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The purpose of this study is to find out whether labeling adults with prehypertension has negative effects on clinic blood pressure and quality of life 3 months after diagnosis.

Previous research has shown that a diagnosis of hypertension is associated with subsequent increases in resting blood pressure, and there is preliminary evidence of a cross-sectional association between hypertension labeling and the white coat effect. The white coat effect may be particularly problematic in prehypertensives, because a small elevation in clinic blood pressure could result in crossing the diagnostic cutoff for hypertension, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. This study will examine effects of prehypertension labeling on clinic and ambulatory blood pressure, and will examine potential psychological mediators of these associations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years
• average screening systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg
• average screening systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg AND diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg
• able to read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• past diagnosis of hypertension, prehypertension, or high blood pressure
• current or past use of antihypertensive medications
• diabetes
• renal disease
• cardiovascular disease
• current participation in another hypertension-related clinical trial