Project Grant 2141431

This National Science Foundation project grant of $459,641 supports research examining the relationship between loneliness and fear learning processes. Funded under the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences program (CFDA 47.075), the University of California, Los Angeles will conduct a series of studies from June 2022 to May 2026. The studies aim to determine if loneliness augments fear learning in humans, leading to more persistent fears. Additionally, the research will examine whether images of social support figures can reduce fear learning and retention, and if the mitigating effects of social support reminders similarly occur when experiencing physical warmth. Findings from the work could suggest simple, non-invasive interventions to reduce the harmful effects of loneliness by preventing or lessening the development of persistent fears. The State of California Controllers Office will oversee subaward administration for the project.