Sarah Alperin
Doctoral Researcher, Somatic Therapist, ICF PCC Somatic Life Coach
Research
Current Research Interests
Nervous system regulation
Emotional intelligence
Embodied awareness
Emotional regulation under stress
Self-trust development
Human behavior & relational dynamics
Trauma-informed emotional development
Somatic approaches to wellbeing
Exploring the relationship between nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, embodied awareness, and self-trust through research, somatic practice, and applied emotional learning.
My research explores the gap between emotional awareness and emotional regulation, particularly why people can often understand themselves intellectually yet still struggle to stay grounded and connected during moments of stress and emotional activation.
Through both research and applied practice, I’m interested in how nervous system regulation and embodied awareness influence emotional intelligence, behavioral response, self-trust, and emotional wellbeing in real-life contexts.
Publications
This section presents my research publications, linked to their full texts & additional information can be accessed by clicking on each publication.
Sarah Alperin
Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Network in collaboration with Antioch University, 2026
Grants & Fellowships
Awarded Research Funding
Six Seconds Research Grant Recipient — Awarded $1,600 in research funding through Six Seconds to support my initial mixed-methods study exploring emotional intelligence, nervous system regulation, and self-trust in adults.
Current Grants & Fellowship Applications
AAUW Career Development Grant
Supporting doctoral research and professional advancement in emotional intelligence, nervous system regulation, and applied wellbeing research.AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship (Preparing 2026 Submission)
Focused on dissertation research examining emotional regulation, embodied awareness, autonomic nervous system functioning, and neuroscience-informed wellbeing practices.American Psychological Foundation — Division 18 Research Grant
Neuroscience-informed mixed-methods research exploring emotional regulation, behavioral response, and autonomic nervous system functioning through somatic regulation practices and HRV measurement.American Psychological Foundation — F.J. McGuigan Early Career Investigator Research Grant on Understanding the Human Mind
Research examining the relationship between emotional regulation, psychophysiology, autonomic nervous system regulation, and embodied self-awareness through HRV-informed nervous system intervention research.American Psychological Foundation — David H. and Beverly A. Barlow Grant
Applied emotional regulation and nervous system-informed intervention research focused on stress response, emotional flexibility, and embodied wellbeing.American Psychological Foundation — Bruce and Jane Walsh Grant in Memory of John Holland
Research focused on emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, relational functioning, and applied emotional intelligence development.American Psychological Foundation — Trauma Psychology Grant
Research exploring nervous system regulation, physiological stress response, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed somatic intervention practices.