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.
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.
A new study suggests that a cancer peer support program called Stronger Together improved psychological outcomes, as well as overall quality of life, among patients with breast and gynecological cancers in Vietnam. The program showed promise for providing critical social support in low-resource settings.
Researchers found that individuals with depression who engage in reflexive emotion regulation experience increased suicidal thoughts during daily stressful events. In contrast, adaptive responses to stress were observed when participants used reappraisal strategy.
US schools are struggling to deploy social workers effectively due to a lack of standardization in roles and implementation. Many districts are unclear about the types of work school social workers can do, leading to inconsistent utilization.
Researchers found that a high-flavanol cocoa drink can protect the body's vasculature against stress even after eating high-fat food. Flavanols in green tea and other foods also showed benefits for cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
Researchers at SickKids have discovered that stress changes how our brain encodes and retrieves aversive memories, leading to generalized fearful responses. A promising intervention has been identified to limit this effect and potentially reduce the harm caused by PTSD.
A study found that traditional paranormal beliefs are linked to increased stress and distress, while new age philosophy is not. The research used a new scale to measure paranormal belief and found that higher scores for traditional paranormal belief were associated with elevated distress and reduced coping abilities.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
A study found that seniors vulnerable to emotional contagion are 8.5-10 times more likely to experience anxiety or anxious depression than less vulnerable individuals. Researchers analyzed data from 170 adults aged 55+, exploring the relationship between emotional contagion and psychological distress.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that heart attack survivors experience significant fear and anxiety about having another heart attack. The fear can be triggered by various factors, including new health information and lack of follow-up care. The study highlights the need for e...
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
The study reveals that many individuals and households incur significant financial burdens for abortion care, with those traveling from out of state facing the most extreme costs. To address this issue, expansion of insurance coverage to ensure equitable access to abortion care is needed, regardless of a person's state of residence.
A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that school suspensions and expulsions can lead to higher rates of depression through adolescence and into early adulthood. Adolescents who were suspended or expelled showed significantly higher depressive symptoms, which increased over time.
A study published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities found that emotion-focused coping increases resilience in parents of neurodevelopmentally disabled children. This approach helps manage stress and improves quality of life by regulating a person's emotional response rather than solving problems directly.
A study by Osaka University found that Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) perceive stress in a unique way, with heightened sensitivity enabling them to connect deeply with others. This can foster a more supportive work environment and improve employee retention.
The team plans to use a multidisciplinary approach to characterize brain mechanisms that underlie resiliency, aiming to develop better therapies and address public need. Most individuals exposed to high levels of stress and trauma are able to avoid serious mental illness, suggesting that biological resilience is prevalent.
A new Curtin University study found that time spent on social media has a negligible effect on mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The research suggests that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex, with some platforms having different effects on users.
A new study suggests that immune system imbalances may trigger and sustain depressive symptoms, particularly in high-risk groups. The review challenges traditional neurotransmitter-focused theories and offers insights into the complex interactions between inflammation and depressive symptoms.
A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body's circadian rhythms. The findings open the door for developing new microbial-based therapies to help individuals better manage stress-related mental health conditions.
Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2019 and found that Mondays and New Year's Day were universally correlated with elevated suicide risk. In contrast, weekends and other public holidays varied by region, highlighting the importance of recognizing temporal fluctuations in risk for preventive actions.
Research found that mothers' ability to mediate threatening situations and regulate their emotions can significantly reduce the link between maternal PTSD symptoms and child PTSD symptoms. Mothers with high self-regulation skills may be better able to separate their stress response from that of their children, providing them with a sen...
A new study reveals that couples living with rheumatoid arthritis who engage in joint problem-solving and emotional support experience lower depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of dyadic coping in improving relationship quality and patient well-being.
A new study finds that happy intimate partners are associated with lower stress hormone levels, particularly in older adults. Positive emotions with a partner can act as a social resource, buffering cortisol production and promoting healthy aging.
