DATE: June 02, 2025 at 08:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

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TITLE: Screen time and physical activity habits linked to adolescent stress and depression

URL: https://www.psypost.org/screen-time-and-physical-activity-habits-linked-to-adolescent-stress-and-depression/

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that higher physical activity and lower screen time from childhood through adolescence are associated with lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms by age 15. The research followed over 500 Finnish children for eight years and found that young people who engaged in more supervised exercise and spent less time on computers and mobile devices reported better mental health outcomes in their teen years. The associations were particularly strong for screen time, especially mobile device use, which was linked to higher levels of perceived stress and depression.

Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are major public health concerns among adolescents worldwide. These conditions often begin during the teenage years and are the leading cause of disability among young people. In Finland, mental health disorders are the most common reason adolescents receive sickness benefits.

Given the widespread nature of these challenges, the researchers wanted to explore which lifestyle behaviors—such as physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and diet—might act as risk or protective factors for developing mental health problems.

“Mental health problems in adolescents are an increasing issue also in Finland, and we need more information about possible risk and protective factors. We know that a variety of lifestyle factors—such as physical activity, screen time, and diet—may influence mental health, but there is still little information on how these factors from childhood are related to later mental health in adolescents,” said study author Eero A. Haapala, a senior lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä.

Previous studies have shown mixed findings about the impact of physical activity and screen use on mental health. Many have relied on cross-sectional designs that capture just one point in time, rather than tracking habits over a longer period. To build a clearer picture, the researchers designed a prospective study to examine how lifestyle behaviors from childhood through adolescence might relate to stress and depression later on.

The researchers used data from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study, which began in 2007 in Finland. The PANIC study initially included 504 children aged 6 to 9 years. Over the next eight years, researchers conducted follow-ups at two and eight years, collecting data on physical activity, screen time, diet, sleep, and mental health.

At the final follow-up, 187 adolescents (mean age around 15.8 years) had complete self-reported data on lifestyle behaviors and mental health symptoms, while 170 had valid data from wearable devices that measured activity and sleep.

Physical activity and screen time were assessed through both questionnaires and wearable accelerometers. The questionnaires captured how often participants engaged in supervised exercise (such as sports teams), unsupervised physical activity (like playing outdoors), and screen time behaviors (including time spent watching TV, using computers, or mobile devices). Diet quality was evaluated using food diaries, and a Baltic Sea Diet Score was used to rate overall diet quality. Sleep was measured through devices worn continuously for at least four days.

Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Finnish version of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Researchers also recorded background factors such as body fat percentage, pubertal development, and parents’ educational levels to control for their effects in the analyses.

The researchers found that self-reported physical activity—particularly supervised exercise—was linked to lower levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. On the other hand, higher total screen time, especially mobile device use, was associated with higher stress and depressive symptoms.

These associations held even after controlling for body fat and other lifestyle behaviors. For example, adolescents who reported more total screen time across the eight years had moderately higher levels of depression and stress. This was especially true for mobile device use, which had stronger links to depressive symptoms than TV or computer use.

Interestingly, device-assessed physical activity did not show the same strong relationships with mental health outcomes. In fact, light activity measured by devices was linked to higher stress and depression scores in boys. This unexpected finding could be because light activities like walking or commuting don’t provide the same psychological benefits—such as a sense of accomplishment or social interaction—as structured or vigorous physical activity.

“For parents, I would say that they should balance their kids’ behaviors between active play and screen time,” Haapala told PsyPost. “Some screen time won’t harm if other aspects of life, such as seeing friends, free play, and developing self-esteem through sports, are in balance. It is good to remember that if a kid has two hours of screen time daily, it adds up to almost one month per year—it always replaces something.”

Unexpectedly, the associations between screen time and mental health problems were generally stronger than those of physical activity. Specifically, total screen time and mobile device use showed moderate links to higher levels of depressive symptoms and perceived stress, while the associations between physical activity—especially supervised exercise—and mental health were smaller and less consistent. In fact, many of the beneficial effects of physical activity were reduced when screen time was taken into account.

“That was surprising because we still have better evidence on beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health from randomized controlled trials than we have for screen time,” Haapala said.

The study also found that boys benefited more than girls from higher levels of total and unsupervised physical activity in terms of mental health. In contrast, screen time’s negative association with mental health was consistent across sexes.

While the study had several strengths, such as using both self-reported and device-based measures and tracking behaviors over eight years, it also had limitations. The sample size at the final follow-up was relatively small, which could reduce the ability to detect more subtle effects. There was also a significant amount of missing data, which could bias results.

Another limitation was that the researchers did not assess the specific content of screen time—such as whether adolescents were using social media, playing games, or watching videos—which may have different psychological effects. The study also measured only sleep duration, not sleep quality or disturbances, which can also affect mental health.

