Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
Researchers found that riding a horse increases the body's stress hormones and heart rate compared to simulator-based training, indicating a more complex movement experience for riders. This suggests that simulators could be an excellent preparation for beginners but may not fully replace traditional horseback riding.
Researchers found that college football players are 3.19 times more likely to get injured during high-stress academic weeks, such as midterms or finals, compared to low-academic stress weeks. The study suggests that coaches and trainers can accommodate practices accordingly to minimize the risk of injuries.
A new study finds that perfectionistic concerns can lead to stress, burnout, and health problems. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings, which involve setting high standards and working towards goals, may help maintain a sense of accomplishment and delay burnout.
Research from University of Toronto psychologists explores how self-other overlap affects relationships, finding those with high overlap protect their partner from comparisons and maintain positive perceptions.
A new study finds that a moderate amount of stress stimulates mellow dogs, while hyperactive dogs perform poorly under increased stimulation. Researchers tested pet and assistance dogs, finding that their baseline temperament plays a crucial role in determining optimal stress levels.
A national study by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that childhood stress fuels weight gain in women, while adult stress has no significant impact on men's weight. Childhood family-related stressors such as economic hardship and divorce were associated with rapid weight gain in women.
Research finds that prenatal stress in rats can lead to faster weight loss and reduced hunger signals in offspring, resembling anorexia nervosa. Identifying a specific coping style, passive individuals from stressed mothers were more susceptible to anorexic behaviors, providing insight into potential treatment options.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to conform to others' preferences than actions. Researchers designed six experiments involving everyday activities to test this theory, revealing a pervasive tendency to adopt others' judgments as one's own.
A new study documents the successful application of a Benson-Henry Institute program at a Boston high school, showing significant reductions in anxiety levels and improved stress management among students. The program teaches relaxation strategies, positive psychology techniques, and helps students build long-term resiliency.
Researchers found that mothers of preterm children are as sensitive and responsive in interactions with their children as mothers of children born at term. The study analyzed over 3,905 children and their mothers from 34 different studies and found no evidence to suggest parents of preterm children are less good in parenting.
A randomized clinical trial found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training had positive effects on pain and mood in rheumatoid arthritis patients for at least one year. Written emotional disclosure was less effective, with no long-term benefits on joint functioning or pain reduction.
A study by Annie Barreck of the University of Montreal found a significant link between commuting patterns and burnout symptoms. Long commutes, particularly by car in urban areas, increase the risk of professional burnout. Employers can mitigate this by adopting flexible commuting arrangements.
A Queensland University of Technology study has found that flood victims experienced more psychological distress during the rebuilding phase than as waters inundated their homes and businesses. Aftermath stress was the strongest predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms, with insurance company issues being a major contributor.
A new study highlights the benefits of strength-based parenting in reducing stress and increasing resilience in children. By cultivating positive states and processes, parents can help their kids develop essential life skills such as coping with change.
A clinical trial at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus demonstrates an intervention that successfully reduces caregiver stress in cancer patients treated with stem cell transplantation. The study shows significant lower stress levels and improved quality of life for caregivers.
Research found that traumatic life events, such as losing a loved one or experiencing a life-threatening illness, increased the risk of heart attack in middle-aged and older women. Additionally, a history of financial struggle was independently associated with a two-fold higher risk for heart attack.
Researchers found that targeted programs significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in college students, while also enhancing academic adjustment and psychosocial assets. Effective skill-training programs can help prevent emotional distress and promote mental well-being in higher education settings.
Research identifies a sensitive period when children's stress response systems are influenced by their caregiving environment. Children who spent early years in institutional care had blunted responses, but those removed and placed in foster care showed similar responses to community-raised children.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages can suppress cortisol and stress responses in the brain. This may contribute to habit-forming sugar overconsumption during times of psychological or emotional stress.
