Divorce negatively affects children in future years.

By Irada Yunusova

It is clear that a divorce puts a strain on family relationships, but data now reveals that it also affects future relationships. A divorce that takes place earlier in a child's life has a greater negative effect on future parent-child relationships than one that occurs when a child is older. Divorce during early childhood leads to future insecure relationships between the parent and child, in which the child is less able to trust the parent. Divorces also influence children's future romantic relationships.

Two recent studies in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin analyzed the timing and effects of divorce on parental and romantic relationships. The first study revealed that of the 7,735 individuals surveyed, those who experienced parental divorce were less likely to view their current relationships with their parents as secure. Individuals whose parents divorced between their birth and five years old were more insecure in their current relationships with their parents than those whose parents divorced later in childhood. There is also a tendency for individuals whose parents divorced to have more anxiety with romantic relationships.

A follow-up study with 7,500 subjects focused on how a divorce influences maternal and paternal relationships. Participants were asked which of their parents had been awarded primary custody following their divorce. The results of the study indicated that children were less likely to have an insecure relationship with the parent they were living with and were more likely to have an insecure relationship with the parent they were not living with.

The results of these studies demonstrate that relationships can be negatively impacted by divorces. Also, the amount of time a child is able to spend with a parent seems to correlate with the quality of that relationship. This research brings greater understanding as to why some individuals have difficulty being open and depending on others in their lives.

References: http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/07/01/divorce-troubles-younger-kids-later-relationship-with-parents/56687.html

Sunday Night Blues

How to Recognize and Cope with Them

by Kristi Caporoso

 

    We've all been there before. You have a great weekend; plenty of relaxation and fun activities, and then on Sunday it hits you--tomorrow the week starts. You have to wake up early, you have to go to work, and have a whole plethora of things to worry about. This is nothing to be worried about--you merely have a case of the Sunday blues. LCPC Joyce Marter has several different suggestions as to how to cope with this temporary increase in anxiety and sadness.

    The first step to reigning in your Sunday blues is to increase your self-awareness. Talk to yourself and tell yourself that you are just moody and upset because it's Sunday, and that it is completely normal to feel that way. Also, being aware of this should make it easier for you to let the small stuff slide. Don't stress so much about the little things, since you know you're already in a grumpy mood.

    Once you are aware of your Sunday blues and how you are feeling, it's time to start coping with (and/or preventing) them. One effective way of doing so is being prepared for the week ahead. Taking Sunday afternoon to make sure you are prepared money-wise, gas-wise, work-wise, etc., will cause you to feel less overwhelmed and less like you have too much to worry about when the week arrives. Certain lifestyle choices, such as exercising and having a healthy dinner with some tea, can also help. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and is "nature's antidepressant." Also, having something pleasant that you do every Sunday can help to decrease those feelings of dread. Have a game night with your family, or do something you really enjoy. Something relaxing before bed is another wise choice: yoga, a bubble bath, or meditation. This promotes calm and will help you to get a good night's sleep. While getting some work done ahead of time may sound like a good idea, it is not the best. Setting aside some time on Sunday to review your plans for the week or to make a "To Do list" is okay, but trying to get "some" work done will inevitably lead to you trying to get everything done, and stressing about the work week before it starts.
    While Sunday may boost your levels of anxiety and sadness, the weekend is a time to relax and recharge for the week. Keep that in mind while you are trying to cope with your Sunday blues.

Source: http://blogs.psychcentral.com/success/2013/06/7-things-to-stop-sunday-night-anxietydepression/



Are you Addicted to Eating?

by Kristi Caporoso

Are you finding yourself particularly hungry during those three or four hours after you eat? Do you have intense cravings for food, even after you've eaten, that you feel you need to satisfy? New brain scan research reveals a common factor that causes us to overeat and feel more hungry. It all revolves around the glycemic index and the type of carbohydrates in the food you are eating. High-glycemic index carbohydrates--found in processed foods such as white bread and rice--get quickly transformed into sugar in your blood stream. This in turn leads to increased hunger, and stimulates the area of the brain that controls cravings and rewards--similar to what is involved in addiction. What's the solution? Foods that are lower in the glycemic index. Whole wheat bread and other whole wheat carbohydrates are low in the glycemic index, and therefore more likely to help keep you fuller longer. This discovery has important implications for weight loss strategies and overall healthy living.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20130626/brain-scans-suggest-food-addiction-might-be-real

Is phone therapy effective?