Because the study was observational, it cannot establish cause and effect. It’s possible that adolescents with more stress or depressive symptoms may gravitate toward screens or avoid physical activity, rather than the other way around. “We just had an observational study, so cause and effect should be interpreted cautiously,” Haapala said.

To better understand causality, the research team is now applying for funding to run a full-scale randomized controlled trial. This future study will compare the effects of reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, or combining both strategies on mental health outcomes in adolescents.

The study, “Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence,” was authored by Eero A. Haapala, Marja H. Leppänen, Silja Kosola, Kaija Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, Siiri-Liisi Kraav, Juuso J. Jussila, Tommi Tolmunen, David R. Lubans, Aino-Maija Eloranta, Ursula Schwab, and Timo A. Lakka.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/screen-time-and-physical-activity-habits-linked-to-adolescent-stress-and-depression/

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DATE: June 02, 2025 at 06:05AM
SOURCE: STAT NEWS MENTAL HEALTH

TITLE: STAT+: Atai Life Sciences plans to merge with psychedelic startup Beckley Psytech

URL: https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/02/psychedelics-merger-atai-life-sciences-beckley-psytech-smoking-toad/?utm_campaign=rss

Atai Life Sciences, among the most prominent biotechs focused on psychedelic medicines, said Monday it will merge with private psychedelic startup Beckley Psytech, pending results of a trial for a drug based on the practice of “smoking toad.”

The new company will be known as Atai Beckley, with Beckley Psytech shareholders receiving 31% of shares in the entity.  The deal, which values Beckley at $370 million, comes as the Trump Administration has expressed support for the field. 

Beckley’s lead program is a synthetic, intranasal form of 5-meo-dmt, a toxin found on a toad species native to the Sonoran Desert in Mexico and the southwestern United States. “Smoking toad” has surged in popularity in recent years — Hunter Biden and Mike Tyson are both evangelists — sparking both concern for the amphibians’ long-term welfare and efforts to develop synthetic alternatives.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

URL: https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/02/psychedelics-merger-atai-life-sciences-beckley-psytech-smoking-toad/?utm_campaign=rss

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DATE: June 02, 2025 at 06:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

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TITLE: Authoritarianism in parents may hinder a key cognitive skill in their children

URL: https://www.psypost.org/authoritarianism-in-parents-may-hinder-a-key-cognitive-skill-in-their-children/

Children develop the ability to understand what others think and feel—an ability known as theory of mind—through early social interactions, especially with caregivers. A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development suggests that parents’ beliefs about social hierarchy and obedience to authority may shape the development of this socio-cognitive ability.

The researchers set out to explore how broader social and political attitudes held by parents might be linked to their children’s ability to understand others’ perspectives. Previous studies had already shown that children’s theory of mind can be supported by hearing language that refers to thoughts, feelings, desires, and beliefs—what is often called mental state talk.

However, less was known about how parental attitudes toward authority and inequality might influence this kind of talk, especially when discussing people from groups perceived as different. The new study aimed to fill that gap by examining two belief systems: social dominance orientation—the belief that some groups deserve to be dominant over others—and right-wing authoritarianism, or the belief that people should submit to established authorities and social norms.

“I’ve always been interested in social sensitivity and human interactions, but I fell into the topic by virtue of knowing I wanted to work with children, and there being two professors I could work with. One, David R. Olson, was exceptionally nice and happened to be studying theory of mind. I wanted to work with him because I liked him,” said study author Ted Ruffman, a professor of psychology at the University of Otago.

The research team recruited 79 mother-child pairs in New Zealand. All participants were of European ethnicity and spoke English. The children ranged in age from two to nearly six years old, with an average age of about 3.7 years. The researchers assessed the mothers’ social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism using standard psychological questionnaires.

They also measured the children’s language ability and their theory of mind skills using well-established tasks. These included activities like identifying when a character in a story held a false belief or had different desires from others—tasks commonly used in developmental psychology to assess children’s social understanding.

In addition to these assessments, the mothers participated in a picture description task. Each mother was randomly assigned to view a series of images showing either European or Chinese children and asked to describe the pictures to their child “as if reading a storybook.” The photos depicted children expressing different emotions or reaching for objects, and the mothers’ descriptions were recorded and analyzed. The researchers focused on how often the mothers used mental state words like “think,” “feel,” “want,” or “hope,” and categorized them by type, such as cognition, emotion, or desire.

The researchers found that mothers who scored higher in social dominance orientation or right-wing authoritarianism used fewer mental state words when describing the Chinese children, who were considered an outgroup. However, this relationship was not seen when they described pictures of European children, who were considered part of their ingroup. This suggests that the mothers’ attitudes influenced their willingness—or perhaps their ability—to engage in perspective-taking when the target of discussion belonged to a different ethnic group.

