More than other problems they encounter, today’s teens believe anxiety and depression are the biggest challenges their peers face. That’s the finding of a Pew Research Center report published last month.
In a survey of 1,000 teenagers, 13-17, 70 percent … Read more “Survey: anxiety and depression are top problems for teens”
Much research has shown that, individually, a tendency to clutter and a tendency to procrastinate negatively impacts a person’s relationships and emotional well-being. But do the two behaviors go together? At least one study points to the connection in young … Read more “The correlation of clutter and procrastination — and what you might do about it”
It may seem counter intuitive, but millennials — the age group least interested in organized religion — often want to discuss their spirituality when they come to counseling. That’s been my experience as a psychotherapist. And at least one study … Read more “Millennials in therapy are interested in spirituality”
Prior research has established a link between mental health problems in children and teens, such as anxiety and depression, and excessive “screen time,” the time spent using electronic gadgets, including cell phones, tablets, computers, electronic games and television. Thus far, … Read more “How much screen time is too much for kids?”
Do you seem to be on your smartphone a lot of the time — for example while eating at a restaurant, standing in line or watching TV? Do you feel anxious when separated from your device? You might wonder — … Read more “Are you addicted to your smartphone?”
The belief in “oneness”–that everything in the universe is part of a fundamental unity–is the core teaching of many religions and most mystical traditions. Duke University researchers were curious as to how this world view might influence a person’s mental … Read more “Psychological implications of a belief in “oneness””
Most people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the set of negative symptoms that arise after trauma, such as insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, unstable moods, behavioral changes, etc. But have you heard of post-traumatic growth or PTG?
PTG refers to … Read more “Is Post-Traumatic Growth Possible?”
If asked if we follow a particular religion, many of us would say “I’m spiritual, not religious.” But can we claim we’re as spiritual in our lives as we want to be? In truth, we’re all very preoccupied — with … Read more “Developing your own spiritual practice”
In the last blog post, I mentioned two recent studies that provide further evidence of the contribution religion makes to personal well-being. It’s clear religious affiliation is a positive force in people’s lives. Religion provides an individual with membership in … Read more “The mental health blessings of spirituality”
Much research in the past 30 years has demonstrated that people with strong religious beliefs tend to exhibit greater well-being in their lives. The psychological benefits of religiosity are known to include: increased social connections, greater resilience to life challenges, … Read more “New clues to why religious people are happier”