European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 2021
COVID-19 has brought not only fear and anxiety, but also legitimate restrictions of communication... more COVID-19 has brought not only fear and anxiety, but also legitimate restrictions of communication and consequential touch-deprivation in our daily lives. Couples’ relational wellbeing continues to be impacted by these COVID-19 related stressors. Protecting both personal and relational wellbeing is therefore particularly important at this time. Using a preventative intervention approach, the current paper argues the theoretical benefit of the Positive Massage programme and reports a qualitative analysis of stressed but healthy couples’ experience of engaging in the programme. Thirty-four participants completed 3 weekly classes and home-based practice of massage exchange. Data from an open text online questionnaire completed every week of the programme and again 3 weeks afterwards were analysed using thematic analysis. The identified themes included “holistic stress relief”, “relationship-promotion”, and “selves-care skill”. Couples perceived Positive Massage as an effective mutual su...
Background and aims The current study aimed to assess how sports bettors respond to advertised be... more Background and aims The current study aimed to assess how sports bettors respond to advertised bets on social media and whether this differs dependent upon bet complexity and social media account type. Methods Employing a 3 × 2 repeated measures design, 145 regular football bettors were recruited to take part in an online study requiring them to rate bets advertised upon social media, providing indications of their likelihood to bet, confidence in the bet and how much they would stake on the bet. Advertised bets differed in terms of complexity (low, medium and high) and each bet was presented separately on both an operator account and an affiliate account. Results Data analysis highlighted a significant interaction between bet complexity and account type, with bettors rating themselves as being more likely to bet and more confident in bets which were presented on an affiliate account for medium complexity bets but not for low or high complexity bets. Discussion and conclusions This ...
The growing awareness of gambling as a public health issue, whereby harm extends far beyond an in... more The growing awareness of gambling as a public health issue, whereby harm extends far beyond an individual disordered gambler (Wardle, Reith, Langham, & Rogers, 2019), has led to an increased focus ...
International Journal of Psychological Studies, 2018
Objectives The aim was to develop a quantitative tool to measure perceived motivators and barrier... more Objectives The aim was to develop a quantitative tool to measure perceived motivators and barriers to exercise amongst older adults in order to facilitate the development of bespoke interventions. Methods Focus groups conducted with participants over the age of 65 informed the initial development of a 56-item Motivators and Barriers Questionnaire (MBQ). This was administered to a second sample of 72 sedentary and active older adults (65 to 90 years). Results Principle components analysis resulted in five factors defined as motivators to exercise and six factors representing barriers to exercise. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the model as assessed by RMSEA criteria. Discussion These findings suggest that the MBQ may help to identify an individual’s ‘profile’ of motivators and barriers to exercise, and so inform personalized interventions that might successfully increase activity levels in adults over 65 years of age when compared to standardised appro...
This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage on... more This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage on wellbeing in healthy but stressed couples. Forty-two volunteers started the study and of these, 38 (i.e. 19 couples) completed a 3-week massage course. Emotional stress and mental clarity were assessed before and after mutual massage between each pair of adults belonging to a couple at home. While massage benefitted both parties’ wellbeing within a session, critically we found no differences in wellbeing between those ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage. These novel findings suggest that home-based massage may be advocated to couples as a ‘selves-care’, health-promoting behaviour.
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2019
Objective: This study aimed to identify if a limited duration inhalation of BOOST Oxygen Beauty® ... more Objective: This study aimed to identify if a limited duration inhalation of BOOST Oxygen Beauty® would impact on blood oxygen saturation levels, and whether any observed effect would be reflected in changes to facial skin colour and tone. Methods: Ten white female participants completed this randomised double-blind placebo controlled crossover study. Each participant was free from any make-up, and provided baseline measures of haemoglobin saturation, and facial skin colour and tone based on the CIE L* a* b* colour space. Five deep inhalations from the oxygen product or air placebo canister were then taken and second readings of all variables recorded. This process was repeated three times. Following a ten-minute rest period new baseline measures were made followed by a repeat of the procedure for the second treatment canister. Results: Data were analysed using factorial repeated measures analysis of variance (Anova). A significant treatment * time point interaction effect indicated an increase in blood oxygen saturation for the oxygen treatment, p = 0.007, whereas no change was found in the placebo condition. Significant differences were found between the treatments for measurements of red following inhalation, p = 0.033, with oxygen inhalation producing higher levels. In addition, a significant treatment * time point interaction effect was evident for the blue b* dimension, p = 0.009, with oxygen inhalation producing lower values than placebo over time. Individual Typology Angle values revealed no change following oxygen treatment, indicating skin tone was not affected. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that inhalation of a branded oxygen beauty product can significantly impact blood oxygen saturation, and facial colour, producing a redder hue. The potential for these changes to predict ratings of health, attractiveness and age is an interesting prospect.
