Research on stress and its effects on mind and body. Covers work stress and health, mood-supporting materials, stress-response cells, and deep sleep's role.
Research shows that parental social support and psychological control significantly impact LGBTQ youth's depressive symptoms. High psychological control, however, was linked with more depressive symptoms in those whose parents did not know their identities.
A new Australian study found that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes for defence veterans' mental health. Almost 90% of veterans reported improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety after being matched with an assistance dog.
A new study published by researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found a significant link between early childhood trauma experienced by mothers and various health problems in their children. The research analyzed data from over 4,300 American mothers and their children, revealing that children of mothers with adverse experi...
A study of 232 healthy adults found that hypnosis and mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity and tolerance, while prayer did not. The results suggest that brief sessions of these techniques may be useful for acute pain self-management.
Research highlights the need for holistic treatment of IBS patients' physical and mental tolls, including anxiety (38%) and depression (27%) rates significantly higher than in the general population. Early evaluation and treatment of both conditions is essential to improve patient quality of life.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a critical molecule in the development of brain's stress response, which may lead to better understanding of stress-related mental health disorders. Deficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt brain development and increase cortisol levels, leading to imbalanced stress responses.
A study by Yunfeng Lu and Songfa Zhong found that high contactless real-time heart rates are associated with poor performance in elite archers. Athletes' age and gender did not significantly influence the relationship between stress and performance, but factors like competition ranking and score influenced the results.
A study by Hiroshima University found that COVID-19 discrimination is connected to mental health issues and functional impairment in survivors. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that long-term symptoms of COVID-19 can cause mental distress, leading to reduced work performance.
A recent study by sports psychology experts found that irrational beliefs are a key indicator of poor mental health in athletes. Athletes who use phrases like
A 15-year study found that group practice of Transcendental Meditation and its advanced aspect, TM-Sidhi, may help counter the rising trends in US drug overdose deaths. The study estimated that 34,194 drug-related fatalities may have been averted as a result of the decline in drug-related fatality rate during the demonstration phase.
A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that a virtual reality boxing game called BOXVR reduced adolescent stress and improved cognitive function compared to a guided YouTube-guided boxing exercise. The VR group also reported greater enjoyment after each session.
Research analyzed data from nearly 1,000 participants born in the 1950s and 1960s, finding that children with overprotective fathers were more likely to die before age 80. Conversely, women who received better care from their mothers during childhood may experience a reduced risk of premature mortality.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that stressed individuals tend to connect with others who are similarly overwhelmed, exacerbating feelings of stress. Certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism and low conscientiousness, can buffer the transmission of stress in social interactions.
New research from Center for BrainHealth demonstrates the positive impact of online Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training on mental health symptoms. The study found improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in healthy adults, with lasting effects six months post-training.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.
A study published in Science Advances found a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, which is measured as the spread in age at death. The researchers analyzed mortality data for 162 countries and found that the most violent countries have the lowest life expectancy and highest lifetime uncertainty.
Researchers found that state gratitude predicts lower systolic blood pressure responses throughout the stress-testing period, indicating a unique stress-buffering effect. Affect balance amplifies the effects of state gratitude, suggesting its clinical utility in improving cardiovascular health.
Research from Texas A&M University reveals that male alcohol use has a significant negative influence on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. The study highlights the importance of expanding fertility and prepregnancy messaging to emphasize the reproductive dangers of alcohol use by both parents.
A recent study found that bisexual individuals use cannabis more frequently than their straight counterparts, with a greater likelihood of using it to cope with mental health issues. The researchers also discovered that bisexual people are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression and social anxiety.
Research identifies significant barriers in ER care for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, including emotional, diagnostic, and logistical challenges. Broad changes are needed to improve emergency care for this patient population.
A recent study published in Respiratory Medicine found that older adults with asthma are at high risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of those with a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence, while one in seven without a history of depression developed depression for the first time.
A recent study from UW's Center for Healthy Minds found that COVID-19's impact on K-12 schooling took a toll on educators' mental health, with 78% reporting clinically meaningful anxiety symptoms. Meditation-based interventions showed promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among school system employees.
Researchers found that wildfire exposure led to difficulty in sensory interference processing and increased frontal cortex activity, similar to PTSD symptoms. Cognitive deficits persisted 6-12 months post-wildfire, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address climate trauma.
Research suggests that avoiding or withdrawing from tough conversations can lead to emotional distress, bad feelings about the relationship, chronic inflammation, and lowered immune function. Couples who exhibit negative communication patterns report fewer positive emotions and slower wound healing.
A study by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos found that 86% of health workers reported burnout and 81% suffered from stress. They also experienced depression, slept badly, and complained of aches and pains. The study aimed to assess the effects of long working hours and burden on physical and mental health.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.
A survey of 3,021 people in Brazil found that Black women experience the highest rate of tooth loss, with a 26% higher proportion than white women. The study suggests that socioeconomic status and racism are major contributors to these disparities.
A recent study found that middle-aged individuals with more psychological symptoms are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. The study, which included data from over 68,000 Finns, suggests that symptoms of depression, exhaustion, and nervousness can increase the risk of dementia even as early as age 45.
A randomized controlled trial found that community gardening increases fiber intake by 7% and physical activity levels, leading to lower stress and anxiety. The study also confirms the benefits of novice gardeners and highlights the social connections formed through community gardening.
