http://www.northjersey.com/news/120909_Suicide_of_Secaucus_teen_raises_questions_about_acne_drug.html
According to this article, there may be a link between one particular type of acne medication and the increase of suicidal tendencies in its users. Although there is not a definite link here, a number of aspects point towards the fact that there is some correlation. While some dermatologists who prescribe the drug mention that suicide is high among teenagers to begin with and the medication they take cannot be to blame, there may be an obvious bias. The packaging for the acne medication actually states that it may cause suicide, which leads the words of dermatolgists backing the drug to lose validity. Also, in just three years, 260 suicides worldwide were related to these acne products. Obviously something is going on here. I don't understand that why after all those reported deaths, the drug would not be pulled from the market. Yet even so, if the label of what your ingesting tells you it may increase risk of suicide, is it worth putting in your body? Suffering from some acne is probably better than putting your life at risk.
Tuesday
Single vs. Married
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200912/men-and-women-who-have-always-been-single-are-doing-fine
This article highlights a recent study which found that those individuals over 40 years old who have never been married are just as well-off as those who are married. Societal norms say that to be complete, as well as "normal", you should be married, especially before you hit age 40. We are socialized to think that something is wrong with us if we don't, and likewise, we tend to look down on those who remain single past that age. We often think there has to be something wrong with them which accounts for their status. Rarely do we take into account that it may be their choice to remain single. As this article mentions, marriage is not for everyone, and neither is living single. Society should not try pushing individuals into one category or the other, because as this study supports, both are normal. Generally, neither group of individuals used as the sample population reported higher levels of happiness based on their status. The same holds true for negative emotions. Both the single life and the married life likely have their own pros and cons, but those are subjective to each individual.
This article highlights a recent study which found that those individuals over 40 years old who have never been married are just as well-off as those who are married. Societal norms say that to be complete, as well as "normal", you should be married, especially before you hit age 40. We are socialized to think that something is wrong with us if we don't, and likewise, we tend to look down on those who remain single past that age. We often think there has to be something wrong with them which accounts for their status. Rarely do we take into account that it may be their choice to remain single. As this article mentions, marriage is not for everyone, and neither is living single. Society should not try pushing individuals into one category or the other, because as this study supports, both are normal. Generally, neither group of individuals used as the sample population reported higher levels of happiness based on their status. The same holds true for negative emotions. Both the single life and the married life likely have their own pros and cons, but those are subjective to each individual.
Importance of Appearance In The Workplace
http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/05/appearance-work-pay-forbes-woman-leadership-body-weight.html
Unfortunately, it is true that many employers discriminate on the basis of appearance. "The more attractive you're perceived to be, the more you earn and are respected." Attractiveness is based on symmetry of features, but not to perfection; good phsycial health; low waist-to-hip ratio; and youthfulness. Whether it is right or not, employers often promote these attractive individuals more than the average person. Based on common stereotypes, individuals who fall out of the realm of what constitutes attractivness are often perceieved as being lazy, sloppy, and poor workers. While most of us are aware that this is not necessarily the truth, the stereotypes are hard to shake. The article focuses on the importance of attractiveness for women, even giving tips on how to appear more attractive if you were not born with the best looks. It is almost as if nothing can be done to change these wrongful snap judgements, and we are just forced to deal with them as they are. Appearance in the workplace is just one more burden that seems to affect women more so than men.
Unfortunately, it is true that many employers discriminate on the basis of appearance. "The more attractive you're perceived to be, the more you earn and are respected." Attractiveness is based on symmetry of features, but not to perfection; good phsycial health; low waist-to-hip ratio; and youthfulness. Whether it is right or not, employers often promote these attractive individuals more than the average person. Based on common stereotypes, individuals who fall out of the realm of what constitutes attractivness are often perceieved as being lazy, sloppy, and poor workers. While most of us are aware that this is not necessarily the truth, the stereotypes are hard to shake. The article focuses on the importance of attractiveness for women, even giving tips on how to appear more attractive if you were not born with the best looks. It is almost as if nothing can be done to change these wrongful snap judgements, and we are just forced to deal with them as they are. Appearance in the workplace is just one more burden that seems to affect women more so than men.
