November 5, 2017
by Tracey Block
While roughly 70 percent of the world participates in Daylight Savings Time in the spring and returns to Standard Time in the fall, these seasonal markers remain a contentious topic of discussion twice a year. Researchers have collected conflicting results on the effects of the one hour time change—some positive, some negative. And yet it remains a system plagued by chaos—causing humans physical and psychological distress. Is one hour of daylight worth all of this?
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November 3, 2017
by Tracey Block
Adults have allowed themselves to be deprived of play for too long. Researchers have proven daily play-filled activities improve adult creativity, lead to greater productivity, reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. So why aren't more of us getting out there to play?
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November 2, 2017
by Tracey Block
Research indicates nostalgia makes us look forward to scaring ourselves every year during the Halloween season. For some, spooky activities bring back happy memories of years past. But do we always enjoy being scared? Investigating why we love--or hate--to be scared might be worth a second look.
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October 30, 2017
by Tracey Block
The results of a Washington Post-UMass Lowell poll—about screaming—were released this month. With so many options to help one alleviate daily stress, there might be one helpful activity that's easily overlooked. No app required. No special workout clothes either.
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October 27, 2017
by Tracey Block
Unlike television news during the Cold War years, social media never “goes off the air”. How do children and youth escape the anxiety that results from the latest threats and jibes between leaders of opposing nations—fear that is amplified by social media?
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October 26, 2017
by Melanie Laing
Recently, Florida police have said they are searching for a possible serial killer believed to have fatally shot three people over the last two weeks. This brings to light the problem of psychopathy. All psychopaths do not become serial murderers. Instead, serial murderers may have some or many of the traits consistent with psychopathy. Psychopaths who commit serial murder don’t value human life. However, psychopathy alone does not explain the motivations of a serial killer.
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October 26, 2017
by Tracey Block
Did you celebrate World Mental Health Day? Is it still taboo to talk about mental health in the workplace? Globally, World Mental Health Day aims to educate, encourage and shine a light on improvements in mental health options, advocacy and recognition of the need to remove the social stigma surrounding mental health subjects. This year’s goal—how to improve the workplace to promote the mental health and wellbeing of all.
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October 25, 2017
by Hilda Huj
One of three women will experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. However, research has indicated that sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes .
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October 24, 2017
by Melanie Laing
A closer look at the long-term psychological consequences of traumatic events and why too much exposure can be more of a trigger than treatment. The hashtag is everywhere, everyone with a voice or a keypad now share their #MeToo experience. But for some, sharing the experience via an avenue like Social Media could come back to haunt them.
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October 23, 2017
by Tracey Block
Why does it take a 'show-biz' style incident for women to speak up about sexual assault and harassment? The problem of women historically remaining silent over workplace harassment is being challenged by the "#Me Too" movement. But does it represent a turning point in our culture?
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