Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A new USC-led study suggests that estrogen treatment after menopause can mitigate the negative effects of stress on working memory. Women taking estrogen-only therapy had lower cortisol levels and better performed on tests following exposure to stress compared to those receiving a placebo.
A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that group exercise significantly improved mental, physical, and emotional quality of life, with a 26% reduction in stress levels. In contrast, individual workouts had no significant impact on stress levels or quality of life.
African-American men report an average of eight depressive symptoms per month, with family support, mastery, self-esteem, chronic stressors, and discrimination as significant factors. The study found that public health policies should account for neighborhood conditions to address poor mental health among African-Americans.
Researchers found that 66% of family members lacked knowledge about their loved ones' required medical services, leading to emotional distress and poor communication. The study suggests that establishing optimal channels of communication can improve the quality of transitions of care in intensive care settings.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that a mindfulness meditation mobile app with an acceptance training component reduces cortisol and systolic blood pressure in response to stress. The app was shown to lower blood pressure responses by approximately 20% and cortisol responses by more than 50%.
Patients with a history of heart attack are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies, while those without a history of heart disease use problem-focused approaches. These inefficient coping methods can exacerbate stress and impact quality of life.
A BYU study with mice reveals stress can alter gut microbiota to resemble a high-fat diet, potentially contributing to gender-specific health disparities. Researchers found distinct changes in female mice's digestive microorganisms upon exposure to stress.
During a crisis, people are exposed to conflicting information and stress. Those relying on social media report greater rumor generation and distress. UCI-led research found that communications vacuums can lead to rumor transmission and increased community-level negative emotion.
A study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI found that virtual interviewers combined anonymity with social rapport to help troops open up about mental health. Virtual interviews revealed significantly more PTSD symptoms compared to surveys, suggesting a new approach to diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study found that watching hockey games live or on TV can cause a substantial effect on the cardiovascular system, with average heart rate increases of 75% and 110%, respectively. The emotional stress response triggered by high-stakes moments in the game can trigger adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that a set of validated, self-reported questions can predict mental health problems like depression and PTSD after return from deployment. The questions assess 14 psychological attributes and can be used to identify high-risk individuals.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute found that mental training changes brain structure and reduces social stress. The study used three 3-month training modules focusing on different competencies, including socio-affective and socio-cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that stress reduces our capacity to detect new threats by impairing how well we track and update predictions of potentially dangerous circumstances. Stress also impairs flexibility in decision making, resulting in a slower rate of learning.
Research analyzed medical records of 110 male and 102 female athletes with first-time concussion diagnoses, revealing a median duration of symptoms was 28 days for girls compared to 11 days for boys. Symptoms resolved within three weeks for 75% of boys but only 42% of girls.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, suggests that blocking oxytocin in the brain may be a better option for relieving stress and enhancing social life. Researchers found that oxytocin amplifies both positive and negative social interactions, but its effects vary depending on the brain region it acts upon.
A study by Kent State University researcher Mary Beth Spitznagel found that pet owners experiencing chronic or terminal illness in their pets suffer from caregiver burden, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. The study aimed to fill a gap in research on this topic and provide insights for pet caregivers.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly half of parents whose children were in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress after discharge. Parents who were the most anxious also reported the highest levels of depression.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University reveals that US workers without paid sick leave suffer from increased psychological distress. Workers without access to paid sick leave are more likely to report symptoms interfering with daily life, activities, and overall well-being.
Research found a significant association between financial stress and migraine in individuals with specific CLOCK gene variants. The study suggests that these genetic variants may impair processes that prevent migraine under stress conditions.
A recent study by Stockholm University's Demography Unit found that shared custody arrangements reduce stress levels in children. Children living with one parent are more likely to experience stress due to the lack of resources and relationships, while shared physical custody allows for regular contact with both parents, promoting stab...
Research reveals that caregivers experience improved well-being when their loved ones recognize and appreciate their help. The study suggests that specific conditions, including emotional communication and recognizing the impact of caregiving, are crucial to alleviating the burdens of spousal care.
A new study found that specific brain activity patterns can reliably predict the size of blood pressure and heart rate reactions to mental stress tests. The findings suggest that brain imaging could be a useful tool to identify people at risk for heart disease or who may benefit from stress-reducing interventions.
A study by FAU researchers found that men tend to be more aggressive than women in competitive situations, while team players exhibit less aggression. Cortisol levels also decreased in participants exhibiting aggressive behavior.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people with supportive spouses are more likely to take on potentially rewarding challenges, leading to personal growth and happiness. Those who experienced a supportive relationship had better psychological well-being and relationship functioning months later.
Researchers found that bullying can cause significant changes in sleep patterns, including increased bouts of paradoxical sleep and flattened body temperature fluctuations. These effects persisted even after the mice were removed from the threatening environment, suggesting a long-term impact on mental health.
Researchers found that stress levels and time since an adverse event can lead to the misidentification of harmless cues as threats, exacerbating anxiety disorders. The study provides new insights into how the human mind generalizes fear and could inform better treatments for PTSD.
Research by American Psychological Association highlights the negative impact of fat shaming on patients' physical health and well-being. Studies show that overweight individuals may receive inadequate medical treatment, including under-dosing of antibiotics and chemotherapy, due to weight-based assumptions.
Researchers found chronic cannabis users showed no difference in cortisol levels during stressful situations compared to non-users, hinting at potential therapeutic benefits but also raising concerns about resilience and health. The study provides an important first step in investigating the effects of long-term cannabis use.
Research suggests that women with bulimia nervosa use food as an escape from negative thoughts and self-criticism, as indicated by decreased blood flow in the brain's self-reflection region. The study found increased stress reduction and increased food cravings after consuming high-fat/high-sugar foods.