Psychology of Climate Change
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/cold-comfort-the-psychology-of-climate-denial-20091202-k5r8.html
I always find it fascinating how people could deny the fact that global warming is occurring all around us. Just last week, the weather went from being 60 degrees and sunny to being 30 degrees and snowing in just a day. That was never a natural progression of the weather in the past, but these days it is growing increasingly common, just one sign of global warming showing its face. But still, many people sit there and deny the fact.
According to this article, there are simple psychological explanations for this denial. First, people do not want to believe in something that causes them to change their routines which have become a source of comfort. Scientists say to travel and consume less to save the planet, yet we have all grown up being told through the media that the path to happiness rests in consumption. Also, a human instinct is to shut out the terrifying truth that "the world as we know it is heading for a smash." These explanations act as defense mechanisms, allowing us to resist terrifying truths which directly affect us. Taking this all into consideration, I now view people's denial of global warming as slightly more reasonable.
I always find it fascinating how people could deny the fact that global warming is occurring all around us. Just last week, the weather went from being 60 degrees and sunny to being 30 degrees and snowing in just a day. That was never a natural progression of the weather in the past, but these days it is growing increasingly common, just one sign of global warming showing its face. But still, many people sit there and deny the fact.
According to this article, there are simple psychological explanations for this denial. First, people do not want to believe in something that causes them to change their routines which have become a source of comfort. Scientists say to travel and consume less to save the planet, yet we have all grown up being told through the media that the path to happiness rests in consumption. Also, a human instinct is to shut out the terrifying truth that "the world as we know it is heading for a smash." These explanations act as defense mechanisms, allowing us to resist terrifying truths which directly affect us. Taking this all into consideration, I now view people's denial of global warming as slightly more reasonable.
Monday
"Teens love to be miserable"
http://www.canada.com/Teens+love+miserable+study/2246630/story.html
According to the study highlighted in the article, teenagers seek out negative emotions, while adults and the elderly seek happiness. When teenagers feel both negative and positive emotions together, they either do not wish for the negative feelings to end or they wish to actually prolong them. The study accounts this tendency to the characteristic negative emotionality of teenagers. Adults and the elderly on the other hand wish to enhance happiness in whatever means possible, sometimes turning to antidepressants.
This study was pretty humorous to me. I don't believe anyone intentionally seeks out misery. Just the thought of that would sound ridiculous to anyone. I think part of the findings of this study relates to the fact that teenagers naturally are faced with a number of issues they must try to juggle, issues coming from changes in development and the world around them. Often times, these conflicts get so overwhelming and seem to be an every-day occurrence that it is easy for teens to fall into a pessimistic mindset where they do not feel happiness can be so easily attained. For these reasons, they may say they wish to feel unhappy because it is what they've become accustomed to, yet the real issue is that they just do not know how to effectively deal with conflicting emotions. Either way, I still think it's a stretch to go as far as to say "teens love to be miserable."
According to the study highlighted in the article, teenagers seek out negative emotions, while adults and the elderly seek happiness. When teenagers feel both negative and positive emotions together, they either do not wish for the negative feelings to end or they wish to actually prolong them. The study accounts this tendency to the characteristic negative emotionality of teenagers. Adults and the elderly on the other hand wish to enhance happiness in whatever means possible, sometimes turning to antidepressants.
This study was pretty humorous to me. I don't believe anyone intentionally seeks out misery. Just the thought of that would sound ridiculous to anyone. I think part of the findings of this study relates to the fact that teenagers naturally are faced with a number of issues they must try to juggle, issues coming from changes in development and the world around them. Often times, these conflicts get so overwhelming and seem to be an every-day occurrence that it is easy for teens to fall into a pessimistic mindset where they do not feel happiness can be so easily attained. For these reasons, they may say they wish to feel unhappy because it is what they've become accustomed to, yet the real issue is that they just do not know how to effectively deal with conflicting emotions. Either way, I still think it's a stretch to go as far as to say "teens love to be miserable."
TM Helps the Heart
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/11/transcendental-meditation-heart-disease.html
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of meditation that has been around for many years and has highest backing of scientific evidence. It is a very simple form of mediation that has previously proven to have health benefits including reductions in blood pressure and psychological stress. New research, however, has shown that long term practice of TM reduces the risk of heart disease, accounting for 50% lower rates of stroke, heart attacks and death in comparison to those who do not practice TM. Recent findings have also noted that TM reduces anger, anxiety, and depression in college students.