Importantly, the researchers also found a broader link between these maternal attitudes and children’s theory of mind scores. Regardless of which set of pictures the mother described, children whose mothers scored higher on social dominance orientation or right-wing authoritarianism performed worse on the theory of mind tasks.

This held true even after accounting for the children’s age, language ability, and the mother’s education level. These results suggest that a parent’s social and political attitudes may influence a child’s social development in more general ways—not just through moment-to-moment interactions, but possibly through broader patterns in parenting and communication.

The study’s findings highlight a potentially important link between a parent’s worldview and a child’s social-cognitive development. If parents who see the world through a lens of hierarchy or strict obedience tend to talk less about thoughts and feelings—especially when discussing people from different backgrounds—children may miss out on opportunities to practice understanding others’ minds. Over time, this could hinder the development of empathy and perspective-taking.

“There are things you can say to your child, talk to them about the mental states and feelings of others, that will help the child become a cooperative and insightful human being,” Ruffman told PsyPost.

As with all research, there are limitations to consider. One is that the study was cross-sectional, meaning it cannot establish cause and effect. It’s possible—though less likely—that children with lower theory of mind somehow influence their parents’ beliefs, or that both are shaped by a third factor like shared temperament or household dynamics. Additionally, the study only included mothers of European ethnicity in New Zealand, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other cultural and demographic groups.

Looking ahead, the researchers suggest that longitudinal studies could provide stronger evidence about the direction of the relationship between parental beliefs and children’s theory of mind. Such studies could also explore whether other factors, like parental empathy or subtle nonverbal behaviors, help explain how these beliefs are transmitted. Given that both social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism have been linked to prejudice and reduced empathy in adults, the idea that they could shape children’s ability to understand others is worth further investigation.

“Don’t fear the truth,” Ruffman added. “Infants might not actually know very much, so let’s not work so hard to show that they do. ‘Big’ journals shouldn’t have a bias to publish early-onset findings (which they clearly do).”

The study, “What she believes or what she says? The relation between maternal social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, mental state talk, and children’s theory of mind,” was authored by Qiuyi Kong, Harry Fraser, Felicia Crysta Elwina, and Ted Ruffman.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/authoritarianism-in-parents-may-hinder-a-key-cognitive-skill-in-their-children/

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DATE: June 01, 2025 at 06:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

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TITLE: Antidepressant withdrawal may be more persistent than doctors realize

URL: https://www.psypost.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-may-be-more-persistent-than-doctors-realize/

People who stop taking antidepressants can experience lingering withdrawal symptoms that last months or even years, according to a new study published in the journal Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. The review, which systematically examined the scientific literature on post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), found that symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances sometimes persist long after medication is discontinued.

The researchers were motivated by growing concerns about the long-term use of antidepressants and the lack of scientific attention paid to what happens when people try to stop. Antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world, and a significant number of users stay on them for years.

Although short-term withdrawal symptoms are well-documented, there has been little research into what happens when withdrawal symptoms linger—what some researchers call post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This study aimed to systematically gather and evaluate existing data on how often PAWS occurs, how long it lasts, how severe it is, what factors might influence it, and what treatments are available.

To do this, the researchers conducted a comprehensive search of major scientific databases, looking for original studies that reported persistent withdrawal symptoms after stopping newer antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They used a predefined protocol and included a wide range of study types—case reports, observational studies, and surveys—so long as they contained original data. Ultimately, the review included seven studies that met their criteria.

The included studies varied widely in methodology and quality. Some were peer-reviewed analyses of posts on online support forums, while others were clinical case reports or small prospective studies. One of the strongest pieces of evidence came from a large real-world randomized controlled trial in the United Kingdom. That trial followed patients who discontinued antidepressants over several months and found that withdrawal symptoms could persist for up to 39 weeks.

In terms of prevalence, one small study provided a rough estimate: in a group of 20 patients who had been prescribed paroxetine for panic disorder and agoraphobia, three individuals (15%) developed PAWS after gradually tapering their medication. This is a limited finding, drawn from a narrow patient population, and cannot be generalized to all antidepressant users. Still, it raises the possibility that persistent withdrawal symptoms are not rare.

When it came to duration, the studies offered a wide range. Reports of PAWS lasting between one and a half months and nearly 14 years were found. On average, durations spanned from several months to a few years. One study based on online self-reports noted an average symptom duration of over two years. The most commonly reported symptoms included mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and sleep difficulties. In some cases, the symptom pattern resembled that of other mental health conditions, making it difficult to distinguish withdrawal from a relapse or a new disorder.

