All posts tagged: behaviors

Psychology Reveals 8 Odd Behaviors Often Linked To Hidden Depression

Psychology Reveals 8 Odd Behaviors Often Linked To Hidden Depression

When you have a cold or flu, the symptoms are obvious: Coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a general hatred of the universe. Symptoms and signs of hidden depression, on the other hand, aren’t as clear as rom-coms and made-for-TV movies make them out to be. Intense sadness and hopelessness are only some of the behaviors — not only can depressive symptoms range from mild to severe, but they can also disguise themselves as everyday habits and emotions you wouldn’t necessarily equate with being depressed. Here are odd behaviors often linked to hidden depression: 1. You keep yourself excessively busy Yuri A / Shutterstock Sure, we all have hectic schedules, but someone with depression might use being perma-busy as a way to steer clear of their feelings. One study found that workaholism frequently co-occurs with psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. “Keeping busy might be a way for them to ignore or avoid the painful issues that may be contributing to or triggering their depression,” says SooMi Lee-Samuel, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls, a residential treatment center …

Married Couples Likely To Divorce Soon Exhibit These 4 Behaviors, Says Renowned American Psychologist | Monica Ramunda

Married Couples Likely To Divorce Soon Exhibit These 4 Behaviors, Says Renowned American Psychologist | Monica Ramunda

Arguing is a normal part of any relationship. Married couples who claim not to argue are either lying to themselves or not participating fully in the marriage. If you have a marriage without disagreement, you have two partners who are not fully invested in the marriage. Too much arguing might be a sign of troubled waters. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned American psychologist, was able to identify the four biggest signs of divorce among married couples that he called “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” If you feel that you and your spouse argue far too much, you might want to see if you can identify those four behaviors that may indicate divorce is near. Identifying the elements of a potential breakdown in your marriage may help you save it from the brink of disaster.  Married couples likely to divorce soon exhibit these 4 behaviors: 1. Criticism Criticism can often be unhealthy for any relationship. That’s not to say that all criticism is bad. For instance, constructive criticism can have a positive impact. However, if you use …

Researchers propose new model linking eating behaviors to multiple factors

Researchers propose new model linking eating behaviors to multiple factors

In a new paper published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have proposed a detailed model that outlines the complex factors influencing how young children regulate their appetite. This model suggests that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to shape children’s ability to self-regulate their eating behavior, which is an important component of healthy development and a key factor in reducing the risk of childhood obesity. The model also highlights the role of a child’s temperament in modulating these interactions, offering insights into how individual differences influence eating habits. The research team, led by Sehyun Ju, a doctoral student in Human Development and Family Studies, recognizes that childhood obesity and unhealthy eating habits are often discussed in terms of personal willpower—advice like “eat less and exercise more” is commonly given. However, this simplistic view ignores the numerous factors that influence a child’s relationship with food. Previous studies have shown that a child’s ability to regulate their eating is influenced by a variety of factors, but many of these studies …

Brain connections to the amygdala predict withdrawn and depressive behaviors in children

Brain connections to the amygdala predict withdrawn and depressive behaviors in children

A new study published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging sheds light on the brain connections linked to withdrawn and depressive behaviors in children. By analyzing brain scans of over 6,000 children, researchers found that connections between the left amygdala, a part of the brain that processes emotions, and other brain regions were associated with these internalizing behaviors. Childhood is a critical time for understanding the early markers of mental health issues. Many psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, often begin in childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood if not identified and treated early. Internalizing behaviors, like withdrawal and depression, are forms of distress that manifest inwardly, making them more challenging to detect than outwardly directed behaviors such as aggression. These behaviors can also indicate a higher risk of developing mental health disorders later in life. Previous research has suggested that the amygdala, a brain region known for its role in processing emotions, plays a role in anxiety and depression. However, many prior studies had small sample sizes, limiting the reliability of the findings. …

10 Tiny Behaviors That Attract Only The Best People To You

10 Tiny Behaviors That Attract Only The Best People To You

I’ve spent most of my life awkward and in my head. I always wanted to make a good impression, so I learned a ton from my mistakes and did everything possible to improve my relationships. Here are some curious things I learned. Here are 10 little behaviors that attract people to you: 1. Have a calming influence It’s easy to fall into the habit of self-directed concern when in social situations. “How am I coming across?” “Do I look stupid?” Choose to enjoy your interaction and allow your calm aura to relax those around you. RELATED: 6 Small Habits Of Exceptionally Calm People 2. Quit habits that bring you shame Much of our sense of confidence is developed in moments when we needn’t perform. We create an identity when we do things that make us feel bad about ourselves. A poor self-image will flood into all areas of life. Live well and with pride, and you will exude an attractive energy. 3. Listen beyond the words Most people are not present in conversations. They’re too …

