Michelle Shiota

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THE SHIOTA LAB (SPLAT LAB) WEB PAGEThe Shiota Psychophysiology Laboratory for Affective Testing (SPLAT Lab) conducts research on the basic nature and translational implications of human emotion, with particular emphasis on positive emotions, emotional processes in close relationships, and emotional mechanisms of health behavior and behavior change. Studies use a variety of designs (e.g., experimental, longitudinal/daily diary, cross-sectional) as well as behavioral, cognitive, physiological, narrative, and questionnaire measures. Core themes include:

Positive Emotions. Researchers have long differentiated several negative emotions, such as sadness, fear, and anger, but empirical research on potentially "discrete" positive emotions is more recent. Our lab takes an evolutionary approach to defining multiple positive emotions, and studies the extent of overlap and differentiation among these states. We use the proposed adaptive functions of each emotion as a basis for predicting various aspects of emotional responding, including aspects of subjective experience, profiles of autonomic nervous system reactivity, nonverbal expression, and implications for social cognition and behavior. Current projects focus in particular on awe, amusement/humor, and varieties of love. 

Emotional Processes in Close Relationships. Although emotions feel like intensely personal experiences, they are also profoundly important for our interactions with other people. We form impressions of new people, build and maintain close relationships, and coordinate dyadic and group action all with the help of emotions. Our research investigates some of the mechanisms by which emotions support relationships, and how the quality of close relationships impacts emotional experience. Current projects address perceived social support and a sense of belonging, the development of attachment bonds, and the ways in which relationship partners regulate each other’s emotions during stressful times.

Emotional Mechanisms of Behavior Change. Several of the great societal problems of our time involve behavior. Behaviors such as smoking, disordered alcohol and drug use, poor diet, and lack of exercise are major causes of preventable disease. Unsustainable consumption of energy and resources is creating a global environmental crisis. New media and internet-based technologies are drastically re-shaping human social interaction, economic decision-making, and participation in public life, with unpredictable and sometimes problematic consequences. Emotion is woven into the fabric of human behavior across these domains. Eating a candy bar, drinking to excess, buying a lottery ticket or a more expensive car than you can afford, and checking social media incessantly for “likes” of your last post are all mediated by neural mechanisms supporting our emotional responses to rewards. Emotional stress and exhaustion increase the difficulty of regulating our behavior, whether it’s resisting the temptation to smoke, taking the time to fact-check a political ad, or remembering to bring reusable bags to the store. In a growing area of focus, we’re investigating ways in which basic knowledge about emotions and emotion regulation can be applied to guide new techniques for promoting healthy and sustainable behavior. Current projects include development and evaluation of trainings to administer naloxone (a drug to reverse opioid overdose), as well as assessment of and intervention to reduce stigma/prejudice associated with substance use disorder.  

We review applications for new volunteer research assistants to join the lab each semester. Dr. Shiota will consider applications from potential graduate students to join the lab in Fall 2025.