Using Affectionate Communication as a Response to Acute Stress

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

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Affectionate Communication as a Mechanism for Responding to Acute Stress

Conditions
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Stress

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Affectionate Writing
* Behavioral: Meaningless Writing


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Participants will receive treatment with affectionate writing | Behavioral: Affectionate Writing<br>* Participants assigned to the experimental group will spend 20 minutes writing an affectionate letter to a loved one. 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.<br>|
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Participants will receive treatment with meaningless writing | Behavioral: Meaningless Writing<br>* Participants assigned to the control group will spend 20 minutes writing about meaningless topics. Participants will undergo the same testing during the writing session as the experimental group.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oxytocin levels |  | Measured at Hour 2 | 
| Cortisol levels |  | Measured at Hour 2 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-reported stress level |  | Measured at Hour 2 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Emotion, Oxytocin, Cortisol