Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Higher workloads can make freelance workers happier

A new study found that freelance workers are calmer and more enthusiastic when their hours are higher than normal, but this is at the expense of their work-life balance and wellbeing. The researchers suggest that 'enchantment-based work-family/non-work interference' occurs when long hours generate enthusiasm.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateDec 11, 2015

Stress and obesity: Your family can make you fat

A new study links long-term exposure to family stressors like family disruption, financial stress, and maternal poor health to increased risk of obesity in adolescents. Findings suggest female and male adolescents respond differently to stress, highlighting the need for tailored social services in obesity prevention programs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 6, 2015

Study: High stress for new mothers increases secondhand smoke risk for infants

A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2015

Lighting up in uniform

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that smoking behavior in soldiers is linked to war zone stress and unit support. The study, which examined data from over 1,000 US Army soldiers, found that soldiers who started smoking while in war zones were more likely to consume alcohol and hold junior ranks.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 29, 2014

Materials break, then remake, bonds to build strength

Scientists have developed a new material that can strengthen itself in response to stress, similar to how muscles build strength through exercise. The material, inspired by weightlifting and Silly Putty, can transform from a liquid to a solid state, becoming stronger with each cycle of stress.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2013

Many stressors associated with fracking due to perceived lack of trust, Pitt finds

A University of Pittsburgh study found that fracking is associated with stress and various health concerns in Pennsylvania residents. The survey of 33 participants revealed that stress was the most commonly cited concern, with many reporting feelings of being taken advantage of or misled by the gas drilling industry.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateApr 29, 2013

Exercise shields children from stress

A recent study found that sedentary children experience stress hormone surges when exposed to everyday stressors, while the most active children had little or no increase in cortisol levels. The study suggests physical activity plays a role in mental health by buffering children from daily stressors.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2013

Evaluate children's stress after natural disasters

A University of Miami study reveals that children experiencing both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are more likely to face longer-term adverse reactions after a disaster. Helping children cope with stressors after the event can improve their psychological functioning.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateAug 28, 2012

Study: Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers

A study by Columbia Business School researchers found that stress-induced cortisol increases facilitate accurate threat-related decision making in police officers, especially when dealing with armed black targets. The findings suggest that police departments may benefit from modulating stress levels during training to improve accuracy.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 21, 2012

Life after cigarettes

Smokers who quit successfully experience noticeable improvements in quality of life, including higher scores on overall well-being and positive emotions. After three years, quitters also report fewer stressors and increased satisfaction with their lives.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 13, 2011

Sweating the small stuff: Early adversity, prior depression linked to high sensitivity to stress

A new study suggests that people with early life adversity or prior depressive episodes are more sensitive to later life stress. Individuals who experienced early parental loss or separation and those with a history of depression became depressed following lower levels of life stress than those without these predisposing factors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateJun 28, 2011

First of its kind study conducted by BUSM finds women as resilient to combat stress as men

A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJun 7, 2011

Getting inside the mind of Islam

A Tel Aviv University psychologist investigates the link between Islamic beliefs and practices and mental well-being among American Muslims. He found that those who created support groups or became more active at their local mosques reported increased religious practices, while those feeling isolated experienced anger and depression.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateDec 22, 2010

Community provides essential support to military families

A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 8, 2009

Long-term recovery of reefs from bleaching requires local action to increase resilience

Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.