Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a VR/AR system to simulate stressful situations, allowing users to practice stress-relief strategies in a realistic environment. The system was tested on a group of participants, who found it helpful in gaining awareness and learning self-sufficiency skills.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and magnified the mental health vulnerabilities of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research highlights the surge in anxiety, stunted social development, and loneliness, potentially leading to lifelong psychological wounds.
A study suggests that perceived stress and depression are key factors in the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking. Insomnia can lead to heavy drinking through stress, while drinking can lead to insomnia through depression.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers who exercise regularly with their families are more likely to meet activity guidelines and report stronger mental health. The research showed that daily family exercise can lead to improved physical and mental well-being in teens, building strong bonds and confidence.
A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.
A Baycrest study reveals that vivid visual imagery is associated with a higher risk of developing PTSD, while individuals with strong spatial imagery are less likely to develop the disorder. This research provides valuable insights into how trauma processing and memory contribute to PTSD.
Researchers found that cortisol levels were lower in survivors, while heart rate and blood pressure responses were altered. Interleukin 1B was significantly higher, suggesting potential long-term health problems despite healthy symptoms.
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing suggests that flexible scheduling is crucial for nurses' job satisfaction and retention. The research found that nurses value having control over their shifts, flexibility for unit-specific needs, equity among staff, and transparency in the scheduling process.
A new report calls for the integration of play into children's healthcare, highlighting its benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving psychological health. The study synthesizes evidence from over 120 studies and suggests that embedding play in healthcare settings could improve long-term outcomes for children.
A comprehensive review of studies reveals that over 15% of caregivers of adult cancer patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caregivers with pre-existing mental health conditions and high caregiver burden are at greater risk. The study highlights the urgent need for proactive screening and support to prevent long-t...
A new study reveals that dance can facilitate emotional expression and foster social bonds, creating a powerful buffer against stress. By incorporating dance into weekly routines, individuals can enhance their resilience and improve overall wellbeing.
A study found that maternal depression can negatively influence children's executive function and lead to emotional overeating. Mothers with postpartum depression may model unhealthy coping mechanisms for their children, affecting their ability to regulate emotions and develop healthy eating habits.
A review of research on childhood adversity sheds light on its long-term consequences on brain development and introduces innovative methods for tackling mental health issues. Emerging factors like societal inequality and pollution are gaining recognition as potential contributors to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A Ben-Gurion University social psychologist argues that toxic masculinity and traditional gender roles impose significant costs on men, affecting their personal and professional lives. Men are pressured to conform to narrow standards of masculinity, leading to increased stress and negative mental and physical health outcomes.
A new report reveals young Australians are feeling financial pressure, worsening mental health, and declining trust in institutions. Cost of living, education, and mental health were identified as key concerns, with young people taking the lead in social issues.
A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.
New York City residents can now access behavioral health treatment services, including cognitive therapy and medication management, at Mount Sinai's Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth. The center aims to help individuals strengthen resilience, improve well-being, and navigate life challenges with confidence.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano's research reveals exercise reduces suicide attempts but shows no connection to thoughts of suicide or deaths by suicide. His work proposes a paradigm shift in mental health treatment, suggesting exercise as a first-line treatment for depression.
A recent study comparing the sexual behavior of bonobos and chimpanzees during stressful periods has provided insights into humans' own behavioral origins. Both species utilized sex to manage social tension, with bonobos engaging in 'make-up sex' after conflicts and chimpanzees using sex in various ways to ease tensions.
A new Concordia study shows that consuming alcohol to cope with fears of anxiety was linked to unhealthy outcomes in young adults during the pandemic. Anxiety sensitivity, a fear of experiencing anxiety symptoms and negative health consequences, was also found to predict higher levels of drinking among young adults.
Negative mood and lack of social contact surprisingly reduced unhealthy eating, while 'unhealthy' food helped maintain positive emotions and reduce stress. The study highlights the complex interplay between affective and social factors influencing eating behaviors.
Researchers discovered that trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy by draining our ability to use self-control and willpower. This 'happiness paradox' is caused by mentally exhausting efforts to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
A University of Missouri survey found that 78% of nearly 500 teachers have considered quitting since the 2020 pandemic. Experienced teachers were more likely to consider leaving due to inadequate administrative support and excessive workloads.
A study by Syracuse University researchers found that optimism promotes healthier behaviors and better psychological well-being in the face of stressors like the pandemic. Individuals with higher optimism levels engaged in more physical activity, perceived greater social support, and were less stressed and lonely.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that everyday stress, loneliness, and childhood trauma are significant risk factors for dissociation in teenagers and young adults. The research identified four key risk factors, with everyday stress being the most significant.
A Finnish cohort study found that higher physical activity and lower screen time in childhood are associated with reduced perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity and reducing screen time to support mental health in youth.
First-year college students who interacted with therapy dogs on campus experienced lower stress and depression levels, increased self-compassion, and improved mental well-being. The study suggests that unstructured access to therapy dogs can provide sustained mental health benefits.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that severe early-life adversity accelerates brain aging and amplifies neurodegenerative processes in women. Researchers analyzed biomarkers, brain scans, and cognitive tests to determine the link between childhood trauma and later dementia risk.
A new national study suggests that depression rates among older people in England remain slightly higher than pre-COVID, while overall happiness and life satisfaction have improved significantly since the pandemic. This finding highlights the need for policies addressing immediate and lingering effects of the pandemic on mental health.
