Current Research
In the CoPE lab, we seek to understand the ways in which cognitive and emotional processes affect problems like depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are particularly interested in cognitive processes that increase risk for psychopathology, such as negative cognitive biases (a tendency to focus on the negative) and rumination (thinking passively and repetitively about how bad one feels). We are also interested in cognitive emotion regulation (self-distancing, reappraisal), or the ways in which people consciously try to change their thoughts in order to improve their mood, and when these strategies are helpful or harmful. We measure both cognition and emotion across multiple units of analysis, including self-report, behavioral (response time, accuracy), and physiological (heart rate variability, skin conductance) measures. Dr. Blair Wisco, a clinical psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is currently recruiting participants for a research study. This research study examines emotional and physical reactions to memories of extremely stressful or traumatic experiences. In order to participate, you must be 18 years old or older and must be able to read and write in English. If you are interested in participating, first you will be asked to complete screening questions online or over the phone to see whether or not you are eligible for the study. If you are eligible, you will be invited to participate in the study, which involves five visits to Dr. Wisco’s lab on UNCG’s campus within two weeks. During the first lab visit (3 hours), you will be asked to complete an interview and fill out questionnaires about your emotions and life experiences. You will then wear a portable cardiac monitor under your clothes and to complete questionnaires on a tablet computer outside the lab on three separate days (30-minute set-up per day, plus time spent completing questionnaires). In the last lab visit (2 hours), you will be hooked up to a similar monitor in the lab and be asked to listen to audio-recorded scripts describing personal past experiences. If you participate in these procedures, you will be compensated $150 for your time.
Another line of research in the CoPE lab examines the epidemiology, classification, assessment, and treatment of PTSD. A current focus in the lab is trauma memory processing among individuals with PTSD. We are particularly interested in understanding physiological reactivity to trauma reminders in PTSD. We also know that PTSD is a heterogeneous condition, including symptoms related to fear (nightmares, hypervigilance), but also symptoms that are more similar to depression (lack of interest, social isolation, restricted range of affect). We are also interested in the overlap between PTSD and depression, and factors which may explain comorbidity between these disorders.
Interested in participating in the Daily Life Assessment of Adjustment to Trauma study?
If you are interested in this research participation opportunity, please email copelab@uncg.edu or call (336) 256-0031 to learn more and receive the screening questionnaire.
