Amy R. Borchardt

Dr. Amy R. Borchardt serves as an Associate Professor of Psychology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Mercer University. Holding a Ph.D. from Ohio University, she specializes in health psychology with research centered on stress-induced cardiovascular reactivity and the protective effects of meditation and social support. Her teaching portfolio includes Introduction to Psychology, Health Psychology, and Research Methods & Statistics.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Experimental (Health) Psychology, Ohio University
• M.S. in Experimental (Health) Psychology, Ohio University
• B.S. in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Dr. Borchardt's research is grounded in the Reactivity Hypothesis and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. She conducts experimental studies on meditation's physiological effects, particularly in stress recovery, and examines social support as a coping mechanism. Her work addresses methodological challenges in meditation research and seeks to develop evidence-based stress management interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Her scholarly output spans experimental psychology, gerontology, and public health. The 2018 meditation study demonstrates rigorous experimental design in behavioral medicine, while the 2013 aging research bridges cardiovascular psychology and gerontology. The 2011 Appalachian public health study reveals her commitment to community-based health disparities research, collectively showcasing her multidisciplinary approach to stress-related health outcomes.

Dr. Borchardt also engages in recreational board gaming, including titles like Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride, as a personal stress-relief strategy that complements her professional expertise.