9 Tiny Things You Absolutely Need For A Healthy, Happy Mind | Leah Benson

9 Tiny Things You Absolutely Need For A Healthy, Happy Mind | Leah Benson

Want to know whether your love or mental health is in as tip-top shape as it could be? It’s said that if you have these nine things, you have a healthy mind. Here are 9 things you absolutely need for a healthy, happy mind: 1. Happiness Of course, you need happiness for a healthy mind and a happy life, but there are a lot of misconceptions about what happiness is. Happiness is not a momentary response to a particular situation in your life: it is a general state of being. Some might call it contentment, or a sense of well-being. If you do not have an overall feeling of happiness about yourself and your life, despite whatever ups and downs your day-to-day life might bring you, you are missing a piece of the mental health puzzle. RELATED: 7 Tiny Hobbies That Will Make You Mentally Healthier Than 98% Of People 2. Flexibility (and not the kind you get from yoga) Do things have to be “just so” for you to be happy, or can you be flexible …

2 Toxic Behaviors To Give Up For Better Co-Parenting | Dr. Lisa Kaplin

2 Toxic Behaviors To Give Up For Better Co-Parenting | Dr. Lisa Kaplin

Parenting is hard work. Co-parenting is even harder. Especially if you aren’t in a loving relationship with the person you are parenting with. There are two common mistakes we make when having discussions (or arguments) with our parenting partner. If you can change these two mistakes, you are well on your way to parenting in a way that feels better for you, is healthier for your children, and contributes to a more cooperative relationship between you and your co-parent. RELATED: 5 Ways To Rescue Your Kids From A Stressed Out Childhood Here are 2 behaviors to give up for better co-parenting: 1. Not saying what you want to say Many of my clients say, “It’s not worth the fight. I’m not going to say anything.” We believe if we don’t say anything, we are avoiding a fight. That may be true in the short run, but it is rarely true in the long run. If there is something vitally important about parenting and your children, you must say something. The key is to say it …

10 Tiny Habits That Make You Immune From Disrespect

10 Tiny Habits That Make You Immune From Disrespect

I grew up learning to deal with the sting of disrespect from others. I believed I was the kind of person for whom disrespect was a part of life. Then, I learned about human behavior and found I could adapt my behavior to encourage deeper self-respect, diminishing the lack of respect I received from others. Here are some little shifts in behavior that work: Here are 10 tiny habits that make you immune from disrespect: 1. Developing consistency in something that matters It’s so easy to allow the modern world and all its variety to pull you in new directions continually. Unfortunately, beyond brushing your teeth every day, this means we don’t allow worthy actions to grow. Find something to be consistent in that sits at the heart of your work. For me, it’s writing. Your confidence will grow wings on the back of consistency. 2. Having a strong posture Sit up a fraction. Walk like the King of England just said you have something special about you. Do this even if you feel nervous worms wriggling …

10 Common Behaviors of Highly Creative People

10 Common Behaviors of Highly Creative People

Two old friends. A rainy afternoon. Vanilla lattes at Starbucks. Divergent conversations about life, the world, and the best tiramisu in town. An inquiry about my forthcoming book on creativity: “What are some of the characteristics of creative people?” According to an article in the Scientific American blog, “…creative work blends together different elements and influences in the most novel, or unusual, way, and these wide-ranging states, traits, and behaviors frequently conflict with each other within the mind of the creative person.” In essence, creative people have discovered that their creativity is a blend of diverse interests, influences, and behaviors—a combination routinely and systematically practiced every day. Creative behaviors Interestingly, we all have one or more of those characteristics. We utilize several of them as children, and we become aware of others as we enter the workforce. The ultimate truth of creativity is that all these behaviors are available for those eager to improve or increase their “Creativity Quotient.” Let’s take a look. 1. Creative people search for possibilities rather than absolutes. Creative people are …

Prenatal caffeine exposure and high-fat diet heighten risk of autism-like behaviors in rodents

Prenatal caffeine exposure and high-fat diet heighten risk of autism-like behaviors in rodents

Exposure to caffeine during pregnancy, combined with a high-fat diet after birth, significantly increases the risk of autism-like behaviors in rodents, according to new research published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. This increased risk is related to changes in gut bacteria and increased levels of a specific immune molecule, IL-17A. The findings shed light on the relationships between diet, prenatal environmental exposures, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The motivation behind this new study stems from a growing concern over the effects of prenatal caffeine exposure and high-fat diets on the developing brain. Previous research had already established a link between prenatal caffeine exposure and reduced fetal growth, with emerging evidence suggesting an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive behaviors. Given the widespread consumption of caffeine and the prevalence of high-fat diets, understanding these potential risk factors is crucial for developing strategies to prevent ASD. “Most autism research focuses on genetic factors, …