A new study adapted acceptance-based mental health intervention ACT-W to fit Uganda's unique socio-cultural context. The programme aims to equip employees with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and common mental health issues at work.
A comprehensive review of interventions in higher education reveals that changing pedagogy and individual health counseling are insufficient to address rising mental health issues. Expert Therése Skoog argues that learning environments must be redesigned to promote sustainable learning and student well-being.
A Dartmouth study introduced a smartphone app to monitor student mental well-being, which was recognized for its impact on the development of mobile and wearable health technology. The app found strong correlations between student mental health and academic performance, social interactions, and behavior.
A new five-year NIH-funded study will investigate the impact of stress, illness, and inflammation on bias in healthcare workers, particularly towards patients from racial minority groups. The research aims to identify situations that increase bias and develop effective anti-bias strategies.
A new study found that sexual and gender minority adults in the US experience multiple social risk factors, including life dissatisfaction, social isolation, and stress. This highlights the need for policies advancing health and socioeconomic well-being of these groups.
A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that Black women who witness online microaggressions are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. The study suggests that health practitioners should consider a patient's stress experiences related to sex and race when treating sleep disorders.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that high-level collegiate sports stress can lead to unhealthy attitudes about eating and inadequate caloric intake. Athletes, especially female ones, are at risk for energy deficiency, eating disorders, and bone loss if they don't consume enough calories.
A Northwestern University study finds that cancer patients prefer their providers assess their financial concerns early in treatment. Most patients (83%) want their providers to reach out regarding financial needs, with 82% preferring this at diagnosis or starting treatment.
A new study found that childhood trauma can have specific consequences for biological health and risk of developing 20 major diseases later in life. The study's findings differ by sex and type of stressor, highlighting the need for a precision medicine approach based on patients' sex and specific stress profile.
A groundbreaking study finds that stress-induced changes in sperm motility occur after a stressful event, not during it, and improves sperm performance. Researchers observed changes in extracellular vesicles that play a role in sperm development and maturation.
Research found that first-degree relatives and spouses of cancer patients are at higher risk of developing psychological and cardiovascular illnesses. The study used data from the Utah Population Database to compare 77,938 relatives and spouses with 81,022 controls, finding a 10% increase in psychological condition risks and a 28% incr...
A new study reveals that Latinx immigrant adults are extorted an average of $804 during their journey to the US southern border. The most common perpetrators were police officers and immigration officials. Experts say extortion should be considered an extreme stressor, which can inform mental health treatment for newly arrived immigrants.
A recent survey found that phone use at night negatively impacts teenage mental health, particularly among those who have been cyberbullied. Approximately 66% of girls and 58% of boys reported being cyberbullied, with stress levels in the moderate-to-severe range reported by 38% of girls and 23% of boys.
Researchers created a mouse model to study relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), revealing the syndrome impacts the entire body and affects males and females differently. REDs leads to hormonal and reproductive issues, insomnia and fatigue, bone weakness and injury, and anxiety and depression.
A study of over 5,000 Australian high school students found that those with severe depressive symptoms were more than twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective mental health support to prevent vaping onset during early adolescence.
The Abundance Index for Workers (AIW) measures psychological wealth and well-being in the workplace. The study validates its effectiveness using data from the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study, demonstrating a more accurate assessment of worker well-being.
A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that hope is more beneficial than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged. The study found that hopeful individuals experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.
A new UMass study identifies key factors influencing exercise among nursing students, including intrinsic motivation, social support, demographic identifiers, and health-tracking technology. The research aims to help nurses build healthy habits before entering the workforce.
A new study from the University of Tsukuba introduces a method to measure boredom in the body during temporary stress, revealing that it may be a key driver of subjective stress. The study used Integrated Information Theory to evaluate physiological signals and found a strong correlation between boredom and stress levels.
A new study published in the Stroke journal found that people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 85,000 people, found that younger adults were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
Stroke survivors experience a range of psychosocial symptoms, including depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and decreased quality of life. Nurses can help identify and manage these conditions through education, therapy, and evidence-based interventions.