Articles tagged with Psychological Stress
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 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 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 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...
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 ...
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study finds that faces with acne, especially adult female acne, are perceived as less attractive, trustworthy, confident, successful, dominant, and happy. The study also highlights the emotional and psychological burden experienced by individuals with acne.
A study found that daily mindfulness training at home reduced kids' stress levels and negative emotions, while a remote, app-based intervention showed improvements in mental health. Researchers suggest that mindfulness can support mental well-being and promote mental health in diverse children.
Researchers found that training expectant mothers can improve their ability to recognize happy baby expressions, leading to fewer signs of depression. This new approach aims to promote healthier emotional development for both mother and child.
A new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that 30% of new dads screened positive for postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of asking new dads about their mental health. The researchers believe that addressing fathers' health can be a powerful untapped tool in improving maternal health.
The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have conducted a study on rats, showing that small doses of psilocybin can increase resilience to stress and reduce compulsive behaviors. The study lends support to the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that children of parents with higher work-related stress have lower socioemotional competency at age 4-5. Meanwhile, mothers' job dissatisfaction does not impact family mealtimes, but fathers' financial dissatisfaction leads to reduced attendance and negative child development outcomes.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
A worldwide study by sixty-two scientists found a relationship between specific emotions and wellbeing during collective stress. Calm and hope are linked to better psychological wellbeing, while anxiety, loneliness, and sadness predict lower wellbeing. Understanding how emotions influence behaviors can improve wellbeing interventions.
A new evaluation tool, HiDE, offers practical guidance for diagnosing hikikomori, a form of extreme social isolation. The tool provides structured interview questions for clinicians to diagnose the condition, which is characterized by stress caused by months-long isolation at home.
A study across three countries found that individuals who prioritize achievement over enjoyment experience lower happiness the next day. In contrast, those who value freedom report a 13% increase in well-being, including better sleep quality and life satisfaction. Relaxation and hobbies also lead to a significant boost in well-being.
A Northwestern University study found that endogenous cannabinoid molecules released by the brain during stress can calm it down. These molecules activate the same receptors as THC and may provide a natural coping response to stress.
A survey of 1958 NHS health professionals found that work-related stress, workload intensity, and staffing levels were the primary factors driving decisions to leave. The results highlight the importance of addressing these fundamental factors to improve staff retention in the NHS.
A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...
A new study published in Cancer Management and Research found that 1 in 8 older adults with a history of cancer experienced depression for the first time during the early stages of the pandemic. Those with functional limitations, family conflict, and women were particularly vulnerable to depression.
Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.
Researchers found that severe COVID-19 survivors exhibit elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to mental stress, which accelerates heartbeat and increases blood pressure. This exaggerated reaction, combined with impaired vasodilation, poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.
A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...
A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that boarders get 40 minutes more sleep than day students due to fixed bedtimes and stricter technology policies. Despite improved sleep, teen boarders experience similar levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as their day peers.
A study by Hebrew University researchers found that directly involved war veterans exhibited almost double the level of PTSD symptoms compared to indirectly active veterans. Parents of active veterans experienced heightened secondary traumatic stress, with mothers bearing a greater burden than fathers.
Researchers found that adults who experienced violence, financial stress, or separation from parents as children were more likely to experience physical and cognitive impairments. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty walking, carrying out daily activities, and problems with memory.
A recent study found that employees tend to be less productive in the afternoons, especially on Fridays, with increased typing errors and reduced computer activity. Flexible work arrangements like hybrid work or a four-day week may help mitigate this decline in productivity.
A new study found that 81% of women report persistent GI symptoms years after diagnosis, with abdominal bloating and gas being the most common. The analysis also showed that severe GI symptoms are linked to poor quality of life, social activities, and body image satisfaction.