A new study found that how children perceive their parents' divorce can significantly affect their mental health. Children who harbor negative biases about the divorce experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. Conversely, positive biases or illusions can buffer these effects, but excessive positivity may be detrimental.
Researchers found that maternal soothing was not effective in reducing infants' cortisol response or behavioral reaction to stress, but may influence the child's developing model of the world. Maternal behavior in general is crucial in affecting cortisol and behavioral stress responses.
Researchers found that dominant men and women exhibit high cardiovascular reactivity when interacting with others, responding to gender norms. In mixed-gender situations, dominant women deactive their traits, while dominant men respond to male gender role norms.
Teenagers who use substances to manage stress may be more likely to develop impulsivity disorders. Those who don't exhibit this coping mechanism are less prone to substance abuse and addiction.
A team of scientists from Columbia University warns against incorporating spiritual interventions into medical practice due to methodological flaws in studies. Despite acknowledging comfort provided by religious activities, they argue that these should not be promoted as a means to improve health.
Pediatric researcher Holly A. Ruff warns against applying large-group study findings to explain individual behavior, citing limitations in IQ testing and the complexity of vulnerability/resilience. Vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds may face additional risk factors such as poor nutrition and lack of protective factors.
Exercise can reverse age-related decline in lung capacity, increase muscle strength, and improve mobility. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of disability and cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
A new study found that older adults with chronic illnesses can benefit from wellness programs regardless of whether they are conducted in a classroom setting or at home. The programs produced significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as reductions in medical symptoms and better sleep quality.
A review of 57 studies found depression to be linked to increased risk of death from heart disease and other factors, with suicide accounting for less than 1% of deaths among depressed patients
A study of 300 healthy women found that social isolation and suppressed anger are associated with decreased heart rate variability, a sign of physiological rigidity. This increased vulnerability to stress can lead to various diseases, including coronary heart disease and mortality.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with both depression and a physical illness stay twice as long in the hospital compared to those with only depression. The study surveyed over 2,300 psychiatric patients admitted between 1987 and 1992.
Research finds depression after a heart attack is a key risk factor for cardiac causes in both women and men, with similar impact on survival. Despite the higher prevalence of depression among women, they did not die at significantly higher rates than depressed men.
Researchers found that arguing with a spouse perceived as relatively dominant led to larger increases in blood pressure, while arguing with a clearly dominant spouse resulted in minimal increases. The study suggests that expression of dominance in marriage may have consequences for cardiovascular health.
A national survey of family physicians, general internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists found that more than 90% are confident in diagnosing depression. Despite improvements, there is still room for growth in treating depression with high-quality care.
A recent study by Family Health Project researchers found that HIV-infected low-income inner-city New Orleans women are two to five times more likely to be victims of violence than their uninfected counterparts. The study also revealed higher levels of psychological distress and depression among these women.
A 1993 study found that 18-33% of Bosnian refugees screened for PTSD experienced symptoms, significantly higher than 0.3-1.3% in Swedish controls. The trauma reported by refugees included combat experience, family separation, and sexual abuse.
Researchers followed 144 HMO patients with mononucleosis for six months, finding transient psychological distress common but few met psychiatric criteria. The study suggests postviral depression is rare, often caused by new stressful life events rather than viral effects.
Researchers identify high rates of psychiatric disorders among patients with frequent digestive complaints, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between gastroenterologists and psychiatric colleagues. Proactive management could improve patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.
A recent study published in Psychophysiology found that parking ticket writers experience significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate when interacting with angry motorists. The researchers suggest that these interactions may have a cumulative negative effect on cardiovascular health.
The divide between biology and behavioral sciences is growing, leading to misconceptions about cause-and-effect relationships in health. Researchers warn that this gap may hinder the development of effective therapies and treatments.
A recent study by Linda A. Wray and colleagues found that having both a postgraduate degree and a heart attack significantly increases the likelihood of quitting smoking among middle-aged adults. The research suggests that higher levels of education help smokers 'learn' from their heart attacks and quit smoking.
A study of over 400 premature and low birth-weight children found that early intensive intervention significantly improved short-term academic achievements. However, by age 9, the benefits of this intervention had faded, leaving further investigation into long-term outcomes needed.
Mothers of premature infants tend to overestimate their babies' difficult temperament, leading to increased risk of behavior problems. The study highlights the importance of maternal perception and social support in caring for preterm infants.
A two-year study of 979 persons found that 31.5% of patients with inadequate health literacy were hospitalized, compared to 14.9% of those with adequate literacy. The risk of hospital admission increased by 50% in patients with limited reading skills.
Researchers identified five common 'warning signals' of depression: less enjoyment from activities, self-disappointment, hopelessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms were reported by at least 90% of the sample, and women reported self-disappointment with the greatest frequency.
