News

UA psychologist gives advice on coping with tragedy

UA psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor appeared on Good Morning Tucson to talk about how to cope with tragedy. Speaking with anchors Pat Parris and Samantha Cortese, O'Connor stressed that it's normal to be unable to sleep or think about much else in the wake of traumatic events. She said people tend to be resilient and that it's important to do something that feels meaningful, whether it be discussing the event with others or giving blood.

Watch the video on KGUN 9

Post date: Thu, 10/05/2017 - 15:47

Here's why we're all so obsessed with the end of the world, according to Psychology

Congratulations, we’ve survived yet another failed doomsday prediction. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before we brace for another. It seems that humanity is truly fascinated by End-of-the-World predictions. A closer look inside our own minds may help to explain why this is.

Post date: Tue, 09/26/2017 - 00:00

In Memorandum: William H. Ittelson

University of Arizona Emeritus faculty member Bill Ittelson passed away after a long and influential career that spanned many of the traditional boundaries within Psychology. Regarded by many as the founder of the field of Environmental Psychology, much of his work focused on how our environment influences cognition and behavior. The scope of his work was broad and interdisciplinary, ranging from topics in visual perception (such as why mirrors reverse

Post date: Thu, 09/28/2017 - 07:30

UA Team Tackles Better Brain Health

A trial will look at whether a naturally occurring compound, known as angiotensin 1-7, relieves cognitive deficits after heart bypass. The UA collaborators include a cardiologist, a physiologist and a psychologist.

Post date: Fri, 09/22/2017 - 15:14

Could Limiting Naps Support Learning in Children With Down Syndrome?

A robust and growing body of research explores the effects of sleep and napping on learning and memory development in young children. Yet, less work has looked at the cognitive implications of naps for children with Down syndrome — a population that commonly suffers with significant sleep challenges.

Post date: Mon, 08/21/2017 - 00:00

Kids in High-Stress Environments May Develop Unique Skills

Children who grow up in high-stress environments, such as dangerous neighborhoods or financially insecure households, often are described in scientific literature as being at high risk for learning and behavioral deficits.

Yet, a new research article involving the University of Arizona proposes that greater attention also should be paid to what's right with children who grow up in high-stress environments in order to help them succeed.

Post date: Tue, 07/18/2017 - 11:16

UA Research: Brains Evolved to Need Exercise

Mounting scientific evidence shows that exercise is good not only for our bodies, but for our brains. Yet, exactly why physical activity benefits the brain is not well understood.

In a new article published in the journal Trends in Neurosciences, University of Arizona researchers suggest that the link between exercise and the brain is a product of our evolutionary history and our past as hunter-gatherers.

Post date: Tue, 06/27/2017 - 15:12

Save Yourself From Tedious Small Talk

What seems like banal banter can turn into something more meaningful—and even help your career—if you know how to steer the conversation.

This Wall Street Journal Article references the research of Matthias Mehl and a replication project by postdoc Anne Milek.

Read the full story:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/spare-yourself-from-tedious-small-talk-1495551562

Post date: Tue, 05/30/2017 - 13:13

Bouldering Envisioned as New Treatment for Depression

UA researcher Eva-Maria Stelzer was involved in a study finding that bouldering can help people avoid a mental avalanche in life. The study provides evidence that a bouldering psychotherapy can be effective for reducing symptoms of depression and that the alleviation of depressive symptoms can be enhanced through physical activity.

Post date: Tue, 05/30/2017 - 13:08

Best in Class: Grads Who Are Going Places

The UA's Class of 2017 has it all, from a planetary scientist who has studied Pluto to a would-be chaplain. In the first part of a two-part series, we introduce four graduates who are poised to make an impact in the world.

One of our very first UA Online graduates, Courtney Barnes, is featured in the article.

Post date: Wed, 05/10/2017 - 14:33

Post date: Tue, 05/30/2017 - 13:13

Bouldering Envisioned as New Treatment for Depression

Post date: Tue, 05/30/2017 - 13:08

Narrative Journaling May Help Heart's Health Post-Divorce

Journaling after divorce could improve your cardiovascular health — but only if you do it in a way that tells a story, new University of Arizona research suggests.

The findings, to be published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, are based on a study of 109 separated or divorced men and women who split from their partners about three months, on average, before the start of the research.

Post date: Wed, 05/10/2017 - 15:08