Fraternity Closed over Rape Survey

This AP/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Fraternity Closed Over Rape Survey" reports that a fraternity in Vermont had distributed among its members a survey asking who they would like to rap. On the heels of a recent national survey that found 1 in 5 women have been sexually assaulted ("Nearly 1 in 5 Women in the U.S. Survey Say They Have Been Sexually Assaulted"), how do you think this issue should have been handled? Why is sexual assault a continued issue, especially on college campuses?

More Problems for Premature Babies

This NY Times article entitled "Risks: More Woes for Preemies at Preschool Age" discusses recent research that reveals children who are born even 3 weeks early (37 weeks gestation) are at higher risk for behavioral and emotional disturbances. In fact, the effect was significantly more pronounced in girls than in boys. Why do you think this might occur? What other variables might play a role in premature birth and behavioral or emotional disturbances in children?

Smoker's Surcharge

NY Times article entitled "The Smokers' Surcharge" describes how companies are starting to charge individuals with paying more of their own healthcare costs if they are in a higher-risk health group (e.g., smokers, obese, etc). Is it fair to ask people to pay more if their healthcare costs more? What about if they have a health condition that is difficult to modify?

Who Studies The Most?

This NY Times article entitled "Would Be Engineers Hit The Books the Hardest, A Study Finds" discusses the study habits of undergraduate students. Findings from the National Survey of Student Engagement finds that, in descending order, studying is highest in physical sciences, biological sciences, arts and humanities, education and social sciences. The study also breaks down data by type of school. What other factors would influence this? Is it that the major requires more studying, or that people who choose those types of majors have more or less time to study?

Dad's Depression Affects Kids

CNN reports on "Dad's Depression May Rub Off On Kids." This article reveals that when a father is depressed, their children are 70% more likely to develop an emotional or behavioral disorder. This affect is amplified if the mother is also depressed. How can doctors and families combat depression in both mothers and fathers? How can we end the stigma of men seeking help for depression so that fathers can get treatment?

Unloading Stress in School

This NY Times article entitled "A Place At School Where Students Can Unload Stress and Worry" explores ways to help children and adolescents handle the current stressors of life (substance abuse, bullying, emotional disorders, school pressure, parental conflict, terrorism, etc) within the school system. The wellness system discussed in the article has been effective at helping children learn to cope. What are some of the challenges of helping children and adolescents cope in such a stressful society? How do you build a resilient child?

Unloading Stress in School

This NY Times article entitled "A Place At School Where Students Can Unload Stress and Worry" explores ways to help children and adolescents handle the current stressors of life (substance abuse, bullying, emotional disorders, school pressure, parental conflict, terrorism, etc) within the school system. The wellness system discussed in the article has been effective at helping children learn to cope. What are some of the challenges of helping children and adolescents cope in such a stressful society? How do you build a resilient child?

Measles Cases at 15-Year High

This CNN Article entitled "Measles Cases at a 15-Year High in U.S." discusses the rapidly increasing rates of individuals in the US who are getting measles. Most of these individuals had not received the vaccination or were too young to receive it. What do you think has contributed to the lower rates of vaccinations in this country? What can physicians and parents do to prevent the spread of measles?

Declining African American Enrollment in STEM

This AP article entitled "Declining Numbers of Blacks Seen in Math, Science" discusses the fact that fewer African American men and women are enrolling and completing degrees in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The article discusses barriers, including self-defeating beliefs, lack of role models and mentors, pressure to earn money quickly, and discouraging academic environments. What are some of the ways to overcome these barriers? How can colleges facilitate higher enrollment and success of African American students in STEM courses?

Many Hide Depression from Physician

This Chicago Tribune article entitled "Many Don't Want to Tell Doctors About Depression" reveals that the stigma of telling a physician about depression is less likely related to stigma of depression itself, but most often a fear of being placed on an antidepressant medication. Other reasons were a concern about an employer seeing a depression diagnosis on their paperwork. How can physicians and mental health professionals work together to facilitate an open environment for talking about and treating depression and other mental illnesses? What other factors might these researchers not have attributed for in this study?

Online Therapy a Click Away

NY Times article entitled "When Your Therapist is Only a Click Away" explores the advantages and challenges of providing psychotherapy across the internet/online. The article discusses how convenient online therapy can be for some individuals, as well as the use of this for individuals who are home-bound. Yet there are ethical and legal questions exist, particularly when a therapist is practicing across state lines. What do you think? Would you see a therapist online? How could you ensure your information was kept secure? What concerns would you have?

