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 groundbreaking study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that personality characteristics and social relations from childhood can predict one's risk of dying decades later. The Longevity Project followed over 1,500 bright children for 20 years, revealing that prudence and persistence are key to a long life.
A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.
A study found that daytime sleep can facilitate cardiovascular recovery after mental stress, with participants who slept for at least 45 minutes experiencing lower average blood pressure. The researchers also noted a restorative effect of daytime sleep on sleepiness, with those who slept reporting lower scores.
A recent study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that ignoring an unemployed spouse's job search stress can lead to decreased productivity and strained relationships in the home. The researchers found that couples are better at sharing their burden than alleviating it, leading to a negative impact on both spouses.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in active duty military service members, with 62% reporting clinically meaningful change. The innovative treatment uses multi-sensory virtual reality to safely access and process traumatic memories.
Researchers found cortisol levels increase when behavior problems first appear, then decrease if issues persist. Interventions should start as soon as behavioral problems emerge to address mental and physical health concerns.
Research published in Developmental Psychobiology and Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that maternal care impacts stress response in adult offspring's brains. High-quality maternal milk and contact reduce vulnerability to stress, while low levels may lead to lower self-esteem.
A new study found that Super Bowl losses are associated with increased cardiac death rates, particularly among older patients. The research revealed a 15% increase in circulatory deaths in men and a 27% increase in women following the loss.
A new UT MD Anderson study finds that brief pre-surgery stress management training can improve immune outcomes and lower mood disturbances in men with early-stage prostate cancer. The study's results suggest that managing stress has biological as well as psychological benefits, which may have an effect on aspects of disease.
A new report reviews the psychological effects of disasters, finding that less than 30% of adults experience severe, lasting problems, while most people recover from passing distress. Factors influencing recovery include age, socioeconomic status, and economic resources.
A new review article suggests that positive emotions can protect against poor health in older adults by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, reducing inflammation, and combating stress. These findings imply that a proactive approach to aging may lead to extended years of quality living.
A new study reveals that stress and anxiety enhance the brain's detection of external stimuli, but disrupt complex thinking and executive functions. The findings suggest that chronic stress can create a paradox in experimental psychology, favoring quick reflexive actions over strategic decision-making.
A recent study by the University of Miami found that 35% of children experienced moderate to severe posttraumatic stress symptoms almost two years after Hurricane Charley, and those who still showed signs of stress at nine months were likely to persist with symptoms another year later. Social support from peers was also found to be cru...
Researchers at MSU found that soldiers with a positive outlook were less likely to experience health problems after traumatic events. The study suggests training individuals to think more optimistically could help them cope better with distressing events.
A study of 1,106 Mexican heritage youth found that perceived ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress increase with age and lead to higher risks of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. The study suggests that prevention programs should address discrimination and encourage effective coping strategies for young people.
Research published in Frontline Gastroenterology finds that Crohn's disease patients are more likely to experience worsening symptoms if they have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with nearly one in five patients scoring high on the PTSD scale
Researchers found increased vascular reactivity and decreased endothelial function in women with broken heart syndrome compared to postmenopausal women and those who had regular heart attacks. This unique risk factor highlights the importance of mental stress in ABS syndrome, which may lead to the development of specific therapies.
Researchers found that meditation training is associated with greater telomerase activity, a key indicator of cellular health. Participants showed improvements in stress coping, mindfulness, and purpose, which were linked to higher telomerase levels.
Research from Concordia University suggests a link between adolescent stress and the development of mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder in adulthood. High cortisol levels in adolescence have been found to persist into young adulthood, doubling the risk for developing a serious mood disorder.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a workshop method to help children develop resilience factors and avoid psychological disabilities from stress. The program improved children's anxiety, social interaction, and academic performance.
A new certified intervention, Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), has proven to be more effective in long-term stress reduction compared to other psychological methods. Mothers of newly diagnosed patients were able to decrease their stress levels sooner and sustain them longer with PSST.
Research suggests that while some survivors of disasters experience severe psychological trauma, others may recover within a few months or years. Effective psychological first aid and community-centered interventions have been shown to be beneficial in supporting survivors' recovery.
A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that having more schedule control at work can lead to blurring of boundaries between work and family life. Researchers found that individuals with partial or full schedule control experienced less negative consequences in terms of work-family multitasking activities.
A new approach, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), improves communication between child and caregiver to prevent chronic and sub-clinical PTSD in 73 percent of children. The intervention also promotes recovery more quickly than a comparison intervention.
The study compares and contrasts various global PTSD treatment guidelines, highlighting differences that can lead to confusion. The researchers emphasize the importance of trauma-focused psychological interventions as the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A new study by USC researchers found that stressed men have diminished brain activity in regions responsible for understanding others' feelings, whereas stressed women show increased coordination. This sex difference is linked to the effects of stress on social behavior and empathy.
Researchers suggest that stress-induced proteins can help cancer cells survive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The study found that a protein called heat shock factor-1 activates another protein, Hsp27, which allows cancer cells to survive despite DNA damage.
Decades of research reveals that Holocaust survivors exhibit cognitive functioning and physical health similar to non-survivors, yet experience significant psychological pain, post-traumatic stress, and psychopathological symptoms. Living in Israel may serve as a protective factor for improved psychological well-being.
