In this week’s In Case You Missed It (a roundup of articles related to psychology, health, mental health and social justice collated from multiple news and commentary websites) we examine whether moms worry more than dads, the long-term effects of bullying on children, the lack of second chances that Black kids get in Baltimore, how to solve chronic homelessness and more.
While there has been a shift in recent decades toward a more egalitarian style of parenting, the question remains: do moms worry more than dads? According to this op-ed, the answer is “yes”. The reason may be that mothers in heterosexual partnerships still manage more of the nonroutine details of raising children. In recent decades, the growth of extracurricular activities for kids (often as many as 3 to 4 per week) has only exacerbated the amount of worry work for many moms. Beyond that, another explanation may be biological – the production of hormones such as oxytocin and estrogen during pregnancy and after birth can profoundly influence mother’s moods and their attachment to their children. Men experience similar changes in their brains with the birth of a child, but it appears women may use their emotion-processing networks more. Whether you agree with the premise of the argument or not, we can all agree that moms deserve plenty of appreciation this Mother’s Day (May 10). For inspirational quotes, parenting tips and resources, and more, follow our Mother’s Day Pinterest board.
Teens bullied by their peers actually suffer worse long-term mental health effects than kids who are maltreated by adults, according to new research published in The Lancet Psychiatry. The researchers discovered that children who were bullied are more likely to suffer anxiety, depression and consider self-harm and suicide later in life. Kids may either internalize the harmful effects of bullying, which creates stress-related issues such as anxiety and depression, or externalize it by becoming a bully themselves. Either way, the result has a painful impact. The researchers encouraged the government to treat bullying as a serious problem that requires a coordinated response from schools, health services and communities.
Last week’s turmoil in Baltimore has brought a renewed focus to the entrenched systemic racial disparities that affect the city’s residents. Why were 89 percent of white high school dropouts working by age 22 compared to just 40 percent of their African American peers, according to one 25 year-long study of 800 Baltimore public school kids? This occurred despite higher- and lower-income white men being more likely than their black counterparts to use hard drugs and marijuana, smoke, and binge drink. African American men in the study were more likely to be arrested, to live in neighborhoods that had higher crime and were more intensely policed, and to be penalized for having a criminal record than their white peers. White males who made a mistake in their younger years were more likely to have family resources or connections to secure employment in skilled trades an opportunity many of their African American peers lacked. Blacks also faced the barrier of racial discrimination when applying for jobs that didn’t require an advanced education unlike their white peers. For more information, learn more about racial discrimination’s wide-ranging damaging effects on psychological and physical wellbeing.
How do you solve a problem as intractable and thorny as chronic homelessness? One psychologist proposed simple solution – give homes to the homeless. Psychologist, Sam Tsemberis, calls his model “housing first”. Previously, homeless services, particularly for those with a mental health or substance abuse issue, relied on a reward system. Kicking an addiction or getting counseling had to be accomplished first before housing was provided. However, Tsemberis’ model is based on the premise that people’s chances of improving are best if they’re stabilized in a home. First step, prioritize the chronically homeless. Then, provide them a home no questions asked. After which, the next critical step is to provide counseling, a step research shows is the most vital. Give them final say in everything — where they live, what they own, how often they’re counseled. Tsemberis’ groundbreaking model is showing remarkable success across the nation, from DC to Utah, Phoenix and New Orleans.
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