Both supplemental glucose and oxygen administration can improve aspects of cognitive performance.... more Both supplemental glucose and oxygen administration can improve aspects of cognitive performance. Previous research has established that more effortful cognitive processing results in reductions in peripheral blood glucose. We hypothesized that a similar phenomenon may be evident when measuring blood oxygen levels. This double-blind, placebo (air)-controlled, crossover study examined the effects of 100% oxygen administration and mental effort on heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. In counterbalanced order, twenty participants performed tasks where cognitive demand was relatively high (Serial Sevens) and relatively low (counting upwards) under conditions of normoxia and hyperoxia. Oxygen saturation and heart rates were comonitored using a pulse oximeter. Oxygen administration was associated with significantly fewer errors during Serial Sevens and the generation of more responses during counting. Both hyperoxia and heart rate were differentially affected by gas and task. Following oxygen inspiration, transient hyperoxia decayed significantly more rapidly during Serial Sevens than during the counting task. In the air condition, blood oxygen levels were raised during Serial Sevens compared with counting. The opposite effects were observed for heart rate. These results suggest that, following oxygen inspiration, a high cognitive load results in measurable uptake of circulating oxygen. This is likely to involve somatic and central processes.
Background: The use of herbal extracts and supplements to enhance health and wellbeing is increas... more Background: The use of herbal extracts and supplements to enhance health and wellbeing is increasing in western society. Aims: This study investigated the impact of the acute ingestion of a commercially available water containing an extract and hydrolat of rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L. syn. Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.). Aspects of cognitive functioning, mood and cerebrovascular response measured by near-infrared spectroscopy provided the dependent variables. Methods: Eighty healthy adults were randomly allocated to consume either 250 mL of rosemary water or plain mineral water. They then completed a series of computerised cognitive tasks, followed by subjective measures of alertness and fatigue. Near-infrared spectroscopy monitored levels of total, oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin at baseline and throughout the cognitive testing procedure. Results: Analysis of the data revealed a number of statistically significant, small, beneficial effects of rosemary water on cogniti...
This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive... more This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. A single factor independent groups design was employed. One hundred and eighty undergraduate students volunteered to take part in the study for which they received course credit. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea or hot water (Control). Mood scales were completed and participants then consumed their drink over a ten minute period and rested for twenty minutes. Cognitive performance was assessed using a tailored version of The Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment system. Post testing mood scales were then completed. Data were analysed using independent groups ANOVAs followed by Tukey post hoc comparisons. The analysis revealed that Peppermint tea significantly improved long term memory and speed of memory compared to both Chamomile and control treatments. C...
