Sarah Pressman is a Professor of Psychological Science and an Associate Dean in the Division of Undergraduate Education at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on the interplay between stress, psychological well-being, and health, with a focus on the physiological processes and behaviors that underlie these associations.
Contact Information
Sarah D. Pressman, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology
Associate Dean of Student Success, Division of Undergraduate Education
Psychological Science Office: 4322 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway
pressman@uci.edu
Key Research Area
Stress, Positive Emotions, Physiological Pathways (e.g., endocrine, cardiovascular), Health Psychology, Facial Expression, Social Relationships, Positive Health Behaviors (e.g., vacation, sleep)
Professional Bio
My research examines the role that positive emotions, positive behaviors, and other well-being/mental health factors play in influencing stress and health outcomes. I am especially interested in exactly how these positive factors “get under the skin” to influence our well-being and protect us against the harmful effects of stress. Pathways that I have examined include physiological processes such as stress hormone reactivity, cardiovascular response, immune system change, as well as health behaviors like sleeping, exercise, and other leisure activities. I am also interested in whether positive states and traits are associated with an improved ability to handle stress, both from a psychological and a physiological standpoint. Our lab also explores markers of well-being outside of self-report as predictors of health. For example, computerized word encoding of writing, or positive facial emotion expression (e.g., smiling) as alternative, unobtrusive methods of understanding individual differences. More recently, my work has focused on the importance of positive energy restoration (e.g., via vacations and sleep), as well as trying to understand the concept of vigor.
Education
Post Doctoral Fellowship in Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
MS and PhD in Social, Personality & Health Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
BSc (honors) in Biopsychology, Mount Allison University
The STEP (STress, Emotion, & Physical health) Laboratory
Looking to join the Pressman lab? We are always eager to find intelligent and hard-working students to volunteer (currently we have no open paid lab positions). You can find more information and the application to apply at the lab website. http://sarahpressman.wixsite.com/ucisteplab
Volunteers are admitted on a rolling basis (as opportunities open up). If you are looking for specific research experience opportunities or into certain projects, feel free to reach out to graduate students listed on the lab website to relay your interest in their projects. We do not take non-UCI students into the lab because of the need to prioritize our many psych science majors.
Prospective Graduate Students
I will be considering taking a new PhD student next year. Interviews are typically in January with a common application deadline of December 1. You can learn more about our PhD program in Psychological Science here . You can find more information on our FAQ website. I do not typically meet/interview with students before they are officially invited for a program interview, but feel free to reach out to my graduate students (listed on the lab website above) or myself with specific questions about our lab. You can find information on my current projects on the laboratory website as well as an updated vita here with my recent publications.