Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A study published in Current Anthropology found that extreme ritual practices, such as the kavadi attam, have positive effects on psychological well-being. Participants who engaged in higher levels of bodily mutilation experienced improved perceived health and quality of life.
A study found that mothers with higher levels of parenting stress have reduced brain activity synchronization with their children in the prefrontal cortex, a region linked to understanding others' point of view. This suggests that excessive parenting stress can weaken mother-child communication and relationships.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a neurocircuit in mice that activates when stressed, increasing anxiety and decreasing appetite. This finding could aid treatments for anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with high mortality rate.
Psychologist Lisa Damour presents a counterintuitive view of stress and anxiety as unavoidable and potentially helpful. She argues that moderate levels of stress can build resilience and that anxiety serves as an internal alarm system to alert us to threats.
A new study suggests that digital games can be an effective way to unwind and recuperate after work. Participants who played shape-fitting games reported feeling more energized and relaxed compared to those using mindfulness apps.
A recent pilot study led by the University of Washington found that art-based mindfulness activities significantly reduced adolescent girls' headaches, with an average decrease of 4.63 headaches per two-week period. The students reported feeling better in the moment and improved ability to handle stress.
Researchers found that resveratrol blocks the expression of an enzyme related to stress control in the brain, displaying anti-stress effects and neuroprotective properties. This could lead to novel antidepressant treatments, potentially benefiting millions of people affected by depression and anxiety disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found an association between stress and increased serum levels of α-Klotho (αKl). The researchers suggest that elevated sαKl levels may predict stressed conditions, making it a potential biomarker for stress.
A study by University at Buffalo psychologist Michael Poulin explores the effects of near-miss experiences associated with the 9/11 terrorist attacks on mental health. The research found that survivors who narrowly avoided disaster reported higher levels of re-experiencing symptoms and probable post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study found that surviving the Holocaust has a lifelong negative impact on brain structure, affecting stress response, memory, and behavior. Researchers also discovered reduced connectivity in offspring and grandchildren, suggesting a potential genetic component.
Researchers at HKBU found that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) promotes intestinal stem cell growth, leading to high serotonin levels and IBS-like symptoms. The study links early life stress to lifelong health consequences, providing new insights into gastrointestinal disease treatment.
A new study finds that inducing a sense of awe through watching movies can significantly reduce positive emotion and anxiety during periods of uncertainty. Researchers found that participants who watched an awe-inducing video experienced less stress and more positive emotions compared to those who watched neutral or happy videos.
A new study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology reveals that exposure to life-threatening situations results in fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms for soldiers compared to witnessing others' suffering. Non-danger-based stressors, such as moral challenges, lead to increased symptoms of psychological distress.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers finds that anxiety-like behavior increases when early life adversity combines with high levels of FKBP5, a protein capable of modifying hormonal stress response. High FKBP5 also alters signaling of the enzyme AKT in the dorsal hippocampus, amplifying anxiety.
Research found that participants who shifted their sleep/wake timings could bring forward their bedtime and wake-up time by two hours, leading to improvements in depression, stress, and daytime sleepiness. Participants also reported better mental well-being and increased cognitive performance during the morning.
A new study found that beta blockers can reduce the triggering effect of anger and stress on atrial fibrillation in patients prone to emotion-triggered AF. Patients taking beta blockers experienced fewer AF episodes, with a reduced pro-arrhythmic effect of anger or stress compared to those not taking these medications.
A research network is investigating how digital technologies affect mental and physical health, with a focus on developing training approaches for children and adolescents. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of media literacy skills in preventing digital stress and promoting healthy media use.
Researchers have identified an anti-inflammatory fat in a soil-dwelling bacterium that may be responsible for quelling stress-related disorders. The discovery brings the researchers one step closer to developing a microbe-based 'stress vaccine'.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that daily stress levels are positively correlated with Facebook engagement and addiction risk. Users who receive little offline social support are most at risk of developing a pathological dependence on the platform.