This study investigated the effect of the aroma of lavender essential oil on levels of salivary c... more This study investigated the effect of the aroma of lavender essential oil on levels of salivary cortisol and self-reported mood following completion of a psychologically stressful Multi-Tasking Framework (MTF) that comprises a number of cognitive and psychomotor performance measures. Using a repeated measures design, thirteen volunteers were exposed to lavender aroma and no aroma in a counterbalanced design. During each testing session participants performed the MTF for 10 minutes. Change in self reported levels of alertness, calmness and contentedness were assessed using the Bond-Lader visual analogue scales. Samples of saliva were collected before and after completion of the MTF and assayed for cortisol levels. Data analysis revealed that in comparison to the no aroma control, lavender ameliorated increases in the level of salivary cortisol induced following completion of the MTF. However, lavender aroma did not impact upon changes in self reported mood, or perceptions of how taxing the task was. Performance on the MTF as measured by total score obtained was not found to be affected significantly, although the effect size found was of the order reported previously for the impact of lavender on cognition.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify if prospective memory performance might be facilitated b... more Objectives: This study aimed to identify if prospective memory performance might be facilitated by peppermint aroma and if any effects observed were associated with changes in self-reported mood. Design: A one-factor independent groups design was employed in this study. Prospective memory performance was assessed in either peppermint aroma or no aroma conditions. Self-reported mood was recorded prior to and after completion of the prospective memory assessment. Methods: 90 healthy adult volunteers took part in the study and were randomly allocated to one of the two conditions. Peppermint aroma was produced by diffusing four drops of the essential oil of Mentha x pierita in one of two testing rooms prior to testing. Participants completed the first mood scale prior to entering the testing room. All participants then completed the CAMPROMPT test of prospective memory (Pearson UK) in one of the testing rooms, and finally the second mood scale. Data from the CAMPROMPT were analysed usin...
International Journal of Psychological Studies, 2015
Aims: Alcohol use and intoxication have been widely linked with the incidence of crime and antiso... more Aims: Alcohol use and intoxication have been widely linked with the incidence of crime and antisocial behaviour. Reduced risk perception following alcohol consumption has been proposed as a possible reason for why people take part in such activities. This study aimed to identify if "intention to act" and "perception of risk" were similarly or differentially affected by alcohol consumed in a natural environment. Furthermore the relationship between amount consumed and degree of impact was investigated. Design: A single factor independent groups design was employed. Participants: 60 participants aged 18-23 were recruited. Measures: Participants indicated their likelihood of engagement in a range of acts, and stated how risky they thought each behaviour was via a questionnaire. Findings: Data analysis revealed a significant effect of alcohol group on reported likelihood of engagement such that likelihood increased with alcohol consumption. However, perceived risk was not subject to any effect, and increased intention to engage in a risky behaviour was not associated with a decreased perception of risk. Conclusions: These results may provide support for an anxiolysis-disinhibition model of alcohol induced risky behaviour. Certainly the data indicate that cognitive appraisal of the behaviours is not impaired or related to increased engagement.
This study was designed to assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender (Lavandu... more This study was designed to assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarlnus officinalis) on cognitive performance and mood in healthy volunteers. One hundred and forty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of three independent groups, and subsequently performed the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerized cognitive assessment battery in a cubicle containing either one of the two odors or no odor (control). Visual analogue mood questionnaires were completed prior to exposure to the odor, and subsequently after completion of the test battery. The participants were deceived as to the genuine aim of the study until the completion of testing to prevent expectancy effects from possibly influencing the data. The outcome variables from the nine tasks that constitute the CDR core battery feed into six factors that represent different aspects of cognitive functioning. Analysis of performance revealed that lavender produced a significant decrement in performance of working memory, and impaired reaction times for both memory and attention based tasks compared to controls. In contrast, rosemary produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors, but also produced an impairment of speed of memory compared to controls. With regard to mood, comparisons of the change in ratings from baseline to post-test revealed that following the completion of the cognitive assessment battery, both the control and lavender groups were significantly less alert than the rosemary condition; however, the control group was significantly less content than both rosemary and lavender conditions. These findings indicate that the olfactory properties of these essential oils can produce objective effects on cognitive performance, as well as subjective effects on mood.
Research that has assessed the psychophysiological consequences of caregiver stress in young and ... more Research that has assessed the psychophysiological consequences of caregiver stress in young and middle aged caregivers, that is, in populations not contending with age associated decline of the endocrine and immune systems, has been scarce and yielded inconsistent findings. To extend work in this area, this study assessed the psychosocial, endocrine and immune consequences of caregiver stress in a cross sectional sample of young and middle aged caregivers of children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared against parents of typically developing children. Caregivers (n=56) and parent controls (n=22) completed measures of psychological distress (perceived stress, anxiety/depression), social support and physical health complaints. To capture important indices of the diurnal cortisol pattern, cortisol was measured at waking, 30 min post waking, 1200 h and 2200 h on two consecutive weekdays. Venous blood was taken to assess systemic concentrations of pr...
