. The Crabgrass Project seeks to test who and when differences in these attitudes and behaviors towards participating in Psychological Research arise. Optimizing study designs, identifying promising samples, and potential interventions may be informed by this research.
Superwoman Schema and Psychophysiological Correlates of CVD Risks Among Black Women
Researchers: Kennedy Blevins, Sarah Pressman
In collaboration with Dr. Amber Johnson at CSU Long Beach, Dr. Sarah Pressman and Kennedy Blevins are examining discrimination, cognitive and cultural schemas (e.g., Superwoman schema), emotions/affect, and biological responses to stress (e.g., cortisol, salivary alpha amylase, IL-6, telomere length). This project assesses these processes in African American/Black women using an ecological momentary assessment paradigm (i.e., repeated survey and biological sampling over multiple days). African American women experience greater disparities in cardiovascular health compared to White men and women. The Superwoman Schema posits that African American women are naturally strong, resilient, and nurturing, shaping the way they experience and interact with the world. This may have implications for their emotional and biological responses to stress. The main goals of this study are (1) to understand which aspects of the Superwoman Schema (e.g., resilience versus nurturing) are associated with positive versus negative emotions and (2) how this relates to biological factors that have been linked with cardiovascular health, including cortisol (hormone function), salivary alpha amylase (autonomic function), IL-6 (inflammation), and telomere length (biological aging). Learn more about the study and check your eligibility to be a participant here.