How does stress affect the aging process? How can we reverse the damage of chronic stress that plagues so many people today? Stress, whether we like it or not, is a part of life. However, scientists now know that chronic stress can speed up the aging process by damaging our DNA. While this sounds distressing, we are learning that how someone copes with stress can alter how it affects our bodies. One of Dr. Jasmeet Hayes’ research areas is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through her research, she has found that those with PTSD have alterations in their brain structure and function. In this study, we would like to assess how stress, differences in stress, and responses to stress affect other outcomes, especially in relation to aging. Participants will undergo psychological assessments to measure stress as accurately as possible. By using a longitudinal study design, we can see how stress affects our participants in the short-term and long-term.
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