As for severity, several studies described PAWS as having a serious impact on quality of life. One case series reported that symptoms such as emotional instability, agitation, and physical discomfort significantly disrupted patients’ daily functioning. In another study, individuals self-identifying as experiencing PAWS reported that their symptoms were severe and persistent, sometimes causing them to seek help in online forums and support groups.

The study also explored possible risk factors. Long-term use of paroxetine—a commonly prescribed antidepressant—was repeatedly mentioned as a potential contributor to prolonged withdrawal. Other factors, such as the speed of tapering, did not consistently predict the severity or duration of symptoms. In some cases, people who tapered slowly still experienced long-lasting symptoms, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

In terms of treatment, the available options appeared limited and inconclusive. Some individuals found that reinstating the original antidepressant helped alleviate their symptoms, while others did not. A few patients tried other medications like benzodiazepines or beta blockers, with mixed results. One case series reported that cognitive-behavioral therapy seemed to help some patients over the course of several months, but this was based on only a few cases and lacked a control group.

One of the most notable findings of this review was how little high-quality research exists on PAWS. Most studies were based on self-reported data from online communities, which, while valuable, cannot provide definitive evidence due to selection bias and lack of medical verification.

Only one study used a randomized controlled design, and even that study did not include drugs like paroxetine or venlafaxine, which are known to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. The authors note that this lack of rigorous research makes it impossible to estimate how common or severe PAWS truly is in the general population.

This evidence gap has significant implications for clinical practice. Many doctors may be unaware of PAWS or may misinterpret persistent withdrawal symptoms as a return of the original mental health condition. This can lead to patients being placed back on medication unnecessarily or being diagnosed with a new disorder. Without clearer diagnostic guidelines or validated tools to distinguish PAWS from relapse, clinicians may struggle to provide appropriate care.

The researchers conclude that much more work is needed to understand PAWS. Larger, well-designed studies are necessary to determine how widespread the problem is and to identify which patients are most at risk. Randomized controlled trials are also needed to test potential treatments.

The study, “Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) after stopping antidepressants: a systematic review with meta-narrative synthesis,” was authored by Andri Rennwald and Michael P. Hengartner.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-may-be-more-persistent-than-doctors-realize/

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DATE: June 01, 2025 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

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TITLE: Playing Fortnite linked to stronger peer relationships in boys

URL: https://www.psypost.org/playing-fortnite-linked-to-stronger-peer-relationships-in-boys/

A new study published in the Games for Health Journal suggests that the types of digital games elementary school boys play—and the amount of time they spend playing them—are related to their social skills. While some games like Clash of Clans and Fortnite were linked to stronger peer relationships and positive social behaviors, others such as Mortal Kombat were associated with higher aggression and antisocial tendencies. How long a child plays appears to matter more than what they play, with longer playtimes generally predicting more negative social outcomes.

The researchers conducted this study to better understand how digital games affect children’s social development, a topic that has long been debated. Some argue that video games promote isolation and aggression, while others suggest that games—especially those that are collaborative—can improve communication and teamwork. Given the growing popularity of games among children and shifting parental and educational attitudes toward gaming, the researchers saw a need for more targeted investigation.

The study focused on male students in the fourth through sixth grades in Iran. Using a cluster random sampling method, the researchers selected 192 boys from elementary schools who played digital games, along with an equal number of non-players for comparison. The game players were divided into four groups based on the specific games they played: Clash of Clans, Fortnite, Mortal Kombat, and PES (Pro Evolution Soccer).

The researchers used a validated social skills questionnaire to evaluate multiple dimensions of social behavior, including appropriate social interaction, impulsiveness, antisocial tendencies, desire for dominance, and relationships with peers. They also assessed the amount of time spent playing and whether the games were played on mobile or console platforms.

The results showed meaningful differences between players and non-players in several areas. Although there were no significant differences in overall appropriate behavior or aggression, players scored higher in antisocial behavior, a desire to dominate, and peer relationships. This seemingly contradictory pattern—more antisocial tendencies but also better peer relations—may reflect the social nature of many games, which can both foster connection and promote competitiveness.

Grade level also played a role. Fifth-grade students showed higher levels of aggression and dominance-seeking behavior than their younger and older peers. This could be linked to developmental changes, as children in this age group are often navigating shifts in identity, independence, and social roles. The study authors noted that exposure to aggressive game content might amplify these tendencies, particularly among children already experiencing emotional and physical changes associated with early adolescence.

The type of game played had a noticeable influence on specific aspects of social behavior. Clash of Clans, a strategic game with team-based elements, was associated with more appropriate social behaviors and stronger peer relationships. Fortnite, which involves online collaboration and competition, also appeared to improve relationships with peers.

