Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A global study found that over 13% of participants developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related symptoms in response to the pandemic. The research highlights the need for comprehensive documentation of COVID-19-related traumatic stress reactions to help healthcare professionals support those affected.
A new study found differences in PTSD prevalence among rescue workers, with emergency department staff and psychiatric nurses most affected. The researchers highlighted the need for bespoke training and counseling services to help staff cope with trauma and improve their quality of life.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that taking regular walks in forests and greenspaces may help workers cope with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 Japanese workers and discovered a significant correlation between forest and greenspace walking habits and strong stress-coping abilities.
Researchers reviewed 49 studies linking stress, depression, and poor health behaviors to impaired immune response to vaccination. Improving these factors can enhance the body's response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
A systematic review of 136 randomised controlled trials found that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression and stress in most community settings, but with no significant benefit in over one in 20 trials. The findings suggest that individual results may vary depending on factors such as implementation, setting and target group.
A new study by the University of Basel found that lockdowns affect mental health variably across countries, with factors like social support and financial stability playing a crucial role. The research suggests that public health initiatives should target those without social support and those whose finances worsen during lockdowns.
A post-mortem analysis of brain tissue from people with PTSD reveals distinct differences in gene expression patterns between those with and without the disorder. These changes affect two cell types - interneurons and microglia - which may contribute to impaired stress response, particularly in women.
Research finds that goal striving stress is linked to progressive kidney disease in African Americans, with higher levels of stress increasing the risk. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, suggests that traditional risk factors only partially explain this disparity.
A recent study found that feeling appreciated by subordinates boosts the energy and optimism of supervisors, leading to higher levels of psychological well-being and positive behaviors at work. The research suggests that external validation can be particularly powerful for supervisors who lack internal validation.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison introduce a new framework for emotional well-being, focusing on specific skills that can be learned. The framework emphasizes four pillars: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose, which have been studied in the lab and shown to improve well-being.
A large long-term study found that women with PTSD and depression have an almost fourfold greater risk of early death from various causes than women without trauma exposure or depression. The study suggests that other factors, such as stress hormones, may account for the higher risk.
A multicentre study found a strong correlation between thyroid function and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. The research identified two distinct mechanisms: an overactive thyroid gland promoting heart disease risk and an elevated target value of thyroid regulation related to the stress event.
Two UCLA studies reveal that maternal stress prior to conception and during the third trimester can lead to shorter telomeres in children, which is associated with faster aging and increased risk of diseases. The study also found that high maternal stress before pregnancy was linked to shorter pregnancies.
A new University of Rochester meta-analysis suggests that being psychologically flexible is a critical factor in maintaining happy family and romantic relationships. Higher levels of flexibility are linked to adaptive parenting strategies, lower child distress, and greater relationship satisfaction.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development, particularly the amygdala. The findings highlight the need for pregnant women to receive mental and physical health support to promote healthy brain development in their babies.
A study found that Latinx, African American, and African international students experienced elevated stress arousal in response to perceived racism. Rumination on racism was associated with increased negative emotions across all groups.
Researchers at Yale University found that prazosin significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms in patients with severe alcohol use disorder. The study showed that patients who received prazosin had fewer heavy drinking episodes and days of drinking compared to those who received a placebo.
Researchers have developed a virtual-reality method that measures susceptibility to psychogenic stressors by analyzing heart rate variability and locomotion data. The study's findings offer a standardized tool for measuring vulnerability to stressors based on objective markers, paving the way for early interventions.
A new theory suggests that societies can only be either cohesive or fragmented, with the number of social contacts being the tipping point. As people seek to minimize social stress, they increasingly avoid disagreements and form filter bubbles, leading to a breakdown in constructive communication and potentially threatening democracy.
A Baylor University study finds that cynical hostility may prevent a healthy response to stress over time, leading to increased cardiovascular strain. This type of hostility is characterized by negative beliefs and attitudes towards others' motives and trustworthiness.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that mindfulness may not effectively manage stress as it's happening, contrary to popular culture assertions. While mindful participants reported positive experiences afterward, their cardiovascular responses didn't demonstrate the expected benefits of mindfulness.
A new study finds that burnout has a greater impact on work stress than vice versa, leading to a downward spiral of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. Providing adequate support and promoting employee control are key to preventing this cycle.
The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.
Residents in states with a Hillary Clinton majority experienced increased stress and depression following the 2016 general election, according to a UCSF-Duke study. The study found that Clinton's margin of victory was predictive of mental health change.
Girls living in single-parent households before age two are at higher risk of starting puberty earlier than their peers. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that infant attachment insecurity and socioeconomic status may contribute to this association.
Researchers developed a wearable device to monitor stress levels using sweat biomarkers, measuring cortisol, glucose, and vitamin C. The device tracks circadian rhythms and can be controlled via a smartphone, offering noninvasive monitoring of stress levels.
A comprehensive study found that individuals with a strong sense of meaning in life and high levels of self-control were better equipped to cope with the psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that these traits acted as buffers against mental distress, with older participants showing higher resilience.
A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.
A new study led by Emily Kroska found that people who acknowledge and address their emotions during stressful times report lower stress levels than those who avoid identifying with their emotions. By maintaining relationships and engaging in valued activities, individuals can increase their psychological flexibility and reduce distress.
Researchers at University of South Florida have discovered a key molecule involved in regulating flexibility in animal stress responses. The study provides a novel perspective on how vertebrates cope with environmental stressors and highlights the importance of understanding stress response flexibility for both human and animal health.
A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.
