Everything Happens for a Reason—And Other Things Not to Say When Tragedy Strikes

“Well, it’s the good kind of cancer. You will be better soon.”

Those are the words Elizabeth Gillette heard from some people when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 21 years old. She would need several rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation treatment. She was terrified — and shocked to hear anyone refer to her cancer as good.

These “responses effectively closed me off to having any further conversation with them because I knew they didn’t understand how scared...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/everything-happens-for-a-reason-and-other-things-not-to-say-when-tragedy-strikes/

Lasting Regrets May Come From Not Living Up to ‘Ideal Self’

Regrets may be bred of forsaken dreams, romance not pursued, or taking a job near home rather than an adventurous position overseas. But the most enduring regrets are the ones that stem from our failure to live up to our ideal selves, according to new Cornell University research.

In a new study, researchers found people are haunted more by regrets about failing to fulfill their hopes, goals and aspirations than by regrets about failing to fulfill their duties, obligations and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/31/lasting-regrets-may-come-from-not-living-up-to-ideal-self/135786.html

Placenta May Play Key Role in Schizophrenia

A new study suggests that the placenta may factor into the risk for schizophrenia, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism and Tourette syndrome.

The new findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, reveal that schizophrenia genes appear to be “turned on” during complicated pregnancies, and the more these genes are turned on, the more the placenta shows other signs of stress such as inflammation.

This new discovery would allow scientists to more...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/31/placenta-may-play-key-role-in-schizophrenia/135798.html

Podcast: From Tragedy to Transformation – How a Psychologist is Born

Linda Meyers was twenty-eight and the mother of three young boys when her mother, after a lifetime of threats, died by suicide. Staggered by conflicting feelings of relief and remorse, she believed that the best way to give meaning to her mother’s death was to make changes to her own life. Bolstered by the women’s movement of the seventies, she left her marriage, went to college, started a successful family acting business, and established a fulfilling career. She recounts all of this...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-from-tragedy-to-transformation-how-a-psychologist-is-born/

Everything Happens for a Reason—And Other Things Not to Say When Tragedy Strikes

“Well, it’s the good kind of cancer. You will be better soon.”

Those are the words Elizabeth Gillette heard from some people when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 21 years old. She would need several rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation treatment. She was terrified — and shocked to hear anyone refer to her cancer as good.

These “responses effectively closed me off to having any further conversation with them because I knew they didn’t understand how scared...

[Read More ...]

Lasting Regrets May Come From Not Living Up to ‘Ideal Self’

Regrets may be bred of forsaken dreams, romance not pursued, or taking a job near home rather than an adventurous position overseas. But the most enduring regrets are the ones that stem from our failure to live up to our ideal selves, according to new Cornell University research.

In a new study, researchers found people are haunted more by regrets about failing to fulfill their hopes, goals and aspirations than by regrets about failing to fulfill their duties, obligations and...

[Read More ...]

Placenta May Play Key Role in Schizophrenia

A new study suggests that the placenta may factor into the risk for schizophrenia, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism and Tourette syndrome.

The new findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, reveal that schizophrenia genes appear to be “turned on” during complicated pregnancies, and the more these genes are turned on, the more the placenta shows other signs of stress such as inflammation.

This new discovery would allow scientists to more...

[Read More ...]

Podcast: From Tragedy to Transformation – How a Psychologist is Born

Linda Meyers was twenty-eight and the mother of three young boys when her mother, after a lifetime of threats, died by suicide. Staggered by conflicting feelings of relief and remorse, she believed that the best way to give meaning to her mother’s death was to make changes to her own life. Bolstered by the women’s movement of the seventies, she left her marriage, went to college, started a successful family acting business, and established a fulfilling career. She recounts all of this...

[Read More ...]

Integrated Trauma Treatment: Maximizing Your Healing Potential

Each individual can explore their internal lives and the physical manifestations of their pain management in a safe and supportive environment.

[Read More ...]

How Others’ Interactions Impacts Our Interpersonal Space

Have you ever felt the urge to cross the road or move seats on a train after a conversation taking place nearby becomes aggressive?

New research shows, for the first time, how the size of your interpersonal space changes depending on the tone and content of other people’s conversations.

The study, carried out by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, University College London, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Genoa, Italy, was published by...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/30/how-others-interactions-impacts-our-interpersonal-space/135673.html

Why Is The Human Brain So Prone to Age-Related Diseases?

Impaired energy production in older neurons may help explain why human brains are so vulnerable to age-related diseases, according to a new study at Salk Institute in California.

The scientists used a new strategy to discover that cells from older people had dysfunctional mitochondria — the power stations of cells — and lower energy production.

Mitochondria are responsible for converting our food into chemical energy our cells can use. Defects in mitochondrial genes can lead to...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/30/why-is-the-human-brain-so-prone-to-age-related-diseases/135770.html

New Social Pursuits May Lead to Happier Life in A Year

New social activities, such as a weekly card game with family or taking more time to help an elderly neighbor, may lead to greater life satisfaction by next year, compared to solitary activities, according to a new German study.

“Our research showed that people who came up with ‘well-being’ strategies that involved other people were more satisfied with their lives one year later  even after taking into account that they were marginally happier to begin with,” said  psychological...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/30/new-social-pursuits-may-lead-to-happier-life-in-a-year/135767.html

How to Foster Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence, Right from Birth

Many benefits are associated with helping kids foster their emotional intelligence. When your kid has learnt to identify and manage his emotions, he is more likely to better deal with difficult emotion-provoking situations in the childhood years and beyond. Research suggests that much is to be gained by teaching kids to manage their emotions from the earliest age. In other words, problem behavior can often be explained by your kid’s inability to manage his or her emotions. If the emotions...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-foster-your-kids-emotional-intelligence-right-from-birth/

How Others’ Interactions Impacts Our Interpersonal Space

Have you ever felt the urge to cross the road or move seats on a train after a conversation taking place nearby becomes aggressive?

