Growing evidence suggests that diet plays an important role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary patterns can influence metabolic health, inflammation, and gut physiology, which in turn may affect brain function. Alterations in lipid metabolism, adipose tissue structure, and intestinal integrity have been linked to systemic physiological changes associated with neurodegenerative disease risk.
The present study examined how different dietary patterns influence peripheral tissues involved in metabolic and gastrointestinal regulation. C57BL/6J mouse were exposed to three diets representing distinct nutritional profiles: a Mediterranean diet, a Typical American diet, and a Standard laboratory diet used as a control condition. To evaluate potential systemic effects of these diets, the study focused on a set of peripheral tissue markers associated with metabolic and intestinal function. Following dietary exposure, morphological changes were evaluated in selected tissues using histological analysis.
Diet exposure produced notable differences across the tissues examined depending on the diet. In the liver, animals exposed to the high-fat Typical American diet showed increased hepatic lipid droplet accumulation, indicating greater fat deposition within hepatocytes. Such changes may reflect alterations in lipid metabolism and metabolic regulation. In white adipose tissue, adipocytes displayed increased cell size, suggesting adipocyte hypertrophy commonly associated with metabolic stress.
Alterations were also observed in the gastrointestinal system. In the small intestine, mice showed reduced villi length and a lower number of goblet cells. These structures are essential for nutrient absorption and mucosal protection, and their reduction may indicate changes in intestinal barrier function. Because intestinal health is closely linked to brain function through the gut–brain axis, these alterations may have broader implications for neurological health.
Together, these findings suggest that dietary patterns can induce structural changes in peripheral tissues involved in metabolism and intestinal physiology. Although these markers represent only a subset of the many factors associated with neurodegenerative disease, they provide measurable indicators of systemic changes that may contribute to processes related to Alzheimer’s disease risk.

The term helicopter parenting (i.e., parents’ over-involvement in the lives of their child) has been used to describe parents who exercise increased involvement and control over their child and is mostly regarded as developmentally inappropriate for emerging adults (Kouros et al., 2017; Padilla-Walker & Nelson, 2012). The association between helicopter parenting and poorer relationship satisfaction in college students has recently been observed (Jiao et al., 2024). Interparental conflict has been associated with poor relationship quality in emerging adults (Parade et al., 2012; Singh & Thomas, 2023). In addition, studies have indicated that interparental conflict and helicopter parenting predict negative attachment characteristics in children (Laurent et al., 2008; Miller et al., 2024). The goal of the current study was to examine the associations between helicopter parenting, interparental conflict, and parenting warmth on college students’ relationship satisfaction. An additional goal of the current study was to examine the extent to which negative attachment-related behaviors (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) explain these associations.

Participants included 413 undergraduate students in a romantic relationship who were enrolled in psychology courses across two private universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Students completed a series of questionnaires through an online survey platform in exchange for course credit. Measures used for the current study included the Consolidated Helicopter Parenting Scale (CHPS; Schiffrin et al., 2019), the Conflict Properties subscale of the Children's Perception of the Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC; Grych et al., 1992), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI; Parker et al., 1979), the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR; Miller et al., 2024), and the Couples Satisfaction index (CSI; Funk & Rogge, 2007).

A structural regression model was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) in MPlus (Muthén & Muthén, 2017) to examine the associations between relationship satisfaction and parenting behaviors as well as interparental conflict mediated by level of attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. Significant negative associations were observed between relationship satisfaction and conflict properties (b = -.09 (SE = .05), p = .050), and level of attachment-related anxiety (b = -.19 (SE = .05), p ≤ .001) and avoidance (b = -.49 (SE = .04), p ≤ .001). Direct associations between relationship satisfaction and helicopter parenting as well as parental warmth were non-significant (ps ≥ .206). Significant positive associations were observed between attachment-related anxiety and helicopter parenting (b = .33 (SE = .05), p ≤ .001) and conflict properties (b = .17 (SE = .05), p = .001). Helicopter parenting was positively associated with attachment-related avoidance (b = .19 (SE = .05), p ≤ .001). All other effects were non-significant, ps ≥ .119.

Findings of the current study indicate that helicopter parenting behaviors increase negative attachment-related behaviors (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) in college students, which, in turn, decreases their relationship satisfaction with their current romantic partner. Interparental conflict negatively impacts college students’ relationship satisfaction. Parental warmth does not impact college students’ attachment-related behaviors or their relationship satisfaction. A strength of the current study is a large sample size well-powered for conducted analyses. Limitations include use of self-report measures and a non-representative sample as most participants were White females. Future research should examine these associations over time as well as include the use of observational measures. Clinicians working with college students with helicopter parenting and interparental conflict experiences should implement interventions designed to strengthen positive attachment-related behaviors.

