our research
We Believe in Science
Our country has a history of using science to address complex social problems. We believe science is the key to addressing the public health crisis of childhood adversity and lifelong stressor exposure to help ensure everyone in our communities can thrive. Using a Precision Medicine approach, our research employs cutting-edge tools to identify processes that can be targeted to reduce toxic stress effects and increase personalized resilience in California.
Precision Medicine
Traditional modes of healthcare delivery have used a “one-size-fits-all” approach, leading to effective treatments for some patients but not for everyone. Precision Medicine, on the other hand, is an innovative approach that takes into account individual differences in peoples’ genes, environments, and lifestyles. It gives medical professionals the resources they need to select tailored treatments for illnesses that people experience. It also helps to further develop our scientific and medical research to keep our families healthier.
Stress & Resilience Study
Phase 1: Quantify Lifetime Stress Burden and Examine Mechanisms Linking ACEs and Health
We will measure the total lifetime stress burden of 800 adults across California. In addition, we will examine how prior life stressor exposure and current stress levels are associated with differences in health outcomes for all participants at baseline.
Phase 2: Reduce ACEs-Related Health Inequities by Developing and Testing a CAL STAR Intervention
The CAL STAR Intervention will use core components from trauma and resilience research to target five stress-related domains: perceived stress, social relationships/ connectedness, diet, sleep, and exercise. Four hundred high stress exposure participants from Phase 1 will participate in the CAL STAR Intervention, which will use coach-assisted personalized interventions to target patients’ most dysregulated stress domain.
