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How can countries prevent shocks and disasters from turning into food crises? Science points to Resilience

A new study published in PNAS finds that countries with high resilience can break the link between shocks and food insecurity, despite being more severely affected by disasters. The study highlights the importance of government effectiveness, diverse food systems, and human capabilities in reducing the risks of crises.

New approach to mental health care reduces hospital admissions

A new approach to mental health care, Open Dialogue, has been shown to reduce hospital admissions and improve satisfaction with care. The study found that those treated with Open Dialogue had a higher odds of never being admitted to psychiatric inpatient hospital care and lower odds of re-referral to crisis care.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2026

Almost half of child mental health patients need adult care too

A new study found that four in ten children who attend Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Scotland go on to access adult mental health services. Eight percent of these children accounted for 46% of all adult psychiatric inpatient bed days and 41% of all NHS adult mental health outpatient appointments by the age of 32.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

The digital therapy helping dementia carers

A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

Study redefines positive mental wellbeing

Researchers have identified six key elements - meaning and purpose, life satisfaction, self-acceptance, strong relationships, autonomy, and happiness - as crucial for positive mental wellbeing. Experts say these factors can help policymakers better understand where to intervene in promoting mental health.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Mental Health·DateApr 16, 2026

Psychological therapies for children who speak English as an additional language can become “lost in translation”, study warns

A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Jeonbuk National University study shows positive parenting can protect adolescents against self-harm

A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2025

Empathy as a double-edged sword: Study reveals hidden mental health risks for youth during war

A decade-long study found that children with early-developed empathy were more likely to experience anxiety and depression during the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the dual role of empathy in mental health. The research suggests that empathy can be both a strength and a vulnerability in the face of mass trauma.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2025

Black youth, especially Black girls, use mental health services less than their White peers

New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2025

Persistently, intensely grieving relations are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one

A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that individuals experiencing persistent and intense grief are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one. The study followed a cohort of 1,735 bereaved individuals and found that those with high grief symptom levels had significantly higher r...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2025

Study shows more support needed for police mental health

A study of police organisations in Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales reveals rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health challenges. The research identifies key trends and insights into how policing organisations can enhance support systems to balance job demands with adequate resources.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Forensic Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 8, 2025

Can one video change a teen's mindset? New study says yes - but there’s a catch

A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJCPP Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

Babies follow social cues despite trauma

Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2025

A simple way to boost math progress

A megastudy involving over 140,000 teachers and 3 million elementary students found that behaviorally informed email messages improved students' math progress by 1.89% compared to standard email reminders. Personalized nudges referencing students' progress updates were more effective than nonpersonalized ones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Dissociation is a coping mechanism impeding effective climate action

A study by Cambridge University Press found that collective dissociation prevents people from taking effective action against the climate emergency, exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Researchers recommend measures like community engagement, mental health support, and infrastructure improvement to combat dis...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2025

Novel research shows brain connections can predict future substance use in adolescents

Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

Fayetteville police positive about partnership with social workers

The Fayetteville Police Department has seen a significant improvement in its response to mental health crises thanks to its partnership with the University of Arkansas School of Social Work. The co-response teams, which pair officers with trained social workers, have reduced workload and helped better serve individuals in crisis.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Police and Criminal Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 14, 2024

Youth mental health-related emergency room trips declined significantly after Illinois ended COVID-19 lockdown

In Illinois, youth emergency room visits for depression and anxiety decreased significantly after the COVID-19 shutdown and plateaued at lower rates. Social media use is believed to be a contributing factor, with increased smartphone usage leading to reduced social interaction and sleep disturbances.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 6, 2024

New collaborative research generates lessons for more adaptive lake management

A new study by Utah State University explores the potential of collaborative modeling to improve reservoir operations and adapt to variable inflow and declining storage. The research involved 26 Colorado River Basin managers and experts who used Google Sheets during video calls to discuss consuming, banking, and trading water.

SourceUtah State University·JournalJournal of Water Resources Planning and Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2024