Oral-Health Researchers to Be Recognized at APS Convention

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) has selected four scientists who are conducting research at the intersection of psychological science and oral health to receive the 2019 Building Bridges Travel Award, offered jointly with APS. The awardees will present research posters at the 2019 APS Annual Convention in Washington, DC. Their research covers a range of topics, including eating behavior, health-risk perceptions, and the effects of pain-related fear:

Amanda Crandall, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

The Interaction Between Food Insecurity and Hunger When Eating in the Laboratory

Abstract: This secondary data analysis examined the effects of food insecurity and hunger on consumption of snack foods between meals. Results suggest that, despite no difference in baseline hunger, those with food insecurity are consuming more energy and eating for satiation when eating snack foods in the laboratory.
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Cecelia Nelson, West Virginia University

Pregnancy Effects on Pain-Related and Dental Fears in Appalachian Women

Abstract: Prior pain experience and cultural factors potentially affect dental fear. Appalachian women with no prior pregnancies had similar fears about pain, but lower dental fear, than multiparous women. These surprising findings in a unique (Appalachian) cultural group prompt further investigation into the mechanisms that underlie dental fear.
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Stephanie Njoku, California State University, Los Angeles

Tobacco and Nicotine Consumption Methods and Health Risk Perceptions in the United States

Abstract: Growing research indicates that both users and nonusers of alternative nicotine and tobacco products display distorted health-risk perceptions about using such products. This longitudinal research study aims to explore/compare and contrast the perceptions of nicotine/tobacco product users and any potential health risks these products may have.
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Carolyn Amir, National Institutes of Health

Perceptions of Healthcare Provider Competence Affect Pain Expectations

Abstract: First impressions influence preferences for and behavior toward others. We hypothesized that people would prefer their medical providers to have competent-looking faces, and that perceived competence would influence pain expectations. Consistent with our hypotheses, participants preferentially selected competent-looking providers and expected less pain on procedures performed by competent-looking providers.
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You can learn about the research in person on Friday, May 24, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Poster Session IV (poster boards 145–148).