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Despite understanding the concept of mindfulness, people are applying it incorrectly, research finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that most people misunderstand the concept of mindfulness, confusing it with passive acceptance rather than engaging with life's challenges. The study suggests that laypeople may understand awareness but struggle to grasp the importance of acceptance in mindfulness practices.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateNov 8, 2021

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021

Depression rates tripled and symptoms intensified during first year of COVID-19

A new study found that depression rates among US adults tripled during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with those experiencing multiple stressors and lower incomes being disproportionately affected. The study used data from over 5,000 respondents to track changes in depression prevalence before and during the pandemic.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Study: Whether journalists who left jobs chose to or were laid off predicts physical, emotional reaction

A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Report says mental health distress continued to increase during COVID-19 pandemic

A new report reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety among US men and women. The study found that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, financial stressors, and caregiving responsibilities were more likely to experience psychological distress.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

Psychological capital may be the antidote for working in a pandemic, WVU study suggests

A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateAug 24, 2021

Coping with COVID-19 through music

A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateAug 8, 2021

Male piglets less resilient to stress when moms get sick during pregnancy

A study from the University of Illinois found that male piglets are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental and neurological anomalies when their mothers are infected with PRRSV during pregnancy. The researchers also discovered changes in gene expression associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and neur...

Astronauts' mental health risks tested in the Antarctic

Researchers found continuous declines in positive emotions among astronauts at two Antarctic stations, without a bounce-back effect after returning home. Positive emotions such as satisfaction and enthusiasm are crucial for thriving in high-pressure settings, and interventions targeting these may reduce psychological risk.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 20, 2021

How comparable different stress tests are

A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that certain brain regions, including the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, are consistently activated during stress regardless of the test method used. This suggests a common neural basis for stress perception across different stimuli.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateFeb 12, 2021

New program for African American couples leads to stronger relationships, improved health

A recent study found that a new program for African American couples can lead to stronger relationships and improved health outcomes. The program, Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF), uses a cognitive behavioral approach to improve couple interaction patterns and ways of thinking.

Understanding long-term trends of stressors on koala populations

A 29-year analysis of koala rescue data in New South Wales highlights the impact of increased human activities and bushfires on koala populations. Disease, particularly chlamydia, was found to be a major stressor, with incidents increasing over time, while release rates dropped and euthanasia rates rose.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2020

LGBT health improves when friends are just like them

A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Aging reveals that having a large social network consisting of people who share one's sexual identity can significantly reduce harmful effects of discrimination on health. This finding underscores the importance of considering a person's background in their overall well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 5, 2020