Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Sonja Entringer, is studying the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on newborn cell biology and cellular aging. The study aims to understand how prenatal exposure to stress affects the unborn child's development and future health.
Researchers have observed a link between stress exposure during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. Mothers carrying a specific variant of a stress-sensitive gene reported higher levels of stress, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that chronic fatigue syndrome patients are more likely to suppress their emotions due to a heightened fight-or-flight response. This suppression is associated with increased anxiety and distress, which can worsen fatigue symptoms.
A sharp increase in teen poisonings has been reported in the UK over the past 20 years, particularly among girls. Socioeconomic deprivation is strongly linked to this trend, with those from the most deprived areas two to three times more likely to poison themselves.
Researchers found that email-based exercises showed sustained improvements in psychological health over two years, with significant effects on stress, confidence, and gratitude. The study suggests that internet-based interventions can be an effective tool for promoting mental health.
Research suggests that prenatal stress can lead to epigenetic adaptations in newborns, activating the oxytocin receptor gene and facilitating social behavior. This mechanism could indicate that babies develop more resilience to cope with future adversities.
A study in male mice exposed to early life stress shows that the hippocampus matures faster, but with reduced neural growth, supporting an evolution-based hypothesis. This accelerated maturation may be an adaptation to prepare for short-term survival priorities.
A University of Missouri study found that children physically react to stress from their social networks, with cortisol levels and salivary alpha-amylase indicating stress responses. The quality and size of childhood social relationships may have long-term physiological consequences for youth's physical and mental health.
Research at University of Oxford found that individuals with more friends have a higher pain tolerance due to increased endorphin release, which promotes social bonding and pleasure. Additionally, the study discovered correlations between fitter people, those with higher stress levels, and smaller social networks.
A Wayne State University Ph.D. student has been awarded a prestigious NIH fellowship to investigate the effects of stress on cigarette smokers. The research aims to understand how stress impairs brain function and increase the likelihood of relapse, with the goal of developing better treatments for patients.
A Florida State University researcher found that Latino immigrants experience significant stress due to threats to 'familismo', deeply held cultural beliefs about the centrality of family. This ambivalence can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being, particularly in terms of parenting and economic adjustment.
Research discovered that individuals with coronary artery disease exhibit higher baseline troponin levels independently of stress or chest pain, indicating repeated ischemic events. Mental stress tests revealed a significant increase in troponin levels, even after the event, suggesting psychological triggers play a role
Research reveals anticipated rejection due to weight stigma negatively impacts heavier women's emotional well-being. Participants who expected rejection experienced lower self-esteem, increased feelings of shame and embarrassment, and greater stress.
Research from Duke Health found that incorporating stress management into cardiac rehabilitation cuts risk of another heart incident in half. Patients who attended weekly stress-management groups had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those receiving only traditional cardiac rehabilitation.
New research reveals that empathy is composed of two forms: cognitive (understanding) and affective (feeling). When partners have accurate knowledge but lack compassionate feelings, they tend to be less supportive. However, when both accuracy and concern are present, responsiveness increases.
A study of 166 breast cancer patients found that 82.5% exhibited symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis, with more than half continuing to display symptoms one year later. The severity of psychological impact was underscored by the fact that some patients rated having breast cancer as their most severe traumatic event.
Research reveals a direct link between economic insecurity and physical pain, with feelings of lack of control exacerbating the issue. The study found that individuals who experience financial stress report more physical pain and have reduced pain tolerance.
A recent study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and fatigue in family caregivers, while improving spiritual well-being. The technique helped caregivers manage chronic illnesses and their own physical health, leading to a calmer and more patient state.
A Rutgers study found that prepubescent female rodents paired with sexually experienced males exhibited elevated stress hormones, reduced learning capabilities, and decreased maternal behaviors. This research sheds light on the consequences of sexual aggression in females, which is crucial for understanding its impact on women's mental...
