Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Researchers found that psilocybin restored the pleasure response in mice with depression, even when the psychedelic effects were blocked. The study suggests that a version of the drug without or with less psychedelic effects could be developed to make therapy more accessible and cost-effective.
Research by Penn State found that parents reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in their children after the pandemic, with some experiencing 'clinically significant' symptoms. The study highlights the importance of a positive coparenting relationship for family well-being during times of stress.
Women with bulimia nervosa performed worse on a task requiring self-control when stressed, but not those with anorexia nervosa. Brain activity differences were observed between the two groups when stressed, with women with bulimia showing impaired pre-emptive slowing down.
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that couples where one partner is responsive and supportive can maintain better relationship quality despite the other's depression or external stress. The study involved over 200 newlywed couples and found that responsiveness was associated with improved relationship outcomes.
A national survey of US veterans found that those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced positive psychological changes, including personal growth and appreciation for life, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests a complex relationship between PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic psychological growth.
A new study from Aarhus University shows that eight weeks of training in compassion can significantly improve the well-being of relatives. The training helps them deal with difficult emotions and life events, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
A study of 558 college students reveals that higher ADHD symptoms are associated with increased stress levels. The researchers found that strengthening protective factors like social skills, social support, and goal efficacy can help alleviate these effects.
A recent study found that unhealthy eating behaviors at night can negatively impact workplace performance and well-being. Participants who engaged in late-night snacking reported physical problems, emotional strains, and declines in helpful behavior the next day.
Research by the University of Granada found that women experiencing stress before conception are almost twice as likely to give birth to a girl. Higher cortisol levels in hair were also detected in mothers who gave birth to girls, suggesting a possible biological mechanism.
Research found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa can improve blood vessel function during mental stress and reduce temporary impairments in endothelial function. Flavanols, commonly found in fruit and vegetables, have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health during periods of acute vascular vulnerability.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that formal educational attainment has almost no relationship with job satisfaction. Better-educated individuals may enjoy greater resources, but also experience increased stress and demands, offsetting any positive gains.
A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests a link between corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and increased expression of mast cells in the nasal cavity, exacerbating allergic reactions. The research offers promising therapeutic potential with CRHR1 inhibitors and SCF neutralizing antibodies.
A recent study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that online mindfulness interventions can improve psychological health during times of uncertainty. The study showed significant reductions in momentary stress, anxiety, and COVID-19 concern among participants.
Research by Ruhr-University Bochum finds that performance-based remuneration schemes can lead to emotional exhaustion, fatigue, depression, and burnout in employees. Workers with specific skills or experience tend to cope better with pressure.
Researchers found that listening to natural sounds in national parks reduces pain and stress while improving mood and cognitive performance. The sounds of water were most effective at enhancing positive emotions and health outcomes.
An international study published in Affective Science found that Western countries are the most affected by parental burnout, with individualism playing a predominant role. The study suggests that collectivist cultures, like those in Africa, may protect against parental burnout due to their emphasis on community and mutual aid.
A study of over 150,000 respondents found that COVID-19 denial depends on people's trust in social institutions, particularly healthcare systems. EU countries demonstrate varying levels of stress and trust in governments, with some showing high levels of stress and others trusting their governments more than other institutions.
A new study by University of Arizona researcher Mary-Frances O'Connor found that people with persistent sleep challenges before losing someone are at higher risk for developing complicated grief. Complicated grief is characterized by an intense and persistent yearning for the lost loved one, disrupting daily functioning.
Feeling psychologically powerful can make leaders feel their job is more demanding, yet this can also be beneficial for goal pursuit and meaningful work. However, it can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in those high in neuroticism.
Researchers found that prenatal stress leads to significant inflammation in the fetal brain, but surprisingly, the mother's placenta and uterus remain unactivated. Instead, stress reduces gut microbial strains and functions, especially those linked to inflammation.
A new study from Duke University finds that people's natural level of anxiety can influence how they regulate their emotions in the lab, contradicting previous research. The study suggests that anxiety, not self-reported regulation strategies, predicts how participants are regulating their emotions.
A study at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that a specific epigenetic modification, H3K79me2, mediates the lasting effects of early-life stress on adult stress vulnerability. A small-molecule inhibitor of this enzyme reversed increased susceptibility to lifelong stress in animal models.
A mindfulness program called Be REAL, which teaches coping techniques to manage stress and emotions, has improved students' psychological well-being. The program, offered in residence halls and classes, showed significant improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, resilience, and reduced stress among participants.
A study suggests that maternal stress and social isolation during the pandemic can have toxic inflammatory effects on mothers and infants. The research highlights the need for immediate action to understand the impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
A new study published in Frontiers in Education found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves emotional exhaustion, resilience, perceived stress, fatigue, and depression in teachers. This meditation-based teacher development program demonstrates the benefits of meditation for strengthening mental and physical health.
A new review from Chapman University offers actionable strategies for instructors to alleviate student stress and anxiety in the classroom. The approaches include learning and preparing to act, connecting with students, building an empowering classroom culture, reducing testing anxiety, and promoting effective academic skills. By imple...
Researchers found that COVID-19-related financial stress and increased social isolation contribute to intimate partner violence. The study suggests a need for more communication resources and public awareness of available support services.
A study by University of Granada researchers reveals that psychological variables contributed to increased anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women who gave birth during the pandemic reported greater stress in delivery processes and lower quality of care received.
A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that certain brain regions, including the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, are consistently activated during stress regardless of the test method used. This suggests a common neural basis for stress perception across different stimuli.
A new study from University of Alberta researchers shows that childhood traumatic or stressful events can lead to tiny changes in key brain structures decades later. These changes may increase the risk of developing mental health disorders as adults during times of stress.
A new University of Georgia study reveals that Black Americans face additional stresses due to perceived COVID-19 threats and racism in medical settings. Higher levels of perceived threat and belief in racial discrimination lead to increased psychological distress.
New research from the University at Buffalo suggests that satisficers, who make minimal decisions, may feel incapable of managing their choices due to stress. This approach is often misunderstood as being less particular or careless, but rather a defense mechanism against overwhelming decision-making stress.
A recent study using Cereset's HIRREM technology found significant effects on brain network connectivity in military personnel with traumatic stress. The results support the bihemispheric autonomic management model and suggest that regulated connections between hemispheres are associated with improved health and wellbeing.
Research from the Center for BrainHealth reveals that a shortened training protocol can lead to lasting improvements in first responders' brain health. The Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training improved cognitive function, particularly in integrated reasoning abilities among military personnel.
Psychologists are monitoring pregnant women and their children until age 4 for early markers of psychopathology. Preliminary findings suggest associations between prenatal stress timing and maternal mental health and infant outcomes.
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.
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 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.
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.