Despite mounting evidence that social connection is vital to physical health, new BYU research shows most people, including doctors, still underestimate its importance.
Have you felt uplifted through a simple smile, help with a task or a positive interchange with someone — even a stranger? Kindness works both ways. A new study conducted by BYU researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad finds that offering a single act of kindness each week reduced loneliness, social isolation and social anxiety, and promoted neighborhood relationships.
Gratitude isn't just about listing things you're thankful for; a BYU study suggests expressing thanks to others and to God enhances empathy and indebtedness, fostering a spirit of giving and love.
With summer in full swing and daily schedules changing, teenagers may be rolling out of bed closer to lunchtime than breakfast. And while the occasional late night is fun, research suggests that poor sleep habits are linked to a host of health problems such as obesity, depression, anxiety, and learning disorders. A new study from BYU found that the activities teens do before bed significantly impact the quantity of their sleep.
BYU research found that beyond increasing overall happiness and well-being, indebtedness to God was also related to increased religious involvement, spirituality, attachment to God and pro-social behavior, or how much service and kindness people show to others.
Sleep is vital for all people but is particularly important for teenagers as their bodies undergo significant development during their formative years. Unfortunately, most teens aren't getting enough sleep. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 73% of high school students are getting less than the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep each night.
Surveying over 20,000 people in 101 countries from June to November 2020, the research found more than a three-fold spike in severe loneliness overall, with six percent of the sample reporting feeling lonely before the pandemic compared to 21% during.
Support interventions such as group meetings and family sessions that promoted healthy behaviors resulted in a 29% increased probability of survival over time.
Online therapy boasts a number of benefits, including eliminated wait times, increased accessibility, lower cost, anonymity and the ability to self-pace.
A new study shows a strong correlation between how much women with autistic traits camouflage—hide or compensate for autistic qualities to fit in—and the severity of their mental health concerns.
BYU professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a world-renowned expert on the current loneliness epidemic and is lending her voice to address some crucial health issues in the age of coronavirus
It’s a challenging proposition for anyone: Lie flat on your back, helmet covering half of your face, in a tight-quartered MRI capsule that would make even the non-claustrophobe jittery. Then try not to move for 45 minutes. For children and adolescents with autism and low verbal and cognitive performance (LVCP), that proposition has been nearly impossible without sedation — until now.
Research led by BYU psychology professor Scott Steffensen is showing that acupuncture can have a very real impact at the neurological level, better helping those recovering from addiction.
A recent study by BYU psychology professor Daniel Kay suggests a dysfunction in the inhibition process could be what causes those with insomnia to have a hard time fully falling asleep.
A robust body of research from psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunsdat shows meaningful social relationships have lasting, positive effects on your health. On the flip side, loneliness should be treated as a public health issue.