Starting May 2000 we have been functioning as the Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center (PMBC-I) dedicated to: a) understanding shared psychological, behavioral, and psychobiological pathways that contribute to the onset of and recovery from diverse physical illnesses; and b) providing a training resource locally and nationally regarding mind-body relationships and health. We are now proposing to continue PMBC-II for an additional five years through the """"""""Mind-Body Interactions and Health: Research Infrastructure Program (RFA OB-03- 004)"""""""". Based upon our accumulated research experience and accomplishments of the last 3 years, we intend to evaluate further the shared pathways model guiding our PMBC-I work in three ways: 1) unpacking key relevant concepts in the model, decomposing them and subjecting them to more micro-level analysis; 2) testing the influence of the life course on the pathways; and 3) extending the shared pathways model to diseases not already studied in PMBC-I. To carry out this work, we will have 5 research cores that will function in an orchestrated fashion: (A) Data Management and Statistical Resources; (B) Psychosocial and Health Behavior Assessment; (C) Sleep Assessment and Resources; and (D) Biological and Biomedical Measurement. To continue our research development and training mission, we will establish three infrastructure components: Innovative Pilot Research; Faculty Development; and Summer Institutes. Addressing the first aim of PMBC-II, an R01-like project (Stress and Brain Pathways to Reactivity) examines the central nervous system underpinning of cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress. The significance of PMBC-II rests upon the realization that many of the key mind-body concepts may be similar across diseases; that there is no home in mainstream health research for cross-disease research because of the specificity of most funding agencies; and that there is a potential for a multiplier effect from understanding shared pathways for explicating other diseases not directly part of the PMBC work. The infrastructure provided by PMBC-II will serve to integrate and promote research on the themes and research questions that the Center is designed to address. Support-in-kind from the host institutions will enable us to leverage the funds provided by the RFA to expand Center activities that would not otherwise be possible.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 135 publications
