Research on stress and its effects on mind and body. Covers work stress and health, mood-supporting materials, stress-response cells, and deep sleep's role.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
A large-scale study has found that group nature walks are linked with lower depression, less perceived stress, and enhanced mental health. Regular participants in the Walking for Health program experienced a mood boost after outdoor group walks, especially those who had recently experienced stressful life events.
A recent study by Brandeis University found that overweight individuals experience higher levels of stress-induced inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases. The researchers measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in normal-weight and overweight individuals during psychological stress tests.
A review of literature suggests that same-sex couples are more likely to experience domestic violence, affecting 25-75% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. The additional stress of being a sexual minority exacerbates the issue, leading to reluctance in addressing domestic violence.
A RAND Corporation report examines a unique partnership providing private mental health services to veterans and their families, highlighting key findings on outreach and engagement strategies. The study's insights could inform VA reform efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health needs in returning service members.
A Dartmouth smartphone app assesses users' mental health, academic performance and behavioral trends using passive sensor data, finding correlations between sleep, social activity, stress levels and GPA. The app could provide continuous mental health evaluation and intervene to boost academic performance.
A multi-site research study found that individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience worse musculoskeletal pain outcomes over time after stressful events like car accidents. The study suggests that the environment plays a significant role in chronic pain development, with stress systems involved in pain worsening outcomes.
Research reveals that female rats exposed to a common fungicide through their ancestral line are more prone to stress and anxiety. The study suggests that environmental toxins can affect gene expression, leading to adverse effects on offspring.
A study by Wayne State University researchers found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training significantly improved RA patients' pain and mood for at least a year. In contrast, written emotional disclosure had only short-term benefits on joints and functioning. The combination of both therapies showed no unique benefits.
A new study by CU Denver researcher Zaneta Thayer found that poor women experience higher cortisol levels during pregnancy, giving birth to infants with elevated cortisol responses to stress. These early life disparities can lead to serious disease later in life and highlight the need for stress reduction and social support.
A study suggests that practicing hatha yoga for eight weeks can improve cognitive tasks in older adults, including information recall, mental flexibility, and task-switching. The findings indicate that yoga may boost brain function by reducing stress and anxiety.
Research suggests that happiness is an attainable goal for some schizophrenia patients, associated with positive psychological and social attributes like resilience and optimism. A study found that 37% of patients reported being happy all or most of the time, regardless of severity, duration, or socioeconomic factors.
New technique reveals correlations between arterial health and cognitive decline in older adults, highlighting the importance of cerebrovascular well-being for healthy aging. The study also explores the impact of stress on arterial stiffness and its consequences for brain function.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that working parents in jobs perceived as weak or impersonal are more stressed than those in occupations seen as caring and strong like parenting. The discrepancy between the occupation's cultural meaning and parental identity contributes to psychological well-being.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that 8.3 percent of the Norwegian workforce is addicted to work, with no differences between men and women. The study used a nationally representative sample of 2,160 participants and identified seven criteria to measure work addiction.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that individuals with high workplace stress and low control have a 45% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 employed individuals and identified the link independently of classic risk factors.
Research shows that women with resilience are better equipped to handle sexually oppressive experiences, while those with low resilience may develop mental health problems. Psychologists can help clients learn to cope by assigning meaning to adversity and recognizing objectification as a flawed cultural practice.
A survey of over 200 non-tenure-track academics found that nearly one-third experience stress due to lack of job security, with women and underrepresented groups more affected. The authors call for universities to address these issues to improve faculty wellbeing and student outcomes.
Researchers found that people who engaged in media use after work experienced higher levels of guilt and feelings of failure, rather than relaxation and recovery. This suggests that the use of media can conflict with other important duties and goals in everyday life.
Researchers provide new guidelines for treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach efforts that continue for at least two years. The study also highlights the crucial role of teachers in providing trauma-informed support, ensuring students can continue learning despite trauma.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that brief mindfulness meditation practice alleviates psychological stress. The study showed that even just three consecutive days of 25-minute mindfulness sessions can reduce stress levels.
Researchers found that low levels of the stress hormone cortisol are strongly correlated with voting behavior, while age is also a predictor. The study suggests that biological factors can play a role in voter turnout, complementing social and demographic variables.
