Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no statistically significant increase in calls with periods of increased alert among New Jersey law enforcement officers. Researchers analyzed call data from a crisis hotline and did not detect a pattern of increased calls corresponding to an elevation in the alert level.
A study by sport psychologists at the University of Washington found that providing parent workshops alongside coach training decreases performance anxiety and stress in young athletes. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving the youth sports experience.
Research suggests that workplace bullying has more severe consequences on employees' well-being and job satisfaction compared to sexual harassment. Employees who experienced bullying reported higher levels of stress, anger, and anxiety.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Sept. 11 terrorism-related thoughts and fears are associated with increased psychological distress and alcohol abuse in Americans. The study measured the effect of macro-level sociological stressors on mental health, four years after the attacks.
A study on monkeys found that moderate prenatal exposure to alcohol and stress can lead to touch sensitivity in offspring. Researchers suggest that reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age may help prevent behavioral problems associated with fetal alcohol-related issues.
Researchers found a 53% increase in cardiovascular ailments after Sept 11 stress, with high anxiety levels three times more likely to report heart problems. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that even indirect exposure to extreme stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
A new study published by Temple University found that adding a brisk walking routine can reduce psychological symptoms like anxiety, stress and depression in postmenopausal women. The research suggests moderate-paced exercise can help maintain mental health throughout the menopausal transition.
A landmark public health study has found that people who had a low birth weight are more likely to experience depression and anxiety later in life. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,600 people born in Great Britain in 1946, suggests a dose-response relationship between birth weight and mental health outcomes.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
The study found that older workers generally reported low levels of work-related stress, with 47% agreeing that time pressures are a source of job stress. Workers who experience less job stress are more satisfied with their life and are overall in better physical health compared to those who report higher levels of job stressors.
A meta-analysis of 46 studies on telecommuting involving 12,833 employees found that flexible work arrangements result in higher morale, lower employee stress, and improved performance ratings. The study also showed that women may derive greater benefits from telecommuting, with improved career prospects and better work-life balance.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.
The University of California - Los Angeles School of Dentistry has received a $1,876,920 NIH grant to develop an innovative tool for rapid and reliable assessments of the stress response to trauma as evidenced in saliva. This technology aims to unite healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive care to patients with facial trauma.
Mice subjected to psychological stress are more susceptible to skin infections due to decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides by the epidermis. Inhibiting glucocorticoids may improve immune function in stressed individuals.
A new study by University of Washington researchers found that a mastery motivational climate, focusing on personal improvement and having fun, has a greater impact on young athletes than winning. Athletes who played for coaches with this approach reported higher enjoyment, better relationships with the coach, and improved skills.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in treating alcohol dependence. The four-year study aims to develop an increased ability to cope with stress and enhance psychological well-being among alcohol-dependent individuals.
Researchers found that darkness amplifies the impact of social stress on anxiety levels, with a startle response boosted in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that stress can alter nervous system function and contribute to anxiety disorders.
A team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh is studying the effectiveness of a wrist-mounted instrument called eWatch in measuring psychosocial stress exposure. The study will collect data on participants' daily activities, stress levels, and environment to understand how stress affects daily life.
A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.
A study in China found that body-mind meditation improved attention and reduced stress in college students. The integrative body-mind training (IBMT) approach showed greater benefits than relaxation training in reducing cortisol release, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy significantly improves psychological symptoms and well-being in RA patients, but has no impact on disease activity. After 6 months, the MBSR group achieved a 35% reduction in psychological distress.
Women with metastatic breast cancer who have endured previous traumatic or stressful events see their cancer recur nearly twice as fast as others, according to a study. The median disease-free interval was 2.5 years for those with traumatic experiences, compared to 5 years for those without.
A study in primates suggests that infants and children carrying a specific gene variant may be more vulnerable to the effects of fetal alcohol exposure. The research identifies a potential genetic marker for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which can help recognize susceptible individuals early on.
A Review in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stress to manage risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that both acute and chronic stressors can increase the risk of cardiac events, with major life changes and emotional stressors being key contributors.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, lowers ADHD symptoms in children by reducing stress hormones. The findings suggest a significant stress hormone-lowering effect for a nutritional supplement, providing hope for parents seeking alternative treatments.
A study by Temple University researcher Kathleen Black identifies warning signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension, including increased stress levels, which can indicate worsening conditions. Women experiencing headaches, dizziness, frequent vomiting and malaise should call their physician immediately.
A study by Durham University researchers found that mothers who cradle their babies to the right hand side are displaying signs of extreme stress. This finding could help identify mothers at risk of developing post-natal depression.
A University of Michigan survey found that nearly half of Air Force women experience little to no impact from family separation on their work, but those with higher family-work conflict rates are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study aims to identify areas where interventions can reduce this source of stress.
A recent study found that stress management is positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in older white men. Conversely, hostility and social isolation were not associated with HDL levels. The research suggests a potential protective role of coping mechanisms in maintaining healthy lipid profiles.
A literature review found a strong relationship between stress and periodontal diseases, with 57% of studies showing a positive link. Patients can reduce their risk by minimizing stress through healthy habits such as exercise, balanced eating, and positive mental attitude.
A comprehensive study by University of Texas researchers reveals 237 complex motivations for human sex, including physical, emotional, and insecurity-based factors. The findings challenge common assumptions about the simplicity of human sexuality.
