Written by Robin N. Fatovic B.S.

Should parents suppress their emotions to protect their children from experiencing stress? To answer this question researchers studied 107 parent-child dyads. They exposed the parents to a stressor and told half to“show no emotions” and half to “act naturally as you would at home” when reuniting with their children. The researchers measured their physical symptoms of stress by attaching sensors to the parents and children. Results? Children who engaged with mothers who suppressed their emotions experienced more physical stress. However, fathers who suppressed their emotions did not influence their children’s stress response. Instead, the children’s stress influenced the fathers to experience more stress. When parents suppressed their emotions, both parents and children appeared less warm and engaged when communicating with each other. Stress impacts both our minds and bodies. And your stress can impact others’ minds and bodies too. While parents sometimes try to hide their emotions from their children to protect them, the result can be counterproductive. Parents, it is acceptable to feel emotions and express your concerns. Be genuine. Yet, let them know you will be able to handle the emotional stress and you will protect them. Show them how to cope well.

Reference: Waters, S. F., Karnilowicz, H. R., West, T. V., & Mendes, W. B. (2020). Keep it to yourself? Parent emotion suppression influences physiological linkage and interaction behavior. Journal of Family Psychology,34(7), 784-793. doi:10.1037/fam0000664

Written by Robin N. Fatovic B.S

Which people are lonely? Do you have any assumptions about what age, cultural background, or gender they might be?

United Kingdom psychology researchers surveyed personality characteristics and loneliness in 46,000 participants of different ages across 237 areas of the world. Results? The researchers identified that loneliness decreased with age, and younger people seemed to be lonelier. They found that men experienced more loneliness than women. People in cultures that focus more on self-reliance and individual growth felt lonelierthan people who lived in cultures that focus more on community and family interdependence. These findingswere slightly significant, yet consistent across different areas of the world. Therefore, these results are universalon some level across cultures.

Significantly, young men who live in individualistic cultures like the US are more vulnerable to experiencingboth short and long-term loneliness. Although younger generations are known for being more open about theirstruggles, young menin the US might need more avenues for support. Everyone can be lonely. To combatloneliness, reach out to others, volunteer your services, join social, community service, library, political, orcollege organizations and help non-profits. You can be self-sufficient and still reach out for help!

Reference:Barreto, M., Victor, C., Hammond, C., Eccles, A., Richins, M. T., & Qualter, P. (2020). Loneliness around theworld: Age, gender, and cultural differences in loneliness.Personality and Individual Differences,110066. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2020.110066

Written by Robin N. Fatovic B.S.  

Research has found that debt impacts happiness and has life consequences. Do specific types of debt impact life satisfaction? 

Marketing researchers studying psychological factors examined the impact of debt on life satisfaction in seven different studies in the U.S. Results? Of the people who reported having mortgage, credit card, and student loan debt, only those with student loan debt expressed a decrease in life satisfaction. Also, people who owe student loans were more likely to label this as a “debt” compared to people who owed mortgage and credit card loans. Results showed that it was the label used to describe student loans which impacted the participants' emotional reaction to them. Those who did not mentally label the loans as “debt” expressed significantly better life satisfaction, even while still having student loans.

These results show that your perspective on debt can have an emotional impact on how content you are in your life. Having a more positive view of debt may improve life satisfaction. Consider the loan as an investment in your future, career, and personal growth. Focus on the positive outcomes that came from attending higher education. Money may not buy happiness, but the frame of mind does!

Reference: Greenberg, A. E., & Mogilner, C. (2020). Consumer debt and satisfaction in life.Journal of experimental psychology: Applied. doi:10.1037/xap0000276