Researchers at Stockholm University introduce the 'Valentine's Scale', a 7-question scientifically validated scale to measure relationship satisfaction. The scale provides concrete tips for strengthening relationships and has been shown to predict improvements in quality of life and mental health problems.
A study of 9,387 nurses from 35 countries reveals widespread mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Nurses experienced more symptoms at work than at home, with loss and public aggression posing significant threats to their mental health.
A study found clear differences in brain health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults, with Hispanic participants scoring lower on tests of memory, attention, and problem-solving despite similar mental health. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering social, economic, and cultural factors when developing progr...
New research reveals a 18% increase in alcohol-related deaths in Canada during the pandemic, with higher increases in 2020 and 2021. The study also found increased hospitalizations related to alcohol use, particularly among younger adults and females, suggesting potential early warning signs for future liver-related disease.
A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.
Dr. Emre Umucu, a UTEP researcher, has received the Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association. His research focuses on improving health and wellbeing for veterans with chronic conditions through employment, education, and psychology.
The study highlights significant mental health disparities between participants in sexual and gender minority groups and cisgender heterosexual populations. The findings underscore the need for tailored mental health interventions to improve well-being among these populations, reflecting stigma and minority stress.
A new review article from the University of Georgia suggests that vacations improve health and well-being by allowing employees to disconnect from work and engage in physical activities. Longer vacations offer larger benefits for employees once they head back to work, but also experiencing a steeper decline in well-being upon return.
Research led by University of Arizona researchers found that PTSD and anxiety are associated with lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, among women firefighters. The study suggests that mental health conditions can have a negative impact on reproductive health.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
A survey of over 800 Afghans found that nearly nine in ten face diminished quality of life due to psychosocial stress, while three-quarters experience food insecurity and over seven in ten have poor healthcare access. The study highlights the impact of the Taliban's takeover on daily life.
A new study finds that improving adolescent mental health can lead to increased labor force participation and lower public assistance usage, resulting in significant economic benefits. Clinically significant psychological distress in adolescence is associated with lower annual wages and reduced labor force participation 10 years later.
Experts warn of devastating impact of overcrowding on prisoner wellbeing and staff burnout. Researchers urge UK government to provide targeted interventions to address moral injury, a psychological wound caused by conflicting values.
A new study reveals that job satisfaction follows a U-shaped curve among managerial and professional workers during their 40s and 50s. This challenges societal perceptions of midlife and highlights the need for workplace support for skilled workers.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that male construction workers have a 50% higher risk of suicide attempts and suicides compared to other professions. The study, based on registry data, also shows that men in low-educated occupations have a 60% greater risk of suicidal acts.
Neuroscientist Professor Raz Yirmiya reveals a vital link between inflammation and depression through groundbreaking research. His work suggests that both activation and suppression of the immune system can trigger depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A new study from Uppsala University shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child, reducing symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress. The app provides four components: learning about grief, finding support, practical exercises, and a 'grief meter' to track feelings.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.
A new study found that digital hyperconnection leads to techno-strain, causing cognitive and affective effort associated with constant connectivity and high work pace. Employees experience stress, overload, anxiety, and fear of missing out due to the proliferation of messages, applications, and meetings in the digital workplace.
A majority of US adults (72%) hope to avoid discussing politics with family over the holidays, citing stress and disagreements. Younger adults are more likely to avoid family gatherings altogether, while many value meaningful relationships over political discussions.
Dr. Edo Ronald de Kloet shares insights on cortisol's dual role in protecting and damaging the brain through mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). His discovery has transformed our understanding of stress-related mental disorders and led to novel therapeutic pathways.
A new study highlights the critical role of chaplains in supporting family members of ICU patients. Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support, facilitating conversations with medical teams and helping families process information.
Researchers found significant increases in anxiety, stress, and cortisol among emergency responders during training, highlighting the importance of recovery time. The study's results shine a spotlight on burnout affecting over 50% of healthcare professionals.
A study found that more newspaper accounts supported the holiday-suicide myth than debunked it, with only 42% of stories correcting the false idea. Despite this, experts emphasize that there is no correlation between holidays and suicide rates.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found that nearly half of young asylum seekers in the US exhibit worrisome symptoms of cardiovascular disease, including heart palpitations and chest pain. This unexpected prevalence highlights the need for clinicians to consider cardiovascular concerns when evaluating this younger population.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that unplanned pregnancies lead to a sharper decline in health during the first two years after childbirth, particularly among young women. In contrast, women who become mothers at an older age recover more easily due to better initial health.
A new study from the University of Zurich analyzed data from over 28,000 caregivers and found that longer caregiving periods lead to a consistent decline in life satisfaction, emotional health, and anxiety. Women were particularly vulnerable to these negative effects.
Researchers found that pregnant women experiencing life stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD had distinct oral microbiomes. These microbe communities showed high alpha diversity in those with anxiety and depression, while post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were linked to high beta diversity.
Scientists discovered that social stress raises oxidative stress in the brains of low-status male cichlid fish, which is linked to poorer mental and neurological health. The study found that high-status fish have lower levels of oxidative stress and higher antioxidant capacity.
Researchers find that experiences can create lasting mental imprints affecting future well-being and decision-making. Memorable consumption choices are influenced by both immediate utility and the ongoing utility derived from memory.