Higher writing self-efficacy and self-regulated strategies were linked to better English writing in Chinese students
Students who felt more capable and used more writing strategies tended to score higher on essays. A cross-sectional study of Chinese senior high school students learning English found that writing self-efficacy and self-regulated learning strategies were positively related to writing proficiency. Students completed a writing test plus two adapted questionnaires, and their essays were scored […]
Depressive symptoms were common in Nigerian pediatric Noma patients, with higher risk in girls
A hospital-based study found heavy mental health burden and clear socioeconomic patterns that should shape care. Depressive symptoms were widespread among children with Noma-related facial disfigurement in Northwestern Nigeria. In this cross-sectional sample, about three in four screened positive for clinically significant depressive symptoms. Risk was higher for girls and linked to parental employment and […]
Inconsistent condom use among female sex workers in Africa is about 47 percent, tied to violence and harassment
A large synthesis links condom inconsistency to safety, mental health, education, and access. Nearly half of female sex workers in Africa reported inconsistent condom use in a pooled estimate. The review also linked higher odds of inconsistent use to violence, police harassment, depression, and having two or more nonpaying clients. Condom availability and having more […]
People with inflammatory bowel disease intended to seek psychological help, yet most did not
Intent was moderately high, but lack of awareness, self-reliance, and shame kept many from getting support. In Psychological help-seeking behaviours amongst those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease; A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study, people reported moderately high intention to seek professional help for inflammatory bowel disease related negative emotions. Yet 59.8% said they had experienced those […]
Mothers and other caregivers helped infant development, while fathers showed no link in Northern Ghana
More early stimulation activities were tied to better child development scores, but the pattern depended on who did the stimulating. In Northern Ghana, more early stimulation by mothers and other household caregivers was linked with better infant development scores, while fathers’ stimulation was not linked. The journal article Caregivers’ early stimulation behaviors on early child […]
Mental health detention practices silenced Black men’s accounts and increased coercion through racialised risk framing
Professionals described how stigma, racism, and credibility gaps shaped compulsory assessment and treatment decisions. In a UK study of compulsory assessment and treatment, professionals described Black men being treated as inherently risky and less credible during mental health detention decisions. Distress and fear were often reinterpreted as aggression or non-compliance, helping drive rapid escalation to […]
Combined diving and mindfulness reduced emotional eating in adults with obesity and the benefits lasted months
A two-month program cut emotional eating more than standard care and also reduced stress and weight self-stigma. A community trial in France tested a two-month scuba-diving program paired with mindfulness exercises, added to standard care for adults with obesity. Compared with standard care alone, the combined program produced a larger drop in emotional eating at […]
Strawberry and rose odors shifted color choices, painting mood, and object selection
Two experiments suggest smells can bias what people paint, which colors they use, and what they pick to depict. In a new journal article, specific odors reliably lined up with specific colors and painting impressions. Strawberry odor tended to pull people toward warmer, lighter, more positive work, while rose odor leaned cooler in color associations. […]
Peer supported Open Dialogue care strengthened self determination, human connection, and collaboration for recovery
Clients described recovery support as a flexible, power-aware way of working rather than a fixed professional role. In a Peer supported Open Dialogue practice, clients described recovery support as three linked building blocks: self-determination, human connection, and reciprocal collaboration. They also emphasized competencies and organizational conditions that make those building blocks possible, including careful handling […]
More green space exposure linked to lower depression, anxiety, and stress; noise exposure linked to higher levels
A Lebanese online survey found opposite mental health patterns for greenery and everyday noise. More exposure to green space was associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. More noise exposure and noise-related problems were associated with higher scores on all three. The findings point to practical mental health gains from quieter, greener daily environments. […]