Resilience is the ability to cope with and overcome difficulties. Childhood traumatic events can undermine resilience by disrupting emotion regulation, coping skills, social connectedness, and self-esteem, thereby reducing an individual's ability to cope effectively. A commonly used metric for assessing these events is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which examines exposure to abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. One way to increase resilience is through a secure attachment to a caregiver. However, if an individual lacks a secure attachment to their caregiver, supportive relationships, such as natural mentors (NM; kin, non-kin, helping professionals), can also foster resilience. The present study examines whether having a NM is associated with higher resilience, while accounting for adverse experiences and insecure attachment to primary caregivers. Approximately 300 TCU students will be recruited to complete an online survey assessing ACEs, resilience, attachment to their caregiver, and any prior relationship with a NM. Descriptive analyses, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression will be conducted to examine associations. Descriptive analyses will examine the prevalence of all variables. Individuals with different types of NM mentors are expected to report different levels of resilience. Additionally, individuals with a NM are expected to demonstrate greater resilience when accounting for ACEs. Finally, the presence of NMs is expected to be associated with greater resilience compared to individuals without a mentor, even after controlling for insecure attachment. Data collection will begin in March 2026 and continue throughout the month, with results and implications being presented at the conference.

Cytokines are a protein involved in the body’s inflammatory response to pathogen threats (Danzter, 2001), and there is evidence that long-term oral contraceptive use can increase generalized inflammation (Mongiovi et al., 2025). Sickness symptoms are related to higher cytokine levels (Dantzer & Kelley, 2007), and further research found that participants who experienced more sick effects (injection-site soreness, fatigue, muscle aches, etc.) post-flu shot showed higher cytokine levels than those with less intense sick effects (Christian et al., 2015). We wanted to know if there is a difference in post-flu shot cytokines levels and sick symptoms between naturally cycling women vs. women on hormonal birth control (HBC)/ We also wanted to know if there is a relationship between phase of menstrual cycle and levels of inflammation after a flu shot. To answer these questions, we recruited 47 women from the TCU flu-clinic. The morning after their flu shot, participants gave a blood-spot samples (stored on Whatman 903 protein saver cards), completed a survey on their HBC use, menstrual cycle phase, GRIT, mood and feelings, and sick symptoms. The data are currently undergoing multi-variate analysis, where birth control use (naturally cycling vs. HBC use) and menstrual cycle phase are the predictor variables, and cytokine levels, sick symptoms, GRIT, and mood and feelings are the dependent variables. Blood spot samples will be analyzed in May 2026 using Mesoscale Discovery V-Plex assay kits. We expect to find a relationship between HBC use and cytokine levels, and sick symptoms and cytokine levels. We also expect to find a relationship between HBC use and GRIT, mood and feelings, and sick symptoms. We do not have any expected outcomes for the relationship between menstrual cycle phase, cytokines levels, and sick symptoms, as this research is exploratory.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies experience intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts and images that elevate anxiety. These tendencies could potentially influence time perception, which is the subjective experience of time passage. Time scarcity is the feeling that you don’t have enough time to complete tasks. In contrast, time affluence is the feeling that you have more than adequate time to complete tasks. Research has shown that time affluence is positively associated with meaning in life, while time scarcity has a negative association with meaning of life. This study examines how OCD tendencies influence the relationship between time perception and meaning in life. Participants (N = 360) were recruited from Prolific and were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 conditions (i.e., time scarcity, time affluence, vs. control). Following the completion of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to measure OCD traits, participants underwent a manipulation by reading a vignette that primed them about the tightness or openness of time in a work environment. After the manipulation, participants completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. This research will guide future work on how time-scarce or time-affluent environments affect OCD symptomology.

Stigma is a pervasive issue in society, with stigmatizing language describing individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) negatively impacting coping effectiveness, treatment-seeking, and interpersonal relationships (Luoma et al., 2008). Previous research has found that labeling individuals with SUD is associated with public fear and desire for minimal social contact (Link et al., 1999). Additionally, stigmatization of this population has been associated with reduced support for public health policy and greater support for punitive policies (Kennedy-Hendricks et al., 2017). The current study examined whether the language used to describe an individual with SUD affects perceptions of social distance and support for treatment. Community members in Tarrant County were approached in public areas and invited to participate in a survey regarding individuals with SUD. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of two different vignettes written in either person-first language or stigmatizing language, then completed survey questions via tablet or QR code. We hypothesize that participants reading stigmatized language will report greater desired social distance from the individual with SUD and display less support for treatment engagement. These findings would suggest that efforts to reduce stigmatizing language in public discourse, such as media campaigns, healthcare training, and policy reform, are critical to fostering more supportive attitudes toward treatment and recovery for individuals with SUD.