New research shows, for the first time, how the size of your interpersonal space changes depending on the tone and content of other people’s conversations.

The study, carried out by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, University College London, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Genoa, Italy, was published by...

[Read More ...]

Why Is The Human Brain So Prone to Age-Related Diseases?

Impaired energy production in older neurons may help explain why human brains are so vulnerable to age-related diseases, according to a new study at Salk Institute in California.

The scientists used a new strategy to discover that cells from older people had dysfunctional mitochondria — the power stations of cells — and lower energy production.

Mitochondria are responsible for converting our food into chemical energy our cells can use. Defects in mitochondrial genes can lead to...

[Read More ...]

New Social Pursuits May Lead to Happier Life in A Year

New social activities, such as a weekly card game with family or taking more time to help an elderly neighbor, may lead to greater life satisfaction by next year, compared to solitary activities, according to a new German study.

“Our research showed that people who came up with ‘well-being’ strategies that involved other people were more satisfied with their lives one year later  even after taking into account that they were marginally happier to begin with,” said  psychological...

[Read More ...]

How to Foster Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence, Right from Birth

Many benefits are associated with helping kids foster their emotional intelligence. When your kid has learnt to identify and manage his emotions, he is more likely to better deal with difficult emotion-provoking situations in the childhood years and beyond. Research suggests that much is to be gained by teaching kids to manage their emotions from the earliest age. In other words, problem behavior can often be explained by your kid’s inability to manage his or her emotions. If the emotions...

[Read More ...]

How Taking a Facebook Break Affects Your Mental Health

Inadvertently, in the wake of recent Facebook data harvesting scandals, Elon Musk and Brian Acton spurring on Facebook users to #DeleteFacebook in past weeks and the resulting Facebook breaks could (potentially) do some good for the average users stress levels. While differences between being deleted, deactivated, or abandoned have yet to be explored, new research is the first to report that the average user can relieve physiological measures of stress by taking a break from Facebook —...

[Read More ...]

7 Ways to Live a Creative Life

Unless we’re artists, when we think of paintbrushes, play and simple pleasures, we often think that’s for people who aren’t that busy, people who don’t have the responsibilities I have, people who don’t have kids. That’s for people who are not me.  

But these things are the very ingredients of a meaningful, satisfying life. Of a creative life. And while different seasons allow for different opportunities, each of us has time for that.

According to Maya Benattar, LCAT, a music...

[Read More ...]

Science and the 12 Steps

MFI understands that a well-rounded, holistic treatment approach is fundamental to long-term success in sobriety.

[Read More ...]

Science and the 12 Steps

MFI understands that a well-rounded, holistic treatment approach is fundamental to long-term success in sobriety.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/science-and-12-steps

Psychological Distress Linked to Internal Goal Conflict

New research finds that when our personal goals are divergent, leaving us torn as to which path to pursue, psychological stress can result.

In the study, researchers surveyed more than 200 young adults from the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University (ECU) to investigate two forms of motivational conflict. The young adults in the study were aged 18-35, with an average age of 20.

Among this cohort, investigators explored inter-goal conflict, when pursuing one goal makes it difficult...

[Read More ...]

Brief, Intense Exercise May Appeal to Inactive People

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which consists of multiple short bouts of intense exercise, is time-efficient and good for your health.

But would inactive people be interested in such an intense type of exercise?

There is very little research on how inactive people perceive HIIT, said researcher Matthew Stork, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

“The number one cited barrier to physical activity is a perceived lack of time, and research has shown that...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: May 29, 2018

There are people who sacrificed their lives for us. Many who lived without hearing a, “Thank you,” gesture of kindness, regard or even nod of acknowledgment regarding what they did.

As I write this, it’s Memorial Day. In honor of those who served and lost their lives, and to their families, we want to express our gratitude, condolences and promise to never forget.

6 Important Facts About Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)
(Childhood Emotional Neglect) – To gather hope, you need...

[Read More ...]

Blog Post » How Aware Are We, Really, About Mental Illness?

In a message on the importance of mental health awareness, Dr. Gordon recounts how he came to be aware of the personal impact of mental illnesses.
[Read More ...]

Psychological Distress Linked to Internal Goal Conflict

New research finds that when our personal goals are divergent, leaving us torn as to which path to pursue, psychological stress can result.

In the study, researchers surveyed more than 200 young adults from the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University (ECU) to investigate two forms of motivational conflict. The young adults in the study were aged 18-35, with an average age of 20.

Among this cohort, investigators explored inter-goal conflict, when pursuing one goal makes it difficult...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/29/psychological-distress-linked-to-internal-goal-conflict/135746.html

Brief, Intense Exercise May Appeal to Inactive People

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which consists of multiple short bouts of intense exercise, is time-efficient and good for your health.

But would inactive people be interested in such an intense type of exercise?

There is very little research on how inactive people perceive HIIT, said researcher Matthew Stork, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

“The number one cited barrier to physical activity is a perceived lack of time, and research has shown that...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/29/brief-intense-exercise-may-appeal-to-inactive-people/135749.html

Best of Our Blogs: May 29, 2018

There are people who sacrificed their lives for us. Many who lived without hearing a, “Thank you,” gesture of kindness, regard or even nod of acknowledgment regarding what they did.

As I write this, it’s Memorial Day. In honor of those who served and lost their lives, and to their families, we want to express our gratitude, condolences and promise to never forget.

6 Important Facts About Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)
(Childhood Emotional Neglect) – To gather hope, you need...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-may-29-2018/

Blog Post » How Aware Are We, Really, About Mental Illness?

In a message on the importance of mental health awareness, Dr. Gordon recounts how he came to be aware of the personal impact of mental illnesses.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2018/how-aware-are-we-really-about-mental-illness.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

How Suicide Changed My Life

Asking those suffering from addiction about suicide attempts comes with heightened emotions for me. Both my mother and my best friend died by suicide.

[Read More ...]

