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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers found that teenagers who pay more attention to sad faces are more likely to develop depression, especially when stressed. Greater sustained attention to negative stimuli was linked to greater depressive reactions to real-world stress.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that immunotherapeutic treatment and stress-reducing measures can prevent cancer metastasis development. The critical period around tumor removal surgery is crucial for prevention, which is often overlooked in medical practice.
A study published by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that mindfulness training can effectively help men manage their anger and reduce violent behavior towards their partners. The treatment group showed a significant decline in physical violence, from 85% to 10%, after completing the program.
A recent survey by Aarhus University found that the general psychological well-being of Danes improved by the end of April, with a 6% increase in those scoring above 80. The study suggests a plausible correlation between pandemic intensity and psychological well-being.
Psychologists at University of Münster developed a model of psychological factors that hinder or aid refugee integration. The PARI model considers both refugees' subjective experiences and host society's reactions to migration.
A management study led by Baylor University found a troubling connection between workplace pregnancy discrimination and the health of mothers and babies. Perceived pregnancy discrimination can lead to increased postpartum depressive symptoms for mothers and lower birth weights, gestational ages, and doctor visits for babies.
A recent study investigated mental health symptoms among the general population in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey found high rates of depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for mental health support during pandemics. The study's results provide valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in China.
Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.
Researchers found an immune system cell called interleukin-6 (IL-6) triggers inflammation in times of stress, worsening health problems such as diabetes and autoimmune disease. Blocking IL-6 production protects stressed mice from inflammation and alleviates symptoms of depression.
Researchers found that negative stereotype exposure leads to altered brain activity in the nucleus accumbens, affecting anticipation of rewards and punishments. This study sheds light on the psychological fatigue and stress associated with stigmatization, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that workers who have greater control over their work and personal lives can create a buffer to manage after-hours work stress. This includes using technological boundary tactics such as turning off work email alerts on smartphones.
A new study from the University of Turku found that prenatal stress is associated with changes in infant gut microbiota composition, specifically with increased abundances of Proteobacteria and decreased abundances of Akkermansia. The study also discovered a link between low cortisol concentrations and increased Lactobacillus bacteria ...
Healthcare workers experienced high levels of acute stress, anxiety, and depression due to prolonged patient contact. Nurses were particularly affected by the environment's psychological toll, with many exhibiting symptoms of insomnia and loneliness.
A Baylor University study found that combining mindfulness with hypnotherapy significantly reduced stress levels and increased mindfulness in participants. The intervention, called mindful hypnotherapy, was well-received by participants, who practiced almost daily and reported high satisfaction.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that competitive esports athletes cope with stress similarly to high-performing sports athletes. Esports players with higher ranks tend to have higher levels of mental toughness, which can be beneficial for optimal performance.
A Rutgers University study found that Mexican immigrants are at increased risk for obesity after arriving in the US, mainly due to stress and limited access to healthy foods. Researchers discovered that fear of deportation discourages adults from leaving their homes or seeking help, leading to reliance on cheap, high-sugar foods.
A national survey of 4,149 adults found that the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people's mental health, with most reporting increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The survey also revealed that essential workers are facing worse mental and physical health problems, while romantic relationships are experiencing mixed effects.
A study found that satisfied breast cancer survivors have lower psychological stress and inflammation, which can promote overall health. The research suggests that fostering healthy relationships is crucial for breast cancer patients' well-being during a stressful time.
A UConn study found that most Americans are experiencing stress related to COVID-19, but also adhering to social distancing guidelines. The survey showed high stress exposure and vulnerable demographic groups, with younger adults and men showing potentially worrisome lack of adherence to CDC guidelines.
A UTEP study found that active coping, denial, emotional support, humor, and religion are effective coping strategies for individuals with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aimed to understand how these individuals perceive the pandemic and how their coping mechanisms relate to their well-being.
Yale researchers have identified a neural home of the feeling of stress in the brain, revealing a network of connections from the hippocampus to the dorsal lateral frontal cortex. This discovery may help develop targeted therapies for anxiety and other mental health disorders.
IntelliCare, a free mobile app, significantly reduces anxiety and depression in individuals struggling with the pandemic. The app offers targeted content, exercises, and strategies to help users manage stress and improve mental health.
