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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.