How Suicide Changed My Life

Asking those suffering from addiction about suicide attempts comes with heightened emotions for me. Both my mother and my best friend died by suicide.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/how-suicide-changed-my-life

Brain Activity in Transgender Youth Appears Similar to Desired Gender

The brain activity of transgender adolescents more closely resembles the typical activation patterns of their desired gender, according to a new Belgian study.

The findings suggest that differences in brain function may occur quite early in life and that brain imaging may be a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in adolescents.

Transgenderism is identifying with a gender different from one’s assigned biological sex, while gender dysphoria (GD) is the distress...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/28/brain-activity-in-transgender-youth-appears-similar-to-desired-gender/135731.html

Ep 11: Listener Feedback: Criticism on our Mental Illness Advocacy

“Haters gonna hate” and “don’t feed the trolls” are common phrases anyone who has an internet following has heard – or said – a dozen times. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, Gabe (bipolar) and Michelle (schizophrenia) decide to discuss some of their “favorite” less-than-positive feedback.

They discuss how the comments made them feel, what they learned from them, and what they honestly think of the people who wrote them. Suffice to say that mental health advocacy...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/ep-11-listener-feedback-criticism-on-our-mental-illness-advocacy/

Brain Activity in Transgender Youth Appears Similar to Desired Gender

The brain activity of transgender adolescents more closely resembles the typical activation patterns of their desired gender, according to a new Belgian study.

The findings suggest that differences in brain function may occur quite early in life and that brain imaging may be a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in adolescents.

Transgenderism is identifying with a gender different from one’s assigned biological sex, while gender dysphoria (GD) is the distress...

[Read More ...]

Ep 11: Listener Feedback: Criticism on our Mental Illness Advocacy

“Haters gonna hate” and “don’t feed the trolls” are common phrases anyone who has an internet following has heard – or said – a dozen times. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, Gabe (bipolar) and Michelle (schizophrenia) decide to discuss some of their “favorite” less-than-positive feedback.

They discuss how the comments made them feel, what they learned from them, and what they honestly think of the people who wrote them. Suffice to say that mental health advocacy...

[Read More ...]

Study: Kids in High-Risk Situations More Likely to Become Violent Adults

A new study provides the first scientific hint that living in big cities, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, migration, cannabis consumption, or problematic alcohol use as a child or teen leads to a higher risk of becoming a violently aggressive adult.

According to researchers, the study shows that growing up in extreme societal conditions can alter gene expression, the process known as epigenetics — changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration...

[Read More ...]

3 Ways to Use Your Motivation to Find or Create Your Dream Job

How to move forward.

If you’re hoping there’s a dream job waiting for you, let me save you some time and energy: You’re going to be disappointed.

Why is that?

Even if you know exactly what you want, it may not be in your area or stay the same, if it exists at all. As you’ve probably noticed, professional relationships, resources, and goals are dynamic. Situations and environments change. And most important, you are in motion, with developing needs, abilities, and hopes.

So, if an...

[Read More ...]

Study: Kids in High-Risk Situations More Likely to Become Violent Adults

A new study provides the first scientific hint that living in big cities, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, migration, cannabis consumption, or problematic alcohol use as a child or teen leads to a higher risk of becoming a violently aggressive adult.

According to researchers, the study shows that growing up in extreme societal conditions can alter gene expression, the process known as epigenetics — changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/27/study-kids-in-high-risk-situations-more-likely-to-become-violent-adults/135676.html

3 Ways to Use Your Motivation to Find or Create Your Dream Job

How to move forward.

If you’re hoping there’s a dream job waiting for you, let me save you some time and energy: You’re going to be disappointed.

Why is that?

Even if you know exactly what you want, it may not be in your area or stay the same, if it exists at all. As you’ve probably noticed, professional relationships, resources, and goals are dynamic. Situations and environments change. And most important, you are in motion, with developing needs, abilities, and hopes.

So, if an...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/3-ways-to-use-your-motivation-to-find-or-create-your-dream-job/

How to Help Your Child Handle Their Anger–Even When You’re Uncomfortable with It

Most of us have an uncomfortable relationship with anger. Maybe we see it as an aggressive, explosive emotion. Maybe we see it as confusing and overwhelming. Maybe we associate it with sadness.

Either way, when we feel the first signs of frustration, many of us ignore it. We push it down. Far down.

And this is precisely what we do with our kids’ anger. When our kids start getting mad, we teach them to ignore it, too. We tell them they shouldn’t get angry. We reprimand them. Stop that!...

[Read More ...]

How to Help Your Child Handle Their Anger–Even When You’re Uncomfortable with It

Most of us have an uncomfortable relationship with anger. Maybe we see it as an aggressive, explosive emotion. Maybe we see it as confusing and overwhelming. Maybe we associate it with sadness.

Either way, when we feel the first signs of frustration, many of us ignore it. We push it down. Far down.

And this is precisely what we do with our kids’ anger. When our kids start getting mad, we teach them to ignore it, too. We tell them they shouldn’t get angry. We reprimand them. Stop that!...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-help-your-child-handle-their-anger-even-when-youre-uncomfortable-with-it/

Australian Study Calls for Alert System to Locate Lost Dementia Patients

Dementia patients are at an increased risk of wandering away and getting lost. Such wandering can lead to dangerous outcomes such as malnutrition, increased risk of injury, exhaustion and even death.

In the U.S., several states issue a “Silver Alert,” similar to an Amber Alert for missing children, when an older person is reported as lost. Now Australian researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) recommend a similar system for Australia.

“More than 425,000 Australians...

[Read More ...]

Weight Issues for Youngest Kids Tied to Later Deficits in Memory, Reasoning & IQ

Young children up to two years of age who are on the threshold of being overweight or obese tend to test lower at ages 5 and 8 for perceptual reasoning, working memory and overall IQ, compared to same-age lean children, according to new research published in the journal Obesity.