On the other hand, Mortal Kombat, known for its violent one-on-one combat, was linked to higher levels of aggression and antisocial behavior compared to the other games studied. Children who played Mortal Kombat tended to score higher in impulsiveness and lower in peer-related skills.

The researchers found that playing time predicted social outcomes more strongly than game type. In other words, the longer a student played, the more likely they were to experience changes—positive or negative—in their social behavior. Regression analysis showed that time spent playing digital games was a significant predictor across all measured dimensions. For example, longer playing times were associated with more impulsive behavior, stronger desires for dominance, and weaker peer relationships.

The study also explored how age and game type interacted. For instance, younger students who played Mortal Kombat showed more antisocial behavior than older students who played the same game. Meanwhile, younger players of Clash of Clans scored better in social interaction than older players of the same game. These findings suggest that age-specific responses to game content may influence how gaming affects children’s social skills.

There are some limitations to consider. The sample was limited to male students in one country, which may affect how well the findings apply to other populations, such as girls or children in different cultural settings. The data was also cross-sectional, meaning it captured a snapshot in time rather than long-term developmental effects. As a result, the study cannot definitively determine cause and effect.

The authors recommend further research that includes more diverse samples and investigates the long-term impacts of digital gaming on social development. They also call for studies that evaluate how structured gaming programs—such as those used in schools or therapeutic settings—can be designed to promote positive social outcomes. Exploring whether digital games can be used as tools for teaching prosocial behavior, particularly in children with social difficulties, could be especially useful.

The study, “The Impact of Computer Games on the Social Skills of Elementary School Students: A Comprehensive Analysis,” was authored by Mahboubeh Alborzi and Mahsa Torabi.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/playing-fortnite-linked-to-stronger-peer-relationships-in-boys/

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TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Letting go of survivor guilt

Learn how this Veteran overcame survivor guilt and PTSD with therapy and a strong support system. []

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[Watch: “The hardest part of war was coming home.” An Army Veteran’s Mental Health Story](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1019%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=image_hyperlink/1/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/cv_2bg9UxgpuXbZJoTlB0uJuPwxzh5XKwvx_EGXqSEA=404)

[“The hardest part of war was coming home.”](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1019%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_header/1/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/vJOSPKJ_-0A1xD3mAuJhHv91ZuqAcJdUj1U_MvhjYjw=404)

While serving in Iraq, Kurt experienced intense combat and was severely injured. [Survivor guilt](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fsymptoms%2Fguilt%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/beAmmTMvodxNsN93fFTc4DZ-a5or_GmdQn99f3ZO7D8=404) and [PTSD triggers](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fconditions%2Fptsd%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/78kw_hU3qwNJmGVYRp3AARJnHr17S0d-Hvsq9B9b0bY=404) weighed on him after he returned home. Overcoming his skepticism of therapy, he learned to face his triggers with help from his support system. Now, he urges other Veterans to face their mental health challenges.

[Watch: “The hardest part of war was coming home.” An Army Veteran’s Mental Health Story](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1019%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/1/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/Ey7uZa0O2eNwIF6s4XOutW__uczrBtWCZ3mSGt7oam0=404)

[WATCH HIS STORY NOW](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1019%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_08_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/2/01000196b07986f0-649c50b1-2dbc-49f6-b49c-9963c95557d4-000000/0R6X7jwOZWdc7P-tmp-wQPX8eyu0yXMupRRpGEFPgpc=404)

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TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Simple ways to support a Veteran loved one

Learn how small gestures can have a big impact. []

[Make the Connection](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmaketheconnection.net%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=banner_header/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/aVl-B7O_K3FaHRo0tUYNRahGGSfy20OJw2mKGK1v924=405)

[Read: Practical Steps for Helping Veterans](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fread-stories%2F5-ways-to-support-a-veteran-friend-or-loved-one%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=image_hyperlink/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/FF7agAT0TEfWGG6qvgB20uG3E-R3GwI1ytNSe_m6cRA=405)

[5 Ways to Support a Veteran in Your Life](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fread-stories%2F5-ways-to-support-a-veteran-friend-or-loved-one%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_header/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/9Qn8Cta4N2zG7ghvBSyI5ORAewp1x15psEVXa_d57qU=405)

Those of us who are lucky enough to be a family member or friend of a Veteran want to support them in any way we can. But what’s the best way to [support the Veterans in your life](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Ffamily-friends%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/QT1bqW0XQQ40zKEPiVKYcarm_r1U5N_1uATA6vRhC60=405)? Veterans Kurt, Jo, Kevin, Aaron, and Kelly share how simple acts of support can encourage Veterans to [seek therapy](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fresources%2Fwhat-is-treatment%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/Ry0ojuJtEebbZYUJqJT6coP-_PcZqXjxtOknIHgsEHI=405) and renew their lives. “We do have the power and the right to wake up the next day and try to do something different,” says Kelly, a Navy Veteran. She adds, “We have to find someone that can hear us, encourage us, and send us back out into the world to fight another day.”

