It’s well-established that mental health among adolescents has declined over the past two decades, and researchers have been working to understand why more young people are dying by suicide. [Read more…]
What’s Driving Suicidal Thoughts in Young People?
What We Know About Self-Regulation and Technology Among Kids
Nearly half of teenagers report being online nearly constantly, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. And “screen-time” is pervasive among younger children, surveys show.
There’s no question that today’s youth are growing up in a culture ruled by digital technology. This phenomenon affects almost every aspect of their lives, including educational opportunities, social interactions, and personal development. Self-regulation—the ability to control impulses, organize behavior, and problem-solve constructively—is an important aspect that affects how young people interact with digital technology. [Read more…]
Are Left-Handed People Really More Creative?
Have you heard the common trope that left-handed people are more successful in creative endeavors? There are plenty of anecdotal examples to make the case: Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga, to name a few. [Read more…]
Black Students Still Receive More Punishment in Schools
In 2018, a ground-breaking analysis of federal education data clearly established that Black students are disproportionately disciplined in public schools.
Since then, researchers have documented the negative effects of this disparity—encouraging defiance; harming academic achievement, school climate, and mental health; and accelerating exposure to the juvenile justice system. In response, some schools have implemented new policies and practices designed to reduce racial disparities in punishment. [Read more…]
Technology Use May Slow Cognitive Decline
The baby boomers are the first generation that has navigated adulthood using digital technology. The oldest baby boomers were around 25 when the first e-mail was sent; they were the first generation to have home computers and personal smartphones. [Read more…]
Does Social Class Influence Generosity?
For decades, researchers have debated how social class affects a person’s likelihood of helping others.
There are two main schools of thought on the topic. One hypothesizes that because lower-income individuals rely more on social networks, they are more likely to be generous. The other hypothesizes that because higher-income individuals have more resources, they are more likely to be generous. [Read more…]
Yoga Supports Wellness at the Molecular Level
Yoga is growing in popularity. In 2022, nearly 17 percent of adults in America reported practicing yoga, a significant increase compared to 10 years earlier, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Read more…]
Does Online Therapy Work For Kids?
Approximately 20% of teens in the U.S. experience depression by age 17. And data shows that among youth across the globe, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read more…]
How Social Media Impacts Psychiatric Symptoms
Social media has transformed the way people interact with each other and the world. Across the globe, researchers have documented political, social, emotional, and even health implications related to these ever-evolving platforms.
A new systematic review seeks to better understand how social media use affects people with pre-existing mental health disorders, specifically psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. [Read more…]
Men’s Social Networks Decline Significantly as They Age
Researchers have known for several decades that a robust social support network improves overall well-being for people of all ages.
Those with stronger support networks tend to experience a positive mood more often, recover more quickly from health issues, and even live longer. And there is evidence that loneliness and isolation are linked to many health issues: sleep problems, inflammation, pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, suicide, and self-harm and dementia. [Read more…]
The Gender Gap in Online Reviews
Americans are shopping online in record numbers this holiday season, according to an analysis by Adobe Analytics. Online shopping certainly comes with added convenience: No traffic, no long lines, and a larger selection of available items—not to mention you can shop while wearing pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. But it can also be tricky to figure out exactly what you’re getting: How will that sweater fit? What do those sheets actually feel like? And do those sneakers really run small? [Read more…]
Use The Holidays To Promote Social Connection
Millions of people will gather with family and friends this week to celebrate what may be one of the most quintessential American holidays, Thanksgiving. For most people, the holiday revolves around turkey, football, and the start of the holiday shopping season. More Americans are also focusing on gratitude – the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving – which is demonstrated to promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
But there’s another aspect of Thanksgiving that is worth focusing on: gathering. [Read more…]