How social interactions can help reduce negative emotions
Neural circuits for social modulation of a persistent negative emotional state
This study is looking at how spending time with friends and loved ones can help lift your mood when you're feeling stressed, and it aims to understand how your brain responds to these social interactions to improve mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10721276 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social relationships influence emotional states, particularly focusing on how social interactions can alleviate negative emotions caused by stress. By examining the neural circuits involved in this process, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind social buffering, which is the phenomenon where social support helps individuals cope with stress. The research utilizes advanced techniques in electrophysiology to explore the brain's response to social stimuli and its impact on emotional regulation. Insights gained from this study could lead to new approaches for improving mental health and resilience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders who may benefit from understanding the role of social support in their emotional well-being.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience negative emotional states or who are not affected by social interactions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing mental health by leveraging social interactions to mitigate negative emotional states.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of social interactions in emotional regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Weizhe — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hong, Weizhe
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.