Hearing Bilingual

NY Times article entitled "Hearing Bilingual: How Babies Sort Out Language." This article reviews some intriguing research on how newborns hear the phonemes in different languages, and how the brain re-wires itself to recognize those different languages. It also explains that infants can learn different languages from people who are speaking the language to them in person, but not from a TV or computer screen. What advantage do you think having a brain wired to understand multiple languages would be? Should parents use daycares that utilize bilingual individuals and instruction rather than waiting until their child is older to expose her to another language?

Coverage for Residential Treatment in Eating Disorders

This article entitled "Eating Disorders a New Front In Insurance Fight" describes the challenges that individuals with eating disorders face when trying to get coverage for residential treatment for those disorders. Even though mental health parity exists for physical and mental disorders, insurers are still finding ways to deny payment for mental health treatment. In what ways have insurance companies made it easier or harder for individuals with mental health problems to receive care? Should insurance companies be mandated to cover more "aggressive" treatment models even when they have little research on them?

Complex Web of Influences on Teen Drinking

Chicago Tribune article entitled "Teen Alcohol Consumption: A Tangled Network Leads to a Surprising Conclusion" reveals that the strongest influence on your child's alcohol consumption is not their friends, or their girlfriend/boyfriend, but rather their romantic partner's close friends. By far, this appeared to be the strongest influence on teen drinking behavior. Why might that be? How can parents and teachers use this new information to stop teen drinking?

Oldest Workers Honored

Link to a news article about a recent ceremony honoring two of the oldest still actively working older adults in the United States (one of whom is a psychologist!). Dr. Bolgar (102 years old), a psychologist, sees patients from 16-20 hours a week and gives lectures, appears in videos and writes. She says she has no plans to retire. Mr. Mazerine (101 years old) Wingate is the great-grandson of slaves and the son of a sharecropper. He began his career 40 years ago at the post office. He still drives to work, where he spends four hours a day, six days a week. How old would you like to be before you retire? Would you prefer to work as long as you can?

Health Gains for Women who Drink?

A NY Times Health article entitled "Aging: Health Gains from One Small Drink a Day" discusses recent research that revealed a small drink (1/2 to 1 oz) of alcohol each day contributed to longer lives for women. However, the researchers warn that exercise and healthy body weight are more critical than drinking. What do you think? Are there other contributing factors that might impact longevity in those who drink a small daily drink? (e.g., socialization, etc). Would you be willing to change your drinking habits to extend your life?

Employing Adults with Autism

This is an interesting  article entitled "Startup Company Succeeds at Hiring Autistic Adults." The article discusses an interesting and innovative work place that caters to individuals all along the autism spectrum of disorders, and has had great success in utilizing their skills and unique talents. What other ways could individuals with autism spectrum disorders contribute to the workforce? Could this model of specialized workplaces be used for other individuals with mental health disorders?

Vaccines Once Again Declared Safe

NY Times article entitled "Vaccine Cleared Once Again As Autism Culprit." A large-scale review of research has revealed that the MMR has no link to autism as a side effect, as some individuals claim. However, there is a list of known side effects (albeit low percentages of children who get these side effects) listed of certain vaccines, such as seizures or fainting. Do you think this study will finally clear vaccine's reputation and encourage parents to vaccine their children? What are some of the known problems of not vaccinating your child?

Too Much Facebook?

Chicago Tribune article entitled "Too Much Facebook Time May Be Unhealthy for Kids." The article reviews recent research presented at the 2011 American Psychological Association that reveals children who use more technology are subject to a number of emotional and physical issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, stomach aches), as well as have increased feelings of narcissism. They also find technology-savvy children have much shorter attention spans. Is social media bad for children? Should parents be limiting technology time, or just monitoring it? What impact does technology have on cognitive, emotional and physical development in the long-term?

Breaking Up Nicely?

NY Times article entitled "Teaching Kids How to Break Up Nicely" addresses the issue of breaking up with relationships over social media. The article addresses the emotional and practical aspects of helping teenagers deal with online breakups. Do you think there is a "better" way to break up that would be healthy for teenagers? Are there times when online breakups might be a positive thing?

Healthy Living Prevents Alzheimer's

An AP/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Study: Healthy Living Can Prevent Alzheimer's" reveals that simple life changes, such as not smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthy, and maintaining an active mental life through such things as education can help prevent Alzheimer's in later life. The research revealed 7 different factors that impact future dementia. Would you be willing to make some simple life changes now, in order to prevent Alzheimer's in your future? How can this information be incorporated into future health programs for all adults?

