Dr. Sarah Pressman

Dr. Pressman & Healing with Happiness

Sarah Pressman is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on the interplay between positive emotions, social relationships, stress, and health, with a focus on the physiological processes that underlie these associations. About her background and research, she writes:

“I received my B.Sc. in Biopsychology at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, Canada (the 19 times #1 small University in Canada!). Next, I completed my MA and Ph.D. in Social and Health Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University. Finally, I completed post doctoral training in Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. I don't really have any spare time these days since I have a young baby, but in my theoretical free time, I like to climb public stairs and take my canine collaborator to the gorgeous Orange County beaches.

Generally, my research examines the role that positive emotions and other positive factors play in influencing stress and health outcomes. I am especially interested in exactly how these factors “get under the skin” to influence our well-being and protect us against the harmful effects of stress…. For example, I am interested in whether happiness is associated with an improved ability to handle stress, both from a psychological and a physiological standpoint.”

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What is Your Happiness Level?

To the left, Dr. Pressman talks about positive psychology and how our understanding of happiness contributes to health psychology and general well-being. Once you're finished watching, head this way to complete three scales that Dr. Pressman has used in her research: the Perceived Stress Scale, Hostility Quiz, and Positivity Quiz.

To answer the questions, you'll need to save a copy of the spreadsheet to your Google Drive. Then you can mark your answers with an 'x' in the correct box. Free bonus -- you'll have the questions available if you ever want to come back later and see if your scores have changed!

Reflection Question #1

What do your scores tell you about the stress in your life? Did any of the questions make you think differently about your stress, hostility, or positivity? (Note: You don’t have to report your scores if you’d rather not, but you should talk about what you’ve learned about yourself from completing the scales.)

Reflection Question #2

Do you think the scales match up with the stress/hostility/positivity as discussed by the researchers? If you were using this research and these scales to help a friend or family member manage their stress, how would you go about it?

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