Newswise Feature Channel: Behavioral Science

Living with Grief

LifeBridge Health — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:05:13 EST

Grief forever changes us. The journey that we walk through changes who we are and how we perceive the world around us. Those who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with grief may prompt us to move on. When they try this, we often plant our heels into the ground and resist. This may come as a surprise to them.

Grieving a Pet's Death

LifeBridge Health — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:05:11 EST

The significance of pets in human existence varies between people. However, the emotional and social support that companion animals offer is an impactful driving force behind this attachment. Those who underestimate the strength of the bond drive a wedge between themselves and the bereaved.

MSU study finds placebos reduce stress, anxiety, depression -- even when people know they are placebos

Michigan State University — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:05:18 EST

A study out of Michigan State University found that nondeceptive placebos, or placebos given with people fully knowing they are placebos, effectively manage stress -- even when the placebos are administered remotely.

How Thyroid Hormone Fuels the Drive to Explore

Harvard Medical School — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:00:00 EST

Research in mice sheds light on how thyroid hormone alters wiring in the brain. Findings reveal that thyroid hormone syncs up the brain and body to drive exploratory behavior. Researchers say their work could illuminate new treatments for certain psychiatric conditions.

The Medical Minute: Leaving the nest for college ― transition for students, parents

Penn State Health — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:05:04 EST

Saying good-bye to a child headed out on their own for the first time can be loaded with tears. But you can make the transition less painful for everyone. A Penn State Health expert discusses how to make the college drop-off healthy and rewarding.

Taking a trip down memory lane could be the key to drinking less alcohol

University of Portsmouth — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:05:27 EST

A new study led by the University of Portsmouth suggests recollecting a previous drinking episode could put women off drinking too much.

Would banning cell phones at schools help address students' mental health? Child psychologist weighs in

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 18:05:47 EST

JMU expert can discuss attitudes toward disability, Paralympics athletes

James Madison University — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:05:03 EST

Bed Rotting Tops TikTok Trends: Americans Embrace Viral Sleep Habits

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:57 EST

A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that over one-third of Americans have experimented with one or more of this year's viral sleep trends, with Gen Z leading the charge.

The power of play: Strengthening senior wellbeing through generational bonds

University of South Australia — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:05:27 EST

Watching your children frolic through a playground is one of the many joys of being a parent or grandparent, but new research has found that engaging in play with kids could help improve mental health.

Curious by Nature: How Addictive Are Companies Making Video Games with Dr. Puneet Manchanda

University of Michigan Ross School of Business — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:20:17 EST

For many years, addiction research has focused on chemical dependencies like drugs and alcohol. However, new phenomena such as video game and social media addictions are not as extensively studied.

Nationally Recognized Behavioral Scientist Dr. Kelly Dunn Named Director of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:05:53 EST

University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, announced today the appointment of Kelly Dunn, PhD, MBA, one of the nation's leading researchers on opioid use disorder, as the inaugural Director of the School's Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine

New Research by Children's Hospital Los Angeles Highlights the Nationwide Need for Psychiatric Care for Children

Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:35:00 EST

A new study led by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found wide variation in pediatric inpatient psychiatric beds across the United States. It highlights the growing concerns about the demand and access to mental health services for children and the geographic disparities in the availability of inpatient psychiatric care.

Chronic Absenteeism Remains a Challenge Post Pandemic

George Washington University — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:05:11 EST

Swiping Through Online Videos Increases Boresom, Study Find

American Psychological Association (APA) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:00:00 EST

Swiping through online videos to relieve boredom may actually make people more bored and less satisfied or engaged with the content, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

Thriving in the Transition: Tips on Preparing for College Life

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 12:05:07 EST

Whether a student is moving onto campus for the first time or commuting from home, the transition from high school to college can challenging. Stephanie Marcello, chief psychologist at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, discusses how first-year students - and their parents - can prepare to manage the stressors that accompany this life stage.

How some states help residents avoid costly debt during hard times

Ohio State University — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:05:35 EST

A new national study provides the best evidence to date that generous unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic helped reduce reliance on high-cost credit use. Researchers found that lower-income residents of states with more generous benefits were significantly less likely than those living in less-generous states to take out new credit cards, personal finance loans and payday loans or other alternative financial service offerings.

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:05:48 EST

Giving probiotics to pregnant mice can enhance both the immune system and behavior of the mothers and their offspring, according to a new study led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.

Psychiatrist receives 2024 Klerman Prize for innovative youth suicide prevention research

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:05:11 EST

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognized Dr. Edgcomb for her research into the development of set rules to clearly identify children and adolescents with suicide-related symptoms using electronic health record data.

From Politicians to Pop Stars to Professionals, Gender Stereotypes Shape How We View Power and Status

University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:05:59 EST

From politicians to pop stars to professionals, gender stereotypes shape how we view power and status