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.
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A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that mice withdrawn from high-fat diets became anxious and showed increased stress levels.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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers link stress to early puberty, citing public health consequences including poor health, unprotected sex, substance abuse, and self-harm. The authors advocate for society to recognize the importance of addressing earlier puberty with accurate information.
Researchers found that children from supportive families had a reduced risk for depression, while those from emotionally cold homes were at greater risk. The study suggests that environmental factors can regulate biology and steer the effects of genetic predispositions.
Rugby players from the UK and Ireland reported stressors such as injury, mental errors, and physical mistakes as a major concern. They found effective coping strategies like increased concentration, blocking negative thoughts, and positive self-talk to manage these stressors.
The study found that healthcare use slowed immediately after the attacks and later increased for certain conditions, including ulcers and skin infections. Distance from the World Trade Center also affected healthcare utilization, with declines observed among those closest to the site.
A study by Emory University researchers found that depressed patients exhibit an exaggerated inflammatory response to psychological stress compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a potential link between depression and other diseases, including heart disease.
Research found that longstanding anger and hostility compromise lung function and hasten natural decline in lung power with age. The study of 670 men aged 45-86 showed a significant association between higher levels of hostility and poorer lung function.
Research on over 14,000 hospital patients and 38,000 controls found that workplace violence increases the risk of depression by 45-48% in both men and women. The magnitude of risk is directly proportional to the amount of violence experienced at work.
A $2.25 million NIMH-funded study is being conducted at Kent State University to examine the psychological impact of ongoing terrorism on PTSD and depression. The study aims to identify factors that exacerbate mental health issues, such as prior trauma exposure and social support.
Researchers found that longer train trips lead to increased physiological and psychological stress, as well as impaired task completion. Commuter stress affects human health and well-being, with over 100 million Americans experiencing daily stress due to their commute.
A new study finds that women who work long hours are more prone to eating high-fat, high-sugar snacks, exercising less, and consuming more caffeine. Meanwhile, men tend to experience no negative effects from working longer hours on their exercise habits, caffeine intake, or smoking.
A study found that cognitive behavioural therapy can restore ovulation in infertile women by reducing cortisol levels and improving the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. The therapy was effective in reversing stress-induced ovulation, offering a cost-effective and safe alternative to hormonal treatments.
A study found that greater religious involvement is associated with a lower mortality risk, particularly among those with church-based social relationships. The research suggests that giving emotional support to others in the congregation can decrease stress and mortality rates, but not the other way around.
A recent study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that lower-income individuals and those with lower levels of education tend to have higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies. This association was independent of other factors such as race, age, or body mass index.
Researchers found that following a healthy lifestyle plan, including memory exercises, physical activity, and balanced diet, significantly improved brain metabolism and cognitive function in just 14 days. The study suggests that simple lifestyle changes can have a lasting impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Research finds that moderate stress during pregnancy may be associated with children being more advanced in mental and motor development at age 2. However, this effect is not seen in the children's ability to regulate their emotions or behavior.
A recent study published in Child Development found that moderate maternal stress during pregnancy is associated with improved early childhood development. The research followed 137 women and their children, revealing that prenatal stress did not hinder temperaments or behavior regulation.
A randomized controlled trial found collaborative care management significantly reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer disease. Caregiver stress also improved after the intervention.
Scientists studying social stress in Syrian hamsters found that subordinates eat more and gain weight after being defeated by a dominant hamster. This model can help researchers understand human stress-induced obesity.
A recent USC study found that Chinese teens who perceive themselves as overweight, even if they are normal or underweight, are at a higher risk for depression and school-related stress. Girls in the study reported lower grade point averages when they felt overweight, while boys exhibited more aggressive behavior.
A study found that mental stress can reduce heart blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease, even those without symptoms of ischemia during physical stress tests. Six out of 29 patients showed signs of ischemia on images produced after a mentally stressful role-playing scenario.
Researchers found that a third of patients without signs of reduced blood flow during exercise testing had temporary changes in heart rhythm or restricted blood flow when role-playing stressful situations. This phenomenon may indicate more severe coronary artery disease in these patients.
Community surveys overestimate depression due to flawed methodologies that fail to account for normal life stress reactions. Experts call for contextual criteria to accurately diagnose mental disorders.
