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Mix of stress and air pollution may lead to cognitive difficulties in children

Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2020

Plants can improve your work life

A study published in the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortTechnology found that simply gazing at an indoor plant can reduce psychological stress in office workers. The researchers discovered that even passive involvement with plants, such as having a plant on their desk, contributed to significant anxiety reduction.

Parental coaching adolescents through peer stress

A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateDec 18, 2019

Health impact of support between African American couples when dealing with racial discrimination

Racism-specific support from spouses significantly benefits African American husbands' and wives' physical and mental well-being. Despite this, Black women often bear the burden of supporting their male partners, highlighting a need for targeted resources and support networks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 18, 2019

Husbands' stress increases if wives earn more than 40% of household income

A new study from the University of Bath found that husbands are most stressed when their wives earn more than 40% of household income, and that this can lead to increased psychological distress and decreased mental health. The study also showed that traditional gender norms about male breadwinning can be harmful to men's mental health.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 19, 2019

How religion can heighten or help with financial stress

A study by University of Arizona researcher Ashley LeBaron found that religious involvement can both relieve and worsen financial stress. On one hand, religion can reduce materialism, bring monetary blessings, and foster a positive outlook on financial struggles. On the other hand, it can also impose increased financial obligations, re...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateNov 18, 2019

Life experience critical for managing Type 2 diabetes

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that age affects the well-being of newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. Younger individuals experience higher diabetes-related and psychological stress. Older adults tend to have less psychological stress and better self-care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 15, 2019

Esports gamers face same level of psychological pressure as pro-athletes, study finds

Researchers found that esports players faced 51 different stress factors, including communication problems and concerns with live audiences, mirroring the mental conditions experienced by pro athletes. The investigation recommended psychological training for top players to develop effective coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalInternational Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations·DateNov 12, 2019

Stress during pregnancy may affect baby's sex, risk of preterm birth

Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies the types of physical and psychological stress that may matter most to pregnant women. Physically stressed mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely and have a female baby, while socially supported mothers are more likely to have a male baby.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

Sweating for science

A study by MU researcher Bradley Ferguson found that 60% of the time before an individual showed behavioral issues, there was a rise in electrodermal activity - indicating physiological stress response. This allows parents and caregivers to intervene and de-escalate situations, ensuring health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2019

Acute psychotic illness triggered by Brexit Referendum

A middle-aged man experienced a brief episode of acute psychosis after the 2016 Brexit Referendum, highlighting the potential impact of political events on mental health. The case highlights the importance of identifying early warning signs and providing prompt treatment to ensure quick recovery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateOct 1, 2019

Georgia State research finds early life racial discrimination linked to depression, accelerated aging

A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that early life racial discrimination is linked to elevated depressive symptoms and accelerated aging processes in African American youth. The study, which analyzed data from over 800 African American families, suggests that experiences of racial discrimination may be driving a ...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateSep 30, 2019

Could α-Klotho be a potential biomarker of stress?

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

An 'awe-full' state of mind can set you free

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateJun 24, 2019

Exposure to others' suffering even worse than being shot at

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJun 21, 2019

Beta blockers can block the effects of stress and anger in patients prone to emotion-triggered atrial fibrillation

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateJun 4, 2019

Living healthier with digital technologies

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.

The message that addiction is a disease makes substance users less likely to seek help

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 28, 2019

How stress leads to Facebook addiction

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMay 28, 2019