All articles tagged with #psychological impact
Two years after Hamas's attack on Israel, the ongoing Gaza war has deeply affected Israeli society, causing personal tragedies, mental health crises, loss of empathy for Palestinians, international repercussions, and a national debate on the war's justification and consequences.
A couple's marriage was strained by diabetes-related erectile dysfunction, but they found solutions through open communication and innovative treatments like the Vertica device, which improved their intimacy and brought them closer together.
Girls are experiencing puberty at increasingly younger ages, with significant physical and psychological consequences. Factors contributing to this trend include rising childhood obesity, poor diet, stress, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Early puberty can lead to health issues like shorter adult height, higher risks of breast cancer, obesity, and mental health challenges. Parents and healthcare providers need to address these changes proactively to support affected girls.
Passengers of a turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines flight, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries, are experiencing significant psychological distress. Experts warn of potential acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors. Mental health professionals recommend supportive measures, including allowing individuals to process their emotions at their own pace and therapies like EMDR, to aid in recovery.
In his new memoir "In My Time of Dying," journalist Sebastian Junger recounts a near-death experience in 2020 when he suffered a ruptured aneurysm. During the ordeal, he saw a dark pit and his late father, which left him horrified rather than comforted. This event profoundly impacted his life, leading to psychological struggles and existential questions. Junger explores these themes in his book, hoping to offer comfort to others facing similar experiences.
As virtual reality programs gain popularity, reports of attacks, harassment, and sexual assault in the metaverse are on the rise, prompting calls for law enforcement to develop protocols to address these crimes. However, prosecuting virtual crimes presents legal challenges, as current laws require evidence of physical incidents. Experts emphasize the urgent need for protocols to address harassment in virtual reality, as the immersive nature of the metaverse can make online attacks feel real and have a profound psychological impact.
Taylor Swift opens up about the leaked phone call with Kanye West, saying it took a toll on her psychologically and led to her career being "taken away" from her. Swift recalls feeling betrayed by the edited phone call released by Kim Kardashian, which made her appear as a liar. The public backlash caused her to withdraw from the world and move to a different country. However, in 2020, unedited footage of the phone call surfaced, clearing Swift's name. She has since made a comeback and was recently named Time's Person of the Year.
A study from the University of Toronto suggests that using the present tense in online communication, such as reviews and pitches, can make the message more persuasive. The present tense makes the message seem more specific and concrete, allowing audiences to better visualize its meaning and feel psychologically closer to the author. The study found that reviews with more present tense verbs received higher helpfulness ratings, while reviews with past or future tense verbs received lower ratings. The impact of verb tense was particularly strong when the reader was geographically closer to the author. The study highlights the importance of using concrete language to enhance persuasiveness in online communication.
Children in Gaza are experiencing severe trauma symptoms, including convulsions, bed-wetting, fear, aggressive behavior, and nervousness, after 16 days of bombing by Israeli forces. The constant bombardment has created a general sense of fear and horror among the entire population, with children being the most impacted. Israeli children have also shown signs of trauma. Studies conducted after previous conflicts have shown that a majority of children in Gaza exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including sleep disturbances, anxiety, appetite changes, and feelings of insecurity. The mental health of children in Gaza has declined dramatically due to the blockade and repeated conflicts, leading to alarming levels of psycho-social distress.
The ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has left children in a state of constant trauma, with four out of five children living with depression, grief, and fear, according to a report by Save the Children. More than half of the children struggle with suicidal thoughts and the trauma of witnessing the deaths of other children. Parents try to create a sense of normalcy, but the nonstop bombing has resulted in the death of over 1,500 Palestinians, including around 500 children. The children's fear and anxiety are evident as they struggle to cope with the constant sound of missiles and explosions. Many children suffer from separation anxiety and fear for the safety of their loved ones. The displacement of families and seeking shelter in crowded schools further exacerbates their trauma.
A Palestinian father in Gaza describes how his children have become "numb and indifferent" to the constant bombings, losing their sense of childhood. Since Hamas attacked Israel, Israel has launched devastating airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The father explains that the fear and trauma have gradually affected his children, who now ask questions about war and death instead of enjoying a playful childhood. The family has been confined to their apartment, and the youngest children have not been allowed outside. The father also highlights the difficulty of marking life events by war, emphasizing the strong sense of solidarity among Palestinians despite the dire living conditions caused by the Israeli siege.
Researchers from UCL and Wingate University have conducted a systematic review highlighting the need to recognize childhood verbal abuse as a distinct subtype of child maltreatment. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent definitions and measurements of verbal abuse, as it can have lasting emotional and psychological repercussions on children. Verbal abuse, including actions like shouting and threats, can lead to increased risks of anger, depression, substance abuse, self-harm, and obesity. The study calls for targeted prevention efforts and the identification of childhood verbal abuse as a standalone subtype to address its harmful effects.
Six months after a devastating earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye and neighboring Syria, the humanitarian needs in the affected areas remain enormous. Thousands of people have lost their lives, tens of thousands have been injured, and infrastructure has been severely damaged. Elcin, who was trapped in the rubble for 81 hours, shares her harrowing experience and the ongoing struggles she faces living in a container. The psychological impact of the earthquake continues to affect many, and the town she lives in remains destroyed, with people relying on support for their basic needs. CARE is providing assistance to those affected, including water, food, shelter, and protection services.
The use of AI chatbots for companionship and even intimate connections is on the rise, with some individuals considering them as romantic partners. Replika, a popular AI chatbot program, allows users to engage in daily conversations and even view intimate images of their AI companions. Psychologists warn against living in a fantasy and encourage seeking psychological treatment early on. While this trend is primarily observed in technologically knowledgeable individuals, experts anticipate that AI may become more accepted and used in this way in the future. However, there are potential pitfalls, including developing extreme attachment to AI, disassociation from reality, and unresolved psychological issues. Seeking professional help is advised for those dependent exclusively on AI companions.
A female frontline medic in Ukraine shares her experiences of the war, describing the overwhelming emotional toll and horrifying sights she has witnessed. She highlights the challenges of helping critically ill civilians, including the elderly and children with their pets, and emphasizes the difficulty of evacuating wounded soldiers. Despite the horrors of war, she finds solace in the support of her crew and the ability to save lives. She reflects on the parallel reality of everyday life and the sense of horror that lingers, but remains committed to her work and grateful for each day she is alive.