Study design

Selection and consenting: Individuals between the ages of 40 and 65 from randomly selected households in 40 Phoenix area census tracts are eligible to participate. Individuals who agree to participate are consented in person at their home by the Institute for Social Science Research.

Mental health and life history: Graduate students in clinical psychology interview participants about their psychological and life history.

Social, cultural, and personality variables: Participants fill out four questionnaire booklets to assess social environment and networks, living situation and environment, and personality variables. 

Health history and health behaviors: In a visit to participant's homes, a certified phlebotomist takes a health history, physiological assessments including blood pressure, heart rate variability, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and hand grip strength and draws about 4 tablespoons of blood. 

Controlled laboratory assessment: Some participants are randomly assigned to do an additional lab procedure in which they participate in two standardized stress tasks. Physiological and emotional responses to the tasks are assessed.

Daily experiences: Participants who complete the lab complete brief daily questionnaires about their interpersonal and health related events each night for 30 days using a loaned laptop computer.

If you are interested in multiple positions, please fill out an application for each position.