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.
A recent study by UCLA psychologists analyzed 172 married couples over 11 years, finding that a deeper level of commitment is a better predictor of lower divorce rates and fewer problems in marriage. Couples who were willing to make sacrifices within their relationships were more effective in solving their problems.
A new clinical trial combines two medications to address anxiety and physiological stress before, during, and after surgery. This approach aims to increase long-term survival rates by up to 300 percent in cancer patients.
A recent study by Princeton researchers found that Hurricane Katrina survivors continued to experience poor mental health nearly five years after the storm. The study, which tracked low-income mothers in the New Orleans area before and after the disaster, showed a persistence of high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
A study by James Burton and team found that stressed supervisors who engage in moderate exercise report less abusive behavior towards their subordinates. The research suggests that wellness programs with exercise components can help smooth out relationships between supervisors and employees.
UC Berkeley researchers found that gossip can have positive outcomes, such as helping people police bad behavior and prevent exploitation. Gossiping also made volunteers feel better when they were able to pass on information to alert others.
A mindfulness-based group intervention significantly reduced stress levels and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid joint disease, with lasting improvements also seen. The study found no comparable reductions in the comparison group, highlighting the potential benefits of mindfulness strategies for managing arthritis-related distress.
Researchers found that people in lower socio-economic classes are more physiologically attuned to suffering and quicker to express compassion than their more affluent counterparts. This challenges previous studies that characterized lower-class individuals as prone to anxiety and hostility. The study suggests a culture of compassion am...
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a novel mechanism regulating stress response in the brain, involving neurosteroids and specific receptors. Blocking these receptors may lead to new approaches for managing stress-related disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and obesity.
A new study found that planting activities significantly improved heart rate variation measurements and decreased cortisol levels in mentally challenged individuals. The most effective activity for stress relief was topiary crafting, which also showed a significant decrease in emotional stability benefits.
A large-scale study found that a costly intervention programme designed to reduce early retirement had no measurable effect. The programme aimed to help participants adopt a healthier lifestyle and manage stress, but it did not improve perceived health outcomes.
Research reveals that caregivers' daily lives are disrupted by their loved one's behaviors, leading to elevated stress levels and physical health risks. The study also found that caregiving can tax the caregiver's HPA system, contributing to cardiovascular and metabolic problems.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that beta blockers can prevent the negative effects of stress on goal-directed behavior. Stress affects habit formation and routine behavior, but not when norepinephrine is blocked by beta blockers.
A study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly decreased psychological distress in at-risk minority secondary school students. The technique showed a 36% reduction in overall psychological distress and improved trait anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery suggests that mental health is a risk factor for disease flares in patients with vasculitis, a devastating form of the disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of blood vessels. Patients who experience stress are 19% more likely to experience a flare-up.
Research suggests that mindfulness meditation can have wide-ranging effects on well-being, including improved immune function and reduced blood pressure. A new framework approach explains the mechanisms of mindfulness by identifying four key components: attention regulation, body awareness, emotion regulation, and sense of self.
A recent study found that poverty-related stress impacts executive function development in early childhood, leading to lower academic readiness. Higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were linked to reduced executive function abilities in low-income homes.
A UBC study found that Black Canadians with darker skin are more likely to report poor overall health compared to those with lighter skin. The study suggests that colourism can negatively affect health and highlight the importance of considering racial identity mismatches.
The number of LGB teens who come out to family and friends has grown dramatically in the past two decades, shifting from an average age of 25 to 16 years old. Family support and acceptance are crucial for LGB youth mental health, with a lack of support heightening distress and depression.
Neuroscientists at the University of Leicester discovered a protein called lipocalin-2 that helps regulate dendritic spine formation and maturation, reducing future anxiety associated with stressful events. The study found that mice without this protein were more anxious and had stronger memories of stressful events.
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher levels of oxidative stress, a potential pathway for cardiovascular and other age-related disease risks. The study suggests that psychological stress from racial discrimination may contribute to racial health disparities.
Researchers found that voting induces emotional arousal and raises cortisol levels, which can influence decision making. The study suggests a link between stress and voter turnout, particularly among those with unpopular candidates.
Researchers identified the oxytocin receptor gene OXTR as linked to psychological resources, finding that people with specific variants have lower levels of optimism and higher depressive symptoms. The study suggests training oneself in optimism, self-esteem, and mastery can improve coping skills.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that college students showed increased stress responses to negative visual images, even those not directly exposed to the 9/11 attacks. The research suggests a broader impact on psychological processes, rethinking the severity spectrum for distress reactions.
Researchers found that physicians from different specialties experience similar work intensity and stress levels, contrary to common assumptions. This study suggests more equitable payment for primary care physicians and validates measurement tools for assessing stress and workload in medicine.
A study presented at the ESC Congress 2011 found that high job demands coupled with low job control are associated with increased risk of heart disease and mortality. Working long hours is also detrimental to health, leading to decreased cognitive function and higher risks of coronary heart disease.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that watching a funny movie can positively impact vascular function, expanding blood vessels and improving cardiovascular health. The research suggests that incorporating laughter into daily life may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.
A study by Concordia University economists found that workers in high-stress jobs visit doctors more often, with a 26% increase in healthcare utilization. The study also estimated that workplace stress costs US companies $68 billion annually and reduces productivity by 10%.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that LGB soldiers in the US military experience high levels of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse despite official support. The researcher suggests that mandatory sensitivity training is essential to address this issue and create a more inclusive environment.
