Cardiac Outcomes and Psychophysiological Effects in Bereavement (COPE-B)
The Cardiac Outcomes and Psychophysiological Effects in Bereavement (COPE-B) is a pilot study aimed at examining how bereavement-related distress impacts daily affective and autonomic reactivity among individuals who have lost a spouse or long-term cohabitating partner. The study combines ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and affective responses in real-time, within participants’ natural environments. Over the course of a 7-day monitoring period, participants respond to brief EMA prompts about their experiences and emotions throughout the day. These responses are paired with high-resolution ECG data to examine how the body and mind react to moments identified as stressful.
Health Effects After Loss (HEAL)
The Health Effects After Loss (HEAL) study was designed with the purpose of examining the association between spousal bereavement and mental and physical health in the first year following the loss of partner. Participants completed an in-person visit which included the collection of blood samples, anthropometric measures, functional outcomes and psychosocial questionnaires. With the data gathered in this study, we hope to develop tailored and effective interventions to improve the lives of grieving spouses and their families.
This study was funded by the Northwestern University Claude D. Pepper Older American’s Independence Center (P30AG059988) and is not actively recruiting participants.
REST to Overcome loss and REduce Risk (RESTore)
The REST to Overcome loss and REduce Risk (RESTore) recruited bereaved spouses with sleep disturbances. Participants were randomized to a 6-session targeted intervention aimed at reducing sleep disturbances or a 1-session sleep hygiene intervention. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention as well as preliminary effects of the intervention on sleep disturbances, quality of life and inflammation.
This study was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (K01HL149987) and is not actively recruiting participants.
