Stress is an increasingly pervasive theme in the modern family. The symptoms associated with stress in one individual can quickly cause stress throughout the entire family, making stress an important issue to research and address. The physiology of stress affects both hormone and immune function; if unchecked over time, symptoms associated with stress can contribute to disease.
The interdisciplinary Stress Research Working Group consists of about 25 researchers who have been meeting at CRF since 2008 to better understand the causes of stress, the effects of stress, and methods of stress measurement. The Stress Group has been working across disciplines to integrate techniques, tools, and perspectives to examine how and why stress manifests in the body throughout life, how the manifestation of stress influences relationships and mental health, and how we can address the negative effects of stress to improve health. The Stress Group applies a lifespan approach to study and measure stress from gestation and infancy, through adolescence and young adulthood, to menopause and beyond.
The interdisciplinary group meets bi-weekly to discuss their stress and family related research. The meetings stimulate cross-disciplinary analysis and assist each member with his or her research. Family relationships, animal bonding, developmental phases, and neuroscience are important aspects of this cluster’s research. Members of the Stress Group have co-authored articles, submitted grant proposals together, and supported each other in productivity and creativity of thought.
