Elizabeth Kolias
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Amie Gordon
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Program: UROP
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors: Elizabeth Kolias, Helen Devine, Amie Gordon
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated a link between trait gratitude, the tendency to recognize benefits received from others, and decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels (Newman et al., 2021). Furthermore, daily positive support, such as providing comfort or doing household favors, has been shown to decrease stress among couples (Jiang et al., 2019). This study aims to examine the ability of receiving gratitude from a partner to decrease stress following an acute stressful event. One partner of 68 couples was administered the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a test consisting of a simulated job interview and verbal math assessment proven by previous research to induce stress. Later in the lab session, both partners participated in a gratitude conversation. We measured blood pressure and self-reported stress levels (subjective stress) for the partner undergoing the TSST both before and after the gratitude conversation. We also assessed how appreciated they felt by their partner during the gratitude conversation. We aim to understand if feeling more appreciated by a partner correlates with greater decreases in subjective stress and blood pressure following a stressful event. By examining gratitude as a modifier of stress following an acute stressful event, this study will offer new insight into how partners can better provide social support to one another in difficult circumstances. It will also help us understand how gratitude received from a partner can buffer against some of the negative health consequences of stress, informing strategies in couples therapy aimed at holistic health.
