Articles tagged with Stressors
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that returning National Guard soldiers are more likely to develop a drinking problem if faced with civilian life setbacks. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard soldiers.
A new UC San Francisco study shows that maintaining healthy behaviors can reduce telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging. The researchers found that post-menopausal women who exercised, slept well and ate well had less telomere shortening than those with poor lifestyles.
A new study at Ohio State University found that experiencing stress before consuming a high-fat meal slows the body's metabolism, potentially contributing to weight gain. The researchers measured the metabolic rate and blood sugar levels of 58 women who reported one or more stressors during the previous day.
A study of almost 10,000 men and women found that frequent arguments with partners, relatives, or neighbors were associated with a doubling in the risk of death from any cause. Men, especially those not in work, were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
Researchers found that maternal trauma, illness, or substance abuse activates a single gene in brain cells, leading to structural abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests that even minor environmental insults can permanently change how brain cells respond.
Researchers found significant changes in Cherokee skulls reflecting environmental stress, with head length decreasing over time. The study highlights the role of historical events in shaping physical characteristics.
New research sheds light on how environmental stressors affect the cells of the developing brain, leading to conditions like schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yale scientists discovered a single molecular trigger, HSF1, that activates in brain cells exposed to toxins, making them susceptible to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Chronic stress in mice primes their immune systems for a prolonged fight, causing an excessive reaction to later acute stressors. The study's findings mimic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and suggest the spleen plays a key role in storing primed immune cells.
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.
A study of geriatric health care professionals found they experience emotional struggle while caring for their own aging relatives, but also benefits from this dual role. The researchers emphasize the need for support and tools for all caregivers to navigate difficult conversations with providers and family members.
Researchers analyzed GPS data from the 2010 Maule earthquake, revealing a 'silent' afterslip that triggered aftershocks. The study suggests local processes, such as pressurized fluids, drive aftershock activity independently of large-scale stress transfer.
New research finds that early-life exposure to atrazine increases frog mortality when challenged with a chytrid fungus, a pathogen implicated in worldwide amphibian declines. This study suggests that reducing early-life exposure to atrazine could reduce the risk of mortality from fungal disease in frogs.
A 40-year study of Swedish women found that experiencing multiple stressful life events in mid-life increases the risk of developing dementia in late life. The research, published in BMJ Open, suggests that stress management and behavioral therapy may help mitigate this risk.
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.
A recent study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor sleep quality accelerates signs of skin aging and weakens the skin's ability to repair itself. The study involved 60 pre-menopausal women and showed increased fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and reduced elasticity in poor quality sleepers.
Researchers found that caregivers experience lower care-related stressors and more positive events when their dementia patients attend adult day services. This reduces anger and decreases the impact of non-care stressors on depressive symptoms, demonstrating a buffering effect of adult day services on caregiver well-being.
A study published in Early Human Development found that massage therapy increased heart rate variability in male preterm infants, similar to term infants, suggesting improved stress response. However, female preterm infants did not show a significant increase in HRV after massage therapy.
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.
A five-year NIH grant will support research from the University of Houston College of Education to investigate mechanisms influencing drug-related health disparities in African-Americans. The study aims to understand how environmental stressors impact a person's regulatory system, potentially leading to substance abuse.
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.
Children who overreact to stressors may be at risk of becoming overweight or obese, according to Penn State researchers. The study found that kids with poor cortisol recovery after a stress test consumed more calories even when hungry, increasing their BMI and obesity risk.
A comprehensive environmental threat map reveals high stress levels in some areas of the Great Lakes, with cumulative effects of multiple stressors impacting ecosystem health. The map provides a scientific foundation for sustainable management of the lakes, highlighting areas where human benefits and stress intersect.
Researchers used optogenetics to control brain activity in mice, tracing stress resilience to neurons in the reward circuit. Instantly triggering or reversing depression-like states was possible with flashes of an LED light.
Researchers found that individuals who dwell on daily stressors and become increasingly upset are more likely to suffer from chronic health issues. The study suggests that learning how to manage stress is key to maintaining good health.
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.
Research reveals that king penguins in areas with daily human disturbance show less stress from noise and approaching humans, but experience increased heart rate after capture. The study emphasizes the importance of considering human presence effects on ecological studies and conservation measures.
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.
A new study offers a fresh perspective on the immune system's acute-phase response, which creates systemic stress that can harm both healthy cells and pathogens. By viewing this response as 'immune brinksmanship,' researchers argue that it may be beneficial for natural selection.
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.
A study led by the University of Kentucky found that hospice family caregivers experience 'second-order patient' stress due to caregiving tasks and emotional impact. Researchers recommend routine care interventions to address these unique needs and improve caregiver outcomes.
A study of over 2,300 older Americans found that those under financial strain were at risk of boosting their drinking, especially men and those with less education. In contrast, older women tended to cut down on drinking when facing financial hard times.
