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Chronic opioid treatment may increase PTSD risk

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that chronic opioid treatment before a traumatic event enhances fear learning in mice, potentially linking opioid dependence to PTSD. The findings suggest that individuals with a history of opioid use may become more susceptible to the negative effects of stress.

SourceSpringer·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 1, 2019

Life experience critical for managing Type 2 diabetes

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that age affects the well-being of newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. Younger individuals experience higher diabetes-related and psychological stress. Older adults tend to have less psychological stress and better self-care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 15, 2019

Esports gamers face same level of psychological pressure as pro-athletes, study finds

Researchers found that esports players faced 51 different stress factors, including communication problems and concerns with live audiences, mirroring the mental conditions experienced by pro athletes. The investigation recommended psychological training for top players to develop effective coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalInternational Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations·DateNov 12, 2019

Exposure to others' suffering even worse than being shot at

A new study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology reveals that exposure to life-threatening situations results in fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms for soldiers compared to witnessing others' suffering. Non-danger-based stressors, such as moral challenges, lead to increased symptoms of psychological distress.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJun 21, 2019

Racism has a toxic effect

A USC-led study found that racist experiences increase inflammation in African Americans, raising their risk of chronic illness. Chronic inflammation is linked to heart attacks, neurodegenerative diseases, and metastatic cancer if genes remain active for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 31, 2019

Seasonal reservoir filling in India deforms rock, may trigger earthquakes

Researchers in India used GPS and satellite data to track crustal deformation around reservoirs, finding that seasonal filling can reduce the strength of nearby faults and trigger earthquakes. Even small reservoirs can cause significant deformation capable of triggering an earthquake if there are critically stressed faults in the region.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 25, 2018

Considering an employee for an overseas assignment?

A recent study from Florida Atlantic University suggests that expatriates' personality characteristics have a significant impact on their ability to adjust to new environments. The research found that extraverts who are emotionally stable and open to new experiences tend to perform better in foreign assignments.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateApr 3, 2018

Daily stress can trigger uptick in illegal drug use for those on parole, probation

A recent study found that even small daily stressors increase illegal drug use among those on parole or probation who have a history of substance use. The researchers also discovered that treatment helps limit substance use over time, and that prevention programs may be more effective with consideration of treatment history.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMay 3, 2017

The upside of worrying

A new paper by Kate Sweeny argues there's a positive side to worrying, with benefits including motivating preventive and protective behavior, recovery from traumatic events, and adaptive preparation and planning. Worrying the right amount can also motivate without paralyzing motivation, while serving as an emotional buffer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·DateApr 27, 2017

New study examines Freud's theory of hysteria

A new study from King's College London examined Freud's theory on Hysteria, a disorder resulting in severe neurological symptoms. The research found that stressors around the time of onset might be relevant for some patients with Conversion Disorder (CD), challenging the sole cause of trauma assumption. However, the study also highligh...

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 4, 2016

A sixth sense protects drivers except when texting

A study by the University of Houston found that drivers' natural ability to correct themselves while driving is more effective than previously thought. When drivers are distracted or upset, their brain's automatic error correction system helps them stay on course, but texting significantly disrupts this process.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Are money problems and violence related?

Researchers found that women are more likely than men to experience financial stressors and report violence, but the study doesn't prove a direct link. The study's findings affirm the complexity of domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 25, 2016

Researchers show corals struggle to grow under multiple stressors

A new study found that corals preconditioned to high CO2 levels before increased temperatures showed 44% lower growth rates compared to unconditioned corals. This suggests that elevated CO2 worsens coral response to thermal stress, potentially exacerbating climate change impacts on coral reefs.

Scientists call for new strategy to study climate change impacts on coral reefs

A new approach to studying coral reefs suggests that multiple stressors, such as ocean temperature and acidification, can have devastating effects on corals. The researchers recommend a global strategy for choosing locations for larger field-based experiments to inform adaptation policies.

Increased risk of obesity with increased time in the US in Filipino immigrants in New York

A study led by SUNY Downstate Health Science University found increased risk of obesity among Filipino immigrants living in the New York City metropolitan area. The findings suggest that prolonged US residency erodes the health advantage initially carried by immigrants, a process known as 'unhealthy assimilation'.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalFamily & Community Health·DateFeb 29, 2016