Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A study found that women who received a brief romantic partner embrace prior to a stressful experience had lower cortisol levels than those without an embrace. In contrast, embracing had no effect on men's cortisol responses to stress. The findings suggest that romantic touch may have a unique impact on women's stress biology.
A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital – Psychiatry has found that Danish patients with mental disorders experienced a worsening of symptoms in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The study analyzed over 500,000 clinical notes from psychiatric hospitals in Denmark and identified a sharp increase in clini...
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a devastating rise in adolescent mental health crises, with 60% of admitted patients exhibiting suicidal ideation or attempting suicide. Mental health admissions increased for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders, particularly among girls.
Two studies found that approximately one in eight doctors experienced high levels of moral distress, which increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Healthcare organizations can reduce moral distress by providing opportunities for discussing ethical concerns and supporting staff well-being.
A recent study published in PeerJ found that excessive sports training can lead to lower mood states and reduced heart rate variability. The research, conducted on amateur road cyclists, suggests that monitoring training intensity and recovery is essential for athletes' well-being.
A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.
A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that mothers with limited financial resources experienced tremendous stress during the pandemic. However, they also valued the opportunity to spend more quality time with their children, showcasing their resilience.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...
A comprehensive review of 40 years of published studies on the benefits of Maharishi Vastu architecture reveals its potential as a tool for promoting mental and physical health. The findings support the growing recognition that building design plays a key role in both causing and preventing humanity's health challenges.
Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A new study found that partner support significantly influences changes in depressive symptoms over time, but relationship satisfaction and effective arguing have a weaker effect. The research suggests strengthening partner support can improve mental health for individuals in committed relationships.
A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.
The pandemic significantly increased study burnout among university students, with engagement in studies dropping to its lowest level in late 2020. The conflict between demands and resources was a central factor, while basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence played a crucial role in student wellbeing.
Researchers found high levels of mood disturbances and sleep disorders among COVID-19 patients, with increased fatigue increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues in COVID-19 recovery.
A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that Latino/a adolescents who took on greater childcare responsibilities due to COVID-19 experienced significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acting out behaviors. They also saw a drop in their grade point average.
A national study of thousands of young people reveals that state school pupils have similar mental health and life satisfaction to private school counterparts. After controlling for socio-economic background and ethnicity, the difference in happiness between the two groups vanished.
A new study from the University of Houston finds that firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have relationship problems. The research, led by Donald A. Godfrey, discovered a link between PTSD symptom severity and difficulty regulating emotions in intimate relationships.
A study of 2,100 adolescent young carers in the UK found that 28% considered self-harming and 12% contemplated harming others. The pressure of caring for a family member or friend can lead to poor well-being and distress, particularly among girls.
A new study reveals that people who are resistant to vaccines often had adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect. These early traumas can lead to a legacy of mistrust, causing individuals to view institutions and authority figures with skepticism.
Researchers found that maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in early childhood predicts child somatisation at school age. The study highlights the importance of considering family trauma history in pediatric consultations to improve patient care.
A UCI-led study has found that early life adversity can lead to microglia dysfunction, resulting in abnormal stress responses later in life. The researchers discovered that microglial pruning of excitatory synapses during brain development is crucial for refining functional circuits and preventing aberrant stress responses.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.
A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.
A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.
A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that GPs reported stress, burnout, and anxiety due to COVID-19. Women doctors were more likely to experience psychological problems, while older doctors faced greater stress and burnout.
Researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Exeter found ketamine to have significant anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects in a comprehensive systematic review. The study suggests ketamine may be helpful in treating various disorders, including eating disorders, substance use, and anxiety.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that experiencing racism is stressful for Black youth, while taking action to address racism also contributes to stress. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between racism-related physiological stress and high-risk activism among emerging adults.