“The first few years of life are critical for cognition development, and we investigated whether early-life adiposity has an impact on cognitive abilities later in life,” said Dr. Nan Li, lead author and a...

[Read More ...]

Inadequate Treatment for Concussion Called A ‘Public Health Crisis’

More than half of concussion patients seen at top-level trauma centers appear to fall off the radar shortly after diagnosis, allowing for the potential development of long-term problems, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Southern California.

Growing evidence, including two UCSF studies published earlier this month, shows that traumatic brain injuries are tied to an increased risk for neurodegenerative and...

[Read More ...]

How Can Sitting Be Bad for Your Brain?

We have known for some time that sitting for prolonged periods can adversely impact our health. This article published in 2015 discusses some of the negative issues that have been associated with sitting including:

• Impeded cardiovascular and metabolic function
• Depression and psychological distress (for example, a “mental funk”)
• Spike in blood sugar levels
• Increased risk for heart attack, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, arthritis, certain types of cancers, and premature death

As you can...

[Read More ...]

Australian Study Calls for Alert System to Locate Lost Dementia Patients

Dementia patients are at an increased risk of wandering away and getting lost. Such wandering can lead to dangerous outcomes such as malnutrition, increased risk of injury, exhaustion and even death.

In the U.S., several states issue a “Silver Alert,” similar to an Amber Alert for missing children, when an older person is reported as lost. Now Australian researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) recommend a similar system for Australia.

“More than 425,000 Australians...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/27/australian-study-calls-for-alert-system-to-locate-lost-dementia-patients/135687.html

Weight Issues for Youngest Kids Tied to Later Deficits in Memory, Reasoning & IQ

Young children up to two years of age who are on the threshold of being overweight or obese tend to test lower at ages 5 and 8 for perceptual reasoning, working memory and overall IQ, compared to same-age lean children, according to new research published in the journal Obesity.

“The first few years of life are critical for cognition development, and we investigated whether early-life adiposity has an impact on cognitive abilities later in life,” said Dr. Nan Li, lead author and a...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/27/weight-issues-for-youngest-kids-tied-to-later-deficits-in-working-memory-reasoning-iq/135700.html

Inadequate Treatment for Concussion Called A ‘Public Health Crisis’

More than half of concussion patients seen at top-level trauma centers appear to fall off the radar shortly after diagnosis, allowing for the potential development of long-term problems, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Southern California.

Growing evidence, including two UCSF studies published earlier this month, shows that traumatic brain injuries are tied to an increased risk for neurodegenerative and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/27/inadequate-treatment-for-concussion-called-a-public-health-crisis/135694.html

How Can Sitting Be Bad for Your Brain?

We have known for some time that sitting for prolonged periods can adversely impact our health. This article published in 2015 discusses some of the negative issues that have been associated with sitting including:

• Impeded cardiovascular and metabolic function
• Depression and psychological distress (for example, a “mental funk”)
• Spike in blood sugar levels
• Increased risk for heart attack, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, arthritis, certain types of cancers, and premature death

As you can...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-can-sitting-be-bad-for-your-brain/

The 5 Healthy Ways People in Happy Marriages Fight

Amazing love doesn’t happen by accident.

Oftentimes, couples are negative and sarcastic in their communication with one another. This often happens when they feel they haven’t been heard by their spouse, or that their spouse just doesn’t care about what they have to say.

Unfortunately, when people feel put down or unimportant, they become angry and resentful. Negativity and sarcasm become even more pronounced in their relationship. Everything that is said between the two people...

[Read More ...]

Only One Week Left to Join the Global Hope Challenge

Only one week left to share your story for hope! What is the one thing you turn to when feeling hopeless, anxious, depressed or stressed? Share on our HeroX platform where the top three videos will win prize money ($1,000, $500, and $250).

Kicking things off with powerful submissions from Jack.org’s network of young leaders, the goal is to help inspire others to create, maintain, and sustain hope by sharing a 30-second video of what individuals do in their darkest hour to get through...

[Read More ...]

Smartphone-Based Treatment May Rival Therapy for Severely Mentally Ill

A new study finds that a mobile phone intervention, commonly referred to as mHealth, may be as effective as a clinic-based group intervention for people with serious mental illness.

For the study, researchers compared the mHealth approach (FOCUS) to a more traditional clinic-based group intervention, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). The research team, led by Dror Ben-Zeev, Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Seattle, analyzed the differences in treatment engagement,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/26/smartphone-based-treatment-may-rival-therapy-for-severely-mentally-ill/135691.html

Self-Regulation May Be Critical to Early Language & Literacy

Reading bedtime stories isn’t the only key to success in developing language and literacy at a young age, according to a new study.

Researchers from Michigan State University found that a child’s ability to self-regulate is a critical element in childhood language and literacy development.

They also found that the earlier children can hone these skills, the faster language and literacy skills develop, leading to better skills in the long run.

“Self-regulation is an umbrella term to...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/26/self-regulation-may-be-critical-to-early-language-literacy/135670.html

Study: African-Americans, Latinos Have Higher Risk for Depression

A new study finds that African-Americans and Latinos are significantly more likely to experience serious depression than whites.

The study also found that African-Americans and Latinos were more likely to have higher levels of chronic stress and more unhealthy behaviors.

To examine the relationship between unhealthy behaviors, chronic stress, and risk of depression by race and ethnicity, researchers used data collected on 12,272 participants, aged 40 to 70 years, from 2005 to 2012.

The data...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/26/study-african-americans-latinos-have-higher-risk-for-depression/135667.html

Psychology Around the Net: May 26, 2018

Happy Saturday, Psych Central readers!

This week’s Psychology Around the Net covers why we get so annoyed when we receive unsolicited advice, how technology (like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant) could be negatively affecting the way children learn to communicate, a new mental health guide in graphic novel format, and more.

