Despite heavily-marketed claims to the contrary, positive psychology interventions do not consistently improve mental or physical health and well-being. The myth that these interventions are efficacious is perpetuated by a mutually-admiring, self-promotional collective that protects its claims from independent peer [...]
Since the late 1980s, a popular theory has claimed that increasing levels of the signaling molecule serotonin is an important part of treating depression. This is typified by the antidepressant Prozac, which works by boosting serotonin levels. When Prozac was launched in [...]
Stress is the reason why we find it hard to empathise with someone we do not know, researchers suggest. In separate tests in mice and people, empathy towards strangers increased when stress hormones were blocked by a drug. Playing a [...]
The thickness of cortical brain tissue progressively reduces as individuals develop psychosis, according to researchers of a large, multi-site study of young adults at clinical high risk. via Development of psychosis: Gray matter loss and the inflamed brain -- ScienceDaily.
With the discovery of Emotional Intelligence (EI), we now know that your professional success is as much predicated upon your emotional intelligence (and some would even argue more so) than your IQ. Your emotional intelligence is at the core of [...]
psychiatrists have now sounded a warning that as well as bringing benefits, mindfulness meditation can have troubling side-effects. Evidence is also emerging of underqualified teachers presenting themselves as mindfulness experts via Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, [...]
Regular physical activity improves brain function even in young adults considered in their prime and at the height of cognitive ability, according to a new University of Otago study. via Study indicates exercise sharpens the young adult brain.
Empathy in action, contrary to common misconceptions, is not only good because it helps others. Empathy is essential to achieve personal success. Empathy makes you a better team member. It helps you become a good leader. It makes companies focus [...]
Scientists said Sunday they may have unravelled how chronic stress leads to heart attack and stroke: triggering overproduction of disease-fighting white blood cells which can be harmful in excess. via Scientists explain stress-heart attack link.
In the last 10 years, a new field of neuroscience has mapped the mental zone that can literally change the brain to quiet an overly active stress response system and simultaneously pave the way for higher brain networks to perform [...]