Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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.
Researchers found that marital problems can lead to elevated blood pressure readings and increased stress levels, affecting both men and women. A study of 105 middle-age civil service workers in the London area found a strong link between poor marital relationships and serious health problems.
A study by Gavan McNally and colleagues found that opiate users are more susceptible to stress-induced anxiety. The researchers tested rats with morphine or saline solution, then subjected them to restraint stress. The results showed that opiate-treated rats experienced greater anxiety responses, including reduced social interaction, a...
A new study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found no correlation between psychological stress and IVF success rates. The research, based on extensive questionnaires, showed that patients' well-being prior to treatment had no impact on their chances of conceiving.
A study found that psychological stress delays wound healing by up to 45% due to impaired cell differentiation and reduced oxygen levels. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy eliminated this delay, as it restored nitric oxide levels necessary for healing.
Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.
Golfers who cope well under stress maintain a positive mindset, use self-talk, and focus on the next shot. Ineffective coping involves trying too hard, speeding up, or changing routines. Golfers at all levels need to practice mental skills to improve performance.
Researchers Adam Duhachek analyzed two studies on consumer stress, creating a multidimensional scale to measure coping mechanisms. He found that consumers employ various strategies to cope with stress, including avoiding purchases, seeking social support, and using relaxation techniques.
The University of Rochester Medical Center's RCMBR pilot studies explore how mind drives or prevents disease, including depression following heart failure and psoriasis. Researchers aim to develop tailored treatments by understanding the impact of stress, personality traits, and mental health on physical diseases.
Infants of mothers with posttraumatic stress syndrome disorder (PTSD) symptoms after 9/11 have significantly lower cortisol levels compared to those born to mothers without the condition. This effect is observed both in utero and after birth, suggesting a potential biological risk factor for PTSD.
Research investigates how an Atkins-type high meat, low carbohydrate diet in late pregnancy affects offspring's response to mental stress tests. The study, focusing on the 'Motherwell babies,' explores the long-term effects of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on adulthood health outcomes.
A randomized trial found that exercise and stress management training improved physiological markers of cardiovascular health, including blood flow to the heart and vascular endothelial function. These non-pharmaceutical approaches also showed promise in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving baroreflex sensitivity.
George Slavich's research finds that severe life events affect depressed individuals' heart rates, blood pressure, and finger temperature. The study sheds light on a potential pathway through which life stress can cause depression.
A review of studies published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that physically fit people have a reduced risk of heart attacks, while inactive cardiac patients who engage in vigorous activity are at higher risk. Strong emotions and stress can also trigger heart attacks in vulnerable individuals.
Researchers found that curious female rats with spontaneous breast or pituitary tumors lived an average of six months longer than cautious ones. The study suggests that personality traits may have a significant impact on health and resilience to disease, consistent with earlier findings in human studies.
A study found that laughter increased beneficial blood vessel relaxation by 22%, while mental stress caused a 35% decrease. Laughter offsets the negative impact of mental stress on the endothelium, which regulates blood flow and cardiovascular health.
A study found that living in socially deprived areas increases psychological distress, leading to higher rates of depression and injection drug use. Needle exchange programs and employment assistance can improve neighborhood quality and reduce stressors.
Researchers discovered a link between brain activity and abnormal heart rhythms during stressful events, particularly in people with pre-existing heart disease. The study suggests that uneven brain signals can disrupt heart function, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias.
A study by Penn State researchers reveals that repeated abuse can have a significant impact on bystanders, causing moderate to severe psychological and physiological repercussions. The study found that bystanders experience elevated emotional arousal when recalling past episodes of abuse, similar to victims.
Aging can erode memory control while preserving learned behavior. New research finds that past habits become stronger in memory than new intentions, explaining why older adults struggle to learn and maintain new behaviors.
A four-year study found grandmothers caring for children experienced greater stress and depressive symptoms compared to non-caregivers. Adequate emotional and physical support can make a significant difference in their health and ability to provide care.
Dr. Pearlin is recognized for his significant contributions to articulating the role of a social perspective in understanding health and aging. His early research established social research into stress and health, particularly mental health.
A longitudinal study on workplace stress found that women who experienced sexual harassment, abuse, or powerlessness in their jobs were more likely to suffer mental health consequences after the 9/11 attacks. Women reported increased anxiety and escapist motives for drinking alcohol, while men did not experience similar health effects.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family therapy significantly reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms in adolescent cancer survivors. The treatment combined cognitive-behavioral therapy with family therapy and showed strongest effects on adolescents and their fathers.
Researchers tracked infant monkeys separated from mothers at different stages of infancy to find varying behavioral impacts on social skills and adult behaviors. Timing of separation significantly influenced the development of social comfort, dominance, and playfulness in adulthood.
