Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress For college students seeking to improve their mental health, a potential answer may be right outside their window: birdwatching. Read More
Mental health first-aid training may enhance mental health support in prison settings According to Rutgers Health researchers, training correctional officers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for adults, a 7.5-hour national education program from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, may help provide them with the necessary skills to effectively identify signs and symptoms of mental distress and advocate for incarcerated individuals facing mental health crises. Read More
Exploring how brain chemistry influences formation of political opinions Researchers are exploring a new theory on how the chemistry of the brain causes people to form political opinions. James Cook University neuroscientist Professor Zoltan Sarnyai was part of an international team exploring the threat-based neural switch theory, which they hope will calm the political landscape and help people make more considered judgments. Read More
Largest quantitative synthesis to date reveals what predicts human behavior and how to change it Pandemics, global warming, and rampant gun violence are all clear lessons in the need to move large groups of people to change their behavior. When a crisis hits, researchers, policymakers, health officials, and community leaders have to know how best to encourage people to change en masse and quickly. Read More
Children and adolescents enjoy learning new words, study finds New research led by academics at Royal Holloway, University of London, published in Developmental Science, suggests that children and adolescents remain excited by learning new words, all the way until adulthood. Read More
American adults polled express increasing anxiousness—stress, sleep key factors impacting mental health The 2024 results of the American Psychiatric Association's annual mental health poll show that U.S. adults are feeling increasingly anxious. In 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. Adults are particularly anxious about current events (70%)—especially the economy (77%), the 2024 U.S. election (73%), and gun violence (69%). Read More
Research shows how low intensity light applied to brain-gut axis can fight the effects of chronic stress Some neurological disorders can be improved through photobiomodulation, a non-invasive technique based on the application of low-intensity light to stimulate altered functions in specific regions of the body. Read More
Psychologist says our own enjoyment of nature can also benefit Earth itself Have you heard that getting out into nature can be good for your health? Read More
AI can tell if a patient battling cancer needs mental health support Researchers at UBC and BC Cancer have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) model that can accurately predict if a person receiving cancer care will require mental health services during their treatment journey. Read More
Economy, election spur rising anxiety among Americans in 2024 A looming presidential election, continued economic struggles and the threat of gun violence have a rising number of Americans more anxious this year compared to last, a new poll finds. Read More