2024-2025

An Investigation of Social Relationships and Their Role in Buffering Stress and Improving Cognition

Mentor: Dr. Ian McDonough - Binghamton University

Project Overview: My mentor and I investigated the interactions between social relationships, including marriage and dog ownership, stress, and cognition.  We researched if marriage and dog ownership alleviated the negative effects of stress on cognition and if these relationships acted as a buffer for both males and females.  This study aimed to determine interactions involved in preventing cognitive decline while promoting better cognitive performance.  Similarly, the purpose of this project was to discover ways to reduce stress in hopes of then preventing the risk of dementia and worsening cognition.