Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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 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.
A UCL-led study found that stress enhances people's ability to process and internalize bad news, reversing the typical optimism bias. Under stressful conditions, individuals become more vigilant to bad news, even when unrelated to their anxiety source.
A nationwide health study found that service workers, particularly those who rely on tips, are more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and stress. The research team suggests that the precarious nature of service work, including lower wages and lack of control over work hours, may contribute to these findings.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that horses experience significant stress reduction when inhaled lavender from a diffuser, as measured by heart rate variability. The data showed a significant increase in relaxation signals such as neck lowering and licking, indicating a calming effect on the horses.
A new study found that dogs with strong bonds to their owners will hurry to overcome barriers to offer help and comfort when they detect emotional distress. The research team observed that dogs who were able to push through a door to rescue their owners showed less stress and exhibited more prosocial behavior.
A cluster randomized trial in Philadelphia found that greening vacant urban land improved self-reported mental health, with participants experiencing less depression and anxiety after the intervention. The study's results suggest that investing in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing in urban areas.
Researchers found that neural inflammation caused by innate immune system triggers depressive behavior through activation of microglia and expression of inflammation-related cytokines. This discovery could lead to the development of new antidepressants targeting innate immune molecules.
A study of 61 popular mental health apps found they predominantly addressed anxiety and stress, framing problems as psychological symptoms. The analysis suggests these apps may be misleadingly simplistic in their approach to mental health issues.
Researchers found that anticipating stress can lower working memory later in the day, regardless of actual stressful events. This effect was particularly pronounced for older adults, who already experience cognitive decline.
A new study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves psychological distress and brain functioning in school administrators and staff, with enhanced performance and well-being. The study, published in Brain and Cognition, is the largest randomized control trial investigating the impact of TM on brain functioning.
Researchers developed a new data processing technique to monitor brain state using heart rate variability, revealing that yoga is more effective than Chi meditation in reducing stress. The study also found that long-term meditation practice can make permanent changes and improve executive control.
A comprehensive analysis of research and clinical reports reveals that psychological stress contributes to vision loss and disease progression. A holistic treatment approach combining stress management, patient education, and vision recovery techniques may be effective in interrupting this cycle.
A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz found that female genital mutilation (FGM) increases the risk of developing mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also revealed changes in the body's reactions to stress, with increased cortisol levels affecting women who had undergone FGM.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation and relaxation response programs have unique effects on the brain. The mindfulness program improved self-compassion and rumination, while the relaxation response program strengthened coupling between neural regions associated with deliberate control.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University discovered that prolonged stress can lower sperm motility, affecting fertility. The study compared sperm samples from military conflict periods to unstressful periods, finding a significant difference.
An observational study tracking over 100000 men and women found that job strain is associated with a higher risk of premature death in men with coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Despite achieving treatment targets, men experiencing job strain had a 68% greater risk of death compared to those with no job strain.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that stressful jobs are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. The study included 13,200 participants and found that employees with stressful jobs were almost 50% more likely to develop the condition.
A new study found that early life trauma in men is associated with lower levels of two specific sperm microRNAs, which can be transmitted to the next generation. The study suggests a possible link between childhood trauma and increased risk of stress-related disorders.
A new Penn State research study found that posttraumatic stress symptoms increase risks for academic difficulties in student veterans. Partnered women were particularly affected due to relationship problems impacting their academic functioning.
Physician burnout is caused by both unavoidable occupational suffering and avoidable systems failures. Resilience training helps with the former, while improving systems addresses the latter.
A Portland State University study found that older workers face significantly higher stress levels than younger colleagues when lacking autonomy, good relationships, and respect at work. The researchers suggest that employers provide essential resources to support all employees, particularly those nearing retirement.
Researchers can track brain states using wrist-worn wearables, predicting mental-stress-related diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome. This technology improves diagnosis and treatment by providing real-time data on skin conductance and cortisol levels.
Researchers found that stress can render extinction learning context-independent, allowing patients to transfer knowledge from one situation to another. This could improve the efficacy of exposure therapies for anxiety disorders.
A new animal model study found that brief maternal deprivation in early life alters adult brain function and cognition, leading to memory impairment and decreased communication between brain regions. The findings suggest a potential link between early-life trauma and the development of schizophrenia.
A study found that individuals with chronic anxiety exhibited increased nerve activity in response to physiological and mental stressors, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The research team measured sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in volunteers with and without anxiety.
A study published in Health Care for Women International found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves the lives of single, illiterate mothers in Uganda by reducing stress and improving their health and ability to support themselves and their children. The research shows that the practice empowers these women to overcome ...