Researchers will study how COVID-19 affects college students' stress levels and ability to learn remotely, using computer vision algorithms and physiological signals. The project aims to shed light on the short- and long-term effects of the pandemic on students' academic outcomes and emotional well-being.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that experiencing acute stress can dampen amplification of risk perception, while feeling stressed may contribute to overestimating risks. This has significant implications for public health efforts during global crises.
A study by University of Houston found that constant email interruptions can create sadness and fear among office workers, negatively impacting work environment. The researchers suggest email batching as a solution to mitigate these effects.
Research suggests that COVID-19 has added stress on mothers during pregnancy, affecting their mental health, and potentially impacting their child's future well-being. Four factors of prenatal maternal stress were identified: anxiety/depression, somatic, general affective symptoms, and pregnancy-specific worries.
A new study found that middle-aged adults reported more daily stress and lower well-being in the 2010s compared to the 1990s. The researchers attribute this increase to the added responsibilities of childcare, eldercare, and work, as well as the pace of technological advances.
A study by Rutgers professor and medical student found that combining meditation with aerobic exercise reduces stress and rumination while enhancing the quality of life for medical students. The intervention, MAP Train My Brain, was developed by Shors and has shown positive outcomes in reducing stress and improving overall health.
A neural circuit in deep brain areas drives physical responses to emotional stress, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Blocking this circuit may help reduce stress symptoms in rats, suggesting a potential target for treating stress-related disorders like panic disorder and PTSD.
Researchers drew on studies of the 9/11 attacks to develop coping techniques for COVID-19 stress, emphasizing control, coherence, and connectedness. These strategies include acceptance-based coping, mindfulness, and lovingkindness meditation to promote resilience and recovery.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with work-related stress were 1.4 times as likely to have a record of peripheral artery disease in hospitalization registers. Work-related stress, or job strain, refers to psychological and social stress at work.
Research from Stanford University finds that stress hinders development of informed plans by preventing the use of memory to project oneself forward. Stress can rob individuals of the ability to draw on cognitive systems underlying memory and goal-directed behavior, leading to reduced planning efficiency.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that validating a person's feelings can be more effective in supporting friends and family than critical or diminished emotional messages. The study used six different supportive messages, with highly person-centered messages producing the most emotional improvement.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that people who balance living in the moment with planning for the future are better equipped to handle daily stress. The researchers discovered that a combination of proactive coping and high mindfulness significantly reduces the impact of daily stressors on negative moods.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease. Among over 300 young and middle-aged individuals, those who endured myocardial ischemia with mental stress had a two-fold higher likelihood of ha...
A recent study funded by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found a potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced the loss of a partner had a decreased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, but an increased risk of dying after diagnosis.
The study found that prefrontal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons regulate behavioral style selection during stress. Activating these neurons promotes stress-resistant behaviors, while inhibiting them increases immobility and social avoidance.
Research from Cornell University found that spending as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can improve mood and lessen physical and mental stress in college students. The study suggests that 10-50 minutes of time spent outside is most effective in improving focus, physiological markers, and overall well-being.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that reduced stress is associated with changes in the plasma lipid profile, including lower levels of certain lysophosphatidylcholines and higher levels of plasmalogens. This suggests a potential molecular mechanism linking psychological well-being to metabolic health.
Researchers at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca found that transcendental meditation reduces anxiety and stress levels. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity and connectivity in healthy young volunteers who practiced TM for three months.
Two pilot studies reveal changes in brain connectivity related to stress and problem-solving ability, suggesting a biomarker for stress-induced cognitive impairment. The findings, published in Brain Imaging and Behavior and NeuroImage, could ultimately inform treatment strategies for patients suffering from stress-related illnesses.
A study published in Endocrine Connections found that mindfulness-based therapy can lead to greater weight loss and reduced stress in obese children compared to a calorie-restricted diet alone. The therapy was found to counteract the negative effects of anxiety on weight loss.
A new study found that caregivers' self-care strategies are crucial in managing stress and improving family needs for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Caregivers who report greater confidence in their ability to use self-care also experience reduced parental distress and higher parenting satisfaction.
A study found that UK military personnel drink to cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, increasing the risk of alcohol misuse. Personnel who drink alone or at home are more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol misuse and binge drinking.
A magnetoencephalography study found that acute stress suppresses appetite by altering neural activity in the frontal pole, which is involved in thinking and planning. The findings suggest that expectations of future actions can interfere with appetite regulation, leading to increased sympathetic nerve activity and decreased alpha band...