Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Tough girl or sidechick?

A study of female characters in American action films reveals that over 58% are portrayed as submissive to male heroes, while 42% are romantically involved with them. Despite appearances of empowerment, these women often rely on masculine norms and re-articulate gender stereotypes

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 21, 2010

Gay men and lesbians more likely to experience violent events and subsequent PTSD

A Harvard study found that gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are more likely to experience violent events and subsequent PTSD, with double the risk as the general population. The research highlights five mechanisms contributing to this increased risk, including hate crimes, social isolation, and limited access to mental health care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 15, 2010

According to a study, change in social roles of men and women may increase gender violence

Research suggests that social role changes can lead to an increase in gender violence, especially for women who are expected to conform to traditional roles. The study, conducted by Prof. Mª Carmen Herrera Enríquez, found that men may use violence as a means to restore their lost power when faced with changing social dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateApr 8, 2010

Women, more than men, choose true crime over other violent nonfiction

A new study found that women overwhelmingly choose to read true stories about serial killings and random murders, whereas men are more likely to choose books about war or gang violence. Women prefer true crime stories over violent nonfiction because they provide information that could help them avoid potential attackers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 15, 2010

Ending intimate partner violence

The UK Government's new strategy focuses on preventing intimate partner violence through education and community programs. The plan includes a national communications program and adding gender equality to the school curriculum.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 3, 2009

Substance abuse, schizophrenia and risk of violence

A systematic review of 20 studies found that individuals with schizophrenia are at increased risk of violence, but this risk is greatly outweighed by the effect of substance abuse. Substance abuse significantly increases the risk of violence for those with a psychotic illness, similar to those without a psychotic illness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 10, 2009

Violence against mothers in bangladesh associated with health problems in young children

A study of Bangladeshi women with young children found that those who experienced intimate partner violence were more likely to report respiratory infections and diarrhea in their children. The authors suggest that trauma and anxiety from violent households can lead to suppressed immune systems, increasing the risk of illness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009

School-based program helps prevent dating violence among teens, especially boys

A school-based program that integrates healthy relationship information into the curriculum appears to reduce adolescent dating violence and increase condom use. The effects of the low-cost intervention are stronger in boys. Rates of physical dating violence were greater in control students than those who participated in the program.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009

Sexist jokes favor the mental mechanisms that justify violence against women

A recent study from the University of Granada found that sexist jokes can favor mental mechanisms that justify violence against women. The research involved a group of male university students who were shown two series of jokes, one with sexist content and another without. Those who watched the sexist jokes showed increased tolerance f...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJul 2, 2009

Afghani children suffering from post-traumatic stress

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that at least half of Afghan school children have developed PTSD due to traumatic experiences. The research highlights the need for interventions addressing not only war experiences but also family disturbances and community factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateJun 23, 2009

Witnessing violence affects kids' health

Exposure to community violence in school-aged children disrupts their normal cortisol production pattern, leading to physiological symptoms and potential long-term negative health effects. The study found a link between stress symptoms and cortisol levels, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to monitor these children's health.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 21, 2009

Triple threat to health

A Temple researcher found that older African-American women who experienced high levels of family violence have poorer physical and mental health than their peers. Clinicians need to consider the role of past trauma in patients' current health status and refer them to social support organizations if needed.

UNC study: Mental illness by itself does not predict future violent behavior

Research challenges common perception that mental illness alone increases risk of future violence, instead finding mental illness combined with substance abuse to be a significant predictor. Other factors such as history of past violence, unemployment, and parental criminal history were found to be more predictive of future violence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2009

Players love the game not the gore

A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that violent content does not increase enjoyment in video games. Instead, challenges and a sense of autonomy are key drivers of player engagement. For most players, gore actually detracts from the game's 'fun factor'.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 16, 2009

Deplorable medical conditions in Gaza

The Lancet reports that Israeli attacks on Gaza are causing irreparable harm to civilian populations, with at least six medical personnel killed and numerous mobile clinics and ambulances damaged. The situation is further exacerbated by the blockade of health services, which contravenes international law.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 14, 2009