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 2021
COVID-19 has brought not only fear and anxiety, but also legitimate restrictions of communication... more COVID-19 has brought not only fear and anxiety, but also legitimate restrictions of communication and consequential touch-deprivation in our daily lives. Couples’ relational wellbeing continues to be impacted by these COVID-19 related stressors. Protecting both personal and relational wellbeing is therefore particularly important at this time. Using a preventative intervention approach, the current paper argues the theoretical benefit of the Positive Massage programme and reports a qualitative analysis of stressed but healthy couples’ experience of engaging in the programme. Thirty-four participants completed 3 weekly classes and home-based practice of massage exchange. Data from an open text online questionnaire completed every week of the programme and again 3 weeks afterwards were analysed using thematic analysis. The identified themes included “holistic stress relief”, “relationship-promotion”, and “selves-care skill”. Couples perceived Positive Massage as an effective mutual su...
Background and aims The current study aimed to assess how sports bettors respond to advertised be... more Background and aims The current study aimed to assess how sports bettors respond to advertised bets on social media and whether this differs dependent upon bet complexity and social media account type. Methods Employing a 3 × 2 repeated measures design, 145 regular football bettors were recruited to take part in an online study requiring them to rate bets advertised upon social media, providing indications of their likelihood to bet, confidence in the bet and how much they would stake on the bet. Advertised bets differed in terms of complexity (low, medium and high) and each bet was presented separately on both an operator account and an affiliate account. Results Data analysis highlighted a significant interaction between bet complexity and account type, with bettors rating themselves as being more likely to bet and more confident in bets which were presented on an affiliate account for medium complexity bets but not for low or high complexity bets. Discussion and conclusions This ...
The growing awareness of gambling as a public health issue, whereby harm extends far beyond an in... more The growing awareness of gambling as a public health issue, whereby harm extends far beyond an individual disordered gambler (Wardle, Reith, Langham, & Rogers, 2019), has led to an increased focus ...
International Journal of Psychological Studies, 2018
Objectives The aim was to develop a quantitative tool to measure perceived motivators and barrier... more Objectives The aim was to develop a quantitative tool to measure perceived motivators and barriers to exercise amongst older adults in order to facilitate the development of bespoke interventions. Methods Focus groups conducted with participants over the age of 65 informed the initial development of a 56-item Motivators and Barriers Questionnaire (MBQ). This was administered to a second sample of 72 sedentary and active older adults (65 to 90 years). Results Principle components analysis resulted in five factors defined as motivators to exercise and six factors representing barriers to exercise. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the model as assessed by RMSEA criteria. Discussion These findings suggest that the MBQ may help to identify an individual’s ‘profile’ of motivators and barriers to exercise, and so inform personalized interventions that might successfully increase activity levels in adults over 65 years of age when compared to standardised appro...
This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage on... more This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage on wellbeing in healthy but stressed couples. Forty-two volunteers started the study and of these, 38 (i.e. 19 couples) completed a 3-week massage course. Emotional stress and mental clarity were assessed before and after mutual massage between each pair of adults belonging to a couple at home. While massage benefitted both parties’ wellbeing within a session, critically we found no differences in wellbeing between those ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage. These novel findings suggest that home-based massage may be advocated to couples as a ‘selves-care’, health-promoting behaviour.
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2019
Objective: This study aimed to identify if a limited duration inhalation of BOOST Oxygen Beauty® ... more Objective: This study aimed to identify if a limited duration inhalation of BOOST Oxygen Beauty® would impact on blood oxygen saturation levels, and whether any observed effect would be reflected in changes to facial skin colour and tone. Methods: Ten white female participants completed this randomised double-blind placebo controlled crossover study. Each participant was free from any make-up, and provided baseline measures of haemoglobin saturation, and facial skin colour and tone based on the CIE L* a* b* colour space. Five deep inhalations from the oxygen product or air placebo canister were then taken and second readings of all variables recorded. This process was repeated three times. Following a ten-minute rest period new baseline measures were made followed by a repeat of the procedure for the second treatment canister. Results: Data were analysed using factorial repeated measures analysis of variance (Anova). A significant treatment * time point interaction effect indicated an increase in blood oxygen saturation for the oxygen treatment, p = 0.007, whereas no change was found in the placebo condition. Significant differences were found between the treatments for measurements of red following inhalation, p = 0.033, with oxygen inhalation producing higher levels. In addition, a significant treatment * time point interaction effect was evident for the blue b* dimension, p = 0.009, with oxygen inhalation producing lower values than placebo over time. Individual Typology Angle values revealed no change following oxygen treatment, indicating skin tone was not affected. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that inhalation of a branded oxygen beauty product can significantly impact blood oxygen saturation, and facial colour, producing a redder hue. The potential for these changes to predict ratings of health, attractiveness and age is an interesting prospect.
