Tag Archives: UCLA study
Friendships Decrease Inevitable Stress
On the way to Machu Picchu, outside of the marketplace, I talked with this engaging group. Women gathering with children and connecting is a given when traveling in other countries. And here at home, friendships become even more critical at times of family transition – when children grow up, leave for college, then often boomerang back. Findings from a MacArthur Foundation survey show that the emotional security and social support these relationships provide have been a survival strategy in adversity. And a landmark UCLA study, developed by Drs. Shelley Taylor and … Continue reading
Posted in stress, well-being, your self
Tagged decrease stress, Dr. Shelley Taylor, Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, lower expectations, MacArthur Foundation survey, Machu Picchu, nurture friendships, release of oxytocin, tend and befriend, UCLA study, value friendship
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Women and Friendship: Emotional Support
You probably don’t need proof that the emotional support you get from friends is vital, but here it is. Ten years ago a UCLA study proposed that a cascade of brain chemicals released when we’re stressed causes us to seek out other women. This ‘tend and befriend’ notion, developed by psychologists Drs. Shelley Taylor, Laura Klein and their associates, may explain why social ties reduce our risk of disease and help us live longer. Friends also help us live better. Research about coping after the loss of a partner indicates … Continue reading
Photo of a Loved One can Reduce Pain
We’ve been telling you about the value of support for years now – here’s more evidence. A recent UCLA study shows that holding the hand of a loved one can help reduce pain. Just looking at their picture can help too. The study included 25 women who had been in good relationships with their boyfriends for at least six months. They received heat stimuli to the forearm. Then they reported their pain levels while holding hands with their boyfriends, while holding hands with a stranger and while holding a squeeze … Continue reading
Posted in intimate partner, your self
Tagged emotional needs, holding hands, loved one, reduce pain, relationships, social support, UCLA study
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Menopause Brain?
Last week we looked at ways to activate your brain and keep it young. But recent studies at UCLA indicate that women’s brains may not function as well during the early stage of the menopause transition – women do not learn as well shortly before menopause as they do earlier or later. So if you are one of the 60% of women who notice that you have memory problems during your menopausal transition, take heart – your memory will come back once you are postmenopausal. Menopause may bring many additional … Continue reading
Posted in sandwich generation, your self
Tagged aging, beauty, coping, freedom, loss, meaning, memory, menopause, postmenopausal, role, Sandwiched Boomer, UCLA study
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