[Read: Practical Steps for Helping Veterans](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fread-stories%2F5-ways-to-support-a-veteran-friend-or-loved-one%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/1/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/CGSjb4N5GbsQ3Z3EaRE9MfOui5IIEmWT0bQ-9mbRxEY=405)

[LEARN HOW TO SUPPORT VETERANS](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fread-stories%2F5-ways-to-support-a-veteran-friend-or-loved-one%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_article_05_15_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/2/01000196d4867394-e04c0f0d-69ab-4c3b-b5a7-d4561699b7a3-000000/Gjl8D5t2XRiSq2esSY6P_23bYfLaHUN7MPe2J5ut5p0=405)

--------------------------------------
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TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

He came home, but something felt off

Hear how this Veteran learned to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression through therapy. []

[Make the Connection](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmaketheconnection.net%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=banner_header/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/5bizNhNN9ZjMS8hufLiQhuKk7eU6r-HUr6x05cDBtH0=406)

[Watch: How CBT Improved This Marine’s Life After Combat](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1031%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=image_hyperlink/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/KMp2IqSJWvj6I9RbzC697UfaKvc3_iB6HUhs3FGHRnw=406)

[How CBT Improved This Marine’s Life After Combat](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1031%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_header/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/jTasD8bay9SU_rSF-5Uf8f8sHL1b5qTn2nchOoD7GDY=406)

Ted’s wife noticed changes in his behavior when he returned home from a combat tour in Iraq. He [experienced insomnia](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fsymptoms%2Ftrouble-sleeping%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/T1tgIUsi9i-vazmX3k3PaI03AlnuZxJCpyeWenlON-M=406) and anger, and he began avoiding things he once enjoyed. With his wife’s support, Ted got help for his symptoms of depression and anxiety. Now, he uses tools he learned in [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fresources%2Fwhat-is-treatment%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body%23:~:text=beyond%2520your%2520symptoms.-,Learn%2520About%2520CBT,-Cognitive%2520behavioral%2520therapy/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/MZzIo3voS33ji9IgLwezstQgd6dB51KglDD3hWqhtkY=406) to manage his triggers and live better.

[Watch: How CBT Improved This Marine’s Life After Combat](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1031%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/1/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/P-u4btKhTptun6XrlUlj4Zzq21dd4Zf9df_58qF5MSU=406)

[WATCH HIS STORY NOW](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F1031%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_22_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/2/01000196f8932d69-3ab483d2-cc0e-4e20-82e6-990bd3e4fea3-000000/VT5EGxwFNXFuLRG9UacOY7Wao0D6hVq46srKY85i-c8=406)

--------------------------------------
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NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

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TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

PHCoE Launches new Behavioral Health Research Integration Website

Check out what PHCoE is doing to strengthen Defense Health Program- funded behavioral health research.

[A service member in an airplane giving an thumbs up with the PHCoE logo on it.<br>]

PHCoE Launches new Behavioral Health Research Integration Website

[A photo of two service members pounding fists.]

PHCoE partnered with the Defense Health Agency’s Behavioral Health Clinical Community to strengthen research innovation with a new website capability that advances and enhances Department of Defense funded psychological health research, to include studies open for enrollment, subject recruitment, disseminating recent peer reviewed publications, and more. Stay tuned in the coming months as we add new capabilities to the site.

[READ MORE](http://t1.news.dha.mil/r/?id=h2f4ae2d,b349bb,e87056)

About the Psychological Health Center of Excellence

PHCoE's mission is to improve the lives of our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families by advancing excellence in military psychological health care research.

--------------------------------------
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NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

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TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Finding your way to brighter days

Hear how therapy helped this Veteran heal from grief, PTSD, and substance addiction. []

[Make the Connection](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmaketheconnection.net%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=banner_header/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/yTJTvqOeYsPhHKdwtXk1xPBShTsryqwg4wU0Fzv5Pxw=407)

[Watch: It takes a strong person to ask for help](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F853%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=image_hyperlink/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/0wy-2uKhFIrfcHshriRqu_14yuyezAg3WTPyWEtG2W4=407)

[Finding Your Way to Brighter Days](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F853%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_header/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/XD4jvCVRS3n-B2ioW05OlPXcbEF0N-ZQ6CiLdBvQycM=407)

Lucinda, a Coast Guard Veteran, began [drinking heavily](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fconditions%2Falcohol-use-disorder%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/tJfIWUq-vVFlIohqRcbBE5sdEPgoLuaOtE-SCJX9Y4Y=407) after the loss of her son. When she received a DUI, she sought help at VA and was [diagnosed with PTSD](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fconditions%2Fptsd%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=text_body/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/piz0H-zPkl_SLpzo_ROeFTiRs6r5Y-VOZX2P0rcauSY=407). At first, Lucinda struggled with accepting her diagnosis. Now, she has hope and encourages other Veterans to find the strength to seek help.

