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UrduIn a large group of frequent drinkers who used a digital application offering tailored text-based support for reducing their alcohol intake, weekly drink amounts fell by 1/3 over 12 weeks. The study of real-world users shows promise for people who are uncomfortable with their drinking habits but may not meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although they may be unlikely to aim for abstinence or to seek formal treatment, many are open to moderating their drinking. Digital interventions, such as self-guided online programs and smartphone apps, are easily accessible and engaging. Studies have shown that text-based messaging interventions can result in short- and medium-term reductions in alcohol use. Digital programs that tailor content according to users’ evolving outcomes, similar to clinical care, may be particularly effective. Outcomes data are limited, however. For the study in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, researchers evaluated an adaptive, tailored digital
Tag: Motivation
Unveiling the Brain’s Reward Circuitry
A research team – co-led by Penn Nursing – has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the complex neural circuitry underlying reward and addiction by identifying 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain region involved in pleasure and motivation. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports by Nature, offer insights into the diversity of these neurons and their potential roles in substance use disorders.
Exploring the underlying emotions that lead to alcohol and cannabis use
Theoretical models of alcohol and cannabis use disorders often focus on the idea that people consume alcohol and cannabis use to regulate their negative emotions – in other words, to make themselves feel better. New research does not support this idea, finding instead that people mostly consume alcohol and cannabis in their daily life when they are experiencing positive emotions.
Benefits of failure are overrated
The platitude that failure leads to success may be both inaccurate and damaging to society, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
A mental process that leads to putting off an unpleasant task
Putting off a burdensome task may seem like a universal trait, but new research suggests that people whose negative attitudes tend to dictate their behavior in a range of situations are more likely to delay tackling the task at hand.
Global Taskforce of Scientists Develop a Unifying Framework for the Human Affectome
Work will facilitate interdisciplinary study of feelings, emotions, moods, and other sensory experiences, as well as the development of treatments for mental disorders.
Want to achieve your goals? Get angry
While often perceived as a negative emotion, anger can also be a powerful motivator for people to achieve challenging goals in their lives, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
‘Substance abuse’ therapy could boost wellbeing for aged care workers
It’s a therapy that’s commonly used to help overcome addiction or substance abuse, but motivational interviewing could improve the health and wellbeing of frontline aged care workers, according to new research by the University of South Australia.
Brain Imaging May Predict Motivation for Behavior Change in Alcohol Use Disorder
Brain imaging of neuron activity in certain areas of the brain may predict whether an individual is likely to successfully respond to interventions to reduce their drinking. In a study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, individuals whose baseline imaging showed decreased activity in areas of the brain associated with reward processing and impulsivity and increased activity in regions responsible for complex cognitive processes and emotional regulation were more likely to reduce their drinking following an intervention.
Dissecting the anatomy of a ‘superheroic’ science class
What do superheroes Deadpool and Elastigirl have in common? Each was used in a college anatomy class to add relevance to course discussions – Deadpool to illustrate tissue repair and Elastigirl, aka Mrs. Incredible, as an example of hyperflexibility.
Emerging adults who experience pain and related anxiety may engage in high-risk drinking
Emerging adults – those aged 18 to 24 years –who experience pain are more likely to engage in high-risk patterns of alcohol use such as binge drinking. Anxiety caused by pain may be what motivates unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive drinking as a form of escape/avoidance. These results and others will be shared at the 46th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in Bellevue, Washington.
Commonly used police diversity training unlikely to change officers’ behavior, study finds
New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that the day-long implicit bias-oriented training programs now common in most U.S. police departments are unlikely to reduce racial inequity in policing.
A double-edged sword: How close a spinout should remain to the parent’s market
A new study, led by Bayes Business School, found that there are sizeable costs and benefits for spinouts – stand-alone new firms founded by former employees of established firms – as they try to establish themselves in the market.
Calmness and the common good, anyone? Mindfulness can help deal with challenges in working life
At work, mindfulness, ’present-moment awareness’, benefits not only the individual but the whole work community, comes up in Laura Urrila’s doctoral dissertation in human resource management.
EXPERT: Brain-based tips for sticking to New Year’s resolutions
Neuroscientist Elliot Berkman is available to talk about the best ways to make (and keep) New Year’s resolutions. The gimmick-free tips are backed by more than a decade of research Berkman has collected while studying human behavior in the Social…
Ambition to succeed despite adversity motivates people from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers, study shows
A desire to succeed despite adversity motivates people to pursue a legal career, but barriers caused by finances and careers advice are obstacles, a new study suggests.
Combined Cigarette and Alcohol Cues Intensify Motivation to Continue Substance Use
Researchers at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York have explored the motivational impact of cigarette and alcohol “cues”, with important implications for understanding and treating addiction and relapse.
In Response to Stephen Colbert, FAU Professor Says ‘Spice it Up’
A research professor gives a “shout out” to comedian Stephen Colbert. His motivation? Colbert previously referred to mathematical equations as the devil’s sentences and an unnatural commingling of letters and numbers – the worst being the quadratic equation – an infernal salad of numbers, letters and symbols. In response, the professor suggests that mathematics education needs to be enlivened so that students will recognize that this discipline is not merely a necessary evil, but a vibrant, exciting and fascinating subject.
McLean Hospital Webinar Series: Feel Motivated In 2021 (and Beyond!)
December 17 @ 11am EST Dr. Lisa Coyne Discusses the Mental Perks of Goal-Setting Feeling motivated is like rolling a ball downhill. It can be incredibly difficult to get started—but once momentum is gained, nothing feels impossible. So if we’ve…
Divide and conquer: a new formula to minimise ‘mathemaphobia’
Maths – it’s the subject some kids love to hate, yet despite its lack of popularity, mathematics is critical for a STEM-capable workforce and vital for Australia’s current and future productivity. Now, new research shows that boosting student confidence is pivotal to greater engagement with the subject.
One size does not fit all for young-adult binge-drinkers: Research reveals high-risk clusters that may inform future trajectories and treatment interventions
Young adults who binge drink can be categorized within distinct subgroups based on substance use and mental health symptoms, according to research reported in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Binge drinking in young people is very common and linked to adverse outcomes including academic underachievement, risky behaviors, alcohol poisoning, other substance use, and harm to the brain. While some ‘age out’ of binge-drinking in their mid-to-late 20s, others continue with harmful patterns of alcohol use. Previous research has shown that other substance use and mental health indicators vary widely among binge-drinking youth, and could help explain the differences in trajectories. It is also important to understand young people’s motivation for drinking alcohol to inform why some people naturally reduce and others persist or worsen. In the new study, researchers sought to identify distinct patterns of drinking, drug use, and mental health symptoms among young binge drinkers, an
Lack of Motivation the Most Central Domain for Successful Treatment of Schizophrenia Symptoms
A recent conceptual development in schizophrenia is to view its manifestations as interactive networks rather than individual symptoms. Negative symptoms, which are associated with poor functional outcome and reduced rates of recovery, represent a critical need in schizophrenia therapeutics. MIN101…