Psychologists Have Identified a Very Good Reason Why Unsolicited Advice Is So Annoying: Over the course of several studies, psychologists have found that...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-around-the-net-may-26-2018/

Smartphone-Based Treatment May Rival Therapy for Severely Mentally Ill

A new study finds that a mobile phone intervention, commonly referred to as mHealth, may be as effective as a clinic-based group intervention for people with serious mental illness.

For the study, researchers compared the mHealth approach (FOCUS) to a more traditional clinic-based group intervention, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). The research team, led by Dror Ben-Zeev, Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Seattle, analyzed the differences in treatment engagement,...

[Read More ...]

Self-Regulation May Be Critical to Early Language & Literacy

Reading bedtime stories isn’t the only key to success in developing language and literacy at a young age, according to a new study.

Researchers from Michigan State University found that a child’s ability to self-regulate is a critical element in childhood language and literacy development.

They also found that the earlier children can hone these skills, the faster language and literacy skills develop, leading to better skills in the long run.

“Self-regulation is an umbrella term to...

[Read More ...]

Study: African-Americans, Latinos Have Higher Risk for Depression

A new study finds that African-Americans and Latinos are significantly more likely to experience serious depression than whites.

The study also found that African-Americans and Latinos were more likely to have higher levels of chronic stress and more unhealthy behaviors.

To examine the relationship between unhealthy behaviors, chronic stress, and risk of depression by race and ethnicity, researchers used data collected on 12,272 participants, aged 40 to 70 years, from 2005 to 2012.

The data...

[Read More ...]

Psychology Around the Net: May 26, 2018

Happy Saturday, Psych Central readers!

This week’s Psychology Around the Net covers why we get so annoyed when we receive unsolicited advice, how technology (like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant) could be negatively affecting the way children learn to communicate, a new mental health guide in graphic novel format, and more.

Psychologists Have Identified a Very Good Reason Why Unsolicited Advice Is So Annoying: Over the course of several studies, psychologists have found that...

[Read More ...]

Healthy People from Alcoholic Families Release More Dopamine in Expectation of Alcohol

Healthy individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) release more dopamine in the brain’s primary reward center in the expectation of alcohol than those who are actually diagnosed with the disorder, or healthy people without any family history of AUD, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging.

“This exaggerated reward center stimulation by expectation of alcohol may put the [individuals with family...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/25/healthy-people-from-alcoholic-families-release-more-dopamine-in-expectation-of-alcohol/135658.html

Depression May Speed Up Brain Aging

Depression is associated with accelerated brain aging, according to a new study by psychologists at the University of Sussex in England.

While previous research has shown that individuals with depression or anxiety have a greater risk for dementia in later life, this new study is the first to provide solid evidence for depression’s impact on the decline in overall cognitive function in the general population.

For the study, the researchers conducted a systematic review of 34 longitudinal...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/25/depression-may-speed-up-brain-aging/135654.html

Best of Our Blogs: May 25, 2018

Mental illness affects everyone.

It’s not always apparent that someone is suffering. Many people are highly functioning and seeking treatment while succeeding in their every day lives.

While many of us struggle with illness in silence, healing requires a systematic approach. It entails compassion and a decision to love rather than continue to radiate fear.

I hope that as mental health awareness month comes to a close this May, we all do our part to make an effort to slough away judgment,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-may-25-2018/

Healthy People from Alcoholic Families Release More Dopamine in Expectation of Alcohol

Healthy individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) release more dopamine in the brain’s primary reward center in the expectation of alcohol than those who are actually diagnosed with the disorder, or healthy people without any family history of AUD, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging.

“This exaggerated reward center stimulation by expectation of alcohol may put the [individuals with family...

[Read More ...]

Depression May Speed Up Brain Aging

Depression is associated with accelerated brain aging, according to a new study by psychologists at the University of Sussex in England.

While previous research has shown that individuals with depression or anxiety have a greater risk for dementia in later life, this new study is the first to provide solid evidence for depression’s impact on the decline in overall cognitive function in the general population.

For the study, the researchers conducted a systematic review of 34 longitudinal...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: May 25, 2018

Mental illness affects everyone.

It’s not always apparent that someone is suffering. Many people are highly functioning and seeking treatment while succeeding in their every day lives.

While many of us struggle with illness in silence, healing requires a systematic approach. It entails compassion and a decision to love rather than continue to radiate fear.

I hope that as mental health awareness month comes to a close this May, we all do our part to make an effort to slough away judgment,...

[Read More ...]

How PTSD From Military Service Can Impact College Studies

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by traumatic military experiences is associated with feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness and/or guilt. New Penn State research suggests PTSD symptoms can also increase risks for academic difficulties.

In the new study, Dr. Steffany Fredman, assistant professor of human development and family studies explored the process by which PTSD symptoms may contribute to academic problems in student veterans.

“Many of these former service members are...

[Read More ...]

Genetic Mutations Help ID New Brain Development Disorder

Scientists have identified a new genetic neurodevelopmental disease that can cause growth delays, seizures and learning problems in humans. Their findings are published in the journal eLife.

The disorder is caused by a recessive mutation in the gene CAMK2A, known for its role in regulating learning and memory in animals. The researchers believe that dysfunctional CAMK2 genes could be contributing to other neurological disorders as well, such as epilepsy and autism. The findings could open...

[Read More ...]

Podcast: Diverse Diseases, Allied Advocates

Listen to part two of the episode recorded live on location at HealtheVoices 2018. (Part one was posted last week, so check it out if you haven’t, already.) In this continuation of the multi-advocate panel discussion, our panelists talk about the most difficult aspect of their advocacy and how they deal with it. They also address misconceptions and ignorance about their diseases, such as the difference between AIDS and HIV or IBD and IBS, the fact that lupus is not contagious, and that...

[Read More ...]

How PTSD From Military Service Can Impact College Studies

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by traumatic military experiences is associated with feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness and/or guilt. New Penn State research suggests PTSD symptoms can also increase risks for academic difficulties.

In the new study, Dr. Steffany Fredman, assistant professor of human development and family studies explored the process by which PTSD symptoms may contribute to academic problems in student veterans.