Playgrounds Too Safe?

NY Times article entitled "Can a Playground Be Too Safe?" This article discusses the changes made in playgrounds over the last 50 years, and then explores the psychological impact this has made on our children. Specifically, studies have found that children who have semi-"dangerous" playgrounds to explore can overcome fears such as fear of heights or of dangerous places. Should playgrounds have more "exciting" and potentially dangerous equipment? How has our litigious society impacted the way children play? Is a playground a good place to develop emotional and mental well-being?

The Therapist Will "See" You Now

NY Times article entitled "The Therapist Will See You Now, Via the Web." This article discusses the possibility of internet- based psychotherapy, and how it might occur. Most insurance companies do not pay for web-based therapy, and many therapists are concerned about the ability to accurately understand emotions over long-distance technology. Would you be willing to see a psychologist via the internet, even if they lived in another state? What ethical implications might that have?

The Therapist Will "See" You Now

NY Times article entitled "The Therapist Will See You Now, Via the Web." This article discusses the possibility of internet- based psychotherapy, and how it might occur. Most insurance companies do not pay for web-based therapy, and many therapists are concerned about the ability to accurately understand emotions over long-distance technology. Would you be willing to see a psychologist via the internet, even if they lived in another state? What ethical implications might that have?

Internet Use Affects Memory

NY Times article entitled "Internet Use Affects Memory, Study Finds." This article explores how use of the internet affects how people remember information. The study identifies several interesting pieces of the internet/memory connection, including that people are more likely to remember information if they do not think they will remember it later, and they also are more likely to remember where they store the information on their computer. How might this affect learning in your life? How could you use this information to impact your memory?

TV Affects Preschooler's Sleep

A recent study, reported by CNN and entitled "TV Affects Sleep of Preschoolers", reveals that not only does the type of TV impact a preschooler's sleep, but the time of day the child watches TV impacts quality and quantity of sleep. The article also discusses other ways TV impacts sleep on this age group. How can parents balance a child's desire to watch TV with what is healthy for the child? What other healthy behaviors can parents promote instead of watching TV?

Piercing a Tongue, In the Name of Mobility

NY Times article entitled "Piercing a Tongue, in the Name of Mobility" examines an innovative new technology for individuals who are paralyzed. Scientists wanted to develop a more user-friendly technology to assist individuals who are paralyzed to be more mobile. The tongue piercing has a magnet that communicates to a wireless headset and controls the wheelchair. What other types of technologies could be used to help an individual who is paralyzed? Are there other innovative ways to utilize oral devices to make living more "user-friendly"?

Seniors Fare Better Where Doctors Are

NY Times article entitled: "Patterns: Seniors Fare Better Where Doctors Are" explores recent research that reveals when older adults live within high concentration of Primary Care doctors (PCP's), they have lower death rates and are less likely to be hospitalized for illnesses that can be managed outside the hospital setting. What factors play into this finding? How could groups other than just older adults benefit from the results of this research? How do we get doctors to go into primary care settings, when the reimbursement levels continue to decline (even as malpractice rates and business costs increase?).

My Plate Replaces Food Pyramid

The US Government recently released MyPlate, a redesign of the food pyramid, as a way to promote healthy eating and reminders about a basic healthy diet. This NY Times article, entitled "Nutrition Plate Revealed, Replacing Food Pyramid", describes the rationale for changing from what was deemed a "confusing" pyramid to something that consumers will be able to identify with -- a plate. What do you think? Will this change in the visual guidelines to healthy eating actually promote more healthy diets among Americans? How could the government best promote this new design to be most effective?

Male Therapists in Short Supply

NY Times piece entitled "Need Therapy? A Good Man is Hard to Find." The article explores the feminization of mental health care (e.g., the shift from a great number of male therapists to overwhelmingly more female therapists) and how this may or may not impact work done with the client. What do you think? Is the gender of the therapist important? How might it change the outcome of psychotherapy?

Coffee Lowers Cancer Risk

The NY Times explores a recent study entitled "Coffee Lowers Risk of Prostate Cancer, Harvard Study Says." Researchers revealed that men who drank 6 cups of coffee per day -- caffeinated or not -- had a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer. They speculate that it is the antioxidants in the coffee may be a major contributing factor. Would you drink 6 cups of coffee a day if it would lower your cancer risk? What other foods or lifestyle changes would also contribute to lower risk of cancer?

Hazy Memory Predicts Depression?