A new study found that e-cigarette use significantly increases adolescents' risk of cannabis use, especially among those with externalizing mental health problems. However, for those with internalizing mental health issues, the relationship is reversed, and they are less likely to begin using cannabis.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key pathway in the brain that underpins anxiety and fear behaviors. The discovery provides a novel target for developing better treatments for anxiety disorders, which affect an estimated 264-million people worldwide.
Syrian refugee women in Houston experience significantly higher mental stress, including depression and anxiety, due to displacement and social strain. They face challenges such as language barriers, unemployment, and financial insecurity, which contribute to their high-stress environment.
A study examining the intergenerational transmission of vicarious racism found that Black mothers' experiences of racial discrimination were associated with higher parenting stress and depressive symptoms, which mediated the effects on their children. The study suggests that individual coping mechanisms may be insufficient to buffer th...
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
Researchers found that stress, anxiety, and worries about health consequences contribute to sleep issues among essential occupation workers. The study suggests that implementing measures promoting health and well-being can prevent future illness and sick leave.
A recent survey of British academics reveals that significant political transformations like Brexit can negatively affect employee wellbeing, particularly when perceived as threatening rather than challenging. The study emphasizes the importance of job security and quality of co-worker relationships in maintaining personal wellbeing.
A study found that spending time in green spaces was associated with better mental health among Denver residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers also examined perceptions of green space usage, abundance, and quality, which were linked to improved mental well-being.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that people exposed to more green space reported less depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that spending time in green spaces had a protective effect on mental health, even in times of extraordinary stressors.
Researchers investigated whether COVID-19 led to a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, but found no significant difference in severity. Despite this, the pandemic can exacerbate anxiety and stress, potentially affecting individuals with tinnitus.
A study of over 1,600 Black women found that those who frequently experienced racism before age 20 were at higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms in adulthood. The research highlights the damaging effects of racism on mental health, particularly among young people transitioning into independence.
A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...
Research by Shan Jiang found that introducing nature views into hospital corridors can significantly ease confusion and anger in navigating large medical complexes. The study revealed that participants used shorter time and walked less distance to complete wayfinding tasks when exposed to green spaces.
A recent online survey found that pandemic-related school closures have a disproportionate negative impact on students with autism. The study reveals differences in the psychological impact of the pandemic on neurotypical and autistic children, highlighting the need for alternative ways to support autistic children's educational goals.
A recent OSU study found that engaging in leisure activities can help lower the risk of depression and improve mental well-being during the pandemic. The results showed that people who reported higher stress also engaged more in their preferred leisure activity, which served as a protective buffer.
During the first 18 months of the pandemic, Great Britain's subjective wellbeing mirrored death rates, indicating a strong correlation. Lockdowns only had a short-term impact on depressed mood, with effects lasting only three weeks.
A 'Science of Happiness' online course reduced students' anxiety and improved wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that participating in the course had a positive impact on mental health.
A new study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with statistically significant declines in multiple psychological distress factors. Vaccination was linked to reductions in perceived risks of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.
A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.
A recent study found that Australian international border restrictions had a negative impact on mental health, with participants reporting high levels of psychological distress. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the toll of pandemic policies on people's mental health and wellbeing.
A new review of theoretical models used to assess and treat mental health issues highlights the vast array of approaches. The lack of clear criteria poses significant implications for diagnosis, assessment, and support.
A study led by Yekaterina Chzhen at Trinity College Dublin found that poverty directly affects both children and parents, leading to economic pressure and psychological distress. This challenges mainstream theoretical models of poverty and calls for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of economic hardship on families.
Experiencing nature scenes in Virtual Reality significantly lowers subjective stress levels among frontline healthcare workers. This innovative approach offers a potential coping mechanism for reducing psychological strain.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that monkeys can 'choke under pressure' on a computerized matching task. The team discovered that individual variations in stress response and cortisol levels affect performance, suggesting an evolutionarily common trait among species.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that night shift nurses are more likely to suffer from poor sleep, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. The researchers also discovered a significant disparity in sleep quality among Black nurses, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their health.