“Many of these former service members are...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/24/how-ptsd-from-military-service-can-impact-college-studies/135634.html

Genetic Mutations Help ID New Brain Development Disorder

Scientists have identified a new genetic neurodevelopmental disease that can cause growth delays, seizures and learning problems in humans. Their findings are published in the journal eLife.

The disorder is caused by a recessive mutation in the gene CAMK2A, known for its role in regulating learning and memory in animals. The researchers believe that dysfunctional CAMK2 genes could be contributing to other neurological disorders as well, such as epilepsy and autism. The findings could open...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/24/genetic-mutations-help-id-new-brain-development-disorder/135638.html

Podcast: Diverse Diseases, Allied Advocates

Listen to part two of the episode recorded live on location at HealtheVoices 2018. (Part one was posted last week, so check it out if you haven’t, already.) In this continuation of the multi-advocate panel discussion, our panelists talk about the most difficult aspect of their advocacy and how they deal with it. They also address misconceptions and ignorance about their diseases, such as the difference between AIDS and HIV or IBD and IBS, the fact that lupus is not contagious, and that...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-hev2/

Behavioral Health Counseling Program Aims to Combat Opioid Crisis

“Given the sheer magnitude of the opioid crisis in this country, we are going to need more addictions counselors than ever before."

[Read More ...]

Behavioral Health Counseling Program Aims to Combat Opioid Crisis

“Given the sheer magnitude of the opioid crisis in this country, we are going to need more addictions counselors than ever before."

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/behavioral-health-counseling-program-aims-combat-opioid-crisis

Does Marriage Increase Risk of Diabetes?

A Scandinavian study suggests the risk for diabetes is influenced by the home environment and especially by your partner. Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have found a connection between the BMI of one spouse and the other spouse’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Prevention of diabetes is a major public health goal as the disease has serious complications, some of which may have developed by the time the disease is detected. Investigators...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/23/does-marriage-increase-risk-of-diabetes/135599.html

Study: Suicide Rates for Black Kids Under 13 Double That of Whites

Suicide rates among whites have traditionally been higher than for blacks in the United States. However, a new study shows that the racial differences in suicide rates may be age-specific. The findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reveal that suicide rates for black children aged 5-12 are approximately double than that for white children of similar ages.

“Our findings provide further evidence of a significant age-related racial disparity in childhood suicide rates and rebut the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/23/study-suicide-rates-for-black-kids-under-13-double-that-of-whites/135603.html

11 Ways to Simplify and Enjoy Your Life More

“Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.” – Henry David Thoreau

If the idea of simplifying your life is appealing, you might be more motivated and likely to get started on this goal if you can find an easier way to do it. Complicated lists filled with difficult tasks won’t get the job done.  What will, however, are ways that are both easily-understood and generally easier to do and have the added benefit of helping you get more enjoyment out of life. Here are 11...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/11-ways-to-simplify-and-enjoy-your-life-more/

Does Marriage Increase Risk of Diabetes?

A Scandinavian study suggests the risk for diabetes is influenced by the home environment and especially by your partner. Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have found a connection between the BMI of one spouse and the other spouse’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Prevention of diabetes is a major public health goal as the disease has serious complications, some of which may have developed by the time the disease is detected. Investigators...

[Read More ...]

Study: Suicide Rates for Black Kids Under 13 Double That of Whites

Suicide rates among whites have traditionally been higher than for blacks in the United States. However, a new study shows that the racial differences in suicide rates may be age-specific. The findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reveal that suicide rates for black children aged 5-12 are approximately double than that for white children of similar ages.

“Our findings provide further evidence of a significant age-related racial disparity in childhood suicide rates and rebut the...

[Read More ...]

11 Ways to Simplify and Enjoy Your Life More

“Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.” – Henry David Thoreau

If the idea of simplifying your life is appealing, you might be more motivated and likely to get started on this goal if you can find an easier way to do it. Complicated lists filled with difficult tasks won’t get the job done.  What will, however, are ways that are both easily-understood and generally easier to do and have the added benefit of helping you get more enjoyment out of life. Here are 11...

[Read More ...]

What Should Teen Rehab Provide?

Sometimes, for the young person, simply being removed from the environment where the dysfunction is occurring for a short while helps more than anything else.

There are benefits and challenges to sending a teenager to rehab, both for the parents and the teen. Being away from home and friends, disgruntled peers, feeling alienated and misunderstood by therapists and treatment center staff and a bevy of new rules can all create upheaval. For adolescents, whose emotions are already more...

[Read More ...]

How I Met the Woman Behind Schizophrenic.NYC

When I first met Michelle Hammer, she made exactly zero impression. I remember the conference we were both attending, but I don’t remember her. I have some vague recollection of a loud, inappropriate woman talking about meeting men on Tinder, but to this day, she claims it wasn’t her.

My first memory of “meeting” Michelle is was when she emailed about being a guest on The Psych Central Show. The email was pretty short and, frankly, not very inspiring:

“I’ve been following your...

[Read More ...]

If You’re Always Feeling Blue, Is Treatment Right for You?

Sierra Tucson's Mood and Anxiety Program is designed to treat people with disorders such as depression, OCD, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, among others.

[Read More ...]

If You’re Always Feeling Blue, Is Treatment Right for You?

Sierra Tucson's Mood and Anxiety Program is designed to treat people with disorders such as depression, OCD, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, among others.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/if-you-re-always-feeling-blue-treatment-right-you

Younger Kids Already Grasp Plant-Animal Interdependence

In a new Spanish study, researchers discovered that when young children (ages 4 to 7) were asked to create spontaneous drawings of plants, they demonstrated a clear understanding of the interdependent relationship between plants and animals.

According to the researchers, this suggests that concepts related to biology, the environment and sustainability can be easily incorporated into early education classrooms.