Researchers found that stressed male mice have offspring with high blood sugar due to an epigenetic change in their sperm. This study suggests a male's life experience can affect his offspring's glucose levels, offering new insights into the mechanisms involved.
Researchers found that mild stress increases brown fat activity, linked to higher cortisol levels and potential heat production. This discovery has implications for preventing obesity and diabetes through sustainable interventions.
Mindfulness meditation training alters brain network functional connectivity patterns, reducing inflammatory biomarkers like Interleukin-6 and improving executive control. This neurobiological change explains the improvements in stress-related health outcomes.
A recent study conducted at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab found that cluttered kitchens can lead to over-snacking. Women who waited in a messy kitchen ate 53 more calories from cookies compared to those waiting in an organized kitchen.
A large study of military conscripts suggests that a tendency to stress easily in early adulthood is linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in later life. Men with low stress resilience scores at age 18 were more than three times as likely to have high blood pressure, regardless of weight or other factors.
A new study by University of Vermont psychologist Jamie Abaied found that college students whose parents exert psychological control are more likely to engage in hostile behavior with their peers. The study suggests that parental control can stunt independence and lead to relational aggression, which involves harming feelings or damagi...
A new study found that low stress resilience in late adolescence is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study, published in Diabetologia, followed 1.5 million Swedish male conscripts and found that those with lower stress resistance were 51% more likely to develop diabetes.
A study by Phyllis Moen and Erin L. Kelly found that workers who participated in a pilot work flexibility program reported higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and psychological stress. The research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that flexible work arrangements result in happier, healthier, and more product...
Research suggests that habits such as checking emails early and late, using push notifications, and constantly being available can lead to higher levels of stress and pressure. Experts offer tips to help manage email and reduce its negative impact on productivity and wellbeing.
A study found that employed individuals reduced their alcohol use at work but increased their consumption after work and excessive drinking during the Great Recession. Middle-aged workers were more likely to drink during this period due to increased financial and family stress.
A Veterans Affairs study of 738 Iraq war veterans found that those who fought during the insurgency phase were more than twice as likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who served in other phases. The finding holds true even after adjusting for demographic and deployment-related risk factors.
A new meta-analysis found that psychological therapies can reduce IBS symptoms for at least six months after treatment ends. The study analyzed 41 clinical trials involving over 2,200 patients, revealing no significant difference in effectiveness between different types of psychotherapy.
Researchers at Rice University and Ohio State University found that chronic inflammation is linked to depression, with concentrations of inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 elevated by up to 50% in patients. Activities like yoga, meditation, NSAIDS, and exercise can help treat depression caused by chronic inflammation.
Adolescents separated from their fathers experience increased stress and transient depression symptoms four to nine months following separation. However, these symptoms typically disappear over time. The study highlights the importance of informal support or therapy for young adults whose parents have recently separated.
New research suggests that proactively doing things for others can effectively cope with everyday worries and strains. The study found that helping behaviors boosted participants' daily well-being, reducing negative emotions and improving mental health in response to stress.
New research suggests oxytocin may trigger anxiety in stressed females, unlike males where it increases social motivation. The hormone also had no effect on non-stressed females.
Researchers found that people with CFS are more vulnerable to pattern-related visual stress, a condition that causes discomfort and exhaustion when viewing repetitive striped patterns. This discovery may help in diagnosing the illness, which is difficult due to its similar symptoms to other conditions.
A study by Temple University researchers found a significant association between psychological stress and various skin symptoms, including itchiness, hair loss, and acne-like rashes. The study suggests that healthcare providers should ask patients about their stress levels to better understand skin conditions.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a free, web-based cognitive behavioral therapy tool called MoodGYM can reduce suicidal thoughts in interns by nearly four times the normal rate. The tool offers a digital, streamlined form of talk therapy to support mental health.
A Virginia Tech researcher has won a $7.2 million grant to develop a program promoting healthy relationships and economic stability for low-income couples. The 'Together' project aims to improve couples' well-being, parenting, financial management, and employment through integrated solutions.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that younger mothers are less likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Daughters of women who give birth at 30 or older are more likely to report higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety as young adults.