Eighty percent of Americans feel like they "never have enough time." This phenomenon is referred to as time scarcity, or the feeling that we do not have enough time to do all that we want. According to Self Determination Theory, people need to feel like they can act in accordance to their values (autonomy), are able to master their environment (competence), and connect with others (relatedness) in order to thrive. It is hypothesized that when time feels restricted, our sense of autonomy,  competence, and relatedness is reduced. This study examines how time scarcity affects our meaning in life through the mediation of basic psychological needs. Two-hundred and thirty-six participants completed an online survey about time scarcity, time affluence, basic psychological needs, and meaning in life. Parallel mediation analyses reveal that time scarcity reduces autonomy and competence, which in turn reduces meaning if life, while time affluences increases autonomy and competence, which in turn increases meaning in life.

Throughout history, pathogens have posed a major threat to human survival. In response, humans have developed both physiological and behavioral defense mechanisms, including the immune system, which helps combat infections. Disgust serves as a crucial defense, preparing the body for exposure to potential pathogens before they enter the body. Since internal state changes redirect energy toward immune activity and healing, inflammatory responses may also influence willingness to exert effort in various contexts. This study examines how disgust affects effort exertion for rewards or to avoid costs. We hypothesize that disgust increases inflammation, which in turn reduces willingness to exert effort. We propose that this shift is driven by energy conservation due to an inflammatory response, rather than a reduced desire for rewards or avoidance of costs. Participants will be exposed to disgust-inducing stimuli while inflammatory markers (core body temperature, heart rate, and blood cytokines) are measured. Their willingness to exert effort for rewards or to avoid costs will also be assessed. Findings may offer insights into adaptive decision-making, clarifying how an immune response triggered by disgust impacts motivation and effort allocation. 

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to the fear of bodily sensations typically associated with physiological arousal. High AS is a transdiagnostic predictor of poor mental health outcomes, such as panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and overall functional impairment. Individuals with high AS may exhibit body hypervigilance, and in turn, be more likely to experience psychosomatic symptoms. A State of Surrender (SoS) refers to one's ability to accept what is to come without resistance and relinquish control. It has been associated with greater well-being, and preliminary data suggests it is negatively associated to anxiety and AS, mediated by distress tolerance. To further test this, we will recruit individuals on Prolific and randomly assign them to either a surrender-based meditation protocol or a control condition. We will measure functional somatic symptoms, trait anxiety, distress tolerance, self-efficacy, and anxiety sensitivity. We predict that individuals in the experimental condition will endorse less AS, mediated by self-reported SoS. We also predict that the effect will be greater for individuals with more somatic symptoms. Findings will suggest further exploration of acceptance-based treatment for individuals with high AS and other psychosomatic complaints.

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period marked by increased independence, elevated social stress, and heightened susceptibility to mental health challenges. While digital device use is deeply embedded in their daily lives, its dynamic relationship with physiological functioning and mental health remains scare. Traditional retrospective self-reports cannot capture the objective, real-time, and complicate interactions between these factors. With the Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and passive sensing techniques, we can overcome these obstacles and reveal the interactions between these factors in daily life.
This prospective, observational study aims to investigate the associations between phone use, physiological functioning, and mental health wellbeing among college students. Specifically, we aim to: 1) identify smartphone usage and physiological functions associated with between-person differences in mental health symptoms; 2) evaluate concurrent associations between individuals’ smartphone usage, physiological functions, and mental health symptoms; and 3) evaluate the time-lagged, mediating pathways of physiological functions (sleep duration and HRV) between smartphone use and next-day mental health symptoms.
We propose the recruitment of 100 undergraduate students aged 18-22 for a 28-day intensive longitudinal study. At baseline, participants will complete demographics survey and a series of assessments regarding their mental health. After the study takes place as physiological function (e.g., blood pressure, HRV, sleep quality, etc.) will be continuously measured via wearable devices Garmin Vivoactive Smartwatch. Digital behavior will also be measured via AWARE framework app installed and activated in the background of participants’ smartphones to passively record screen time and app use patterns. EMA will be provided 3 times a day (9am, 1pm, 6pm) to capture participants’ daily mental health. At the end of the 28-day period, a post-study assessment will re-administer mental health measures to evaluate change over time.
We anticipate specific digital and physiological patterns in distinguishing individuals' symptoms. First, at the between-person level, higher average daily screen time and greater evening smartphone use will be associated with elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms, while better physiological functioning, such as higher HRV and sleep quality, will be associated with alleviated depressive and anxiety symptoms. Second, at the within-person, concurrent level, days characterized by increased smartphone use and lower HRV will associate with higher stress and negative affect. Third we hypothesize a significant time-lagged mediation that elevated social media use will predict HRV and disrupted sleep, which in turn will prospectively predict (acute stress, negative affect, and depressive level) the following day.
Such findings will inform the development of scalable, data-driven models for early risk detection and support the creation of just-in-time intervention strategies to improve mental health outcomes for college students.