Throughout the last five years, the researchers from the University of the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/22/younger-kids-already-grasp-plant-animal-interdependence/135578.html

More Exercise Helps Larger Arteries Stay Young

As people age, the arteries that transport blood in and out of the heart are prone to hardening or stiffening, increasing the risk of heart disease. Although any form of exercise reduces the overall risk of death from heart problems, a new study finds different sizes of arteries are affected differently by varying amounts of exercise.

The new study discovered 2-3 days a week of 30 minutes exercise may be sufficient to minimize stiffening of middle sized arteries. However, exercising 4-5...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/22/exercise-helps-heart-stay-young/135574.html

Best of Our Blogs: May 22, 2018

We all have different strengths, skills and tools to support us during difficult life events. What do you pull from when things get hard?

New challenges forces us to develop new ways of building hope, support and resilience.

Support groups online and in person, for example, can help us feel less alone.

Therapy can give us individualized treatment and teach us ways to also feel supported.

Books and blog posts can provide an alternative view.

What tools can support you during these...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-may-22-2018/

Younger Kids Already Grasp Plant-Animal Interdependence

In a new Spanish study, researchers discovered that when young children (ages 4 to 7) were asked to create spontaneous drawings of plants, they demonstrated a clear understanding of the interdependent relationship between plants and animals.

According to the researchers, this suggests that concepts related to biology, the environment and sustainability can be easily incorporated into early education classrooms.

Throughout the last five years, the researchers from the University of the...

[Read More ...]

More Exercise Helps Larger Arteries Stay Young

As people age, the arteries that transport blood in and out of the heart are prone to hardening or stiffening, increasing the risk of heart disease. Although any form of exercise reduces the overall risk of death from heart problems, a new study finds different sizes of arteries are affected differently by varying amounts of exercise.

The new study discovered 2-3 days a week of 30 minutes exercise may be sufficient to minimize stiffening of middle sized arteries. However, exercising 4-5...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: May 22, 2018

We all have different strengths, skills and tools to support us during difficult life events. What do you pull from when things get hard?

New challenges forces us to develop new ways of building hope, support and resilience.

Support groups online and in person, for example, can help us feel less alone.

Therapy can give us individualized treatment and teach us ways to also feel supported.

Books and blog posts can provide an alternative view.

What tools can support you during these...

[Read More ...]

Free Webinar: Telling Your Mental Health Recovery Story

(Please note: This free live webinar will be recorded and a copy made available to all who registered.)

Words have immense power. Whether they are the inscription on the Statue of Liberty or a love letter to your sweetest and dearest, words matter, and stories move people. If you are ready (or… nearly ready) to tell your mental health recovery story, this informative and entertaining webinar by OC87 Recovery Diaries Editor in Chief Gabriel Nathan is for you.

FOUR TAKE-A-WAYS FROM THIS...

[Read More ...]

5 Best Practices for Maintaining Good Mental Health

Mental health rarely gets the credibility it deserves. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, 43.8 million adults in America experience mental health issues in a given year. These millions of people are experiencing an invisible, or hidden, disability. Hidden disabilities may not be visible to the naked eye, but they still significantly impact the people who have them. Individuals with hidden disabilities often report that people question the legitimacy of the...

[Read More ...]

Science News » Age-Related Racial Disparity in Suicide Rates Among U.S. Youth

Researchers have discovered an age-related racial disparity in suicide rates for U.S. youth between the ages of 5 and 17. The findings suggest a need for more research into contributing factors and targeted interventions for children.
[Read More ...]

What Is the Success Rate of Rehab?

ABT's level of care and commitment demonstrates that a “success rate” means something much more than a percentage.

[Read More ...]

What Is the Success Rate of Rehab?

ABT's level of care and commitment demonstrates that a “success rate” means something much more than a percentage.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/what-success-rate-rehab

Survey: Anxiety in US On the Rise, Especially About Finances

Within the past year, anxiety among Americans has increased substantially, particularly around the issue of paying bills, according to a national poll recently released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

On a scale of 1 to 100, this year’s overall national anxiety score is 51 — a five-point jump since 2017. Higher anxiety scores were seen across several age groups, across people of different races and ethnicities, and among men and women.

Survey respondents rated their...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/21/survey-anxiety-in-us-on-the-rise-especially-about-finances/135558.html

Brain Stimulation Shows Promise as Obesity Treatment

Stimulating the brain to alter its intrinsic reward system shows promise in the treatment of obesity, according to results presented at the 2018 European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting.

According to researchers, the technique has yielded positive results after just a single treatment session, revealing its potential to become a safer alternative to treat obesity, avoiding invasive surgery and drug side effects.

Obesity is a global epidemic, with approximately 650 million adults and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/21/brain-stimulation-shows-promise-as-obesity-treatment/135492.html

Ep 10: Schizophrenia & Bipolar Symptoms: 2 Truths and a Lie Edition

Listener favorite Two Truths and One Lie returns, but with a twist. Gabe and Michelle each share three stories about specific symptoms they have of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (respectively). All six of these examples are believed to be factual by many people, but only four of them are accurate. After sharing the examples, Gabe and Michelle challenge each other to guess which two of their symptoms are real and which one is a lie.

Subscribe to Our Show:
And Please Share &...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/ep-10-schizophrenia-bipolar-symptoms-2-truths-and-a-lie-edition/

Survey: Anxiety in US On the Rise, Especially About Finances

Within the past year, anxiety among Americans has increased substantially, particularly around the issue of paying bills, according to a national poll recently released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

On a scale of 1 to 100, this year’s overall national anxiety score is 51 — a five-point jump since 2017. Higher anxiety scores were seen across several age groups, across people of different races and ethnicities, and among men and women.

Survey respondents rated their...

[Read More ...]

Brain Stimulation Shows Promise as Obesity Treatment

Stimulating the brain to alter its intrinsic reward system shows promise in the treatment of obesity, according to results presented at the 2018 European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting.

According to researchers, the technique has yielded positive results after just a single treatment session, revealing its potential to become a safer alternative to treat obesity, avoiding invasive surgery and drug side effects.

