Articles tagged with Psychological 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that racial identity can influence the way Black adolescents experience anticipatory stress about racism. While high private regard was associated with less psychological stress, high centrality scores were linked to worse anticipatory stress across the board. The researchers also discovered that higher public rega...
A new study suggests that engaging in recovery can help entrepreneurs reduce the negative impact of stress and improve well-being outcomes. The study proposes three recovery-intervention categories: Respite, Reappraisal, and Regimen, which recommend taking breaks, reframing thoughts on stress, and adding structure to recovery.
Researchers have discovered that tabernanthalog (TBG) rapidly corrects stress-induced behavioral deficits and promotes neuronal regrowth in mouse brains. TBG lacks toxic and hallucinogenic effects of ibogaine, making it a promising potential treatment for mental health conditions.
A study found IBS patients' symptoms decreased during the pandemic due to lower stress and more control over diet. The results support the gut-brain axis theory in functional gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting psychosocial factors' role in triggering symptoms.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that COVID-19 geriatric care significantly impacted the mental health of nursing home staff, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of PPE, fear of contracting COVID, and isolation due to lockdowns contributed to these negative outcomes.
Researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) significantly improves eczema symptoms and reduces stress, insomnia, and depression. The treatment required fewer therapy resources than conventional face-to-face psychological treatment, making it a potential care option for a large patient group.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a perfect storm for family violence, characterized by increased stress, trauma, and economic hardship. Experts warn that public health officials and mental health professionals must identify those at risk and provide support to mitigate this issue.
A new study reveals the importance of nutrition in maintaining redox balance and coping with viral infections. The endothelium's regulatory function is also crucial in protecting blood cells from damage, while gasotransmitters play a key role in sensing environmental changes. These findings may inform future therapeutic approaches.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that e-cigarette users have a higher odds of developing asthma and having asthma attacks. Current smokers also had an increased risk, with former smokers facing the highest odds.
A study of over 8,600 Australians found that those who ate at least 470g of fruit and veg daily had 10% lower stress levels. The research suggests diet plays a key role in mental wellbeing and highlights the benefits of a healthy diet in reducing stress.
A study found that female lawyers are more likely to experience stress, engage in risky drinking, and contemplate leaving the profession due to burnout. Workplace factors such as work overcommitment and high work-family conflict scores were significant predictors of these issues for women.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered 'accelerousal,' a phenomenon describing stress triggered by acceleration events. Half of the participants exhibited heightened stress during stop-and-go periods, with 'accelaroused' drivers experiencing nearly 50% more stress and feeling more overloaded.
A study found that psychological distress after a heart attack doubles the risk of subsequent cardiac events in younger adults. Researchers also discovered an association between inflammation and cardiovascular risk among patients experiencing high distress.
Significant levels of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms were reported by 26%, 22% and 17% respectively among patients with mild COVID-19 disease. These findings highlight the need for early mental health intervention to prevent incident mental health problems.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger have better cognitive functioning, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who feel older. The researchers suggest that feeling younger could help buffer middle-aged and older adults against stress's negative effects.
Athletes in caring environments, supported by staff, reported greater psychological well-being and support from coaches and teammates. They also experienced more hope, happiness, and ability to cope with pandemic stress.
A study by University of Zurich found that more than half of young women experienced symptoms of depression, while nearly half reported anxiety. The lockdown also showed a significant decrease in risky alcohol use, particularly among women.
A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that critical care nurses in poor physical and mental health reported significantly more medical errors. Nurses with better support for their well-being were twice as likely to have better physical health and professional quality of life.
The study found that stress impairs immune cells' ability to move and fight diseases by inhibiting their movements. This effect is caused by the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to reduced blood flow, oxygen deprivation, and calcium signaling in leukocytes.
A pilot program in five Australian nursing homes shows personalized music selections reduce resident agitation and staff stress levels, leading to improved wellbeing and reduced medication use.
A survey of 6,894 pregnant and postpartum women in 64 countries found that a substantial number scored high for symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress in relation to COVID-19. High information seeking from any source was associated with increased odds of elevated post-traumatic stress and anxiety/depress...
Researchers found that high-dose omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation suppressed damage and boosted protection during and after stressful events. This led to sustained anti-inflammatory activity and preserved telomere length in healthy but sedentary, overweight, and middle-aged individuals.
Researchers used heart rate monitoring to measure stress levels in secondary school students working on biology tasks. Contrary to expectations, mental effort was the primary correlate of stress, not task difficulty.
Research reveals that family financial stress in midlife is associated with a depleted sense of control, related to increased physical pain in later years. Financial strain can lead to health conditions like physical pain, physical limitations, loneliness and cardiovascular disease.
An international study of 70 scientists in 21 countries found that suicides fell by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic, with similar trends reported globally. The study attributes this decline to swift implementation of supportive measures, including psychotherapy and crisis intervention services.