Stress Response

Oral Contraceptives Enhance Social Behaviors & Reduce Threat Avoidance Under Stress in Women (2024 Study)

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Oral contraceptives (OCs) reduce avoidance bias and increase approach behavior under stress, with effects varying based on the type of contraceptive used. Highlights: Participants: The study involved 130 women, split evenly between those taking oral contraceptives (OCs) and those not using any hormonal contraception. Avoidance Bias: Women taking oral contraceptives showed a reduced tendency to …

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Genetic Predisposition to Loneliness: Is Your DNA to Blame?

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Loneliness is a painful feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between one’s desired social connections and actual relationships. Chronic loneliness is increasingly prevalent in modern societies and strongly tied to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including higher risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. New genetic research provides key insights into the …

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Loneliness & The Brain: Triggering Evolutionary Responses to Seek Connection

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Loneliness is painful, but it may serve an important purpose. New research explores how loneliness affects the brain and body in humans and animals. The findings reveal that loneliness triggers primal responses designed to get us to seek out social connection. Key facts: Loneliness activates threat responses in the brain and body to motivate us …

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