A large nationwide study involving over 40,000 women found that fertility treatment does not increase the risk of divorce. The study, which followed couples for 16 years, revealed that the majority of couples had children with their baseline partners and around one-fifth ended up separated or divorced.
Research published in the journal Heart found a significant association between persistent moderate to severe mental distress and increased risk of death among patients with stable coronary heart disease. Conversely, mild or occasional distress over the long term showed no such link.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that dementia patients tend to die sooner when cared for by family members with depression or anxiety. The study tracked 176 patients and their caregiver mental health over several years, revealing a strong link between patient survival and caregiver well-being.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that job stress can lead to overeating and unhealthy food choices at dinnertime. However, getting a good night's sleep can help mitigate this harmful pattern.
A new study explores ways to build resilience among refugee and immigrant women experiencing unique stress following migration. Counselors can play a crucial role in creating community-based support systems and offering culture-centered mental health services.
A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.
A new study suggests that meditation and yoga can 'reverse' the molecular reactions in our DNA caused by stress, leading to improved mental and physical health. The research found that these mind-body interventions decrease production of NF-kB and cytokines, reducing inflammation and associated diseases.
A new study of 1007 adult Israelis found that being female, having lower socio-economic status, and elevated PTSD symptoms are related to ISIS anxiety. Exposure to ISIS in the media and low resilience also linked to increased anxiety levels.
A web-based stress management program improved quality of life and reduced distress in patients with cancer, according to a prospective study. The STREAM intervention showed significant clinical improvements after two months, with a greater improvement in quality of life compared to the control group.
A recent University of Miami study found that mindfulness training benefits college football players' attention and well-being over high-demand intervals. The research, conducted by neuroscientist Amishi Jha, showed that greater practice engagement in a mindfulness program leads to more stable attention and fewer lapses.
A RAND Corporation study found that LGBQQ college students are more likely to seek off-campus mental health services due to concerns over confidentiality and uncertainty about on-campus eligibility. Despite this, they experience higher rates of psychological distress, academic impairment, and stress compared to their heterosexual peers.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield found that a smartphone-based traffic light app can reduce drivers' stress levels, but its reliability is a major concern. The app's countdown feature frequently failed, leading to higher stress and slower response times to green lights.
Women who become caregivers after intimate partner violence experience increased depressive symptoms and stress. They also have worse physical health than other women, with nearly one in 20 middle-aged women in this position.
A study by social psychologists in the Netherlands found that low self-esteem partners regret sacrificing personal preferences for their relationships. They experience negative mood, stress, and lower life satisfaction due to feeling unsupported by their partner.
Young veterans with combat-related PTSD have an increased 'fight or flight' response during mental stress, contributing to higher risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that these individuals had higher adrenaline levels and less control over their heart rate in response to blood pressure changes.
New research reveals that choosing empathy routes can affect helpers' health and well-being. The study suggests that training professionals to engage in IOPT can help reduce burnout.
A recent study by the University of Florida found that having a pet dog present during stressful experiences lowers children's stress levels and cortisol levels. Children who actively engaged with their pets had lower cortisol levels compared to those who did not.
A German multisite study investigated the role of post-traumatic stress in cancer-related cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that psychological factors may contribute more importantly to cancer-related cognitive impairment than neurotoxic effects of treatment.
Research by Sayuri Naruse and Dr Mark Moss from Northumbria University found that couples' physical and mental wellbeing improved after a three-week massage course. The study involved 38 participants who reported significant benefits to their wellbeing, stress coping, and relationship satisfaction.
A recent study found that even small daily stressors increase illegal drug use among those on parole or probation who have a history of substance use. The researchers also discovered that treatment helps limit substance use over time, and that prevention programs may be more effective with consideration of treatment history.
A new study suggests that financially strained pregnant women may be at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight infant. Researchers found that pregnancy-specific distress was a key factor in this connection, and interventions such as meditation and breathing exercises could help mitigate the effects.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found a link between financial strain and lower birth weights. Pregnancy-specific distress was identified as a key factor contributing to this connection.
A UCLA-led study found that students who experienced high levels of stress in a college mathematics course were more likely to forget the material. The phenomenon, called 'motivated forgetting,' is thought to be a defense mechanism to protect one's self-image as an excellent mathematician.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that maternal stress during pregnancy may influence the biological clock for ageing in children. Telomere length in newborns was found to be shorter in mothers who experienced increased psychosocial stress, suggesting a potential link between maternal stress and premature ageing.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injuries disrupt the stress axis differently in female and male mice, leading to increased anxiety and depression in women. The study provides a missing link between mild blast injuries and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati Epilepsy Center found stress to be a common seizure trigger, increasing seizure susceptibility and risk of developing epilepsy. Stress reduction techniques like controlled deep breathing, relaxation therapy, and exercise may provide benefit as low-risk treatment options.
New Penn State research reveals that childhood sexual abuse can accelerate physical growth and maturation in adolescents, increasing the risk of behavioral and mental health problems. The study found that young girls with a sexual abuse history were more likely to transition into higher puberty stages earlier than non-abused peers.
A study on patients with Cushing's Syndrome found that cortisol excess was associated with reduced DNA methylation, leading to persistent psychiatric problems. The researchers hope that targeting DNA methylation may lead to new treatment possibilities for stress-related conditions.
A study found that student veterans struggle with psychological trauma, experiencing sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating. The research highlights the need for supportive services in higher education to integrate student veterans into campus communities.
A new Michigan State University study found that refugees diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an overactive gene associated with mental health that disrupts their stress defense system. This causes the body to overreact to stress, leading to increased symptoms of PTSD.