A study found that high job demands, stress, and job insecurity are key reasons for presenteeism. The research also highlights the importance of a supportive work environment in reducing the likelihood of going to work while ill.
Researchers found that LGBT youths have lower levels of resilience than adults, leading to higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. Resilience-based programs can help mitigate these effects by teaching individuals coping skills and strategies to navigate adversity.
A study of nearly 1,300 veterans found that those who completed online expressive-writing sessions showed more improvements than peers who didn't write at all or did factual writing. Expressive writing reduced physical complaints, anger, and psychological distress, but had limited impact on PTSD symptoms.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that four factors - unconditional acceptance, feeling comforted when needed, authenticity in relationships, and friendship satisfaction - play a crucial role in keeping mothers happy, healthy, and able to give of themselves. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 well-educated, upper-...
A new study aims to determine the mechanisms that cause some grieving survivors to suffer unanticipated and potentially fatal heart attacks. The researcher hopes to understand how stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to inflammation, a driver of cardiovascular disease.
University of Pennsylvania researchers show that experiencing stress changes a male mouse's sperm, affecting his offspring's response to stress. The change is imparted epigenetically by molecules called microRNAs.
A Duke University study found that early childhood stress can lead to a reduced response to rewards in adulthood, which may contribute to an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems. The research used fMRI scans to examine brain activity in adults who were closely monitored from kindergarten onwards.
A study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that mobile device users are more susceptible to security errors while multitasking. The researchers created a simulated app store experience and asked participants to identify the safest app, with only half choosing correctly.
A new study found that mothers who experienced more stressful events during their pregnancies had children who scored lower on a test of movement competence. Children born to stressed mothers showed poorer fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to difficulties in everyday life.
A meta-analysis of six studies found that people with high stress jobs had a 22% higher risk of stroke than those with low stress jobs. Women with high stress jobs were 33% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke.
Infants under stress exhibit less flexible behavior when presented with new situations, unlike adults who also show reduced flexibility due to stress. This study suggests that repeated exposure to stress in infancy may hinder knowledge acquisition and have lasting effects on cognitive development.
A 45-year study found that persistent childhood stress is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes later in life. Childhood distress, even when conditions improve in adulthood, was also linked to increased cardiometabolic risk.
A comprehensive report finds telecommuting can boost job satisfaction and productivity, but only when implemented carefully. Key moderating factors include employee choice, scheduling control, relationships with supervisors and coworkers, and work dependency.
A major study of Kenyan journalists who covered violent events found that they were at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. The research, published by JRSM Open, highlights the need for news organizations to prioritize their psychological health and offer confidential counselling.
A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that spousal and family caregivers experiencing depressive symptoms after an Alzheimer's diagnosis experience greater psychological stress. The study suggests it is essential to consider the caregiver's mental health at diagnosis time for providing adequate support.
New research from Queen's University found that a strong relationship with a loved one can help manage stress in difficult situations. Physical closeness allows individuals to share the emotional burden more efficiently, regardless of their reported level of closeness.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that discrimination during adolescence can have a lasting impact on cortisol levels, leading to flatter diurnal rhythms and increased risk of fatigue, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that cumulative experiences of discrimination, particularly during adole...
A series of parenting classes, Family Foundations, has been shown to reduce parental stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving parenting quality and long-term child outcomes. Participation in the program was linked to more optimal birth weight and shorter hospital stays for mothers at risk.
A study by Tohoku University found that depressive symptoms are higher in coastal areas than inland areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Four percent of participants experienced considerable posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). Psychologists have provided support to over 600 residents with psychological problems.
A new study from the University of Houston found that white sexual-minority men have higher positive racial attitudes and empathy than their heterosexual peers. This increased empathy may stem from their personal experience of discrimination, which allows them to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.