Modification of Biological Stress Response Patterns through Experimental Manipulation of Cognitive Coping Strategies

MODSTR: Modification of Biological Stress Response Patterns through Experimental Manipulation of Cognitive Coping Strategies

(Third Party Funds Single)

Project leader: Nicolas Rohleder, Johanna Janson-Schmitt
Start date: 04/01/2022
Acronym: MODSTR
Funding source: DFG-Einzelförderung / Sachbeihilfe (EIN-SBH)

Abstract:

Changes in response patterns of biological stress systems, including responses of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to repeated stress, can promote the development and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases via changes in downstream inflammatory processes. The aim of the proposed project is thus to investigate, whether habituation of biological stress system activity including responses of the inflammatory system can be modified. Aiming to test for possible paths of action, a randomized-controlled study with two intervention programs designed to manipulate cognitive coping strategies will be carried out. By increasing either ruminative or self-compassionate thoughts among healthy young adults, the intervention programs are expected to affect the regulation of occurring emotions as well as the reactivity of biological systems during repeated stress exposure. The results should provide insight into whether modifying response patterns of biological stress systems could reverse a significant biological mechanism in the development of stress-related diseases.