To demonstrate the potential costly effects of not taking time off from work as well as the beneficial effects that can result from vacationing, Falk College’s Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition is embarking on a new research study funded by Project: Time Off entitled, “The Psychosocial and Physiological Consequences of Taking and Not Taking Time Off.” This study will examine how past and current vacationing behavior impacts psychological and physical health.
“We frequently research the health effects of stressors and negative events. Surprisingly, there is very little research on the potential health effects of positive events and activities. This study will be one of the first to address the question, do vacations affect our health? And, if so, which kinds of vacations?,” says principal investigator Brooks Gump, Ph.D., MPH, the Falk Family Endowed Professor of Public Health.
Adults who are employed full-time, eligible for paid vacation time, and are planning a vacation in the next one to four months are now being sought. Participants will be compensated with a stipend up to $250.00. The study consists of three appointments at Syracuse University that involve a venous blood draw, questionnaires regarding stress and psychological functioning, a blood pressure and heart rate fluctuation reading, and body measurements (such as waist circumference) as well as a hair sample. Participants will spend approximately two hours on campus over the course of three visits. In addition, participants will fill out weekly surveys online taking approximately 30 minutes weekly.