The sound of nature helps us relax
From the University of Sussex press release: The gentle burbling of a brook, or the sound of the wind in the trees can physically change our mind and bodily systems, helping us to relax. New…
Stress of abuse accelerates puberty in children
From the Penn State press release: While it has long been known that maltreatment can affect a child’s psychological development, new Penn State research indicates that the stress of abuse can impact the physical growth…
Cortisol excess hits natural DNA process and mental health hard
From the University of Gothenburg press release: High concentrations of the stress hormone, Cortisol, in the body affect important DNA processes and increase the risk of long-term psychological consequences. These relationships are evident in a…
A probiotic stress fix
From the Washington University in St. Louis press release: U.S. sailors and Marines face continuous periods of excessive stress in “fight-or-flight” situations, triggering surges of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, often known as an adrenaline rush. While…
Psychological interventions to cut traumatic memories: Tetris or Candy Crush?
From the Springer press release: The popular building-block computer game Tetris might be more than just an idle pastime that keeps you glued to a screen. Playing it shortly after experiencing a traumatic event seems…
Childhood bullying may lead to increased chronic disease risk in adulthood
From the Wolters Kluwer Health media release: Being bullied during childhood might have lifelong health effects related to chronic stress exposure — including an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes in adulthood, according to a research…
Children’s daily life highly regulated: US and Swedish differences
From the University of Gothenburg press release: Children in Sweden and the US experience their daily life as highly structured and regulated. But while US children state that homework and long schooldays are what makes…
Married people have lower levels of stress hormone
From the Carnegie Mellon University media release: Studies have suggested that married people are healthier than those who are single, divorced, or widowed. A new Carnegie Mellon University study provides the first biological evidence to…
Maternal depression across the first years of life impacts neural basis of empathy in children
From the Elsevier media release: Exposure to early and chronic maternal depression markedly increases a child’s susceptibility to psychopathology and social-emotional problems, including social withdrawal, poor emotion regulation, and reduced empathy to others. Since 15-18%…
Employers need to do more to encourage staff to switch off at home
From the British Psychological Society (BPS) media release: Less than half of UK businesses and organisations provide employees with guidance on how to switch off from work when they go home. This is one of…