Researchers at The University of Nottingham are to investigate whether the therapeutic effects of clay modelling could help disturbed teenagers deal with their feelings of anger, anxiety and depression.
Academics are teaming up with professionals in the NHS, Nottingham Contemporary art gallery and local artists for the innovative project that will look at the potential benefits that clay could offer to young people struggling with mental health problems.
Dr Gary Winship, of the University’s School of Education, part of the project team, said: “With its qualities of cold resistance and suitability for moulding, we believe creative play through clay could be an exciting alternative therapy for young people suffering from a range of mental health vulnerabilities.
“Anecdotally, it may offer potential therapeutic effects through the cathartic venting of emotions through banging, squashing, bending or breaking the clay.” [continue reading…]
The extent of mental health problems is increasing, and has become one of the biggest challenges facing Europe today. As much as 10-25 per cent of women are at risk of developing serious depression during their lifetime. This implies that a large number of European women will experience mental problems such as anxiety and depression, which are more frequent among women than men. How can the health services improve safeguarding women’s mental health? Kristin Akerjordets thesis at the University of Stavanger offers an important clue: By training health personnel in emotional intelligence, they will be better equipped to prevent women from developing depressive illnesses. [continue reading…]
I am repeating this post from last week as a reminder that This Emotional Life is premiering on PBS tonight, Jan 4, 2010. I am really looking forward to this 3 part series that airs over the next three nights ( here in Canada at 9.00pm) — check out your regions scheduling or watch online. The first episode,Family Friends & Lovers, looks at the importance of relationships and why they are central to our emotional well-being.
This 3-part series represents what television does best. It opens a window into real lives, exploring ways to improve our social relationships, cope with emotional issues, and become more positive, resilient individuals. Viewers are taken on an in-depth tour of the science of human emotions in an effort to truly understand what makes us tick. Every day, it seems, some new study reveals a previously hidden epidemic of depression, anxiety or other psychological problem. At the root of the confusion lie three key questions: what is biological, what is cultural and what can we do when things go wrong? After centuries of assuming that we humans, with our mysterious minds and messy emotions, were just not fit subjects for study, science has developed some startling insights into human nature. Using the latest cutting edge research from neuroscience, startling observations from social science and experts in psychology, THIS EMOTIONAL LIFE explores the biological need for social relationships, how to manage negative feelings and the search for greater happiness, unveiling a new understanding of what it means to be human.
Sportsmen and women could get the edge on their opponents by accepting more emotional support in their personal and professional lives.
A study by the University of Exeter, published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, shows the extent to which a sympathetic ear or regular words of encouragement can improve sports performance. [continue reading…]