A new study found that elevated stress hormones are associated with structural brain changes and short-term memory deficits in aged rats. The research suggests that stress may accelerate age-related cognitive decline by altering brain connections and function in the prefrontal cortex.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology shows that brief bouts of exercise can significantly improve attention and reading comprehension in low-income adolescents. This finding has important implications for schools serving low-income populations, suggesting they should incorporate physical activity into their daily schedules.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified the group of neurons in the brain that determines how a mouse responds to stress, whether with resilience or defeat. The study's findings may lead to improved treatments for depression.
A new survey reveals that women are increasingly frustrated with their sex lives due to premature ejaculation, as men prioritize delay over intimacy. Women who rarely climax suffer more and experience a loss in quality of life, leading to relationship strain and breakups.
Women who participated in a 5-week cognitive behavioral training program showed significant improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and stress management skills. The Relaxation Training group also reported reduced disruptions in social activities and increased confidence in using relaxation techniques.
Research reveals that people tend to choose tasks with more physical effort to get them done faster, despite it being less efficient. This preference is driven by the desire to relieve stress and lighten their mental load.
Researchers found that even brief observations of stressed individuals can increase cortisol levels in observers, particularly when social closeness is involved. This phenomenon, known as empathic stress, has significant implications for the healthcare system and our understanding of stress transmission.
Researchers investigated four trained therapy dogs and found no stress during group therapy. The study established that freedom relaxes the dogs, reducing cortisol levels, and symptoms of stressed dogs include hair loss and anxiety-like behaviors. Regular supervision is recommended for therapy dogs to ensure their well-being.
Research from Washington State University found that children who participate in horse-riding programs have lower stress hormone levels. The study, which measured cortisol levels in saliva samples, suggests a potential prevention strategy for young adolescents at risk of developing physical and mental health problems.
Residents of poorer Chicago neighborhoods face more life-changing negative events and experience a range of serious health issues due to the complex interplay between traumatic events and lack of resources. The study's findings highlight the need for addressing poverty and providing support for vulnerable populations.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that DNA modifications in the blood of stressed mice correlate with changes in brain tissue, providing a valid comparison between the two. The research linked epigenetic changes to altered gene function, shedding light on the relationship between stress and psychiatric diseases.
Saint Louis University's medical school curriculum changes have reduced depression rates from 27% to 11% and anxiety from 55% to 31% among first-year students. The new curriculum focuses on stress reduction, resilience training, and mindfulness.
Researchers found that women with high levels of stress biomarkers are more than twice as likely to meet the clinical definition of infertility compared to those with low levels. The study also suggests that managing stress using techniques like yoga and meditation may help women conceive, although it's not the only factor involved.
A mobile gaming app based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in stressed individuals. Playing the game for 25 minutes can have potent effects on anxiety, suggesting a potential 'cognitive vaccine' against anxiety and stress.
A study by Giorgia Silani found that stress undermines empathic abilities in men, while increasing them in women. In the experiment, stressed men performed worse in tasks requiring empathy and social skills compared to unstressed men.
Researchers found that emotional stressors like anger can cause changes in the nervous system controlling heart rate, triggering microvascular coronary dysfunction more often in women than men. This condition can lead to heart attacks and other cardiac issues despite clear arteries.
A Concordia University study found that maintaining or improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems in seniors. The research team measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress, and symptoms of depression in 147 adults aged 60 and over, revealing a strong association between declining self-esteem and increased cortisol levels.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that increased psychological distress and depression symptoms are associated with high cortisol levels, while severe burnout is linked to low cortisol concentrations. This study aims to develop more accurate screening tools for mental health professionals.
A new national interdisciplinary effort examines how biology and social factors interact within marriage to affect cardiovascular health. The study aims to identify risk factors for heart disease and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
A multi-site US-Canada study found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's patients and reduced caregivers' stress levels. The study involved 186 patients with Alzheimer's disease who showed no relief from non-medication therapies or antipsychotic drugs.
A small pilot study of 22 mothers found that an 'Resourcefulness' intervention, teaching coping skills, bolsters moms' mental health and improves family dynamics. The intervention reduced negative emotions and depressive cognitions in mothers caring for children on life-sustaining devices.
Research by John Cacioppo reveals loneliness significantly impacts physical and mental health in older adults, increasing mortality risk. Staying connected with loved ones through social engagement can mitigate these effects.
A study of 26 studies found that quitting smoking is associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological quality of life. The findings suggest that smokers can be reassured that stopping smoking has mental health benefits.