WSU, Institute of Gerontology Fall 2024 Colloquia Series is pleased to present:

Pathways from Social Connection to Health among Older African American Adults

by

Katherine Knauft, PhD
Post-Doc Fellow
Institute of Gerontology & Department of Psychology Wayne State University

Join us in person at:WSU, Freer House, Hoobler Room, 71 East Ferry Street, Detroit, MI 48202 (map)

ZOOM LINK: https://wayne-edu.zoom.us/j/96351998346?pwd=bNDLrx8MPsHY5vIKqaoRo7vetg7hzd.1
Meeting ID: 963 5199 8346
Passcode: 404190

Talk abstract: This talk integrates findings from three studies exploring the impact of social factors on health outcomes among older African American adults living in Detroit. Study 1 investigates the relationship between loneliness and hair cortisol levels, uncovering that loneliness correlates with increased cortisol among men but not women. Study 2 expands on cortisol dynamics, demonstrating that loneliness exacerbates the effects of negative social interactions on cortisol rhythms, supporting the Buffering Hypothesis. Finally, Study 3 evaluates daily conflictual interactions and cardiovascular health, finding that experiences of daily social conflict elevate evening blood pressure, even among those with low experience of conflict on average. Collectively, these studies underscore the complex interplay between social relationships and health-relevant physiological processes in older African American adults.

Bio: Katherine Knauft is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Departments of Psychology and Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences at Wayne State University in Detroit. She recently accepted a new Postdoctoral position at Baylor University. Dr. Knauft earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Miami University. Her research explores the physiological, psychological, and social pathways connecting stressful experiences to health, with a particular focus on health disparities.