A new study found that hospitalization rates for acute cardiovascular disease events increased by 1.62 times after the 2016 presidential election, suggesting that sociopolitical stress may trigger CVD events. The findings were consistent across sex, age, and race/ethnicity groups.
A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress leads to lower employee engagement, but a supportive boss can make a positive difference. Servant leaders who prioritize employees' emotional needs and well-being help reduce stress and increase pro-social behavior.
A new study from Imperial College London found that one in 12 partners experience post-traumatic stress after miscarriage, with symptoms persisting for up to nine months. The research highlights the need for improved psychological support for both women and their partners following pregnancy loss.
Researchers will examine associations between traumatic stress-related accelerated cellular aging and subsequent brain health among veterans. The study aims to contribute to new targeted interventions to slow the pace of cellular aging and improve overall health.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that police officers experience stress and anxiety when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The researchers also discovered that fairness and self-efficacy play a crucial role in mediating this relationship.
A study analyzing nearly a thousand individuals' nightmares during the COVID-19 pandemic found that more than half featured pandemic-related themes. The study used AI-based analysis to identify recurring word associations in dreams, revealing 'dream clusters' that echoed the apocalyptic atmosphere of the pandemic.
A recent study by Edith Cowan University found that 94% of Australian dementia caregivers are sleep-deprived, which can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, were common among participants.
A new study by Michigan State University found that teens with fewer friends are more likely to experience depression as adults. However, for women, being popular in adolescence can lead to lower depressive symptoms in adulthood. The study suggests that gender roles and expectations may contribute to this difference.
A new UK study found that having a pet helped people cope emotionally with the lockdown and stay fit. The human-animal bond was linked to improved mental health outcomes, regardless of animal species.
Two studies found that dealing with rude emails at work creates lingering stress and affects productivity, sleep, and family life. Researchers urge employees to psychologically detach from stressful workdays and managers to set clear expectations regarding email communications.
A study of over 450 insomnia patients in Australia found that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) improves symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. CBTi is recommended as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is available via face-to-face or telehealth options.
Research from Binghamton University found that neurotic college students who took a health education course showed significant changes in their stress mindset. The study suggested that focusing on overall health and wellness can be more effective than stress-specific courses in improving mental health and productivity.
Researchers at University of Konstanz found that short periods of massage or rest can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing psychological and physiological stress. Participants experienced increased heart rate variability and reported feeling more relaxed after receiving a massage or resting for ten minutes.
A study of over 6,500 US adults found a link between COVID-19-related symptoms and preexisting conditions, job loss, and excessive media consumption. Acute stress and depression symptoms were more closely tied to personal exposure to the virus than community-level exposure.
A US study finds that experiencing multiple stressors during the pandemic is linked to rising acute stress and depressive symptoms. The research suggests prioritizing mental health services for those most in need and limiting exposure to pandemic-related news.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that people who get less sleep than usual react more emotionally to stressful events, while those who get longer sleep have better responses to positive experiences. This has important health implications, as chronic stress can lead to inflammation and premature death.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that mothers' ability to cope with stress during pregnancy is positively correlated with their children's telomere length. This suggests that maternal psychological resilience may have a protective effect on child development and lifelong health.
A recent study discovered that pregnant women in China were significantly worried about their health, their baby's health, and the risks of transmission. Women's psychological responses to the outbreak increased pregnancy stress while decreasing sense of security.
A new study published in the Journal of Employment Counseling found that high levels of self-regulation predict better well-being, job search clarity, and job search self-efficacy. The findings suggest that employment counseling efforts should help individuals improve their self-regulation to achieve positive outcomes after job loss.
Research from Washington State University found that COVID-19 stress and anxiety can persist despite increased physical activity. The study of twins revealed no significant impact of exercise on handling stress and anxiety in the short term, suggesting other factors may be at play.
Exercise-based stress relief is linked to increased galanin levels in the brainstem, which improves stress resilience. This study found that mice with access to an exercise wheel displayed reduced anxious behaviors and elevated galanin levels in response to a stressful event.
Researchers found that individuals with reduced biological arousal before the onset of COVID-19 exhibited more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those with higher responses. The study suggests that lower heart rate reactions may be a unique biomarker for mental health outcomes.
Research released at ESC Congress 2020 links depression or anxiety in adolescence to a 20% increased risk of heart attacks by middle age. A mental disorder in adolescence is associated with poorer stress resilience and lower physical fitness, contributing to the risk.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure found that mental stress and anger can exacerbate heart failure by worsening diastolic function. Patients who experienced anger during the study exhibited worse baseline resting blood pressure, while most participants showed stress-provoked changes in diastolic function.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that brain activity in the inferior frontal lobe is associated with the severity of self-reported angina and frequency of chest pain among people with coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that stress-related factors, including depressive symptoms and PTSD, we...
A Yale study found that teaching college students specific techniques for managing stress and anxiety improves their mental health and wellbeing. The most effective program led to improvements in six areas of wellbeing, including depression and social connectedness.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that people who laugh frequently may better cope with stressful events. The study also discovered no statistical correlation between laughter intensity and stress symptoms.
Researchers found that the gut microbiome plays a key role in triggering painful vessel-clogging episodes, or VOE, in people with sickle-cell disease. Stress triggers increased gut permeability, allowing beneficial bacteria to stimulate pro-inflammatory molecules, which promote inflammation and damage internal organs.
Researchers found that psychological recovery can take place while still experiencing stressful conditions, contrary to previous research. Employees reported feeling less powerless and more authentic within two weeks of the crisis beginning.