Effects of Trauma and Discrimination on the Social Regulation of Threat-related Vigilance and Arousal
University of Nevada, Reno
Summary
This study will examine the effects of social support on threat vigilance and arousal using eye tracking. We will also test the moderating effects of trauma and discrimination history.
Description
Both interpersonal trauma (IPT) and ethno-racial discrimination amplify risk for hyper-arousal symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the mechanism of this effect is unclear. Prior research suggests that social support plays an important role in regulating emotional responses, a process called social emotion regulation. This study will test whether a history of IPT and/or ethno-racial discrimination influence the social regulation of arousal and vigilance. Social regulation will be tested by contrasting responses under conditions with and without social support.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * In a stable romantic relationship for 6 months or more * Normal vision or corrected-to-normal vision * Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: * If vision is corrected-to-normal, needs to use hard contact lenses, bifocal contact lenses, or glasses * Experienced a traumatic event within the past 4 weeks
Interventions
- Behavioralsocial support
social support is provided in the form of social touch (hand holding)
Location
- University of Nevada, RenoReno, Nevada