People on polar expeditions often experience disturbed sleep, impaired cognitive ability, and interpersonal tension. However, many also report feelings of camaraderie, mutual support, and personal achievement, highlighting the complex impact of these extreme environments on mental health.
A study by Dr. Jacky Boivin found that women using complementary therapies had a lower pregnancy success rate and were more negatively affected by their fertility problems than non-users. The researchers suggest that women may use complementary therapies for stress reduction, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study by Cardiff University found that social stress and marital stress increase over time for men with male factor infertility, while mental health decreases. Despite the common misconception that men experience more emotional distress when infertile, the research shows that men in all four categories suffer equally.
A survey of 401 oncology registrars found that 102 experienced psychiatric morbidity, with depression being a major concern. The study suggests that better support and supervision can alleviate stress and improve performance.
A study of 2,737 physicians in their first post-graduate year found that extended duration work shifts increased the risk of medical errors and stress. Interns working five or more extended shifts had seven times greater odds of reporting fatigue-related medical errors.
Researchers identified a brain molecule, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that increases amyloid beta levels in response to stress. Blocking CRF with a drug may provide a new way to decrease amyloid beta and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
A study by the American Academy of Periodontology identifies smoking and lack of sleep as significant lifestyle factors impacting periodontal health. The study found that current smokers were at high risk for periodontal disease progression, while getting seven to eight hours of sleep can help prevent it.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are investigating endocannabinoid, the 'brain's own marijuana,' to regulate stress and anxiety. The study aims to develop a new pharmacotherapy strategy for stress-related mood disorders.
A systematic review found that psychological counseling and learning coping skills can significantly decrease arthritis-related disability and improve quality of life. The study analyzed 27 randomized controlled trials involving 3,409 patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Children experience traumatic events, such as parent imprisonment or sudden separation, without developing PTSD. More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that a single high-fat meal can make people more prone to physical harm from stress. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the stress responses of students who consumed a fast-food breakfast versus those who ate a low-fat breakfast.
Researchers found that alcoholics experience impaired HPA axis reactivity, leading to increased stress vulnerability. Exercise can exacerbate this issue, but a balanced approach is recommended for early abstinence.
Researchers are investigating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and progressive muscle relaxation on people with prehypertension. The goal is to identify treatment options during this stage, leading to a healthier community and reversal of heart disease.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that mice withdrawn from high-fat diets became anxious and showed increased stress levels. Researchers also observed risk-taking behavior in the mice as they sought out their preferred diet.
A study of over 1600 men found that increased neuroticism and worry were linked to higher mortality rates from cancer and heart disease. However, the study also suggests that reducing stress and anxiety can lead to improved survival rates.
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine discovered a significant link between stress levels and acne severity in teenagers. The study, involving 94 adolescents from Singapore, found that high-stress teens were 23% more likely to have increased acne severity, with no correlation to sebum production.
A study of 279 torture survivors found that psychological manipulation, deprivation, and humiliation caused as much distress as physical torture. The researchers concluded that the distinction between torture and other forms of maltreatment is not only useless but also dangerous.
New research reveals that shyness in children may be linked to the interaction between genes and stressful family environments. A genetic variant associated with stress sensitivity is more prevalent among shy children raised by stressed-out parents.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers with strong cultural beliefs and religious practices can shield themselves from mental health difficulties, however elevated cortisol levels indicate a risk of physical problems. Caregivers with stronger positive cultural beliefs about caring for elders were more l...
Research by Sian Beilock found that highly accomplished individuals with larger working memories are disadvantaged when under pressure, switching to less accurate problem-solving strategies. Those with limited working memory adapt better to stress, performing similarly under pressure as they do without it.
A UGA study finds that social workers are at risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress due to repeated exposure to trauma victim stories. The study, which surveyed nearly 300 social workers, found that 15% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within a week. The researchers recommend education and support measures to minimize this risk.
A new project led by Dr Padraic Monaghan will investigate the mechanism of language processing that determines stress in words, potentially aiding the treatment of reading difficulties and second language learning. The research may also provide insights into neurological representations of language and recovery following brain injury.
A new study reveals that inhibiting glucocorticoids can prevent skin abnormalities caused by psychological stress, which could worsen conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Glucocorticoid blockade reversed psychological stress-induced abnormalities in epidermal structure and function.
New research indicates that prenatal alcohol exposure may be associated with changes in stress-response systems among infants. The study found elevated cortisol levels and responses to social challenges in infants born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
A review of 290 studies found that women are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD despite males experiencing more traumatic events on average. Women's higher PTSD rates were linked to sexual trauma and emotional responses to traumatic events.
A University of Alberta researcher found that people understand the dangers of bad habits but struggle to change due to factors like social norms and human defiance. The study suggests that risk communicators need to look beyond knowledge of risks to address underlying issues, such as poverty and unemployment.
Research finds childhood traumatic events and emotional instability are associated with CFS, which affects daily activities and interferes with rest. Higher overall trauma scores increase the risk of CFS by 3-8 times, with emotional neglect and sexual abuse during childhood linked to worse symptoms.
Research shows that mental health problems lead to greater levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers in the service sector. The study found that investing in mental health treatment and prevention can result in significant cost savings for governments.