A Norwegian study found that depressed men with congestive heart failure are more likely to perceive themselves as physically limited, even if their physicians rate them highly. In contrast, women with the condition tend to have a more realistic assessment of their abilities.
Young children who lose a parent or experience poor family relationships may be more likely to develop increases in blood pressure and disruptions in hormone release later in life. Research suggests that early loss or lack of good quality family relationships may have a 'permanently' increased overall cardiovascular activity among adults.
Researchers found that heart patients with high levels of social support show fewer symptoms of depression, while those with low social support tend to have higher levels of depression. Interventions that decrease hostility and increase social support may also benefit heart disease patients.
A large longitudinal study found that job strain is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease. Men with highly demanding jobs experience higher blood pressure, while those who move to less demanding roles see their blood pressure decrease over time.
Research shows that caregivers with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop a high metabolic syndrome level, which increases the risk of heart attack and other health complications. Interventions such as exercise, psychological uplifts, and improved diet may help reduce stress and mitigate this risk.
Research found that men and women have distinct reactions to stressors, including disagreements and skill challenges. Husbands tend to respond more strongly to perceived threats to their status and power, while wives are more reactive to interpersonal conflicts and quality of interaction.
Researchers found that elevated blood pressure is a strong predictor of changes in brain structure and related cognitive functioning. All participants showed declines in mental abilities over time, with higher blood pressures associated with greater declines, particularly for visual-spatial ability and speed of performance.
A study of 95 men and women found that pharmacist intervention increased blood pressure control by 55% compared to medical care alone. Pharmacists' counseling on diet, exercise, and medication adherence led to improved outcomes, especially among high-risk minorities.
A recent study of nearly 400 South Carolina women reveals that serious crime victims are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional disorders. The effects were strongest for rape and life-threatening crimes, with robbery and burglary not linked to an increased risk.
Research suggests high levels of religious involvement are associated with better health status, likely due to behaviors such as increased social support, positive self-image, and healthy lifestyle choices. Regular church attendance also contributes to better mammography screening status.
A new study found that chronic stress can reduce the activity of natural killer cells in people with a history of cancer, especially those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that high levels of perceived stress and biological predisposition to cancer can compromise the body's ability to fight cancer.
A study of over 500 couples found that marriage leads to a temporary increase in physical activity, particularly among new brides and grooms. However, this effect is short-lived, and all groups show similar activity levels by the tenth year.
Researchers found that athletes in a cognitive-behavioral stress management group experienced significant reductions in depressed mood, fatigue, and serum cortisol. These findings suggest that stress management programs can be an effective way to support athletes' mental health during intense training periods.
Research found that supportive social relationships slow HIV progression in later stages, but accelerate it in earlier stages. The correlation may be due to factors like high-risk behavior and stress associated with caring for others with HIV.
Research found that hostile women with 'up-front-and-in-your-face' anger are at higher risk for high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who express anger less frequently or feel angry but don't show it outwardly have lower cholesterol levels.
A national survey found that highly religious high school seniors are less likely to drink and drive, use tobacco or marijuana, and more likely to wear seat belts and eat healthy, with these trends holding true over time.
A study of 117 women with recurrent breast or gynecological cancer found that social functioning and pain levels correlated. Maintaining physical and social abilities can help reverse the downward spiral of increasing pain, psychological symptoms, and spiritual dimensions.
Research suggests that strong social relationships with family and friends can improve health status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Having a doctor who recognizes and validates the illness, providing hope for the future, is also crucial to improvement. The study found that low levels of depression symptoms and a positive pe...
A study of over 1,200 elderly adults found that higher levels of education were associated with healthier behaviors, biological conditions, and psychological factors. These findings suggest that social disparities may continue to affect health outcomes in late life, even among those who are functioning well cognitively.
Research finds that women experiencing hostility, anxiety and self-consciousness have thicker carotid arteries, an early marker for cardiovascular disease. Holding in anger or suppressing negative emotions may be key determinants of women's cardiovascular health.
A small study found that meditation-based relaxation accelerated psoriasis clearing by 3.8 times compared to UV light therapy alone, potentially reducing treatment sessions and costs.
Research shows that boys from more crowded homes experience greater physiological responses to stress and take more sick days. The study suggests a link between chronic stress, cardiovascular reactivity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Researchers found that hospitalized patients with depression are 1.9 times more likely to die than those without depression, with cardiovascular disease being the strongest predictor. The study highlights the importance of screening for depression in medical inpatients and improving their care to mitigate mortality risks.
A study found that children of divorce are more likely to become smokers and problem drinkers as adults. For boys, divorce increases the likelihood of problem drinking, while girls from divorced families have similar rates of smoking and problem drinking as those from intact families.
A 10-year study found that employment and marriage can provide benefits such as increased income and social support, contributing to better health. Women who were employed full-time or had many children showed no harmful effects on their health.