Johanna Marian Felix Rivera

Dr. Johanna Marian Felix Rivera


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 October 2025 in Brain Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJennifer Khong
Jennifer Khong
LBLauren Bennett
Lauren Bennett
JRJohanna Marian Felix Rivera
Johanna Marian Felix Rivera
NANathan Andrews
Nathan Andrews
VDVeronica Vuong DO
Veronica Vuong DO
RRRebecca Jean Ryznar
Rebecca Jean Ryznar
Background/Objectives: This pilot study aimed to investigate the relationship between salivary neuropeptides levels, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and altruism in a sample of medical students. Additionally, the study examined potential sex differences in these relationships. Methods: Sixty medical students (36.6% men, 63.3% women) provided saliva samples to measure oxytocin, α-MSH, β-endorphin, neurotensin, and substance P using a custom 5-plex human peptide assay. Participants completed the ACE Survey and Compassionate Love Scale for Humanity (CLS-H) Altruism Survey. Descriptive statistics characterized demographics and survey data, with out-of-range values adjusted to the standard curve maximum. Data normality was assessed with the Jarque–Bera test; due to non-normality, values were log-transformed. Differences between male and female salivary, ACE score, and CLS-H altruism score were tested using t-tests and Mann–Whitney U-tests, while correlations were evaluated with Pearson and Spearman coefficients. Results: The five neuropeptides, while highly correlated with each other, did not exhibit significant relationships with altruism, as measured by the CLS-H Altruism Survey. Finally, female participants demonstrated greater altruistic tendencies compared with male participants with marginal significance. Conclusions: While there were no significant relationships between the fives neuropeptides, ACEs, or altruism; women demonstrated higher levels of altruism compared with men. The data reported in this pilot study did not strongly support the conclusion that neuropeptides influence social behavior and trauma response. Furthermore, future studies with larger, more diverse samples and multiple time point measurements of neuropeptides could be beneficial to better understand the relationships between neuropeptides and any potential implications for mental health interventions.