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Department of Psychology College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Research

Adapting Machine Learning Approaches to Identify Robust Measures and Key Risk and Protective Factors of Changes in Allostatic Load across the Adult Lifespan

Allostatic load (AL) is a promising preclinical marker for predicting chronic disease risk. This study aims to identify the optimal AL measure, develop the DNA methylation surrogate of AL across two ongoing population datasets (Add Health, Health Retirement Study), and identify key risk and protective factors across various ecological levels contributing to changes in allostatic load across life stages. The findings will have significant implications for public health by helping identify individuals at risk of biological dysregulation, guiding the development of tailored interventions before disease onset, and informing policies to address racial/ethnic disparities and promote healthy aging.

This project is currently ongoing.

This project is funded by NIH – NIA K01 Career Development Award.

(Image generated by Freepik)

Cartoon-style image showing a diverse group of people talking and smiling. Drawings of brains are placed above the people.

The Biopsychosocial Young Adult Tech Experience (BYTE) Study

This study combines daily ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys with biological and neuroimaging data to examine the effects of daily smartphone use on the well-being (e.g. mood, sleep, stress) of young adults. The project aims to advance understanding of the developmental and neurobiological pathways through which digital engagement affects the mental and physical well-being of adults aged 18-25 years old.

We are finished recruiting participants for this project and are currently in the data collection phase.

(Image generated by Freepik)

Cartoon-style image of a woman using her phone. She is surrounded by images of DNA, sleep, a sad face, and lightning.

Social Media Use Intervention Study

This project explores how an innovative intervention can reduce the harms and maximize the benefits of social media use. The study aims to learn more about how individuals think about social media usage and explore strategies to improve well-being regarding social media usage.

This study is currently open to University of Florida students through the SONA system.

(Image generated by Freepik)

Cartoon-style image of a man looking at his phone. He is surrounded by an image of a brain, as well as things like a happy face, a shield, and a social media "like" button.

Teen Social Media Study (TSMS)/College Social Media Study (CSMS)

These two projects used semi-structured interviews with teenagers and college students of ethnic minority status to understand social media use behaviors among racial/ethnic minoritized youth, identify culturally salient challenges and opportunities that are associated with their social media use, and explore how social media use influences their psychological, academic, and sleep experiences.

We are finished collecting data for this project.

(Image generated by Freepik)

Cartoon-style image of three adolescents looking at a phone. They are surrounded by images of a moon, a brain, a graduation cap, and more.