Obesity is a global epidemic, with approximately 650 million adults and...

[Read More ...]

Ep 10: Schizophrenia & Bipolar Symptoms: 2 Truths and a Lie Edition

Listener favorite Two Truths and One Lie returns, but with a twist. Gabe and Michelle each share three stories about specific symptoms they have of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (respectively). All six of these examples are believed to be factual by many people, but only four of them are accurate. After sharing the examples, Gabe and Michelle challenge each other to guess which two of their symptoms are real and which one is a lie.

Subscribe to Our Show:
And Please Share &...

[Read More ...]

A Relationship Between Rehabilitation and Resentment

I’ve tried again and again to overcome feelings of isolation, self-loathing and disconnection from the world around me. I try to form friendships, and be a part of, with limited success and sometimes disastrous results.

It took several years of clean time in a 12-step program for me to fully appreciate how much resentment I had accumulated and why I continued my relationship with resentment. I remember the first time I heard the phrase “resentments are like drinking a cup of poison and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/a-relationship-between-rehabilitation-and-resentment/

A Relationship Between Rehabilitation and Resentment

I’ve tried again and again to overcome feelings of isolation, self-loathing and disconnection from the world around me. I try to form friendships, and be a part of, with limited success and sometimes disastrous results.

It took several years of clean time in a 12-step program for me to fully appreciate how much resentment I had accumulated and why I continued my relationship with resentment. I remember the first time I heard the phrase “resentments are like drinking a cup of poison and...

[Read More ...]

Anxiety and Your “What If Calculator”

Some universities provide a “what if calculator” to help students project possible grades. It provides the percentage they need on each test to get their desired grade at the end of the course. Based on what they would like their final grade to be, they can decide how much work and effort to put into studying for their final exam.

If we all had a what if calculator to forecast our future, life would be so much easier!

We could say we all are in a possession of a what if calculator.[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/anxiety-and-your-what-if-calculator/

Aging Stereotypes Buffered by Cultural Cues in Chinese Elders

“Stereotype threat” is the fear that you will confirm to yourself or others that a negative stereotype about a group you belong to is true.

For example, research has shown that older adults who have a fear of becoming the stereotypical “elderly person with dementia” are more likely to perform more poorly on tests of cognition. And since cognitive tests are often included during annual wellness exams for older people, a poor performance due to stereotype threat can actually lead to a...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/20/aging-stereotypes-buffered-by-cultural-cues-in-chinese-elders/135527.html

Anxiety and Your “What If Calculator”

Some universities provide a “what if calculator” to help students project possible grades. It provides the percentage they need on each test to get their desired grade at the end of the course. Based on what they would like their final grade to be, they can decide how much work and effort to put into studying for their final exam.

If we all had a what if calculator to forecast our future, life would be so much easier!

We could say we all are in a possession of a what if calculator.[Read More ...]

Aging Stereotypes Buffered by Cultural Cues in Chinese Elders

“Stereotype threat” is the fear that you will confirm to yourself or others that a negative stereotype about a group you belong to is true.

For example, research has shown that older adults who have a fear of becoming the stereotypical “elderly person with dementia” are more likely to perform more poorly on tests of cognition. And since cognitive tests are often included during annual wellness exams for older people, a poor performance due to stereotype threat can actually lead to a...

[Read More ...]

Smarter Brains Seem to Run More Efficiently

The more intelligent a person, the fewer connections there are between the neurons in his cerebral cortex, according to new research.

For the study, researchers at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Germany, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute in Albuquerque used a specific neuroimaging technique that provides insights into the wiring of the brain on a microstructural level.

Researchers...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/20/smarter-brains-seem-to-run-more-efficiently/135495.html

Study Finds Our Brains are Obsessed with Being Social

Our brains are obsessed with being social even when we are not in social situations, according to a new study.

The new research demonstrates how our brains consolidate new social information during rest, according to a researcher at Dartmouth College.

Published in Cerebral Cortex, the study shows how two regions of the brain experience increased connectivity during rest after encoding new social information, said lead author Dr. Meghan L. Meyer, an assistant professor of psychological and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/20/study-finds-our-brains-are-obsessed-with-being-social/135501.html

Everyone Has Superpowers. How Are You Using Yours?

Comic books and movies are full of superheroes with magical powers. But we too have superpowers that can be activated anytime and help us live a conscious and intentional life.

Here are some of them…

The Superpower of Self-Awareness

This power enables you to have insight into your own inner processes: how you tick, your conscious and subconscious beliefs and values, your strengths, skills and weaknesses.

When you know and appreciate what makes you uniquely You — even if you are not...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/everyone-has-superpowers-how-are-you-using-yours/

Smarter Brains Seem to Run More Efficiently

The more intelligent a person, the fewer connections there are between the neurons in his cerebral cortex, according to new research.

For the study, researchers at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Germany, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute in Albuquerque used a specific neuroimaging technique that provides insights into the wiring of the brain on a microstructural level.

Researchers...

[Read More ...]

Study Finds Our Brains are Obsessed with Being Social

Our brains are obsessed with being social even when we are not in social situations, according to a new study.

The new research demonstrates how our brains consolidate new social information during rest, according to a researcher at Dartmouth College.

Published in Cerebral Cortex, the study shows how two regions of the brain experience increased connectivity during rest after encoding new social information, said lead author Dr. Meghan L. Meyer, an assistant professor of psychological and...

[Read More ...]

Everyone Has Superpowers. How Are You Using Yours?

Comic books and movies are full of superheroes with magical powers. But we too have superpowers that can be activated anytime and help us live a conscious and intentional life.

Here are some of them…

The Superpower of Self-Awareness

This power enables you to have insight into your own inner processes: how you tick, your conscious and subconscious beliefs and values, your strengths, skills and weaknesses.

When you know and appreciate what makes you uniquely You — even if you are not...

[Read More ...]