Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A study published in PLOS ONE found that students who felt their university failed them during the pandemic were more likely to experience trauma symptoms. The authors analyzed data from a large group of undergraduate students and discovered a significant association between institutional betrayal and trauma symptoms.
The University of Ottawa has launched the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), a leading research center examining biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of Black health. The ICBH aims to identify priorities in research on physical and mental health disparities among Canada's Black communities.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that looking at memes about COVID-19 can help people cope with stress and anxiety. The study, published in Psychology of Popular Media, suggests that viewing just three memes can increase positive emotions and decrease stress levels.
Fish from the Gobiidae family change color more efficiently and effectively when alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This is likely due to reduced stress levels, allowing for faster and more accurate camouflage.
A new study by researchers at the University of Houston found that COVID-19-related parenting stress has a negative impact on children's eating habits, leading to maladaptive feeding behaviors. The study suggests that policy makers and nonprofit organizations should provide support systems to help parents manage their daily stressors.
Researchers from UvA's Centre for Urban Mental Health propose a new conceptual framework to understand the dynamic interplay between urban factors and mental health. The framework identifies key factors influencing urban environments and their impact on mental well-being, including air pollution, noise, and social cohesion.
A new study found that healthcare workers, especially those under age 50 and women, experienced exceptionally high levels of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed data from an international questionnaire and discovered that paramedical staff had even higher stress levels than medical doctors.
A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.
A Dartmouth study found that individuals who experienced higher levels of stress on a given day had lower social interaction the following day. The research used mobile phone sensing data from 99 undergraduate students and showed that stress predicted less social interaction, but not the other way around.
A survey of over 50,000 people found that around 11% experience abdominal pain when eating, with symptoms also affecting mental health and daily life. The study highlights the need for meal-related symptoms to be considered in diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
A multi-national survey of nearly 6,000 people found that gas-related symptoms are a common experience for most adults, with almost eight out of ten reporting symptoms in the previous 24 hours. The study also showed that these symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life and mental health, particularly among younger people.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that over half of US women and people who menstruate experienced changes in their menstrual cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic stress. Individuals with higher levels of stress reported heavier bleeding and longer periods.
The study analyzed mobile phone data from 1.2 million Austrians, revealing that women make significantly longer phone calls and adhere more closely to governmental measures than men. In contrast, men are less likely to have their mobility restricted and return to normal more quickly than women.
A large study reveals the pandemic exacerbates mental health challenges and hinders physical activity levels, particularly among lower-income households and those living in urban areas. The survey found that higher household income was associated with better mental health status and maintained physical activity levels.
A new study from McGill University reveals that delaying school start times can help reduce stress and improve coping skills in teenagers during times of crisis. The research found that allowing teens to follow their natural sleep-wake cycle led to improved mental health outcomes.
Novice participants in a three-week online meditation course showed improved emotional wellbeing, concentration, and motivation. Effects were strongest among those with high levels of self-control and motivation, highlighting the importance of individual differences in response to mindfulness interventions.
University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that healthcare workers with high emotional support or resilience were protected against stress related to COVID-19. The study used wearable devices to measure heart rate variability and found a unique nervous system profile in these individuals.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that contact with police is associated with negative health outcomes for Black youth, including poor mental health, substance use, and risky behaviors. The researchers also found that Black youth experience feelings of alienation and hopelessness due to lack of support from social institutions.
A new study by UCL researchers highlights the significant mental health burden on frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study calls for increased mental health awareness training, more assertive outreach to identify those in need, and sustained funding for psychological support services.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
Research finds approximately one-third of the population experience sensitivities when seeing others fidget, leading to emotional and social impacts. Individuals with misokinesia report difficulty in social situations, work environments, and learning spaces, with impacts increasing with age.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy dietary patterns are associated with higher frequency of exercise and mental wellbeing in young adults. The researchers discovered that exercising within a healthy dietary pattern maximizes the beneficial effect of healthy food and minimizes the impact of triggers.
A recent study found COVID-19 survivors exhibit abnormal patterns of brain connectivity associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms. The research team discovered three distinct states of functional connectivity in the brains of COVID-19 survivors, which are linked to symptom severity.
Research suggests that learning stress management techniques can improve physical health and well-being by reducing worry and rumination. These techniques, including mindfulness, psychological detachment, and cognitive behavioral therapy, have a significant positive effect on health behaviors.
A new Rutgers-led study finds that people who believe leisure activities are a waste of time tend to enjoy them less. The research suggests that attitudes towards leisure can impact its enjoyment and even mental health.
A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.
A new study asked over 470 firefighters about their recovery methods in extreme heat, finding that simple strategies like finding shade and drinking water are often used. The research suggests potential for better cooling and recovery protocols to improve firefighter safety and performance.
Researchers conducted focus groups with stakeholders to identify safety measures and public health messaging that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Participants emphasized the need for transparent messaging, regulations, and enforcement of precautions to promote community safety and comfort.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.
A recent study has shown that COVID-19 stressors are negatively impacting resettled refugees' mental health, with links to PTSD, depression, and poorer daily functioning. Refugees' past experiences may heighten the impact of the pandemic due to traumatic events and challenges in the post-migration environment.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.