[Watch: It takes a strong person to ask for help](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F853%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/1/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/yAqDsCsdhQ9NwikNrvjLOKFfeZsE4dUKLMg6qyfNZQI=407)

[WATCH HER STORY NOW](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.maketheconnection.net%2Fstories%2F853%2F%3Futm_campaign=mtc_FV_05_29_25%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=button/2/010001971c9efa2b-f83218bb-3ef0-4f21-a2e7-8046ccc87e5d-000000/MTo-D3vzjaUpLO5AHUZCmUmVhpT0mPzr4E6eJuJK5c8=407)

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DATE: June 01, 2025 at 12:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: New study maps psychological pathway from childhood abuse to adolescent addiction

URL: https://www.psypost.org/new-study-maps-psychological-pathway-from-childhood-abuse-to-adolescent-addiction/

A study of high school students in China found that individuals who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to display addictive behaviors compared to their peers without such experiences. Part of this relationship was mediated by irritability and impulsivity. The research was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Childhood abuse refers to harmful or threatening treatment of a child, which can be physical, emotional, or sexual, or can involve neglect. Physical abuse includes hitting, shaking, or otherwise causing physical harm. Emotional abuse involves behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth, such as constant criticism, rejection, or humiliation. Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity with a child, including inappropriate touching, exposure, or exploitation.

Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, education, or emotional support. Abuse can seriously affect a child’s development, leading to long-term mental health issues like anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and difficulties in relationships. Brain development may also be impacted, especially in areas related to stress response and emotion regulation.

Study author Zhengyi Liu and his colleagues aimed to explore the links between childhood abuse experiences and addictive behaviors. They hypothesized that childhood abuse could make an individual more prone to addictive behaviors both directly and indirectly by increasing irritability and impulsivity. The study particularly focused on smoking, drinking, and internet addiction.

Study participants were 1,601 high school students from a vocational school in Zhejiang Province, China. Students were in grades 10 and 11. Of the participants, 757 were girls. Their ages ranged from 15 to 19 years.

Participants completed assessments of childhood abuse (the Childhood Abuse Questionnaire), impulsivity (the Dual-Mode of Self-Control Scale), irritability (the Brief Irritability Scale), substance use (the Global School-based Student Health Survey), and internet addiction (the Internet Addiction Disorder Diagnostic Scale for middle school students).

Results showed that girls tended to be slightly more impulsive and irritable than boys, but boys smoked and drank more. There were no significant gender differences in childhood abuse experiences or the severity of internet addiction symptoms.

As expected, participants reporting more severe childhood abuse experiences tended to score higher on measures of irritability and impulsivity. They were also more likely to display symptoms of internet addiction, to smoke more tobacco, and to drink more alcohol.

The researchers tested a statistical model proposing that childhood abuse increases impulsivity and irritability, which in turn increase the likelihood of engaging in addictive behaviors. The results supported this model, but also indicated that impulsivity and irritability do not fully explain the link between childhood abuse and addiction.

The study sheds light on how early adversity may shape vulnerability to addiction. However, it is important to note that all data were self-reported, and childhood abuse data were retrospective (i.e., based on participants’ memories). This leaves room for reporting bias and memory inaccuracies to have influenced the results.

The paper, “The association between childhood abuse and addictive behaviors in adolescents: Understanding the role of impulsivity and irritability,” was authored by Zhengyi Liu, Yunyi Xiao, Yingying Ye, Yifan Li, Zijian He, Nanshu Peng, and Xiao Zhou.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/new-study-maps-psychological-pathway-from-childhood-abuse-to-adolescent-addiction/

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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist

DATE: June 01, 2025 at 10:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Testosterone heightens men’s sensitivity to social feedback and reshapes self-esteem

URL: https://www.psypost.org/testosterone-heightens-mens-sensitivity-to-social-feedback-and-reshapes-self-esteem/

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging shows that testosterone affects how men respond to social feedback, making them more sensitive to approval and disapproval from others. The hormone doesn’t just raise or lower self-esteem—it actually changes how much social evaluation influences a person’s moment-to-moment feelings of self-worth.

This research sheds light on how testosterone shapes what psychologists call “state self-esteem”—a person’s temporary sense of self-worth that fluctuates in response to social cues. The results could help explain why men with lower self-esteem sometimes show increased vulnerability to mood disturbances or antisocial behavior. The study also opens the door to potential new treatment strategies that combine hormonal and behavioral approaches to boost mental health.

