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A study in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry reviewed language used in studies about biological causes of mental health disorders, noting that, “The message delivered to laypeople is that mental disorders are brain diseases cured by scientifically designed medications.” The implication is that the media is too quick to cover studies that lean toward reductionist theories. [More]

Smartphones may or may not be evil - depending on whom you ask. Some studies show people spend too much time on their phones which negatively impacts their mental health. Others claim it's how people feel about their use more than the use itself. [More]

Smartphone use is vilified for negatively impacting mental health but a study from Technology, Mind, and Behavior indicates smartphones are not be so bad after all. The authors suggest that screen time is not a predictor of negative mental health symptoms. Instead it’s worries about phone use that’s the problem. [More]

COVID-19 has affected all communities in some way, economically, physically,and mentally. New data released by the HRC and PSB research found that “LGBTQ people are more likely to have experienced a cut in work hours, are more likely to feel that their personal finances are in worse shape and are more likely to be taking steps to actively prepare for the virus.” [More]

According to a study from the UK, pets are an important source of emotional support for many people during lockdown, reducing and improving people’s mental health. But not everyone recognizes the long-term commitment required with owning a pet. [More]

“Zoom fatigue” is a catchphrase for 2020 as the pandemic forced in person meetings online. But is there a better alternative? A study by Ericsson, “The Dematerialized Office”, predicts that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) would “enable the experience of collaborating in the same room with colleagues.'' If this becomes a routine solution in the business world, it will likely become commonplace for personal use, including therapy. However, is this introducing another potential solution that people will grow tired of? [More]

In an earlier post for Theravive, I examined how cartoons and comics might be a useful way to educate people on mental health concerns. This fall, I interviewed Cara Bean to learn about the process behind Vermont’s Center for Cartoon Studies released “Let’s Talk About It: A Graphic Guide To Mental Health” about its use for education. Recently, there was an article in the Open Library of Humanities about the perceived value in using comics to teach mental health professionals. [More]

In a recent study, researchers surveyed 200 movies released between 1977 and 2019 with content about mental illness and found box office returns were higher than average. Those same movies received 15% of Oscar nominations during the time period. While the article still needs peer-review, the findings show that we, as a society, are doing a better job of talking about mental health. [More]

The common perception is that introverts are thriving from the pandemic lockdown from the pandemic. No longer are they required to go to events and regularly interact with other people since distancing is now required. But a recent study of 2,000 Americans found that introverts experienced more loneliness than extraverts during this time and do not take the initiative to interact with others. [More]

New research in the September 2020 issue of Personality and Individual Differences lists 40 reasons people have trouble making friends. The most important factors included “Lack of time” and “Introversion”. I asked experts to share their thoughts on how people can overcome these barriers to making friends. [More]