Online gaming communities could provide a lifeline for isolated young men − new research

For young men who struggle with mental health or lack connections in real life, chat and community features of online games can be a source of support.

Tyler Prochnow, Assistant Professor of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 22, 2023 ~5 min

Pregnancy apps and online spaces fail to support individuals grieving a pregnancy loss – here's what to do about it

New research shows technologies like pregnancy apps do not account for pregnancy loss 72% of the time, causing real harm to users.

Nazanin Andalibi, Assistant Professor of Information, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 3, 2021 ~6 min


Social media gives support to LGBTQ youth when in-person communities are lacking

While online communities may not fully address the isolation LGBTQ youth face in-person, they can serve as an important source of social support and a springboard for civic engagement.

Linda Charmaraman, Director of Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab, Wellesley College • conversation
Sept. 28, 2021 ~6 min

People living with HIV face harmful stigma daily – DaBaby's rant was just more public than most

Microaggressions are more subtle than outright discrimination. But they can directly affect HIV treatment outcomes.

Sannisha Dale, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Miami • conversation
Aug. 9, 2021 ~7 min

Transgender medicine – what care looks like, who seeks it out and what's still unknown: 3 essential reads

Across the US, politicians, activists and transgender people are fighting over the right to access transgender medical care. Rarely is the care itself actually discussed. This is that discussion.

Daniel Merino, Assistant Editor: Science, Health, Environment; Co-Host: The Conversation Weekly Podcast • conversation
June 23, 2021 ~10 min

Pregnancy during COVID-19 lockdown: How the pandemic has affected new mothers

Pregnant women's experiences can affect their babies' health, even into adulthood. Researchers know societywide stresses can lead to these long-term consequences – and the pandemic likely fits the bill.

Alyssa Morris, Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
May 19, 2021 ~10 min

Pregnant women's brains show troubling signs of stress – but feeling strong social support can break those patterns

Fetal brains are changing rapidly over the course of pregnancy, but so are the brains of mothers-to-be. Neuroscience research shows one way worry can start taking hold – and a simple way to help.

Tristin Nyman, Ph.D. Student in Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University • conversation
May 12, 2021 ~9 min

Group exercise may be even better for you than solo workouts – here's why

Your most important piece of exercise gear may be the friends you buddy up with to work out.

Jacob Meyer, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, Iowa State University • conversation
Dec. 29, 2020 ~9 min


Keep calm and carry on – but how? A psychologist offers 10 tips to manage the uncertainty and stress of election aftermath

As uncertainty abounds and anxiety skyrockets, you've probably heard advice to be patient, stay calm and keep the faith. Here are 10 concrete tips to help you actually manage the stress.

Bethany Teachman, Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
Nov. 6, 2020 ~8 min

How hope can keep you healthier and happier

Hope can be acquired. How? Here are some suggestions from an expert.

Everett Worthington, Emeritus Commonwealth Professor of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University • conversation
March 18, 2020 ~6 min

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