A study found that stress hormones lower the threshold for aggression, while aggression raises stress hormones, leading to a feedback loop. This cycle may contribute to the escalation of violent behavior under stressful conditions.
A study of college students found that 62% relied on prayer to handle stress-related difficulties, regardless of their religious affiliation. Spiritual support was shown to be similar to social support in promoting mental health and well-being.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found a significant association between elevated CRP levels and negative psychological attributes. Respondents with anger, hostility, and mild to moderate depression had significantly higher CRP levels, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A long-term study at Ohio State University found that counseling improved immune function, reduced stress, and boosted healthier eating habits in breast cancer patients. The study's findings support the value of psychological intervention in cancer treatment and suggest potential benefits for other types of cancers.
Researchers suggest that hormone levels interact with stress and memory systems to affect cognitive performance. The study used a water maze task, dividing female rats into groups based on their hormone levels and exposure to warm or cold water temperatures.
Researchers found that socially isolated hamsters healed wounds at a slower rate than those paired with a sibling, which also reduced stress hormone cortisol levels. Oxytocin treatment improved wound healing in stressed and non-stressed animals.
Researchers have found that genetic variations in the GABRA6 gene contribute to individual differences in stress response. The study suggests a link between this gene polymorphism and an attenuated stress response.
A study involving 509 active duty military personnel found that eyewitness memory is poor in highly intense and stressful situations, regardless of presentation method. Recognition was better during low-stress conditions, with some participants even confusing the gender of the interrogator or guard.
Researchers found that women who were highly frustrated by earlier math problem-solving sessions ate more snacks overall, especially high-fat items. Men did not show the same level of increased snacking regardless of noise exposure or perceived control.
Research suggests that elevated cytokine levels in pregnant women can predict premature birth, brain injuries, and respiratory disorders in infants. Social stress factors such as substance abuse, family violence, and poverty also increase the risk of poor outcomes.
A study found that lifetime exposure to adversity is associated with an increased risk of developing depressive or anxiety disorders in young adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,803 interviews and found that the level of adversity was a significant predictor of these disorders.
Case Western Reserve University and US military combat stress experts are training Cleveland police supervisors to recognize stress in their ranks and address operational stress. The training aims to reduce the potential for violent confrontations with suspects or life-altering mistakes.
Research reveals that stress triggers a hormonal response that modifies immune system function, leading to increased vulnerability to mental and physical diseases. Stress can create long-term damage by initiating an inflammatory state in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as depression and coronary artery disease.
A large study found that parents who lost a child are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than those who did not lose a child. The study suggests that psychological stress may play a role in the development of MS.
Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.
Researchers found that 9-11 attacks had a significant impact on black adolescents, with 28% feeling pessimistic about their future and 22% losing faith in government protection. The Iraq War study showed military youth experiencing higher blood pressures, heart rates, and anxiety symptoms.
A recent study found that stress affects men and women differently when it comes to nicotine addiction and relapse. Women experience greater emotional side effects, while men struggle with biological changes during abstinence. The study also revealed that cortisol levels play a crucial role in triggering cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
A study found that caffeine consumption can heighten feelings of stress in men, particularly when working on collaborative tasks. However, caffeine also reduced ratings of stress in women and improved performance in some individuals. The researchers suggest that coffee breaks may backfire in business situations, especially for men.
Research casts doubt on voice-stress lie detection technology, with studies finding dismal results in detecting deception and excluding non-deceitful individuals. The technology's ability to identify micro-tremors related to stress is limited, suggesting it may not be capable of reliably detecting lies.
Research at Ohio State University found that acute stress can significantly boost the immune system's response, with stressed animals showing a two-to-four times higher reaction to chemical or protein antigens. This effect was observed even after several weeks to months of re-exposure without further restraint.
The U-M study found lower rates of major depression, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder among African Americans, especially men. Afro-Caribbean women had higher rates of mental disorders compared to their counterparts, likely due to structural inequalities in economic and social resources.
Researchers found that female rats were more sensitive to stress-induced memory errors when estrogen levels were high. Eliminating estrogen from their system reduced this sensitivity, suggesting a key role for estrogen in the vulnerability of women to stress-related mental illnesses.
Research confirms that psychosocial factors significantly influence health outcomes. Studies show how stress levels can overwhelm the body's immune system and increase disease risk. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding psychoendoneuroimmunology to develop effective coping strategies.
Research suggests that high levels of estrogen can enhance the stress response, leading to greater stress-related cognitive impairments in females. This disparity is consistent with reports of higher prevalence of stress-related disorders in women, particularly during child-bearing years.
A study by Ohio State University found that financial stress was a significant contributor to depression in breast cancer patients, even stronger than grief from a loved one. Researchers analyzed data from 210 women with stage II or III breast cancer and found a strong link between money-related stress and depressive symptoms.