A series of University of Utah studies found that hostile-dominant personality styles are associated with increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease, including higher blood pressure and severe atherosclerosis. In contrast, warm-dominant styles are linked to lower blood pressure and more support in marriages.
A recent study found that family support during deployment significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in veterans. The research, published in Anxiety, Stress and Coping, highlights the importance of treating mental health symptoms to prevent suicidal ideation.
Researchers Andrea Bowes and Albert Katz found that people are better able to infer the mental and emotional state of others after reading metaphors. This is because metaphors activate embodied social experiences, making it easier to understand others' emotions and mental states.
A new study suggests that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can decrease fasting glucose levels and improve quality of life in overweight and obese women. MBSR significantly reduces perceived stress and improves sleep, depression, anxiety, and psychological distress without changing body weight or insulin resistance.
Researchers found that early post-traumatic stress symptoms are the strongest predictors of later disability in military personnel with mild brain injuries. A study evaluated 38 patients with mild blast-related brain injury and 34 controls, showing that mental health assessments soon after injury were more predictive of long-term disab...
Scientists found that stress increases competitive confidence in people with low anxiety, while decreasing it in those with high anxiety. This suggests that stress is a cause of social inequality, rather than just a consequence.
Research by University of Southampton and Solent NHS Trust found no long-term effect of higher fees on mental health. Students paying lower fees showed greater symptoms of alcohol dependence, possibly due to higher disposable income.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that stress can worsen recovery in women after a heart attack. Women experienced more stress and stressful life events than men, which may contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Mindfulness training reduces stress by increasing prefrontal activity, regulating the biological stress response. This can help prevent diseases like depression, HIV, and heart disease. The study provides an evidence-based biological account of mindfulness training's effects on health.
A longitudinal study found that Latino adolescents who experience discrimination-related stress are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. The study suggests that U.S.-born Latinos may be particularly vulnerable to these mental health outcomes.
A longitudinal study found that mental health improved among Latino adolescents over three years, but discrimination-related stress had a more detrimental effect on native-born immigrants. The study highlights the importance of considering discrimination in therapy sessions to help Latino youth flourish.
A University of Miami study found that short-form mindfulness meditation training reduces attentional lapses and mind wandering, enhancing cognitive resilience in military personnel. This technique can be beneficial for civilians in demanding professions as well.
A new study found that young and middle-aged women experience higher levels of mental stress after a heart attack, leading to worse recovery outcomes. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 female and male heart attack survivors between 18-55 years old.
A new study found that serotonin-deficient mice are more vulnerable to social stress and do not respond to the antidepressant Prozac, which may help explain why some people with depression seem unresponsive to treatment. The researchers also discovered a possible therapeutic strategy by targeting the lateral habenula brain area.
A new study from Brigham Young University reveals that fathers' depression risk increases when they hold multiple parenting roles, including step-parenting. The research found that parents with three roles are 57% more likely to experience depression than those with a single role.
A recent study published in American Psychologist found that men and women share over 80% of the same psychological characteristics, including risk-taking, occupational stress, and morality. While there are some differences, these findings suggest that our similarities outweigh our differences.
Researchers found fourth graders who participated in the MindUP program showed improved stress regulation, optimism, and peer relationships. They also performed better in math compared to those in a program without a mindfulness component.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that negative emotions on Twitter are associated with higher heart disease risk, while positive emotions are linked to lower risk. The study used a large dataset of tweets and health data to develop a predictive model for coronary heart disease rates.
A new study published in Current Biology found that stress caused by being around strangers limits empathy, but playing games together can increase it. Researchers discovered that spending just 15 minutes playing Rock Band with a stranger can move them from an 'stranger zone' to an 'empathy zone'.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reveals that pediatric trauma nurses are knowledgeable about trauma-informed care, but need more training to address the emotional needs of patients and their families. The survey found that over 90% of nurses recognize the importance of psychosocial support, but few report assessing a chi...
A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.
