Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
A research team has discovered a novel mechanism by which stress affects the brain, revealing a potential new pathway for treating depression. Stress increases the production of MMP-8, an enzyme that alters neuron function and leads to behavioral changes.
A new poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly all older adults say music helps relieve stress and improve their mental health. The study also revealed that music plays a significant role in social connections and brain health, with 98% of respondents benefiting from engaging with music.
A new study by North Carolina State University finds that daily activities called 'uplifts' can significantly improve emotional well-being after a traumatic loss. These uplifting activities, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones, are found to be particularly beneficial on days when individuals report feeling older.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found associations between high age, low education, and poor lifestyle habits with increased allostatic load. The study suggests that effective depression prevention strategies at a population level could help reduce allostatic load.
White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that lifetime exposure to sexual assault and other traumatic stressors can negatively impact subsequent stroke recovery. Researchers analyzed data from the STRONG study and discovered that stroke survivors exposed to sexual ass...
Research from the University of Bath found that people who view stressful situations as threats are more likely to experience health problems, including depression and physical illnesses. In contrast, those who see challenges may report better health and wellbeing, with a suppressed immune system being a key factor.
A study by Washington State University researchers found a potential link between high maternal cortisol levels and unpredictable birth complications. Cortisol measurements in hair samples revealed elevated stress hormone levels among women who later experienced unexpected birth problems, such as early births or hemorrhaging.
Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.
Research found that oral conditions influence subjective psychological well-being in older adults by affecting nutritional status and environmental factors. Maintaining good oral health can improve nutritional intake, leading to better overall health and well-being.
A University of Cambridge study found that people of religious faith experienced lower levels of unhappiness and stress during the UK's Covid-19 lockdowns. The research suggests that religion may act as a bulwark against increased distress and reduced wellbeing during times of crisis.
A pilot study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new treatment program for veterans and first responders struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program, called Warriors' Ascent, achieved a substantially lower dropout rate than traditional treatments, reducing depression, PTSD, and high-risk drinking in participants.
Menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements to their anxiety, mood swings, low mood, hot flushes, and menstrual symptoms. The study found that cold water swimming relieves these symptoms through physical and mental effects.
A new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology found that bisexual individuals reported higher levels of police contact and law enforcement harassment in Canada. The study's authors call for greater police training to improve interactions with sexual minority persons and intervention efforts to support them after adverse experiences.
Researchers found that materialistic attitudes and passive social media use are associated with increased stress, addictive behavior, and decreased life satisfaction. This study suggests a downward spiral of materialism leading to negative mental health outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that positive relationships with parents and adults during childhood are associated with better mental health in adulthood. Despite adverse childhood experiences, resilient youth who have strong social connections and meaningful experiences tend to experience less depression, anxiety, and stress.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that work pressures increased burnout and problematic substance use among first responders, while general workplace support strategies reduced the risk. Conversely, COVID-related support strategies such as compensation during quarantine increased problematic substance use.
A new paper by VCU's Christopher S. Reina offers a roadmap for businesses to integrate mindfulness, wisdom, and ethics to support employee well-being. The research demonstrates that transforming organizations is a matter of rethinking their ethos and grounding it in humanistic principles.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
Researchers from Staffordshire University developed a cognitive-behavioral intervention to help young athletes manage stress. The program taught them to view stress as an enhancing factor for performance, rather than a debilitating one, leading to improved wellbeing and performance.
A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.
A meta-analysis of 10,600 patients reveals that psychological interventions are highly effective in treating PTSD following multiple traumatic events. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy is the first line of treatment recommended in national guidelines, offering improved patient and therapist outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that stressed women undergoing fertility treatment may experience higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can lead to weaker cardiovascular health. Women who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI) had higher stress and blood sugar levels than those...
A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.
A new study from the University of Bath suggests that combining mindfulness with exercise can increase its benefits for mental health and wellbeing. The research found that mindfulness can help motivate people to start exercising, reduce worry and stress, and promote healthier lifestyles.
New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.
A new study published in Neurology found that nearly 30% of caregivers for severe stroke patients experience high levels of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress during the first year after hospital discharge. Post-traumatic stress was particularly common among Mexican American caregivers.
The study found three distinctive acoustic features - roughness, mean, and period entropy of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients - that are associated with healing music's emotional responses. These features were consistently present across various genres, suggesting a universal language of music.
A study found that cutting daily social media use by 30 minutes per day improves job satisfaction, mental health, and reduces stress. Participants who reduced their social media time reported feeling less overworked, more committed to their jobs, and experiencing decreased Fear of Missing Out.
A study of first-year college students reveals that pandemic stress triggers a rise in clinical depression, even among those with genetic factors that previously shielded them. The research identifies potential predictors of psychological resilience and provides a tool to identify at-risk students for targeted support.
A new UCLA Health study found that hormonal contraceptive pill users processed stress differently at the molecular and psychological level. They also reported a more negative emotional response to stress compared to non-users.