Research at North Carolina State University found that people with substance-use problems are less likely to report wanting effective therapies if they read a message describing addiction as a disease. In contrast, those who received a growth mindset message reported stronger intentions to seek counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, providing an easy-to-interpret result. The device can be used to monitor health and detect potential health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
A University of Houston study finds that one-fifth of female firefighters experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and are at higher risk of contemplating suicide than their male colleagues. Women with PTSD symptoms were more likely to be in their mid-career years, suggesting a need for targeted intervention strategies.
Research reveals workplace bullying can lead to health-related problems and behavioral issues in victims, including high avoidance coping strategies and moral disengagement. The study identifies five groups of victims based on exposure to bullying types and associated consequences.
Researchers found many Democrats overstated mental stress after the 2016 election, particularly for party loyalty rather than Trump specifically. They discovered a 'reverse' cheerleading phenomenon where people reported negative sentiments to show support for fellow Democrats.
A new study reveals that medical residents experience accelerated telomere shortening, a marker of aging and disease risk, due to prolonged work hours. The research suggests that reducing stress through better work-life balance could help mitigate this effect.
A study published in mSystems found that stress caused changes in intestinal bacteria that stimulated immune cells, increasing the likelihood of an autoimmune attack. The researchers also identified specific bacterial species and genes associated with autoimmunity.
A review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry suggests that wisdom is a complex concept that contributes to mental health and happiness. The authors propose that wisdom can be defined as a complex human trait with several specific components, including social decision making, emotion regulation, and self-reflection.
Researchers will investigate stress chemicals and circuits in the brain to understand persistent changes in sleep and circadian rhythms. The study aims to develop new brain targets for medication development and improve diagnosis accuracy.
A new study published in the Journal of Mental Health found that people are almost twice as likely to correctly identify signs of postnatal depression in women than in men. The research involved 406 British adults and found that participants were less likely to say there was something wrong with the male, compared to the female.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that early life adversity can lead to negative thinking patterns and impairments in reward-related cognition. This can increase the risk of developing depression, particularly as it affects how individuals process emotional information.
Six University of Houston students have earned NSF graduate research fellowships, pursuing research in augmented reality, Mars geology, biomedical engineering, and more. The awards recognize outstanding STEM graduates who will receive a three-year stipend and education allowance.
A pilot study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy skills significantly decreased stress, anxiety, and worry among caregivers of veterans. The intervention was effective in reducing caregiver burden, but more research is needed to explore its benefits for the veteran population as well.
A study found that university students who experience high levels of exam stress are more likely to crave junk food, snack frequently, and consume fewer fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that prevention strategies should integrate psychological and lifestyle aspects to combat stress-induced eating.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that administering cortisol after exposure therapy does not reinforce positive outcomes in anxiety disorders. The study, which tested arachnophobics, showed that patients who received cortisol were more likely to relapse when encountering a spider in a different context.
A Rutgers-led study found that a two-hour introductory mindfulness class can be just as effective as an eight-week immersive course in reducing stress and depression among medical students. The research suggests that even brief meditation practices can lead to improved mental well-being, making it accessible for time-crunched individuals.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress increases fear-promoting brain regions while reducing fear-reducing ones. This shift can be mimicked by increasing norepinephrine release, potentially leading to more effective treatments for PTSD.
A Swedish study finds a strong link between stress-related disorders and cardiovascular disease, with a 64% higher risk among those with a stress related disorder compared to their unaffected sibling. The risk is highest during the first year after diagnosis, especially for heart failure and major blood clots.
A study by Penn State researchers found that employees who regularly fake or suppress emotions to provide good customer service are at risk of heavier drinking after work. The results suggest that employers may need to rethink their policies on employee happiness and job autonomy.
Researchers confirmed the theory that impostor syndrome mediates the link between perfectionism and psychological distress. Impostor syndrome arises from maladaptive perfectionism, causing increased anxiety, depressive moods, and other disorders. The study recommends focusing on competence, understanding self-defense mechanisms, mainta...
A recent BYU study used infrared cameras to measure pupil diameter and found that couples who worked together experienced reduced stress levels. The research, published in PLOS ONE, builds on previous landmark studies showing the benefits of relationships for longevity.