A recent study reviewed by the NY Times, entitled "Hazy Recall as a Signal Foretelling Depression" examines an individual's ability to recall a very specific versus generalized emotional memory. Researchers speculate that this overgeneral memory may contribute to mental health disorders later on, including depression and PTSD. What might be a confounding variable in these types of studies? How might researchers and psychologists use this information to help treat individuals with mental health problems?

Caring for Caregivers

A recent NY Times article entitled "Caring for an Ill Spouse, and Other Caregivers" explores the benefits of a caregiver support group for individuals who are caring for their spouses, parents or others who are ill. Support groups are an invaluable resource for individuals to vent, have a shoulder to lean on, and to learn ways to cope with their loved one's illness. What other resources need to be made available for caregivers? Why is it that the bulk of caregiving falls on family and there is little governmental support for this?

Celebrating a Death: Ugly, Maybe, But Only Human

NY Times article entitled "Celebrating a Death: Ugly, Maybe, But Only Human" examines the recent death of Osama bin Laden and the spontaneous celebrations that arose when the news was released. Psychologists who were interviewed note that it is a human trait to want revenge, and to celebrate after the revenge is complete as an "existential release." What do you think -- is it human to celebrate a death or is it indecent? How might celebration of revenge change attitudes in the long run?

Up Late = Eat More?

A recent study reported in the Chicago Tribune, entitled "People who stay up late eat more, eat worse, study says," appears to indicate that night owls tended to not only eat more (adding up to a 2-lb a month more weight gain than non-late-nighters), but ate worse and had higher BMIs. What could some of the contributing factors to this be? What critiques might you have of this study, and what more research would you like to see conducted on the link between sleep and eating?

May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health America is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating "May is Mental Health Month," which began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.

This year, we are addressing these important issues through two themes:

Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives. 

The second theme, Live Well! It's Essential for Your Potential, focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges. Mental Health America's Live Your Life Well program offers ten science-based tools to manage stress and help you relax, grow and flourish.

Simple Checklist To Spot Autism By Age 1

AP News/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Simple Checklist May Spot Signs of Autism by Age 1." This article discusses a simple checklist that would identify children at risk for Autism by age 1. The checklist could easily be completed in a waiting room at the pediatrician's office, and allow for treatment to start much earlier. How effective could a simple checklist be in helping parents and pediatricians identify autism? Should insurance companies start paying for screening tools such as this one at earlier and earlier ages?

Motherhood and Filicide

AP News/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Moms Killing Kids Not as Rare as You Think" describes filicide, or killing one's own child. Several databases track such killings but do not separate mothers from fathers or stepfathers. Filicide is not as rare as the media would make us believe! At the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reported an estimated 1,740 child fatalities - meaning when a child dies from an injury caused by abuse or neglect - in 2008. According to numbers compiled from 16 states by the National Violent Death Reporting System at the CDC Injury Center, 130 children were killed in those states by a parent in 2008, the last year for which numbers were available. How can resources be made available for mothers or fathers who feel an urge to hurt or kill their child? What ways can the community intervene?

Well $*!, Swearing for Health

Chicago Tribune article entitled "Swearing Reduces Pain, Study Says," which discusses on a recently-released study examining whether cursing can reduce pain or not. The report indicates that participants who used a swear word were able to tolerate pain longer than participants who used a neutral word; however, a word of caution! The effect only worked for those participants who did not frequently swear in the first place. What do you think? Does swearing help relieve pain? What other types of non-medical techniques might also alleviate pain?

Drug Deaths in Ohio

A recent NY Times article features Scioto County (county seat: Portsmouth) in Ohio. The article is entitled "Ohio County Losing Its Young to Painkillers' Grip" and gives a number of grim statistics, such as:

* Nearly 1 in 10 babies born in Scioto County are born addicted to drugs.
* In Ohio, the leading cause of accidental death is overdose, bypassing car accidents.
* Children as young as in junior high are being arrested for drug possession and intent to sell.

For more information on addiction and how to combat it, please visit the APA Addictions webpage, which has more information on changing behavior and dealing with addiction. To find a psychologist to help with addiction in Ohio, please visit the OPA "Referral" Page.

Suicide and The Economy

The NY Times is reporting on "Study Ties Suicide Rate in Work Force to Economy." Past research has shown mixed information when looking at the economy and suicide rates, but this new analysis reveals that for those adults who are still working, suicide rates are tied to economic rises and falls. The researchers indicate that economic downturns may add another variable to already stressed individuals at risk for suicide. Other risk factors for suicide include depression, substance abuse, and isolation. How could mental health professionals assist working adults in hard economic times in managing stress? What ways can businesses address this higher risk of suicide?