A new study suggests that persistent fatigue is a better indicator of postpartum depression than stress or family history. Women who experienced prolonged fatigue were more likely to develop symptoms of postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention.
Women who implemented intensive lifestyle changes and lost 5-7% of their weight had fewer episodes of weekly incontinence compared to those in the metformin or placebo groups. Weight loss was particularly effective in reducing stress incontinence, which is linked to obesity and diabetes.
A study found that nurse pay cuts led to increased insomnia, but trained supervisors reduced symptoms. Trained supervisors offered emotional support and full information to affected employees.
A new study published in Psychophysiology found that mental stress increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. The research used fMRI to correlate changes in brain activity with blood pressure during stress, providing new insights into the physiological effects of mental stress.
Researchers found that mothers with high stress levels perceived their babies as more challenging, affecting parenting behaviors and infant development. Cocaine-exposed infants showed lower socioeconomic status, increased reactivity to stimuli, and higher maternal stress.
A new initiative aims to track the experiences of Hurricane Katrina survivors, gathering data on their recovery process, mental health, and access to healthcare. Quarterly reports will be posted online to inform policy decisions.
A recent Ohio State University study found that exercise significantly speeds up wound healing in older adults, with wounds healing an average of 10 days faster in the exercising group. The study suggests that exercise may play a role in regulating cortisol levels, which could be a key biological pathway for enhanced wound healing.
A study by Wake Forest University found that Latino men experiencing family-related ambivalence during migration are more likely to suffer from anxiety. The researchers suggest enhancing communication between migrants and their families could help address mental health needs.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that parents of children with cancer often suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal. The studies suggest that these symptoms can be just as severe as those experienced by patients themselves.
A 14-day study found that combining memory exercises, stress reduction, healthy diet, and physical fitness improved memory in older adults. Participants showed a 5% decrease in brain metabolism and better performance on cognitive tasks.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that stress and hostility can significantly slow the healing process, taking up to two days longer for wounds to heal. Cytokine levels also increased in highly stressed couples, leading to chronic inflammation and age-related illnesses.
A study published in Health Psychology found that individuals who experience larger increases in cholesterol levels due to stress are more likely to have high 'bad' cholesterol later on. The researchers identified a significant association between acute lipid stress responses and fasting lipid levels three years later.
Research suggests that longer periods of childcare can help mitigate the negative effects of a mother's low job satisfaction on her child's stress levels. Cortisol levels, a key indicator of stress, were found to be significantly higher in children whose mothers experienced emotional exhaustion or lower job satisfaction.
Research reveals a likely connection between early-life stress and teenage mental health problems, including behavioral and emotional disorders. Monkeys studied showed similar responses to early-life stresses as human children, providing a clearer developmental picture.
Researchers found that watching violent scenes can impair cognitive flexibility, while a beta-blocker medication can promote flexible thinking under stress. The study used propranolol to block the brain's normal response to stress and improve performance on word association tasks.
A German study of 37 men and 18 women found that some riders experienced increased heart rates that could lead to arrhythmias, especially in those with high blood pressure or previous heart attacks. Researchers suggest operators have external defibrillators on hand for safety.
Researchers found that consuming sugar snacks reduces glucocorticoid levels in rats, which can help alleviate physical and psychological stress. The study suggests that sweets made from natural sugar may be a healthy 'self-medication' option for managing stress.
Researchers found that traumatic stress can occur in children and their parents after a crash, even if no child was injured. Clinicians are recommended to screen all children involved in crashes and their parents for acute stress symptoms.
Studies on laboratory rats reveal that mixing stress, deprivation, and tempting foods leads to overeating. The brain's opioid system plays a key role in regulating food intake, especially when food is highly palatable. This knowledge may help non-stressed individuals avoid overeating and improve their health.
The ASU Resilience Solutions Group is studying how factors of risk and resilience contribute to health and well-being among baby boomers. The project will identify biopsychosocial factors that sustain well-being and protect against disability, aiming to maximize wellness and health.
A Carnegie Mellon study found that individuals displaying anger and disgust in response to stressors had lower biological responses to stress than those who displayed fear. This challenges the assumption that all negative emotions provoke the same psychological and biological reactions.
A new study by UCI researchers found that early life emotional stress can lead to deficits in brain-cell communication for learning and memory function, even in adulthood. Infants subjected to limiting nesting material in cages exhibited behavioral changes later in life, including difficulties with memory and recognition.