A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.
Cyberstalkers increasingly use technology to torment their victims, causing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma. Researchers also found that students who blamed themselves for cyberbullying were more likely to ruminate and suffer serious stress.
A survey of 4,639 Virginia Tech students found that 15.4% experienced high levels of posttraumatic stress three to four months after the shootings. The study suggests that social relationships and anxiety about friend safety were key factors in symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
Kahana recognized for her novel conceptualizations that consider the adaptation of individuals in a sociological and environmental context. Her research highlights the positive aspects of later life, focusing on social achievements and strengths among older adults.
A UCI-led study found that prenatal exposure to stress accelerates cell aging, affecting chromosome regions controlling aging processes. Telomere shortening is a key marker of accelerated aging.
A UC Irvine study found a 28% rise in physical ailments among those who watched the 9/11 attacks live on TV, while reports of doctor-diagnosed illness climbed by 18% in adults. The study highlights the impact of collective trauma on health.
A non-drug approach to enhance students' ability to learn, a new study found improved brain functioning and decreased symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students practicing Transcendental Meditation. The study also revealed increased brain processing and improved language-based skills among ADHD students.
Researchers found that adult day care centers alleviate caregiver stress and improve dementia patient behavior, sleep quality. The study showed significant reductions in caregiver stress and behavioral problems when dementia patients attended daycare, compared to staying home.
A study at Ohio State University found that omega-3 supplements decreased anxiety and inflammation in healthy medical students by 20% and 14%, respectively. The results suggest that increasing omega-3 intake through diet may be a more effective approach than supplementation for overall health benefits.
Research from Psychology of Women Quarterly found that using incense or lighting a candle may increase racial tension among African-American women. The study suggests that certain coping strategies employed by these women may not be effective in alleviating stress.
A study found that voting in elections increases cortisol levels, a hormone released under pressure, and affects decision-making. Voting was also emotionally arousing, with both positive and negative effects.
A new study suggests that people with early life adversity or prior depressive episodes are more sensitive to later life stress. Individuals who experienced early parental loss or separation and those with a history of depression became depressed following lower levels of life stress than those without these predisposing factors.
A new international study links city living to increased stress responses in the amygdala and activity in the cingulate cortex. The findings suggest that different brain regions respond to urban environment at various stages of life.
A recent study found that women veterans of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts as their male counterparts. The research, based on survey responses from 595 service members, suggests that women's exposure to combat stress may be only slightly lowe...
A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.
A 3-year longitudinal study involving 200 middle school teachers and 20 H.I.S.D. schools investigates the impact of teacher stress on student behavior and achievement. The research team combines innovative multi-method approaches to assess stress and teacher effectiveness, using ecological momentary assessment, physiological measuremen...
A study from Concordia University, AMI-Québec and the University of British Columbia found that family caregivers can experience high levels of stress and self-blame unless they refocus their priorities and lighten their load. Caregivers who adjust their goals and use effective coping strategies tend to fare better.
A new study found that women participating in a mind/body program for stress reduction while undergoing IVF treatment had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (52%) compared to those who did not participate (20%). The study suggests that psychological distress may be an important detriment to IVF outcome.
A study by University of Washington psychologists found no correlation between positive emotions and stress/depression in Asian college students, suggesting therapies focusing on positivity may not work. Instead, mindfulness approaches that acknowledge both good and bad emotions may be more effective.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered a critical 'chemical pathway' in the brain that triggers our response to stress. The study found that increasing production of a protein called neuropsin in the amygdala leads to increased activity and vulnerability to stress.
Research from Research Australia found a link between stressful events during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. The study analyzed the timing, amount, and types of stressors to determine their impact on child behavior outcomes.
A new study reveals that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused significant social disruption and psychological stress among Gulf residents, similar to the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill. The study found that family health concerns, economic loss, and exposure to oil were key factors contributing to higher levels of stress.
Researchers found that a teacher-based intervention reduced PTSD symptoms in war-exposed children by 50% compared to a control group. The study suggests that this universal and cost-effective approach can enhance community preparedness for mass trauma and prevent PTSD development.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the key role of circadian clocks in plant freezing tolerance. The study found that integrating cold-signaling pathways with the circadian clock is crucial for maximum freezing tolerance, paving the way for the development of stress-tolerant crops.
Men who are abused by their female partners can experience damaging psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Research found that male victims are at a greater risk of developing PTSD if they have sought professional help after experiencing intimate terrorism.
Research from Concordia University reveals that wisdom has an impact on how people cope in situations and whether they are more or less satisfied with life. Hallmarks of wisdom include knowledge, deep understanding of human nature, empathy, and the flexibility to see issues from others' perspectives.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh has shed light on how older people experience memory loss, revealing a stress hormone receptor's role in this process. The research found that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, activate brain processes contributing to memory impairment.
Researchers found that reading plant parables enhanced spiritual beliefs in students with horticultural background, but not in those without. Horticultural activities were found to have potential in promoting spiritual health.
Studies found that exercise prevents telomere stress and cell aging, suggesting a link between physical activity and healthier cells. Telomeres measure cell age and health, with shorter lengths linked to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.