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Affective experiences, such as emotions, stress, pain, and mood, are an important, integral, and ubiquitous part of daily life.

The Affective Science and Psychophysiology Lab aims to understand these affective processes, ways to regulate them, and their impact on psychological and physical health.

Recent News & Publications

  • Dr. Guevarra is accepting graduate students for the 2024-2025 cycle

    Dr. Darwin Guevarra is reviewing graduate student applications for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Click the button below for details about what he looks for in a graduate student. If you have any questions, please feel free to email him at [email protected].

    View Grad Apps

  • New paper testing remotely administered non-deceptive placebos regulating distress

    We found that non-deceptive placebos administered remotely reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in people experiencing prolonged stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over two weeks, participants reported improvements in mental health, highlighting the feasibility and effectiveness of this low-effort intervention.

    View Publication

  • New paper examining the relationship between vaccine-related mindsets and post-vaccination response

    We found that vaccine mindsets are linked to less stress and sadness and more happiness. Positive vaccine, efficacy, and body-response mindset are linked to fewer side effects. Vaccine side effects mindset are associated with better immune response. These findings suggest that fostering positive vaccine mindsets not only enhances the vaccination experience but potentially boosts immune responses.

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  • New chapter reviewing how to use placebo effects in emotion regulation

    We provide a review on how placebo effects, both traditional and non-deceptive, can be used in emotion regulation. We discuss placebo effects and their mechanisms. We then review evidence of placebos regulating emotions. We discuss the ethical dilemma in using placebos to regulate emotions and highlight work on placebos without deception. Lastly, we discuss basic science and translational application questions and suggest directions for future research.

    View Publication

  • How your mindset could affect your response to vaccines

    Stanford Report, August 2024

    Read Article

  • MSU study finds placebos reduce stress, anxiety and depression

    MSU Today, Aug 2024

    Read Article

  • Can Little Steps Lead to Big Joy?

    Greater Good Magazine, Nov 2023

    Read Article