Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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.
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.
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 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.
A Danish population-based study found that vital exhaustion, a state of emotional suffering and somatic symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. The study, published in IOS Press, suggests that addressing psychological risk factors may be crucial in preventing dementia.
A new study in Educational Review found that UK schools' managerialist approach is harming teachers' mental health and well-being. The study's authors interviewed 39 teachers who had experienced long-term absence from work due to mental health problems and six head, deputy, and assistant head teachers who had dealt with similar issues.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brief pre-exam de-stressing strategies can reduce performance gaps between lower-income and higher-income students. The interventions, which included expressive writing and reappraisal, improved exam scores and course-passing rates for lower-incom...
A new study from the University of Chichester has identified three distinct classes of psychological flexibility: high, moderate, and low. The research found that those with high levels of psychological flexibility reported lower levels of psychological distress, while those with low levels reported higher levels.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that maternal stress during the first year of life is a significant risk factor for developing overweight in infancy. The study, which analyzed data from 498 mother-child pairs, shows a high correlation between stressed mothers and their daughters' weight development up to age five.
A Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack peaks at around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, especially for older and sicker individuals due to heightened emotional stress. This risk is also higher during New Year's and Midsummer holidays, as well as Monday mornings.
Researchers studied the impact of social status on macaques' immune systems and found that lower-status individuals had less responsive cells to glucocorticoid hormones. The study suggests a possible mechanism underlying glucocorticoid resistance in humans, which can lead to chronic stress and related health issues.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia have discovered that pupil size can indicate stress levels when multitasking. The study found a negative relationship between pupil dilation and workload, suggesting a potential tool for monitoring mental well-being in workers.
Researchers found that female mice developed problems with attention due to fewer 'tuning' neurons in the brain's emotion regulation area. Stress in early life led to impaired rule-reversal learning in females, while males were affected by spatial reasoning skills.
A randomized controlled trial found that women receiving psychological support from domestic violence advocates experienced reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress compared to those receiving advocacy alone. The intervention improved mental health outcomes and was deemed 'life-changing' by participants.
Research at Hokkaido University found that the body's stress response is weaker in the evening, potentially making individuals more susceptible to stress. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in volunteers who took a morning stress test compared to those who took an evening test.
Research highlights the negative impact of hospital noise on communication, patient rest, and recovery, as well as staff performance and burnout. The authors propose a new approach to addressing noise pollution, prioritizing SPL reduction and involving patients in its creation.
A study found that angiotensin receptor blockers improve sodium excretion in healthy black individuals who tend to retain more salt under stress. This could lead to a better treatment strategy for those with high blood pressure, particularly blacks who are often disproportionately affected.
Researchers found high levels of psychological distress and feelings of guilt in parents whose child had a burn injury. Adopting self-compassion appeared to help cope with the trauma. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for psychological distress in all families, regardless of burn size or severity.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found inflammation in the brain region responsible for mood regulation after stress during pregnancy. The study used an animal model of postpartum depression to examine the possible connection between the immune system and the disorder.
A cross-sectional study of NICU parents found that those with higher resilience scores had lower levels of depression, anxiety, and NICU-related stress. Parents who received social support from family and friends also showed higher resilience scores.
The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.
Research by Ohio University Associate Professor Dr. Peggy Zoccola found that open disclosure of LGBT identity to families leads to lower cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress and potential health benefits.
A randomized controlled trial found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improved emotional intelligence and reduced perceived stress among school district staff. The study's findings have implications for organizations seeking to improve employee well-being and performance.
A study by San Francisco State University found that 25% of young adults experienced clinically significant stress after the 2016 US election, comparable to witnesses of a mass shooting. The study also highlighted strong impacts on racial and ethnic groups, as well as gender, political affiliation, and religion.
Research from Michigan State University found that proactive help can lead to less gratitude for the helper and lower esteem for the person receiving help. Experts advise waiting to be asked for help instead of going out looking for problems to solve.
A new study suggests that higher mindfulness may lower stress and the impact of menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes in midlife women. The study, presented at The North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting, found a correlation between higher mindfulness and lower menopause symptom scores, as well as lower stress scores.
Receiving hugs on days with interpersonal conflict was associated with smaller decreases in positive emotions and increased negative emotions. The effects of hugs may have lingered, as interviewees reported continued attenuation of negative mood the next day.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher levels of stress are associated with lower odds of conception for women, but not for men. Women with high perceived stress were 13% less likely to conceive than those with low perceived stress.
Researchers found that spontaneous self-distancing predicts whether awe has a positive or negative effect on people. Awe can lead to a sense of smallness, making obstacles seem insignificant, but also a perception of capabilities as insignificant, making stressors unmanageable.
Researchers found that a program designed to reduce stress in cancer patients can be taught to therapists across the country and effectively improves mood. The study involved 15 sites and 158 patients with various types of cancer, showing significant improvement on measures of mood and physical activity.
A study on inequalities and health among foreign-born Latinos in rural borderland communities found that population is vulnerable to high stress negatively impacting mental and physical health. Historical factors such as oppression of farm labor and current practices like racial profiling contribute to low social status, employment ins...
A new Baylor University study reveals that employees with high levels of autonomy and emotional stability are best suited for remote-work opportunities. The research team surveyed 403 working adults and found that autonomy is critical to protecting remote employees' well-being and helping them avoid strain.
Research suggests that early life stress can lead to increased levels of 'danger' molecules, which can overwhelm the body's natural system and cause chronic inflammation. This can ultimately result in a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease.
A recent study by UC Riverside researcher Kate Sweeny found that perception of romantic partner's responsiveness during anxious waiting periods is associated with reduced stress. People who perceived their partner as supportive reported better sleep and overall health, even if they didn't receive actual support.
A 40-year study found that vacations can prolong life by reducing stress. Men who took longer vacations had lower mortality rates than those with shorter vacation times, suggesting that stress reduction is key to cardiovascular health.
A USC study found that kids stressed over public acts of discrimination show increased behavioral problems, including depression and substance use. The study tracked 2,572 11th-grade students in L.A. County and found a significant association between concern about discrimination and adverse behavioral outcomes.
Terence M. Keane, a BU School of Medicine professor, received the Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association for his outstanding work in trauma psychology and post-traumatic stress disorder research. He is a national leader in the field and has published over 300 articles on assessment and treatment.
A study by ISGlobal found that cycling yields the best results in every analysis, linked to better self-perceived general health, mental health, and vitality. Walking is also beneficial, associated with greater vitality and more contact with friends and family.
Researchers say childhood thoughts and beliefs make people vulnerable to fake news. To defend against it, psychologists recommend reducing anxiety through humor, sublimation, and cultivating an open mind. Critical thinking skills also play a key role in questioning information and diminishing confirmation bias.