A study of preterm infants found that those exposed to stressors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit had decreased brain size and functional connectivity, as well as abnormal motor behavior. The researchers suggest further research is needed to improve outcomes for premature infants.
Research by Craig Gundersen, a University of Illinois economist, finds that strengthening the social safety net can lead to a decrease in childhood obesity. The study suggests that programs like SNAP play a vital role in reducing psychosocial stressors for low-income families.
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.
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.
A study from Concordia University, AMI-Québec and the University of British Columbia found that family caregivers can experience high levels of stress and self-blame unless they refocus their priorities and lighten their load. Caregivers who adjust their goals and use effective coping strategies tend to fare better.
A recent study found that expectant fathers experience unique stress related to pregnancy, which affects the health of their partners and infants. The research recommends providing prenatal care for men to encourage them to take an active role in pregnancy and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
A review of 93 wild and aquaculture fish populations found that regional variance affects reproduction, growth, and stress response in trout, salmon, charr, whitefishes, and graylings. The research highlights the importance of considering local adaptation when transplanting species to new habitats.
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.
A VA study reveals that childhood maltreatment and other high magnitude stressors have a stronger association with psychiatric symptoms than military sexual experiences. The research suggests that addressing these stressors could lead to interventions to reduce psychiatric symptoms.
A global study reveals that multiple environmental stressors threaten the world's rivers, affecting human water security and biodiversity. The research team integrated maps of 23 stressors to provide a single index, highlighting areas with high incident threat levels.
Two studies on Sri Lankan youths who survived the 2004 tsunami and civil war found that traumatic events and daily stressors like domestic violence have a significant impact on their psychological health. Researchers highlight the need for holistic policies and programs to reduce ongoing stressors.
Two University of Arizona studies find that loneliness is a matter of perception and can be linked to poor health. Stress serves a crucial function for lonely individuals, who tend to have fewer close connections and manage daily stressors poorly.
A protein long thought secondary to stressors like hypertension is actually a primary regulator according to researchers. Knocking out GSK-3alpha causes significant hypertrophy in mice models. The findings also suggest GSK-3alpha as a positive regulator of the beta-adrenergic system, potentially helping failing hearts pump better.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that workplace bullying is associated with increased sleep disturbances in both men and women. The study, which analyzed data from a large-scale cross-sectional survey in France, found that exposure to bullying was significantly linked to self-reported sleep disturbances.
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.
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.
A North Carolina State University study found that examining an insect's 'family tree' can help predict a cousin insect's level of tolerance to pollutants. The research used 21 species of insects from different families to test their sensitivity to cadmium, a toxic metal.
New research reveals that family stress spillover continues in adolescents' daily lives, affecting attendance, learning problems, and academic performance. Stress lingers for up to four years, with long-term consequences on academic achievement.
A joint Argentinian-French study suggests that elastic stresses may play a crucial role in determining leaf venation patterns. By developing a numerical model, the researchers found simulated patterns with statistical properties similar to natural ones, challenging the existing view of auxin's role in vein formation.
A Review in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stress to manage risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that both acute and chronic stressors can increase the risk of cardiac events, with major life changes and emotional stressors being key contributors.
A study of 279 torture survivors found that psychological manipulation, deprivation, and humiliation caused as much distress as physical torture. The researchers concluded that the distinction between torture and other forms of maltreatment is not only useless but also dangerous.
Humans and primates are highly intelligent, social creatures prone to stress-related diseases due to chronically psychosocially stressed situations. Chronic stress compromises health by suppressing immune function, reproduction, and brain function.
Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.
A study of 562 young students found that girls experienced more depressive symptoms and stressors than boys, particularly in their interpersonal world. The researchers discovered that exposure to stressors and the way girls reacted to these events contributed to their higher levels of depression.
Researchers found that experiencing control over a stressor immunizes a rat from developing depression-like syndrome when it later encounters uncontrollable stressors. The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing information about controllability and regulating responses to subsequent stressors.
Researchers studied 100 patients and found symptoms recurred in 11% of patients, with physical stressors linked to worse survival rates. Abnormalities in small blood vessels may contribute to the condition.
Rugby players from the UK and Ireland reported stressors such as injury, mental errors, and physical mistakes as a major concern. They found effective coping strategies like increased concentration, blocking negative thoughts, and positive self-talk to manage these stressors.
Researchers found that isolated female rats subjected to a 30-minute stressor recover more quickly and mount a stronger immune response than male counterparts. This difference may be related to the demands of motherhood, which has evolved to provide females with protection against trauma.
Researchers investigated how parents influence adolescents' coping mechanisms for stress. Secure parent-child relationships are associated with the development of adaptive coping styles, which can lead to long-term positive outcomes. In contrast, insecure relationships may result in maladaptive coping strategies that increase distress.