A multicenter randomized trial showed acupuncture improved symptoms of moderate to severe CP/CPPS, with effects lasting over 24 weeks. Acupuncture was more effective than sham therapy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati found that work interruptions can counterbalance negatives and lead to higher job satisfaction. Employees who experienced social interactions during interruptions felt more like they belonged, which mitigated negative effects on their well-being.
Exposure to nature imagery or sounds decreases physiological signs of stress in incarcerated individuals and sparks interest in learning about natural habitats. Virtual nature experiences also boost curiosity and eagerness to learn about science and the natural world.
A study by University of Jyväskylä researchers found that increased job demands in healthcare lead to employee exhaustion and lower customer satisfaction. The study also discovered that work community's shared experience of increased job planning demands contributes to greater exhaustion and lower customer satisfaction.
A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.
A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.
The study found that people's willingness to exert effort fluctuates moment by moment but gradually declines over time due to fatigue. Two types of fatigue were detected in distinct parts of the brain, with one short-term and another long-term effect, affecting motivation to work.
A new randomized controlled trial found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improved emotional stress symptoms, quality of sleep, and English Language Arts academic achievement in high school students. The study showed that meditation was more effective than sustained silent reading in improving academic outcomes.
A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that yoga is an effective method for reducing occupational stress in healthcare workers. The analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials revealed that yoga and massage therapy were more effective than no intervention in alleviating work-related stress.
A virtual reality study found that slow music played as background throughout the tunnel reduces drivers' nervousness and fatigue, while sirens are most effective when played at entry points and during emergencies. The combination of slow music with occasional sirens is proposed as a best solution to improve road safety.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that just three nights of sleep loss can cause significant deterioration in mental and physical health. After a day or two, symptoms peak, and the body becomes relatively adapted to repeated sleep loss, but this changes on the sixth night when physical symptoms reach their wo...
A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that viewing buildings with green plants reduced stress levels and improved positive emotions in participants. The research suggests that incorporating vertical greenery into urban design can have a significant impact on mental health, guiding greening efforts in cities.
A year-long Australian population study found full-time workers in poorly managed organisations have a threefold increased risk of being diagnosed with depression. Poor workplace mental health can be traced back to poor management practices and low resources.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a link between psychological stress and graying hair. The study, published in eLife, revealed that hair color can be restored when stress is eliminated. Stress-induced changes in mitochondria may explain how stress turns hair gray.
A new study provides the strongest evidence yet that discriminatory comments can cause physical responses in LGBTQ+ people, including increased blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels. Exposure to anti-gay prejudice triggers bodily changes that can contribute to health problems over time.
Research reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who encounter homophobic attitudes experience significant increases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. The study found that perceived homophobia had a direct impact on physiological stress among sexual minorities, increasing systolic blood pressure during interviews.
A new study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that blaming COVID-19 for problems can reduce the negative effects of stress on relationships. Couples who blamed their stress on the pandemic, rather than each other, reported higher happiness and greater resilience.
Researchers found that when couples blamed the pandemic for their stress, they were happier in their relationships. This phenomenon helped reduce the negative effects of stress spillover, allowing partners to work together and tackle challenges as a team.
A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, reduced stress, anxiety, and improved psychological well-being among Spanish and Portuguese citizens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. In Portugal, those who maintained contact with natural spaces showed lower levels of stress and mental disorders.
A Washington State University study of twins found that stress and anxiety during the pandemic were associated with decreased sleep quality. The researchers linked self-reported mental health issues to changes in sleep patterns, showing a two-way relationship between disrupted sleep and poor mental health.
A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, had a beneficial effect on the mental health of individuals during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Those who maintained or increased contact with these spaces presented lower levels of stress, psychological distress, and psychosomatic symptoms.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that investing in more physical activity programming could help curb healthcare worker burnout and improve their mental and emotional health. The research also showed that leisure-time physical activity can help exit the stress cycle, but only when done correctly.
The study reveals COVID-19 can cause inflammation in the auditory and vestibular pathways, worsening existing conditions like tinnitus. Pandemic-related stress and anxiety also increase the severity of tinnitus symptoms in individuals already affected.
University of Pennsylvania researchers discovered a correlation between childhood stress and earlier molar eruption, with lower-income children experiencing an earlier onset. The study used a novel rating system to measure tooth development, showing that adverse childhood experiences also predict earlier molar eruption.
Research published in Acta Paediatrica suggests that a pregnant woman's mental health impacts the touch behavior of twins and singletons, with maternal depression affecting soothing mechanisms for fetuses. The study also found differences in touch and movement behaviors between singletons and twins.
A study by University of Warwick researchers found a significant positive improvement in GP trainees' mental wellbeing and resilience after participating in a specially-designed mindfulness programme. The programme showed improvements in burnout, stress, and wellbeing among participants.
During lockdowns, the 20-40 age group slept more, walked less and felt unhappier compared to older subjects. The study suggests that women were more affected by lockdowns, with increased stress and reduced social interactions.