Social Relationships and Physical Health: The Impact of Biological and Cultural Factors

SEARCH (Social Experiences and Relationships on Cross-Cultural Health) Study: The major aim of the project is to examine the cultural and biological factors that shape health among ethnically diverse young adult college students at one of the largest Hispanic serving institutions in the US. Although there is growing literature that suggests that social relationships (like "receiving support") can "get under the skin" to affect physical health, less is known about how providing support affects health among ethnic minority groups who may place greater value on social and family obligation. This pilot experimental study will examine how providing support affects physiological systems associated with health among college students from diverse backgrounds.