At 103, Still Working

Columbus Dispatch/AP Article entitled "Federal Judge, 103, Still Hearing Cases in Kansas." Judge Brown was appointed to his lifetime bench by President Kennedy, and still takes his appointments seriously. He lives in an assisted living center, but gets a ride to work daily and still hears numerous civil cases. What are your thoughts about working to age 103? How would you feel if you had a case being heard by a judge at that age? Should other people keep working past retirement to maintain an active mind and body?

Gov't Plan to Reduce Health Disparities

A Columbus Dispatch/AP Article entitled "Government Announces Plan to Reduce Health Disparities" describes how minority individuals in the U.S. are suffering from poorer health and get worse healthcare than whites. The new government plan addresses issues such as dental care for children, increased support for individuals with diabetes, and more access to interpreters in medical settings. What are other ways that the healthcare community can work to reduce the disparities that exist? How can individuals work to make sure they receive the best healthcare available?

April is National Minority Health Month. For more information, please visit the Office on Minority Affairs website. To learn more about health disparities in Ohio, visit the OPA "Health Disparities in Ohio" link.

Disabled, But Looking For Work

A recent NY Times article entitled "Disabled, But Looking For Work" discusses the increase in Americans receiving social security disability payments and how those who wish to return to work, despite their disability, are struggling to do so. There are numerous social and medical  implications to this article. What would be a solution to balancing wanting to work but not being able to work? How could individuals receiving social security disability get more support so that they can contribute to the workforce in a way that is appropriate to their situation? 

Traumatizing Your DNA

A recent article posted by ScienceDaily entitled "Traumatizing Your DNA: Researcher Warns That It Isn't 'All In The Genes'." This article discusses a research article published in the Quarterly Journal of Biology that examines how individuals and environment can impact genetics, despite the Human Genome Project's focus on genetics being the sole influence on development. How much can environment, such as pollution or stress impact our genes? How might the long-term effects of these environmental stressors be seen on genetics in the future? Thinking about the heritability index discussed by the textbook, are certain traits likely to be more or less influenced by possible environmental stressors discussed by the article?

Autism Awareness Month

In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, the Chicago Tribune has published an article entitled "The Best Places to Live if You Have Autism." The article discusses a recent list distributed by an organization called Autism Speaks, based on the following criteria: Places most often cited by survey respondents for best availability of services and resources, including educational offerings and recreational and medical services. The top 10 cities were top 10 were New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and Milwaukee. Ohio ranked as one of the lowest states in the ratings. What could Ohio do to improve Autism care? What should parents be looking for when they seek a good place to live for their child who has Autism?

Obese Moms, Kids Underestimate Weight

CNN.com report on a new study indicating that "Most Obese Moms, Kids Underestimate Weight." In this study, a significantly higher portion of obese women underestimated their own weight. The obese children interviewed by the researchers also underestimated their weight by a significant portion. How might significant underestimation of weight impact a parent or child's overall health and well-being? Should regular weigh-ins be part of a school curriculum in order to increase the child's awareness of his or her "real" weight?

Depressed Dads Spank

This CNN Article entitled "Depressed Dads More Likely To Spank" reveals that men who endorse symptoms of depression are four times more likely to spank their children than men who are not depressed. What are some ways that society could reduce the stigma of receiving mental health treatment and encourage men to seek help? How could fathers prepare before their children are born to deal with the emotional stress of fatherhood (e.g., sleepless nights, crying, etc.)?

Bad Job Better Than No Job?

CNN article entitled "For Mental Health, Bad Job Better Than No Job." This article reports on recent research indicating that for some people, taking a "bad" job just to pay the bills is emotionally more stressful than being unemployed. The article also posits that bad managers are the primary source of stress, creating bad work situations that contribute to emotional and physical distress. How do we help unemployed individuals find work that is satisfying and meaningful in a rapid way? What might be ways to manage work stress in a healthy way?

Adolescent Hypocricy in Adulthood

This NY Times article entitled "Green Development? Not in my (Liberal) Backyard." The article discusses how neighborhoods famously known for their liberal pro-environment stance will not allow changes in their community to actually support environmental projects such as bike lanes or wind turbines. The article calls this Nimbyism, but students in Psy 240 know it better as Apparent Hypocricy -- the cognitive error that Elkind identified where adolescents will profess to endorse a certain value or belief, but they are unwilling to change their own lifestyle to go along with those beliefs. How might adults who are still experiencing this cognitive error be scaffolded (aka Vygotsky) into making their behaviors congruent with their beliefs?