A study published in Frontiers found that taking a 20- to 30-minute nature experience significantly lowers cortisol levels. The research suggests a daily dose of 'nature pills' could be a simple and effective way to reduce stress.
Research finds that childhood stress can have a lasting impact on cortisol levels in adulthood, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that early life stress can recalibrate the brain's stress-response system, making it more sensitive to stressors later in life.
A study by researchers at Michigan State University found that social factors can contribute to muscle and joint pain in nurses. When support is perceived as uneven, tempers rise, leading to increased risk of injuries. Implementing strategies to improve the social environment for nurses may reduce stress and promote physical health.
Dr. Steve Jex, a renowned researcher on work stress, has been recognized as an SIOP Fellow for his significant impact on the field of industrial and organizational psychology. He is one of 20 distinguished psychologists to receive this honor, which acknowledges outstanding contributions to the profession.
A study found that a specific klotho genotype interacts with severe PTSD symptoms to accelerate cellular aging. This interaction highlights the potential role of klotho as a therapeutic target for protecting against age-related inflammation and loss of neural integrity.
Dementia caregivers want robots to support positive moments and alleviate emotional stress through tasks like answering repeated questions, managing daily schedules, and providing reminders. The researchers are now building high-tech prototypes based on the initial low-tech prototypes designed by caregivers.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that white British individuals are almost twice as likely to have extremist sympathies as those of Pakistani heritage. The research also discovered a significant association between depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress with extremist views.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine have developed a cutting-edge blood test to help accurately diagnose military veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The test can identify individuals at risk or experiencing severe stress disorders, enabling targeted treatments and prevention strategies.
A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.
A study at the University of Bristol found that mindfulness training improved mental health and wellbeing in medical students, reducing anxiety and stress. Students reported enhanced empathy, communication skills, and coping techniques, leading to better emotional wellbeing and professional development.
A study by Portland State University found that employees bullied by their bosses are more likely to report unfairness and work stress, leading to decreased organizational citizenship behavior and increased counterproductive work behavior. The researchers attribute the negative work behaviors to perceptions of injustice or work stress.
Caregiving in Canada is becoming increasingly demanding and stressful, with many untrained individuals providing medical and nursing care. The need for caregiving will increase as the ageing population grows, posing a risk to caregivers' mental and physical health.
Researchers found that controlled stress in adolescence attenuates HPA axis activation in adulthood, reducing motor impulsivity and increasing dopamine type 2 receptors. Uncontrollable stress, however, increases impulsivity and cognitive inflexibility.
Researchers from KU Leuven and SciSports analyzed nearly 7,000 matches to see how players perform under mental pressure. They found that players like Cristiano Ronaldo are immune to pressure, while others like Neymar crumble under it.
A University of Michigan study found that stressed Kalahari meerkat mothers alter the growth and behavior of their daughters, leading them to redirect energy towards helping future offspring, thereby benefiting their mothers. This phenomenon highlights a unique example of maternal effects on offspring in nonhuman animals.
A UC Riverside study found that spouses can help with coping by positively reframing the cancer experience and other negative experiences, associated with less stress. The researchers suggest that socially similar others, like romantic partners, can provide a roadmap for a more contented spouse.
A pooled analysis of clinical trials suggests mindfulness can lessen chronic pain severity and associated distress, improving physical functioning. The results indicate that both CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques show promise in treating chronic pain.
Researchers found that sleep, mood, and stress impact older adults' perceived competence and locus of control. Positive emotions and good sleep efficacy improve control beliefs, while negative affects and stressful events decrease them.
A new study published in Psychophysiology found that thinking about one's romantic partner can lower blood pressure during stressful situations, just as effectively as having the partner physically present. The study suggests that high-quality romantic relationships may support people's health by enabling better stress coping mechanisms.
A longitudinal study of 2,256 participants found that moderate to high financial stress increased the risk of developing heart disease in African Americans. The study suggests a possible relationship between financial stress and heart disease, which clinicians should be aware of.