CARE Project

The CARE (Cancer, Allostatic Load & Emotion Regulation) project is a multidisciplinary research initiative that investigates how stress and emotion regulation shape the physical and psychological health of individuals diagnosed with breast or testicular cancer. The study adopts a comprehensive approach that integrates biological assessments, experimental evaluation of emotional responses, and modern digital therapeutic tools. Participants undergo stress-related biomarker assessments—such as CRP, cortisol, ACTH, adrenaline, noradrenaline and IL-6 while also completing an emotional imagery task that measures both physiological and self-reported reactions to positive, negative, and neutral scenarios.

In addition to the experimental and biological components, the project incorporates state-of- the-art digital health interventions. These include Virtual Reality (VR) tools designed to enhance physical activity, cognitive functioning, and emotional wellbeing, as well as an avatar-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) application that aims to strengthen psychological flexibility and coping skills. These digital interventions are delivered directly in participants’ everyday environments, providing accessible, user friendly, and customizable support.

Preliminary findings from the CARE project indicate that psychological difficulties are not significantly associated with age, income, or family status. However, employment type and educational level appear to influence emotional wellbeing. Participants with an additional medical diagnosis report higher health anxiety and more psychological symptoms. Experimental results show that negative emotional scripts elicit stronger physiological arousal compared to positive ones, while difficulties in emotion regulation and high experiential avoidance are linked to more unpleasant emotional experiences. Data from the digital intervention phase suggest that the VR toolkit and Virtual Coach have the potential to enhance mood, coping behaviors, and general wellbeing through brief, targeted micro- interventions.

Overall, the CARE project represents an innovative and integrative approach to psycho- oncology. By combining biological, psychological, and technological methods, it aims to identify individuals who may be at greater psychological risk and provide them with personalized, effective, and easily accessible interventions that support both mental and physical health during their cancer journey.