In this project we will run a series of laboratory stress induction experiments to examine the signals (psychophysiological, verbal, behavioral) of effective and ineffective emotion coping and regulation (e.g. approach/acceptance, avoidance/withdrawal), under various conditions (e.g., physical pain, emotional stress).

This project has three main aims:
  1. To compare, in a laboratory setting, two coping methods often used to deal with pain (acceptance vs. avoidance) and examine which psychophysiological indices distinguish these different coping responses at a physiological level when information assessed is combined with self-report and behavioral observations.
  2. To assess wearable/ambulatory devices (Empatica E4 wristband and Moodmetric ring) measuring psychophysiological signals and compare these to the data captured with standard stationary psychophysiological devices (Biopac).
  3. To examine the coping techniques and functioning in the naturalistic environment of the participants by utilizing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with GPS for three days following their laboratory participation.

Secondary aim: To utilize algorithmic mechanisms for analyzing psychophysiological data and detecting the specified coping responses (acceptance vs. avoidance) in real time both within the lab and in real-life.