Health and Addiction Vulnerability Laboratory

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Research Overview                                                      Lab News

Current research examines biobehavioral vulnerability factors that predispose individuals to addictive and unhealthy behaviors. Specifically, neuronal abnormalities, affective expressions, and trait predispositions underlying a psychopathological vulnerability are believed to be powerful motivating variables that maintain addictive and unhealthy behaviors.

Our research program uses human models of conditioned reinforcement, behavioral economics, and diathesis-stress to experimentally examine co-morbid vulnerabilities with addictive and unhealthy behaviors. We are currently interested in developing non-associative learning models, such as sensitization effects on behavioral or physiological parameters.

Our secondary goal is to use the experimental findings to develop behavioral modification interventions for addictive or health behaviors.
 

   For Dr. McChargue's Course Information click here.