This semester, two Transcendental Meditation instructors spoke to my Psychology of Adjustment class about their experiences with TM. They are producing a documentary on the seemingly endless benefits of TM that were seen across a number of high schools that were introduced to the meditation. These schools incorporated it into their daily routine, and a significant positive impact of the overall environment of the school was visible. With findings like these, it seems we all have nothing to lose in giving TM a try.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of meditation that has been around for many years and has highest backing of scientific evidence. It is a very simple form of mediation that has previously proven to have health benefits including reductions in blood pressure and psychological stress. New research, however, has shown that long term practice of TM reduces the risk of heart disease, accounting for 50% lower rates of stroke, heart attacks and death in comparison to those who do not practice TM. Recent findings have also noted that TM reduces anger, anxiety, and depression in college students.
This semester, two Transcendental Meditation instructors spoke to my Psychology of Adjustment class about their experiences with TM. They are producing a documentary on the seemingly endless benefits of TM that were seen across a number of high schools that were introduced to the meditation. These schools incorporated it into their daily routine, and a significant positive impact of the overall environment of the school was visible. With findings like these, it seems we all have nothing to lose in giving TM a try.
Spike in Adderall Popularity Among College Students
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/15/college-students-cheap-fix/
According to this article, Adderall, the drug used to treat ADHD, is quickly becoming as popular as marijuana is on college campuses. Students are taking the drug to help them stay up and focus for midterms/finals, and they are also combining the drug with alcohol at parties. The article notes that "as many as 1 in 4 students in a college setting may have abused Adderall." The number is so high in part to the easy accessibility of the drug. Many people know others who have a prescription for the drug, and then buy it off of them for a few bucks. Also, some people admit to looking up the symptoms of ADHD and then reporting those to their doctor in order to obtain the drug. In my opinion, going out of your way to pretend to have a disorder just to get a drug to help you stay awake is completely unnecessary. What ever happened to naps?
Some researchers believe that in the years to come, certain jobs that can benefit from having highly-focused and alert employees will recommend taking Adderall. With the recent trend in energy drinks, I would not doubt that this is the next step to come. Energy drinks are already known to have harmful effects on the body, and Adderall is not much better. What's worse is that the drug is still fairly new and long-term effects are not known yet. Is it really worth harming your body just to stay awake for a few more hours? Our society has clearly become to fixated on maximizing productivity and trying to stretch the hours in a day, and it all seems so unnecessary in my mind.
According to this article, Adderall, the drug used to treat ADHD, is quickly becoming as popular as marijuana is on college campuses. Students are taking the drug to help them stay up and focus for midterms/finals, and they are also combining the drug with alcohol at parties. The article notes that "as many as 1 in 4 students in a college setting may have abused Adderall." The number is so high in part to the easy accessibility of the drug. Many people know others who have a prescription for the drug, and then buy it off of them for a few bucks. Also, some people admit to looking up the symptoms of ADHD and then reporting those to their doctor in order to obtain the drug. In my opinion, going out of your way to pretend to have a disorder just to get a drug to help you stay awake is completely unnecessary. What ever happened to naps?
Some researchers believe that in the years to come, certain jobs that can benefit from having highly-focused and alert employees will recommend taking Adderall. With the recent trend in energy drinks, I would not doubt that this is the next step to come. Energy drinks are already known to have harmful effects on the body, and Adderall is not much better. What's worse is that the drug is still fairly new and long-term effects are not known yet. Is it really worth harming your body just to stay awake for a few more hours? Our society has clearly become to fixated on maximizing productivity and trying to stretch the hours in a day, and it all seems so unnecessary in my mind.
Sunday
Sleep and Depression
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/11/13/MN1E1AFT5P.DTL
Few of us get the recommended nine hours of sleep a night, and the recent study highlighted in this article calls more attention to the reasons why we might want to try closing our eyes earlier. Previously, sleep deprivation was thought to be one result of depression, but newer evidence is emerging which points to sleep deprivation being a cause of depression.
"Teens with mandated bedtimes of midnight or later were more likely to suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts than those who had bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier, according to the June report."
