Abstract

Everyone experiences stress. But the types of stress that people experience and the ways that people respond to stresses differ. Stress can result from major life events (like death of a parent) or from chronic, ongoing conditions (like the COVID-19 pandemic) and from daily hassles (like arguments). Stress is typically associated with worse mental and physical health, but the negative consequences of stress depend on the person and the situation. Dr. Neupert shares some of her research that highlights for whom and under which circumstances well-being can be optimized in times of stress. She discusses differences in risk and resiliency factors for COVID-19-related stress, significant stress-related challenges faced by healthcare professionals during COVID-19, how planning ahead for the future can prevent stress. She also discusses how trying to be mindful (staying focused on the present moment) helps to avoid the negative emotional consequences of stress.

Shevaun Neupert, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at NC State. She earned her Ph.D. in family studies and human development with a minor in statistics from the University of Arizona, and she completed her postdoctoral training at Brandeis University. Her work aims to promote health and well-being across the adult lifespan through psychological science. Her research interests include contextual and individual differences surrounding stressors and well-being outcomes (e.g., physical health, cognition, affect). Her research lab examines individual and daily characteristics to discover for whom and under which circumstances are health and well-being optimized.

TRANSCRIPT

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

• Visit the Daily Well-Being in Adulthood Lab at NC State to learn about work in Dr. Neupert's lab.

• Listen to Stress from WUNC's Tested Podcast, in which Dr. Neupert is interviewed in April, 2020 about pandemic-related stress.