Chronic drinking increases levels of stress hormones called glucocorticoids, associated with neurotoxicity during abstinence after withdrawal from alcohol dependence. Glucocorticoid receptor antagonism may represent a pharmacological option for recovery.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that mindfulness training increased well-being in 155 adolescent boys. The four-week program improved feelings of happiness and contentment while also enhancing resilience and stress management skills. The benefits were particularly noticeable in students who struggled with anxiety.
A new national study confirms that children who have experienced both disaster exposure and victimization are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and aggression. The study highlights the need for community organizations and first-responders to provide support to children in need.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago found that marriage and committed relationships significantly lower cortisol levels and increase testosterone production in response to psychological stress. The findings suggest that long-term monogamous relationships can have a dampening effect on stress hormones.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found a link between middle age stress and late-life dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. Women who reported repeated periods of stress in middle age were 65% more likely to develop dementia.
New research finds that childhood trauma can lead to inflammation and cell aging, shortening lifespan by seven to 15 years. Adults who experienced childhood adversity continue to be at greater risk for health consequences even in later life.
Research shows that childhood poverty and social isolation can lead to heightened reactivity, increasing the risk of heart disease later on. A study examining 212 adolescents found that those from lower socioeconomic status had stiffer arteries and higher blood pressure.
Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Forests have been shown to decrease blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension in natural settings, while also reducing depression, anger and ADHD symptoms.
Researchers monitored Israeli soldiers' neural mechanisms during daily rocket attacks, revealing a dissociative state rather than hypervigilance. This study has significant implications for PTSD therapy, suggesting a neuromarker that can predict chronic PTSD risk.
Researchers found that rebuilding schools and supportive relationships helped reduce trauma symptoms in children, but over a quarter still struggled with PTSD three years later. A second study discovered distinct stress patterns between male and female teens after the hurricane.
Researchers found that social interaction and a richer living environment significantly reduced tumor mass and volume in mice with cancer. The study suggests that low-stress, mentally stimulating environments may be beneficial for cancer treatment.
A six-man international crew will undergo a simulated 520-day Mars mission to assess the impact of prolonged isolation on mental health. The study aims to better understand how sleep loss, fatigue, and stress affect performance in long-duration space missions.
A new study from UCSF reveals that vigorous physical activity can protect individuals from the effects of stress by reducing its impact on telomere length. The researchers found that even moderate amounts of exercise can provide critical protection for telomeres.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that stress caused by the 9/11 attacks led to a spike in male fetal deaths and lower birth rates for boys in December 2001. The research suggests that societal shock may affect male pregnancies, potentially due to a mechanism conserved by natural selection.
Researchers found a significant increase in male fetal losses following the 9/11 attacks, with fewer boys born in December 2001. The study suggests that psychological shock from the event may have threatened the lives of male fetuses across the US.
A systematic review found that Tai Chi is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and self-esteem. However, the quality of the studies was generally modest, highlighting the need for more high-quality randomized trials to confirm these findings.
A recent study found that family caregivers with dementia experience a wide range of stressors, including behavior issues and financial strain. While existing interventions focus on specific stressors, research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
Researchers have discovered a link between stress, anxiety, and metabolic changes that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing the activity of a single gene in the brain causes mice to exhibit anxious behavior and develop symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that trauma from war increases asthma risk, with twice the likelihood of development in those most traumatised. A study of 2000 Kuwaiti civilians aged 50-69 found a direct correlation between trauma and asthma risk.
A new mental health outreach programme has successfully identified and treated hundreds of survivors of the 2005 London bombings, strongly suggesting similar programmes need to be included in disaster response plans. The programme highlighted a significant gap in traditional GP referrals for mental healthcare after terrorist attacks.
A study finds that fetuses exposed to high levels of stress hormone cortisol may have trouble paying attention or solving problems later on. However, if mothers provide sensitive care during infancy and toddlerhood, the negative link disappears almost entirely.
A study of Rwandan genocide survivors found that genetic variations in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene affect PTSD risk. Survivors with certain genetic markers showed increased resilience to stress-related problems, while others were more vulnerable. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between t...
Researchers found that depression is associated with spikes in cortisol levels for both boys and girls after stress tests. However, higher cortisol reactions to stress are only linked to obesity in girls. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity in this demographic.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that brain function slows in individuals with type-2 diabetes and high stress hormone cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with cognitive decline in this population.
A University of Pennsylvania-led study found that mindfulness training improved mood and working memory in high-stress US Marines. The more time participants spent practicing daily mindfulness exercises, the better their mood and working memory became.
The study found that tooth enamel defects in ancient humans were associated with shortened lifespans, suggesting a link between early life stress and adult diseases. The research supports the Barker hypothesis, which proposes that many adult diseases originate during fetal development and early childhood.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that musculoskeletal issues are the leading cause of medical evacuation from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Psychiatric diagnoses also increased over four years, despite mental health teams. Most evacuated personnel do not return to duty.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that women who practiced yoga regularly had lower amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in their blood. This reduction in inflammation was also observed after stressful experiences, suggesting a potential long-term health benefit from yoga.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that children with PTSD symptoms exhibit poor hippocampus function, which can lead to avoidance and numbing symptoms. The research provides a potential biomarker for early detection and improved treatments for traumatized children.
Researchers found a 3.3-fold increase in cancer risk among isolated rats with naturally occurring mammary tumors. Isolation and stress led to higher production of corticosterone, a stress hormone, and increased tumor growth. The study suggests a causal relationship between social interaction and disease.