By Irada Yunusova

When people think of therapy they often picture an individual lying on a couch while the therapist sits in a chair repeatedly asking, "And how did that make you feel?" However, therapy in the 21st century has taken on many different forms, including phone therapy. With telepsychology, an individual speaks to his therapist over the phone, and is able to stay in the comfort of his own home. Although some people question the efficacy of phone therapy, new research now suggests that phone therapy may be equally or even more effective than face-to-face therapy for mild and moderate disorders.

Researchers at University of Cambridge studied over 39,000 British adults who had mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. These individuals were treated through England's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program, which is a national program meant to increase people's access to low-intensity, non-medical therapies. When comparing individuals who received cognitive behavioral-based therapy over the phone  to those who received it in-person, the results indicated that phone therapy for most non-severe symptoms was as effective as face-to-face therapy; in some cases it was even more effective.  

Telepsychology is also a useful tool for reaching patients who may have difficulty utilizing in-person therapy. Underserved populations in rural areas or in minority groups may have greater access to phone therapy. Additionally, the study found that phone therapy was 36 percent less expensive per session than in-person therapy, so more people may be able to seek out treatment.

For therapists considering phone therapy sessions, it is important to consider patient's confidentiality, what to do in emergency situations, and how to provide telehealth services across jurisdiction. Although this new form of treatment may create new complications, many therapists believe that the pros outweigh the cons.

References: Monitor on Psychology, January 2013.

Throwing Away Negative Thoughts

by Kristi Caporoso

It is often difficult for us to stop focusing on negative thoughts that pop into our heads, even when we don't want to dwell on them. However, research has shown that a new method--physically handling your thoughts--helps you to get a grip on them. For example, writing down your negative thoughts and then throwing them out in the trash, ripping them up, or using whatever means you use to dispose of things, can help to get them out of your mind and keep them out for some time. On the other hand, you can make your thoughts more useful by writing down important ones you have and storing them on your person. This increases the likelihood of you using them in making decisions and fulfilling tasks. Research shows that it is the physical act of disposing or keeping these thoughts that has the effect. Just imagining you are getting rid of them does not have the same effect. This tactic can be especially useful if you are experiencing frequent invasive thoughts that you are unsuccessfully trying not to dwell on. Scientists are trying to find if this method or ones similar to it can help those suffering from frequent unpleasant, bothersome thoughts.

Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/11/27/want-to-get-rid-of-negative-thoughts-throw-them-away/48160.html

Multitasking lowers effectiveness, but how about your mood?

By Irada Yunusova

Most people have at one point found themselves studying for an exam and watching TV at the same time. Even though multitasking makes individuals less productive, they continue to do so. According to a recent study, habit and positive feelings cause us to multitask.

In a study at Ohio State University, 19 college students were given a cellphone-like device to report all of their activities, three times a day, for four weeks. The students then rated what needs were met by the various activities on this device, and what motivated them to do each activity. The results of this study indicated that multitasking satisfied emotional needs for the students. However, learning and thinking skills were reduced. With multitasking, a dull task felt fun, less stressful, and more doable.

Multitasking is a habit that may be inefficient, but it allows individuals to feel better while doing multiple tasks simultaneously. The trade-offs of effectiveness and positive mood encourage individuals to continue to multitask.

References: "Task Master," Web MD the Magazine. July 2012.

Supreme Court rules on benefits for same-sex marriages

By Irada Yunusova

The Supreme Court ruled today on two controversial gay marriage cases. The Supreme Court ruled on Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in California. Also, the court ruled on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents legally married gay couples from receiving the same federal benefits available heterosexual married couples.

This morning, the Supreme Court invalidated a provision of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. This Act prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health, and retirement benefits which are generally available to married couples. Also, the Supreme Court turned away the defenders of Proposition 8, therefore, allowing same-sex marriages to resume in California.


References:
http://longisland.news12.com/news/supreme-court-to-issue-rulings-on-defense-of-marriage-act-proposition-8-1.5569160
http://longisland.news12.com/news/supreme-court-strikes-down-federal-marriage-provision-1.5571981?firstfree=yes
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-prop-8-supreme-court-ruling-20130626,0,5931694.story