New research from Carnegie Mellon University suggests that greater social support and more frequent hugs can protect people from getting sick, with the physical act of hugging playing a key role in reducing susceptibility to infection. This study found that hugs were responsible for one-third of the protective effect of social support.
A University of British Columbia study found that limiting email checks to three times a day can significantly reduce psychological stress. Participants who checked their email less often reported feeling less stressed compared to those who checked it more frequently.
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that longer commutes are related to lower life satisfaction and increased stress levels. Comuters with time for physical activity had higher life satisfaction.
Research suggests that early-life stress can have positive effects on behavior, such as improved flexibility and goal-oriented behavior, which can be passed down through generations via molecular pathways. This study reveals the beneficial impact of moderate stress in childhood, leading to better coping strategies in adulthood.
Researchers found that university graduates in Canada report high levels of mastery, but also experience overwork, job pressure, and work-to-family conflict. These stressors undermine mastery, posing the biggest threat to Canadians' sense of control.
Research by Emily Kaskan and Ivy Ho highlights how American female athletes are objectified and stereotyped in media coverage, influencing their self-esteem and athleticism. The study shows that these microaggressions can lead to psychological stress, impacting hormonal, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
New research suggests that racial discrimination, family issues, and economic constraints contribute to acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. Family support, however, acts as a protective factor against psychological distress. The study found that acculturative stress levels varied depending on individual circumstances.
A special issue of Medical Care reports on the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for US military veterans and active duty personnel. The studies suggest that CAM therapies are moderately effective in reducing symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that young and middle-age women with stable coronary heart disease are more vulnerable to emotional stress. They experience a significant reduction in blood flow to the heart when subjected to mental stress, whereas physical stress does not cause a no...
A study by Jonathan Purtle found that federal legislation addressing PTSD has predominantly focused on military personnel, with over 90% of mentions targeting military personnel or combat exposure. However, PTSD affects a significantly larger civilian population due to its prevalence in non-military traumatic events.
Research suggests that guidelines limiting duration of overseas deployment in UK troops may have prevented 138 cases of PTSD, among other mental health issues. The Harmony Guidelines, introduced in 2006, limited tours to 13 months or less over a 3-year period.
A new study by SF State's Kevin Eschleman found that employees may wait weeks or months before acting out due to workplace stress. The research suggests that companies should tailor programs to help employees cope with stress, as personality can complicate how and when they respond.
Researchers developed a platform that enables humans to communicate with dogs through body language and physical signals. The technology can detect a dog's emotional state, stress levels, and even hazards like gas leaks.
A new study found that walking workstations significantly improve both physical and mental well-being during work hours. Participants showed increased satisfaction and reduced stress, boredom, and weight-related issues despite having varying levels of exercise habits or body mass index.
Researchers found that both those receiving low offers and making low offers experienced stress, compared to those who made more generous offers. This suggests a link between emotional state and decision-making in economic situations.
Chronic mental stress, obesity, and inflammation contribute to excessive sodium retention in blacks, increasing the risk of heart damage. Researchers aim to develop effective therapeutic strategies to treat this condition by testing angiotensin receptor blockers and other treatments.
Dartmouth researchers are developing a virtual reality-based relaxation system to help astronauts cope with stress on long-duration spaceflights. The Virtual Space Station program uses virtual reality, sounds, and smells to create immersive experiences that promote relaxation and calmness.
Researchers found that mental stress can cause reduced blood flow to the heart in women, leading to ischemia, a prevalent component of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests sex distinctions in how the body responds to mental stress, with women experiencing increased negative emotions and decreased positive feelings.
A study of patients with stable heart disease found that women experience more changes in blood flow to the heart and platelet aggregation under mental stress, while men exhibit greater changes in blood pressure and heart rate. This difference highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease
A recent study by McMaster University found that only 40% of Canadians engage in exercise as a coping mechanism for stress. Younger, single, more educated, and active adults are more likely to use exercise to relieve stress.