A study of over 50,000 Korean adolescents found that those using smartphones for more than 4 hours a day had higher rates of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use. In contrast, lighter users showed no greater health risks compared to non-users.
Eating fatty foods during stressful periods can reduce brain oxygenation and cause poorer vascular function in adults. Consuming low-fat food and drinks may help mitigate this effect.
A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.
A novel pilot study combines mindfulness and exposure therapy to reduce PTSD symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors, with 80% showing significant improvement. The treatment protocol also improved cardiovascular health behaviors, including sleep quality and physical activity.
Researchers at Mainz University and the US-American BENFRA Center have demonstrated the effect of botanical products used in traditional Asiatic medicine on depressive states in fruit flies. The plants Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica enhanced resilience to chronic stress, alleviating symptoms of depression.
A Virginia Tech scientist has identified a molecule in the hypothalamus region of the brain linked to stress-induced emotional overeating. The discovery may lead to new therapy targets for alleviating emotionally triggered eating.
A study of 768 married Japanese women found that postponing pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased loneliness and psychological distress. The associations were strongest in 2021, highlighting the need for improved mental healthcare systems.
A study found that workaholics have a consistently negative mood throughout the day, regardless of workload. Women are more vulnerable to workaholism due to role conflict and cultural expectations.
A study of 452 Black pregnant patients found that 62% reported depression in combination with anxiety or stress. Prenatal screening for mental health concerns is necessary to address these co-occurring issues.
A new study analyzing cyberstalking research identified sociodemographic and background factors as the largest contributors to perpetration and victimization. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies considering overlap between offline violence and cyberviolence. Experts emphasize the importance of allocating ...
A new study by Griffith University and Andrés Bello University found that surfing contributes significantly to the global economy by improving mental health, with benefits estimated to be valued at ~US$1.0–3.3 billion per year on the Gold Coast. The mental health benefits from surfing comprise 57–74% of the total economic benefits of s...
Researchers analyzed contestant behavior on the British TV show 'Mastermind' to examine human physiology under conditions of stress. They found that blinking acts like a 'punctuation of thought,' reducing during periods of intense thinking, and increased blink rate in stressed contestants.
Research found that women experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression, or stress during pregnancy had children with increased symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggressive behavior. The study suggests providing mental health care and support during pregnancy can help prevent childhood behavior problems.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
The Pandemic-related Traumatic Stress Scale (PTSS) measures stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies those with higher levels of stress. The study found caregivers had the highest PTSS scores, followed by adolescents, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and children.
A study found that fathers who worked remotely were twice as likely to report higher parenting stress, while mothers who worked at home experienced slightly higher levels. The survey of 1,060 parents in Chicago showed no differences in mental or general health between remote and onsite workers.
A new survey from Northwestern University found that dads working from home during the pandemic reported twice as much parenting stress as those who worked onsite. The study suggests that societal expectations on men to prioritize work over family may contribute to this increased stress.
The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine addresses the rising stressors causing mental health issues among healthcare professionals, including revenue generation, administrative issues, and patient satisfaction metrics. Physicians advocate for meaningful reforms, including adjustment of healthcare system expectations, cultural ...
Researchers are conducting a four-year study to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing stable angina-related chest pain. The study will enroll 112 participants and compare acupuncture treatment to watching TED Talk videos for symptom relief.
New research from Aalto University reveals that sleepiness during virtual meetings is caused by mental underload and boredom. Highly engaged individuals stay active even in virtual settings, while those with low work engagement find them tiring.
A recent UBC Okanagan study found that canine cuddles have a comparable positive wellness effect across all genders, contradicting previous studies with predominantly female participants. The research suggests that canine-assisted interventions can be an inclusive option for post-secondary mental health and wellness programs.
The study, which analyzed data from older adults with peptic ulcer disease, revealed that approximately 1 in 8 individuals developed depression for the first time during the pandemic. Women, those who felt lonely, and those with functional limitations were at higher risk of depression. Targeted screening and intervention are being reco...
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found no correlation between anxiety and depression in men on fertility treatment, nor was there a negative impact from antidepressant medication. Despite stress concerns, the study suggests men with anxiety should continue their treatment without fear of harming IVF outcomes.
A new UK study finds that people with eating disorders are 2.11 times more likely to report physical multimorbidity. Anxiety, insomnia, and perceived stress are key influencers in this relationship.
Researchers found that testosterone plays a crucial role in shaping the brain's response to social stress, with mice lacking testosterone exhibiting exaggerated fear responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding human behavior and may help explain why women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stress and depression are common among women at the time of heart attack and for two months after. However, researchers discovered that women with heart attacks due to blockages had higher stress levels than those with open arteries.
A recent analysis of 12 studies found that trigger warnings do not mitigate distress and actually heighten anticipatory anxiety. Despite their lack of effectiveness, some researchers suggest using emotional-regulation training to help people prepare for potentially triggering content.
A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.