A new study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that treatment for combat-related PTSD can be both fast and effective, with clinically significant reductions in symptoms in over 60% of patients. Long-term remission was observed in more than 50% after three weeks of outpatient therapy.
A Swedish study of 3,525 university students found procrastination associated with worse mental health, disabling pain, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that enhancing understanding of students' health is crucial due to the prevalence of procrastination among this population.
Researchers found a significant association between restricting abortion access and increased suicide rates among women of reproductive age. The study's findings have clinical, policy, and ethical implications, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to approach suicide risk classification in this demographic differently.
A large-scale study of mothers reveals those who experienced greatest pandemic-related change are more susceptible to traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers with higher incomes and education were found to be in the high-change group, while those with lower socioeconomic status reported fewer disruptions.
A study of 11,000 participants found that pandemic-associated hardships and behaviors were linked to increased traumatic stress symptoms in mothers from diverse backgrounds. Researchers emphasize the importance of designing effective mental health programs during public health crises like COVID-19.
Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.
A recent clinical trial found that walnut consumption reduced stress and depression levels in university students. The study also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term. Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and melatonin, which promote healthy brain and gut function.
Eating two ounces of walnuts daily for 16 weeks improved self-reported mental health indicators, had a protective effect against academic stress, and aided sleep quality. Walnuts' bioactive nutrients and phytochemicals may underlie their beneficial effects on mental health.
A study followed over 7,000 Canadians for three years to find that being female, physically active, and not obese were key to maintaining excellent health. Factors such as high income and social support also played a crucial role in optimal aging.
A new study finds that discrimination influences the central and enteric nervous systems, altering the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut microbiome. This leads to changes in systemic inflammation, emotional arousal, and psychological symptoms across different racial and ethnic groups.
Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that gig workers relying on tips, commissions, and performance bonuses experience worse physical health symptoms, including poor sleep quality and headaches. Businesses and lawmakers are advised to consider implementing more stable forms of compensation to protect workers' health.
Younger adults who engage in proactive coping behaviors, such as concentrating on goals and preparing for challenges, experience fewer negative physical health symptoms. Proactive coping is crucial for building resilience and helping young people manage stress effectively, particularly between the ages of 18-36.
Research by University of East Anglia reveals care home nurses were unprepared for the pandemic, impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests implementing a mental health and wellbeing strategy is crucial to promote recovery from trauma and moral distress.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that playing the piano for just one hour a week can improve audio-visual processing and reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. The study found significant improvements in multisensory information processing among adults with no prior musical experiences.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a graphene-based e-tattoo that tracks electrodermal activity on the palm, enabling unobstructive ambulatory sensing. This technology reduces social stigma and provides accurate readings, addressing limitations of current bulky devices.
A new UC San Francisco study found that financial stress during pregnancy accelerates cellular aging in white children but not black children. Researchers followed 110 white and 112 black women from age 10 to 40 and their first child to understand the impact of maternal stress on health outcomes.
Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.
A low-cost prenatal intervention benefits mothers’ mental health up to eight years later. The eight-week class intervention supported healthier stress responses in their children, and cut their short-term risk of depression and diabetes.
A new study reveals that having too few job demands can disrupt sleep, while moderate demands with adequate control lead to a regular sleep schedule and shorter time to fall asleep. The researchers also found that individuals who have more control over their work environment tend to sleep better.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management found that brief positive interventions, such as watching a funny video, can help employees overcome daily challenges like annoying emails or unloved tasks. This leads to increased effectiveness at work, including better engagement, creativity, and beh...
A study found that resident physicians are open to using technology to enhance their well-being, but hesitant to share personal data without assurance of its use. Anonymity is a key concern, as it affects participation and the program's usefulness.
A high-salt diet was found to increase the levels of a stress hormone by 75 per cent in mice, indicating that excessive salt consumption may contribute to higher blood pressure and related health risks. Experts hope the findings will encourage policy changes to reduce salt intake in processed foods.
A study by Kingston University and Maynooth University found that people in early stages of their careers were more likely to experience stress and disengage from work due to remote working. Mid-career workers faced exhaustion due to juggling responsibilities, while older employees considered leaving their professions prematurely.
A study by CHOP researchers found that financial stress during the pandemic contributed to depressive symptoms in adolescents across all income groups. The effect was most pronounced in low-income adolescents, but also affected those with lower pre-pandemic household income.
A study found that ER visits for suicidal thoughts among youth aged 5-19 increased by 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021, with hospitalizations rising by 57%. The research highlights the need for improved mental wellness support and training for healthcare providers.
Research reveals early life adversity shapes brain circuits and behavior, increasing risk of depression and anxiety. Studies using rodent models uncover specific neural pathways impacted by early stress, shedding light on sex-specific responses.
A meta-analysis of over 600,000 patients found that psychological distress assessed with brief questionnaires was associated with nearly a 30% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The screening process can be easy and efficient for healthcare providers without significant psychology training.
A new nationwide study found that 34.7% of Canadians experienced severe loneliness in January 2021, with migrants and those experiencing job insecurity being most at risk.
A new study has found that Psychological First Aid training can help healthcare workers in care homes improve their own mental wellbeing. The training, originally created for people to support others, offers guidance on delivering psychosocial care in emergency situations.
A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.
Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.