Both supplemental glucose and oxygen administration can improve aspects of cognitive performance.... more Both supplemental glucose and oxygen administration can improve aspects of cognitive performance. Previous research has established that more effortful cognitive processing results in reductions in peripheral blood glucose. We hypothesized that a similar phenomenon may be evident when measuring blood oxygen levels. This double-blind, placebo (air)-controlled, crossover study examined the effects of 100% oxygen administration and mental effort on heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. In counterbalanced order, twenty participants performed tasks where cognitive demand was relatively high (Serial Sevens) and relatively low (counting upwards) under conditions of normoxia and hyperoxia. Oxygen saturation and heart rates were comonitored using a pulse oximeter. Oxygen administration was associated with significantly fewer errors during Serial Sevens and the generation of more responses during counting. Both hyperoxia and heart rate were differentially affected by gas and task. Following oxygen inspiration, transient hyperoxia decayed significantly more rapidly during Serial Sevens than during the counting task. In the air condition, blood oxygen levels were raised during Serial Sevens compared with counting. The opposite effects were observed for heart rate. These results suggest that, following oxygen inspiration, a high cognitive load results in measurable uptake of circulating oxygen. This is likely to involve somatic and central processes.
Background: The use of herbal extracts and supplements to enhance health and wellbeing is increas... more Background: The use of herbal extracts and supplements to enhance health and wellbeing is increasing in western society. Aims: This study investigated the impact of the acute ingestion of a commercially available water containing an extract and hydrolat of rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L. syn. Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.). Aspects of cognitive functioning, mood and cerebrovascular response measured by near-infrared spectroscopy provided the dependent variables. Methods: Eighty healthy adults were randomly allocated to consume either 250 mL of rosemary water or plain mineral water. They then completed a series of computerised cognitive tasks, followed by subjective measures of alertness and fatigue. Near-infrared spectroscopy monitored levels of total, oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin at baseline and throughout the cognitive testing procedure. Results: Analysis of the data revealed a number of statistically significant, small, beneficial effects of rosemary water on cogniti...
This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive... more This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. A single factor independent groups design was employed. One hundred and eighty undergraduate students volunteered to take part in the study for which they received course credit. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea or hot water (Control). Mood scales were completed and participants then consumed their drink over a ten minute period and rested for twenty minutes. Cognitive performance was assessed using a tailored version of The Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment system. Post testing mood scales were then completed. Data were analysed using independent groups ANOVAs followed by Tukey post hoc comparisons. The analysis revealed that Peppermint tea significantly improved long term memory and speed of memory compared to both Chamomile and control treatments. C...
