Sleep, Trauma, and Emotional Processes (STEP) Program

Demonstrating the Feasibility and Effectiveness of The Skills fOr Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) Program in an Underserved, Low-Resource Hurricane Affected Region of the Florida Panhandle

Florida State University Council on Research and Creativity's Planning Grant Mechanism
Scott Pickett, PhD: Principal Investigator

The SOLAR program was developed by 21 international trauma experts and has preliminary evidence suggesting it is an effective intervention following a natural disaster, including pilot data from studies following severe brush fires in Australia and tropical cyclones in Tuvalu. The proposed study trains community volunteers as SOLAR “coaches.” SOLAR coaches are trained and supervised by a mental health professional and use a structured strategy to address community needs following a disaster. SOLAR provides an evidence-based, sustainable model of disaster response to support the mental health and well-being of affected communities.

Rural Resiliency Hubs: A Planning Approach to Addressing the Resiliency Divide

National Science Foundation
Scott Pickett, PhD: MPI

PI: Dr. Eren Erman Ozguven (Engineering), Jessica DeLeon (COM), Mark Horner (Geography); Les Beitsch (COM); Richard Feiock (Public Policy); Chris Uejio (Geography); Scott Pickett (COM); Tisha Holmes (Urban & Regional Planning); Ellen Piekalkiewicz (Social Work); Marcia Mardis (CCI); John Mathias (Social Work)

Project BioSLEEP

The purpose of this research is to identify substances in saliva associated with poor sleep quality and short sleep (less than 6 hours per night). Data from this study will inform future research examining these biological markers and help identify connections among stress, obesity, sleep, and trauma exposure to guide potential interventions.

Project SLEEP+

SLEEP+ is a pilot study testing the feasibility and effectiveness of a 4-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on sleep and emotions. This pre/post experiment examines changes in stress, sleep quality, and rumination among participants who may or may not report sleep problems or trauma. In addition to a daily 15-minute guided mindfulness practice, the intervention includes informational content about sleep, mindfulness, thoughts, emotions, awareness, and acceptance.

Project MED

This project examined predictors across health, emotional, and occupational variables in current or former emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and registered nurses. Variables included sleep disturbance, posttraumatic stress symptoms, moral injury, mindfulness, burnout, and social support. Findings help inform interventions aimed at reducing distress in healthcare professionals.

Project MSTER

This research examined the impact of Hurricane Michael among adults aged 18 and older. Measures included community experiences and needs, sleep disturbance, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. Findings inform treatment approaches for individuals affected by natural disasters.

Project PIRATE

This project assessed law enforcement interaction experiences and fear responses among primarily racial and ethnic minority individuals. Psychological measures and response patterns were analyzed to identify relationships between variables and inform policy and training aimed at reducing fatalities during police interactions.

Project CASS 3.0

This study examined whether men respond differently to women when feeling stressed, particularly among those who experienced childhood trauma. Aggressive responses were compared among men receiving negative feedback from a female confederate versus positive feedback from male confederates. Findings may help explain links between childhood trauma, emotion regulation, aggression, and gender role stress.

Project STAER

This study explored relationships among trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, sleep, emotional processing, and dietary attitudes and behaviors. Sleep disturbance was examined as a potential mediator between PTSD symptoms and disrupted eating patterns. Results may help inform interventions addressing trauma-related eating and sleep difficulties.

Project STARLIT

This study examined neuroendocrine differences associated with habitual short sleep (less than 6 hours) and normal sleep among men and women. Short sleep may influence hunger and satiety signals and contribute to weight gain behaviors. Findings help inform treatments to improve sleep and prevent excessive weight gain.

Project TECH

Project TECH compared a basic sleep hygiene protocol with an enhanced stimulus-control protocol aimed at improving sleep quality by reducing technology use in bed. Both groups were expected to show improvements in sleep hygiene, sleep behaviors, sleep quality, sleep quantity, and insomnia symptoms, with greater improvements expected in the technology intervention group. Findings may help inform sleep hygiene programs for college students.