Using Affectionate Communication as a Response to Acute Stress

Arizona State University (ASU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Stress

Treatments: Behavioral: Affectionate Writing; Behavioral: Meaningless Writing

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT00468572

R03MH075757 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

DATR A2-A1A

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will examine the effects of tending to significant social relationships on managing and reducing stress.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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120 participants in 2 patient groups

1

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive treatment with affectionate writing

Treatment:

Behavioral: Affectionate Writing

2

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive treatment with meaningless writing

Treatment:

Behavioral: Meaningless Writing