Olivia Jeong
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Amie Gordon
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 3 – 1:40pm – 2:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Olivia Jeong, Amie Gordon, Luciani Maria
Presenter: 4
Abstract
External stressors can present challenges in romantic relationships, and concurrent stress specifically is a common experience in the daily lives of many romantic partners. Concurrent stress is defined as situations in which separate stressors are impacting both individuals in a relationship. This study ponders the question of how concurrent stress may influence the wellness of romantic relationships. In a study of cohabiting couples in Southeastern Michigan (projected N=210), we measured the cognitive, behavioral, and biological correlates of concurrent stress within relationships. The experimental manipulation involves three different conditions: concurrent stress (both partners complete stressful task), nonconcurrent stress (only one partner completes stressful task), and control (neither partner completes stressful task). Participants are presented with a series of tasks that mimic the stress of daily life. Data is collected in various forms throughout the sessions: self-reported stress and emotion level surveys, physiological measurements, coding participant behaviors, and daily diaries following the experimental session. Data analysis of results has not yet occurred since data collection for the study is ongoing. However, we hypothesize that individuals with more concurrent stress in their lives will be less capable of supporting their partners. With concurrent stress being an understudied concept, we hope to discover the effects of how it affects relationships and individuals with an exploratory perspective. We expect to find that concurrent stress has unique effects on relationships, health, and well-being. As concurrent stress is very common in daily lives, better understanding this phenomenon will allow us to improve how we think about and experience stress in a relationship. The results of this study will support future studies for coping with concurrent stress in relationships and the social benefit of knowledge on how to resolve this challenge.
Social Sciences
