Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience

Director of Thesis

Dr. Susan K. Wood

Second Reader

Dr. Cora E. Smiley

Abstract

Stress, especially social stress, has been a leading cause of disruptive emotional behavior in humans, with pregnant and postpartum women being the most vulnerable to these effects. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational social stress on postpartum behavioral outcomes. To accomplish this, we examined the following four key behaviors in female rats after being exposed to chronic witness stress (WS) during pregnancy: burying, freezing, rearing, and grooming. Burying behavior is used to assess a defensive response to threatening situations. Freezing responses are evaluated to show heightened fear or hypervigilance that follows stress. Rearing is measured as an indicator of exploratory activity, which may decrease after exposure to stress. Grooming behavior is measured as an indicator of affective regulation, so any abnormal grooming patterns exhibit stress-related changes due to emotional coping. When combined, these behaviors provide a comprehensive picture of how gestational social stress changes postpartum emotional and defensive responses. By focusing on these behaviors, our study aims to elaborate on how maternal stress can affect postpartum behavioral vulnerability. This will offer valuable insights into the mechanisms that may be leading to the dramatic increase seen in the maternal mortality rate in the United States.

First Page

1

Last Page

40

Rights

© 2026, Sarah Chugh

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