Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.