Research on stress and its effects on mind and body. Covers work stress and health, mood-supporting materials, stress-response cells, and deep sleep's role.
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.
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 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.