News by Subject Social & Behavior

Boston College researchers found that 50 percent of adults reported anxiety and 44 percent reported depression between April and November 2020 - rates six times higher than 2019 - according to a new report in the journal Translational Behavioral Medicine. Rates of anxiety and depression were nearly twice as high for young adults than for older adults, and were also elevated among Blacks and Hispanics, less educated adults, women, and single parents, according to surveys of 1.5 million Americans.

Genome wide analyses have revealed that MSEI, a gene linked with anemia is also associated with insomnia. The correlation between the two conditions, however, remains largely unexplored in adults. Thus, in a cross-sectional study, researchers assessed the relation between anemia and insomnia in a large Chinese cohort. Their findings, published in Chinese Medical Journal, suggest that anemia increases the risk of insomnia. Further studies can help elucidate the underlying molecular and physiological associations.

New research has found that childhood adversity, such as parental conflict, death of a close family member or serious injury, before the age of nine was associated with mental health problems in late adolescence.

A new study has highlighted that while much is known about the ever increasing uptake of antidepressant medications around the world, there is very little evidence on safe and effective approaches to discontinuing treatment.

A new study finds that overconsumption, overpopulation and uncertainty about the future are among the top concerns of those who say climate change is affecting their reproductive decision-making.

Substantial proportions of nearly 7,000 pregnant or postpartum women surveyed around the world reported elevated anxiety, depression, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress due to COVID-19. Seeking information about the pandemic five or more times a day or worrying about children and childcare or economic concerns were linked with worse mental health in women. Public health campaigns and medical care systems should explicitly address the impact of COVID-19-related stressors on mental health in pregnant and postpartum women.

Addressing a much-debated question about the impact of stress on survival in wild, nonhuman primates, a new multi-decadal study involving 242 wild female baboons found evidence to support chronic stress as a significant factor affecting survival. The study found that a female baboon with a stress response - as reflected in fecal glucocorticoid concentrations, a biomarker.

After undergoing treatment for cancer, patients may worry that the disease will recur. An analysis of studies published in Psycho-Oncology indicates that fear of cancer recurrence may lead to an increased use of healthcare resources -- such as more visits to see physicians and greater use of medications -- by cancer survivors.

A Texas A&M researcher is discovering the demographic characteristics that can produce or lessen stress for racial and ethnic minority students in school settings.