Self-esteem isn’t static. While people often talk about self-esteem as a fixed trait, psychologists distinguish between trait self-esteem, which reflects someone’s overall self-worth, and state self-esteem, which can rise or fall in response to recent experiences. These fluctuations can have real consequences. People with low or unstable self-esteem are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and even aggressive behavior.

Men’s self-esteem, in particular, may be more sensitive to changes in social status or perceived rejection. Previous research has suggested that testosterone, a sex hormone known to influence dominance behavior and sensitivity to status, might also affect self-esteem. But the evidence has been mixed. Some studies have shown that testosterone increases self-esteem in certain groups, such as men with low baseline levels, while others have found no clear link.

This study was designed to provide more precise evidence by focusing on how testosterone changes the process of self-esteem updating. In other words, do men on testosterone respond differently when they receive approval or disapproval from others?

The researchers recruited 120 healthy young men, aged 18 to 26, and randomly assigned them to receive either a dose of testosterone gel or a placebo. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the real hormone.

After applying the gel, participants waited three hours to allow testosterone levels to rise. They then completed a task designed to mimic real-world social evaluation. Before the experiment, each participant provided personal information used to create a profile. They were told that 184 strangers would view this profile and either approve or disapprove of them.

During the task, participants predicted whether they would receive approval from each “rater” and then received feedback in the form of a thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or no response. After every few trials, they rated how good they felt about themselves at that moment. This rating served as a measure of state self-esteem.

Unbeknownst to the participants, the feedback they received was pre-programmed. Raters were grouped into categories with different approval probabilities: very likely (85% approval), somewhat likely (70%), somewhat unlikely (30%), or very unlikely (15%).

The researchers discovered that testosterone changed how participants formed expectations about social feedback. Men who received testosterone were more optimistic when anticipating approval from high-approval raters, but also more pessimistic with raters known to give negative feedback. In other words, testosterone sharpened the contrast between positive and negative social expectations.

More importantly, testosterone also made men more sensitive to the feedback itself. When men in the testosterone group received positive feedback, their self-esteem increased more than it did in the placebo group. But when they received negative feedback, their self-esteem dropped more sharply.

To better understand these patterns, the researchers used computational modeling. They applied a model that treats self-esteem updating as a learning process—similar to how people adjust their beliefs based on feedback in other situations, like predicting rewards.

The model showed that participants on testosterone gave more weight to two key components: their expectation of social approval and the difference between what they expected and what they actually received, also known as a prediction error. This suggests that testosterone enhances the brain’s attention to social outcomes, making people more responsive to the highs and lows of social evaluation.

Interestingly, while testosterone increased sensitivity to both approval and disapproval, it did not affect the basic learning rate—that is, how quickly people adjusted their beliefs based on prediction errors. Instead, testosterone influenced the importance participants assigned to the feedback and their expectations when forming self-esteem judgments.

These findings help explain why testosterone is often linked with behaviors related to social dominance or status. If testosterone heightens sensitivity to approval and rejection, it could amplify the motivation to seek positive social outcomes—or avoid negative ones.

The results also support the idea that self-esteem functions like a “sociometer,” tracking how accepted or rejected someone feels. Testosterone appears to modulate this system, increasing the emotional impact of social signals.

The study has clinical implications too. Low self-esteem is linked to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. In some cases, testosterone therapy has been used to treat mood symptoms in men with low testosterone. This study suggests that combining testosterone with positive social environments or feedback-based therapies might improve self-esteem more effectively than either approach alone.

But the study had some limitations. All participants were young men, so it’s unclear whether the findings would generalize to women or to older adults. Some studies have found that testosterone affects men and women differently, especially in social and emotional contexts.

The researchers also did not measure participants’ natural testosterone levels before the experiment. Since baseline levels may influence how people respond to additional testosterone, future studies could examine whether individual differences in hormone levels change the effect of treatment.

Another limitation is the artificial nature of the task. While the social feedback was designed to mimic real-world interactions, participants knew they were in a study and may have reacted differently than they would in daily life. Nonetheless, the task captured meaningful fluctuations in self-esteem and allowed for precise measurement of the psychological processes involved.

Future research could explore how testosterone affects social learning in more natural settings or in people with mental health conditions linked to low self-esteem. It could also investigate whether similar effects occur with other hormones or in response to different kinds of feedback, such as praise from peers or criticism from authority figures.

The study, “Testosterone Administration Increases the Computational Impact of Social Evaluation on the Updating of State Self-Esteem,” was authored by Jixin Long, Junsong Lu, Yang Hu, Philippe N. Tobler, and Yin Wu.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/testosterone-heightens-mens-sensitivity-to-social-feedback-and-reshapes-self-esteem/

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