Measuring stress related to bereavement in everyday life
Official title: Establishing the feasibility of measuring bereavement-related stress in a naturalistic setting
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11055596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $120,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL172916-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently lost a spouse and are experiencing varying levels of stress and emotional responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently grieving the loss of a spouse or who have not experienced recent bereavement may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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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.