This study investigated the effect of the aroma of lavender essential oil on levels of salivary c... more This study investigated the effect of the aroma of lavender essential oil on levels of salivary cortisol and self-reported mood following completion of a psychologically stressful Multi-Tasking Framework (MTF) that comprises a number of cognitive and psychomotor performance measures. Using a repeated measures design, thirteen volunteers were exposed to lavender aroma and no aroma in a counterbalanced design. During each testing session participants performed the MTF for 10 minutes. Change in self reported levels of alertness, calmness and contentedness were assessed using the Bond-Lader visual analogue scales. Samples of saliva were collected before and after completion of the MTF and assayed for cortisol levels. Data analysis revealed that in comparison to the no aroma control, lavender ameliorated increases in the level of salivary cortisol induced following completion of the MTF. However, lavender aroma did not impact upon changes in self reported mood, or perceptions of how taxing the task was. Performance on the MTF as measured by total score obtained was not found to be affected significantly, although the effect size found was of the order reported previously for the impact of lavender on cognition.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify if prospective memory performance might be facilitated b... more Objectives: This study aimed to identify if prospective memory performance might be facilitated by peppermint aroma and if any effects observed were associated with changes in self-reported mood. Design: A one-factor independent groups design was employed in this study. Prospective memory performance was assessed in either peppermint aroma or no aroma conditions. Self-reported mood was recorded prior to and after completion of the prospective memory assessment. Methods: 90 healthy adult volunteers took part in the study and were randomly allocated to one of the two conditions. Peppermint aroma was produced by diffusing four drops of the essential oil of Mentha x pierita in one of two testing rooms prior to testing. Participants completed the first mood scale prior to entering the testing room. All participants then completed the CAMPROMPT test of prospective memory (Pearson UK) in one of the testing rooms, and finally the second mood scale. Data from the CAMPROMPT were analysed usin...
International Journal of Psychological Studies, 2015
Aims: Alcohol use and intoxication have been widely linked with the incidence of crime and antiso... more Aims: Alcohol use and intoxication have been widely linked with the incidence of crime and antisocial behaviour. Reduced risk perception following alcohol consumption has been proposed as a possible reason for why people take part in such activities. This study aimed to identify if "intention to act" and "perception of risk" were similarly or differentially affected by alcohol consumed in a natural environment. Furthermore the relationship between amount consumed and degree of impact was investigated. Design: A single factor independent groups design was employed. Participants: 60 participants aged 18-23 were recruited. Measures: Participants indicated their likelihood of engagement in a range of acts, and stated how risky they thought each behaviour was via a questionnaire. Findings: Data analysis revealed a significant effect of alcohol group on reported likelihood of engagement such that likelihood increased with alcohol consumption. However, perceived risk was not subject to any effect, and increased intention to engage in a risky behaviour was not associated with a decreased perception of risk. Conclusions: These results may provide support for an anxiolysis-disinhibition model of alcohol induced risky behaviour. Certainly the data indicate that cognitive appraisal of the behaviours is not impaired or related to increased engagement.
This study was designed to assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender (Lavandu... more This study was designed to assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarlnus officinalis) on cognitive performance and mood in healthy volunteers. One hundred and forty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of three independent groups, and subsequently performed the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerized cognitive assessment battery in a cubicle containing either one of the two odors or no odor (control). Visual analogue mood questionnaires were completed prior to exposure to the odor, and subsequently after completion of the test battery. The participants were deceived as to the genuine aim of the study until the completion of testing to prevent expectancy effects from possibly influencing the data. The outcome variables from the nine tasks that constitute the CDR core battery feed into six factors that represent different aspects of cognitive functioning. Analysis of performance revealed that lavender produced a significant decrement in performance of working memory, and impaired reaction times for both memory and attention based tasks compared to controls. In contrast, rosemary produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors, but also produced an impairment of speed of memory compared to controls. With regard to mood, comparisons of the change in ratings from baseline to post-test revealed that following the completion of the cognitive assessment battery, both the control and lavender groups were significantly less alert than the rosemary condition; however, the control group was significantly less content than both rosemary and lavender conditions. These findings indicate that the olfactory properties of these essential oils can produce objective effects on cognitive performance, as well as subjective effects on mood.
Research that has assessed the psychophysiological consequences of caregiver stress in young and ... more Research that has assessed the psychophysiological consequences of caregiver stress in young and middle aged caregivers, that is, in populations not contending with age associated decline of the endocrine and immune systems, has been scarce and yielded inconsistent findings. To extend work in this area, this study assessed the psychosocial, endocrine and immune consequences of caregiver stress in a cross sectional sample of young and middle aged caregivers of children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared against parents of typically developing children. Caregivers (n=56) and parent controls (n=22) completed measures of psychological distress (perceived stress, anxiety/depression), social support and physical health complaints. To capture important indices of the diurnal cortisol pattern, cortisol was measured at waking, 30 min post waking, 1200 h and 2200 h on two consecutive weekdays. Venous blood was taken to assess systemic concentrations of pr...
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