Measuring stress related to bereavement in everyday life
Establishing the feasibility of measuring bereavement-related stress in a naturalistic setting
This study looks at how losing a spouse affects stress in everyday life by tracking both feelings and heart rates, helping us understand how grief impacts your emotional and physical health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bereavement affects individuals' stress levels in real-world settings. It aims to measure both emotional and physiological responses to stress following the loss of a spouse, using daily assessments to capture fluctuations in feelings and heart rate. By employing tools like heart rate monitors and self-reported emotional scales, the study seeks to understand the impact of grief on health outcomes over time. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how bereavement influences mental and physical well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently lost a spouse and are experiencing varying levels of stress and emotional responses.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently grieving the loss of a spouse or who have not experienced recent bereavement may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better support strategies for individuals coping with the loss of a spouse, potentially improving their mental and physical health.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on bereavement and stress, this study's focus on real-time measurement in naturalistic settings is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chirinos, Diana Andrea — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chirinos, Diana Andrea
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.