Workshop Description:

This workshop will examine the role that positive emotions and social relationships play in influencing stress and health outcomes – in particular, how these factors “get under the skin” to influence our well-being. Pathways that will be discussed include physiological processes such as stress hormone reactivity, cardiovascular response, immune system change, as well as health behaviours like sleeping, exercise, and other leisure activities. This workshop will also discuss the role of these positive psychosocial factors in buffering the detrimental effects of stress. For example, the extent to which happiness and other positive measures are associated with an improved ability to handle stress, both from a psychological and physiological standpoint. This workshop will include didactic content as well as interactive exercises and group discussions.