The Stress and Health Lab
Projects
Pain and Inflammation
Recent research by Dr. Graham supports the premise that there is a vicious cycle by which both pain and negative emotion drive increases in chronic inflammation (which is a risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular disease), particularly under conditions of chronic stress, and that inflammation and negative emotion (or emotional traits like hostility) may further exacerbate pain. In the near future we will be undertaking new studies to better understand the relationship between pain and inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. This research will be designed to examine interactive effects by age and gender as well as the role of stress and trait emotions, such as hostility.
Effects of Emotional Expression on Pain
Although anger is typically seen as maladaptive by chronic pain physicians and others, recent research by Dr. Graham indicates that focusing on anger and frustration in a goal-directed manner results in improved mood and perceived control over pain among chronic pain patients. In the near future we will be examining the effects of expressing anger as compared to other types of emotion, with the expectation that the cognitive work of making meaning from difficult experiences will be key to benefits in depressed mood and control.
Communication of Pain Perception with close Others
Another goal of our research is to examine the consequences of communicating pain perception to close others. Spouse solicitous behavior is associated with greater pain behavior and worse pain-related outcomes . In response to this and related research, physicians in pain management centers often advise pain patients to “ignore” and “push through” chronic pain experience, focusing on the desired end points of greater activity and less pain behavior. However, social support seeking may be necessary and helpful for individuals experiencing chronic pain as it may be associated with greater received support as well as cognitive benefits resulting from clear and truthful communication. It is likely that situational and individual differences play a strong role in the benefits of communicating pain perception with close others.
Stress, Emotion, and Wound Healing
Psychological stress, such as the stress of caregiving for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease, can slow wound healing – a phenomena with strong implications for recovery from surgical as well as naturally occurring wounds. Another goal of our laboratory is to investigate the role of psychological stress, negative emotion, and pain in the context of wound healing.