The Vicious Circle of Misery and Company

We all know that misery and company like each other, but the fallout from finding a friend to commiserate with can actually make matters worse.

The American Psychological Association is reporting that girls are more likely than boys to develop anxiety and depression as a result of extensive conversations with friends about their problems.

Co-rumination (excessively talking with another person about problems, including rehashing them and dwelling on the negative feelings associated with them) has costs and benefits. For girls, talking with a friend increased the feelings of closeness, but the co-rumination increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, which in turn, contributed to greater co-rumination. Setting into motion a vicious circle.

I have seen this trend in my work with young girls and recommend that they seek out additional friendships - pals that are positive thinking, upbeat and problem solving oriented.

I think the key here is to know that the cycle of visiting and re-visiting negative experiences without a positive spin can prevent one from getting out of the black hole. And I do think this holds true not only for girls, but for anyone who may have anxiety or depressive predispositions.

See the full text study here.

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Can You "See" The Baby?

Another illusion for your enjoyment.

Hat tip to blogpal Dawn for the find.

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The "Eyes" Have It

Did you know that the human iris pattern is more unique than fingerprints?

Though your retina can change with age, your iris remains intact. And no two iris blueprints are mathematically alike, even between identical twins and triplets.

Iris Scan technology has been growing for several decades. Many secured registered-traveler programs in the US and Canada incorporate iris scanning as part of their standards - allowing registered travelers to breeze through airport security. In the UK the "Iris Recognition Immigration System" is a fast and secure way to clear immigration. And in Amsterdam, you can fly passport free with iris scan recognition.

Many schools are implementing iris scanning to help with security, law enforcement uses this biometric technology to track prisoners, identify missing or lost children and senior citizens. Banking establishments and governmental agencies use the technology to prevent fraud, identity theft and terrorism.

But did you know that your iris can now detect your personality?

According to a recent Swedish study, people who are warm, loving, and trusting are more likely to have a greater number of crypts or pits on their iris. People with more furrows, or lines around the outside of the iris are more neurotic and prone to impulsiveness. The Pax6 gene, which is linked with tissue growth both in the iris and the brain, is also involved with the development of positive emotion and self-control.

Identification technology AND a personality profile?


The EYES really do have it!

Resource

Larsson, M., Pederson, N.L. & Stattin, H. (2007). Associations between iris characteristics and personality in adulthood. Biological Psychology, In Press.

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Brazil Yogurt Shames Large Women

When I first saw this photo I thought, "Wow, what a beautiful woman." Tucked in the corner is a container of Fit Light Yogurt, manufactured in Brazil.

"How terrific. This must be another company showing how beauty comes in different sizes," I continued.

But as I read the tag line of the ad, my eyes widened in disbelief:

"Forget about it. Men’s preference will never change. Fit Light Yogurt."

The ad campaign, which shows large women in famous cinematic poses, suggests that men wouldn't find this photo sexy.

Beauty and health advertisements often don't reflect reality. Advertisements like this are created to do one thing: convince you to buy a specific product...and to sell you this specific product, advertisers will often construct an emotional experience that looks like reality. [2]

So the psychological message in this advertising campaign is that men are only attracted to a glamorous, thin, young female . . .see Mena Suvari in the original "American Beauty" image.

And if YOU are not thin or hollywood-glam, you should go out, buy this yogurt and make that transformation happen.

Well, I ain't buying it - the message or the yogurt!

And don't you either.

Vive la difference. THAT is reality.




Footnotes
[1] Fit Light Yogurt
[2] PBS: Eating Disorders

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Autism and Denial

The New York Post has been the next media source to focus on the concern that John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son, Jett Travolta age 15, has Autism .

For many years now, there have been rumors about the Travolta's being in denial about their son's Autism, relying on their religion to address the situation. According to Scientology teachings, Jett has been given the status of "degraded" where the church says he can cure himself by working harder on the church's teachings. The Travoltas deny that Jett has Autism, claiming that their son's condition is Kawasaki syndrome, a disease characterized by high fever, skin rash and swelling of the lymph nodes.

I feel sad about this because there are some treatments for Autism that would not involve medication - something Scientology disdains. For example, Applied Behavior Analysis would be helpful. But the religion denies the existence of any mental/neurological disorders, so it seems that nothing will be done for this boy.

Of interest, is that Travolta's older brother, Joey Travolta , produced the widely acclaimed documentary Normal People Scare Me - a film about how Autistic people see the rest of the world. The documentary was directed by Taylor Cross, an Autistic 17 year old film-maker.

There are many high profile individuals who have brought light to Autism. Actors like Sylvester Stallone, Laura San Giacomo, Joe Mantegna, Gary Cole, Holly Robinson, Ed Asner, Aidan Quinn and Jenny McCarthy have spoken openly about their own children who have Autism. Famous athletes Doug Flutie and Dan Marino have Autism foundations. The Australian band The Vines singer, Craig Nicholls, has brought light to Asperger's - and singer Toni Braxton, who has a son with Autism, was just named the National Celebrity Spokesperson for the advocacy organization Autism Speaks

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Genes And Bipolar Disorder

U.S. scientists have discovered bipolar disorder -- also known as manic-depression -- might actually be polygenic (a disease caused by an interaction of genes in more than once place in the body).

The National Institute of Mental Health conducted the first genome-wide association study of bipolar disorder and discovered that not one specific gene appears to be necessary or sufficient for disease. Instead, several genes were shown to contribute to the risk of bipolar disorder.

Genetic research shows us more and more how mental illness is real and not a result of weak character, laziness or other ignorant based notions.

The study can be found at Molecular Psychiatry - which is an awesome resource. Many research articles are free to read and highlight the biological aspects that cause mental illness.

I wonder if I should get Tom Cruise a subscription?

Reference

Zandi, P. et. al. (2007) Genome-wide linkagescan of 98 bipolar pedigrees and analysis of clinical covariates. MolecularPsychiatry. Online publication 15 May 2007; doi:0.1038/sj.mp.4002027

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Virtual Reality & Hallucinations

Wired.com recently highlighted the use of virtual reality technology for helping others understand what it is like to have hallucinations or delusions.

Created by Janssen Pharmaceutica, the virtual reality training system is being used to advocate for those who suffer mental illness, particularly Schizophrenia. Creating empathy, compassion and understanding is the goal of this technology. Several states are already using it as are law enforcement agencies, corrections departments and mental health professionals. It would be great if judges in the court system could have a go with this technology --- and so should everyone working in the Managed Care Health industry!

The system offers two interactive scenarios. In one, the subject experiences a bus ride where passengers randomly appear and disappear, where birds of prey claw at the windows and voices taunt and whisper. The other features a trip to the drugstore, where a pharmacist hands the subject poison instead of the prescribed medication, and hostile customers stare in disgust.

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