Research
In the Daily Research Laboratory we study 1) stress and coping in individuals and 2) dyadic processes in committed, romantic couples. We are particularly interested in examining individual and dyadic processes within the context of everyday life. We tend to use intensive repeated-measures designs to study individuals as well as dyad members and their interactions (i.e., daily diary methods). We use both lab-based experimental studies and longitudinal studies of dyadic experiences. Finally, we are interested in applying methodological and statistical approaches that can capture the dynamics of adjustment in individuals and dyads.
Couples Coping with Cancer
The Daily Research Lab examines the daily lives of breast cancer patients and their partners/spouses soon after breast cancer surgery using an electronic diary methodology. We also document change in the daily lives of breast cancer patients and their partners/spouses from soon after breast cancer surgery (time 1) to 6 months later (time 2). We are currently recruiting for this study. If you are interested in participating, please review the eligibility requirements or contact us at 302-831-8188.
Depression and Daily Stress and Coping
Dr. Cohen and his graduate students use electronic diary methods to study daily stress and coping processes in individuals with major depression as well as subclinical depression. They are interested in understanding the daily lives of individuals with depression, especially the occurrence of daily events and how those events are evaluated and coped with. They are also interested in understanding how psychotherapy affects depressives’ daily lives. Some recent relevant publications can be found here.
Daily Emotional Experiences in Romantic Couples
Dr. Laurenceau and his graduate students explore the impact of experiences between romantic partners on various daily and cross-sectional relationship outcomes. They are interested in the daily experiences that couples have; specifically, how individuals feel about their relationships and what types of issues couples discuss. In order to study these processes, the lab collects electronic daily records (i.e., hand held PDA and/or computer) designed to study these experiences.
Daily Process Design Applied to Cognitive Therapy
Data are currently being analyzed and reported for this project. The participants were 60 adults with major depression who received cognitive therapy at the Beck Institute. At both the beginning and mid-point of treatment, they completed daily stress and coping measures for 7 consecutive nights (via automated phone interviews). During therapy, they completed a depression measure every week. Cohen and his graduate students are evaluating the role of pre-treatment reactivity in depression-reduction during the course of therapy. The lab is also examining change in daily stress and coping processes during cognitive therapy for depression.
Newlywed Marriage and Development
This project is supported by NIMH as part of a K-Award to J-P Laurenceau. Specific aims for the project are 1) To examine the role of several personality variables on stress and intimacy processes within the context of both negative and positive events in daily marital interactions; 2) To examine the influence of appetitive and aversive motivational sensitivities during both intimate and conflictual marital interactions; and 3) To examine how longitudinal changes in stress and intimacy processes within couples predict changes in relationship satisfaction and well-being.