That is quite an interesting statistic, especially considering that I know I hardly ever went to bed at 10 p.m. as a teenager, and doing so now seems nearly impossible. However, although we've all heard of the importance of sleep, getting the recommended amount of shut-eye is much easier said than done. As noted in this article, homework seems to be the primary reason why we stay up later than we should (as I write this at 2 a.m., I'm a perfect example of just that). Often times, it seems the problem is that there are never enough hours in a day. Yet, if we want to avoid the grasp of depression, we should likely become better at managing our time.
Few of us get the recommended nine hours of sleep a night, and the recent study highlighted in this article calls more attention to the reasons why we might want to try closing our eyes earlier. Previously, sleep deprivation was thought to be one result of depression, but newer evidence is emerging which points to sleep deprivation being a cause of depression.
"Teens with mandated bedtimes of midnight or later were more likely to suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts than those who had bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier, according to the June report."
That is quite an interesting statistic, especially considering that I know I hardly ever went to bed at 10 p.m. as a teenager, and doing so now seems nearly impossible. However, although we've all heard of the importance of sleep, getting the recommended amount of shut-eye is much easier said than done. As noted in this article, homework seems to be the primary reason why we stay up later than we should (as I write this at 2 a.m., I'm a perfect example of just that). Often times, it seems the problem is that there are never enough hours in a day. Yet, if we want to avoid the grasp of depression, we should likely become better at managing our time.
"Chemo Brain"
http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=7524
This article highlights an important study that has recently been conducted which found that the cancer treatment, chemotherapy, may have some negative implications on brain functioning. Specifically, the prefrontal cortex seems to be the most affected. This area of the brain accounts for basic cognitive functioning, such as memory, planning, and attention. While other side-effects of chemotherapy have long been apparent, such as pain, nausea, and muscle wasting, the treatment's affect on the brain is more serious and should be further looked into. Obviously, the negative effects on the brain cannot be reversed, and the brain is not something you'd want to mess with. Personally, I refrain from taking most medication because while it does fix one problem, it creates many others ("side-effects"), and I do not see this as being efficient. Therefore, coming from me, this is definitely an interesting finding and one more reason for scientists to work to quickly discover newer, more efficient ways of treating cancer, ways which do not harm necessary brain functioning.
This article highlights an important study that has recently been conducted which found that the cancer treatment, chemotherapy, may have some negative implications on brain functioning. Specifically, the prefrontal cortex seems to be the most affected. This area of the brain accounts for basic cognitive functioning, such as memory, planning, and attention. While other side-effects of chemotherapy have long been apparent, such as pain, nausea, and muscle wasting, the treatment's affect on the brain is more serious and should be further looked into. Obviously, the negative effects on the brain cannot be reversed, and the brain is not something you'd want to mess with. Personally, I refrain from taking most medication because while it does fix one problem, it creates many others ("side-effects"), and I do not see this as being efficient. Therefore, coming from me, this is definitely an interesting finding and one more reason for scientists to work to quickly discover newer, more efficient ways of treating cancer, ways which do not harm necessary brain functioning.
Monday
Going Broke Caring for Aging Parents
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/the-financial-peril-of-an-aging-parent/
This article discusses the impact aging parents have on their children's finances. With advances in technology and medicine, people are living longer lives, which although beneficial in ways, also has its downfalls. When people grow older, chronic illness becomes more prevalent and greater amounts of medicine are required. Also, the elderly grow more dependent on others and require help with daily tasks such as food shopping and other things of the sort. All of these things require money, however the elderly are often retired. This is where their children come into play, helping their parents with their financial obligations, paying for groceries, medical treatment, and so forth. These finances, coupled with those that the children have on their own (due raising their own families) leads to problems. It is almost like a never-ending cycle of financial issues. When children go broke from taking care of their own parents, their children will be called for to help them with financial obligations in the future as well.
This article discusses the impact aging parents have on their children's finances. With advances in technology and medicine, people are living longer lives, which although beneficial in ways, also has its downfalls. When people grow older, chronic illness becomes more prevalent and greater amounts of medicine are required. Also, the elderly grow more dependent on others and require help with daily tasks such as food shopping and other things of the sort. All of these things require money, however the elderly are often retired. This is where their children come into play, helping their parents with their financial obligations, paying for groceries, medical treatment, and so forth. These finances, coupled with those that the children have on their own (due raising their own families) leads to problems. It is almost like a never-ending cycle of financial issues. When children go broke from taking care of their own parents, their children will be called for to help them with financial obligations in the future as well.
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