Recession Stresses Men More Than Women

The American Psychological Association conducted a survey on stress between the genders in America and found interesting results. For the first time, middle-aged men are reporting greater stress connected to work stability, their job and money. Stress levels were collected on more than 2,000 adults. Each age group had fascinating results. In the 45 - 54 age group, 86% of men stated that money was a great concern. On the other hand, women in the same age group reported a decrease in financial related stress from 83% to 78%. Within this same age group, men also reported work as a greater stressor than women. The same pattern was found in the 35 - 44 age group between men and women. Traditionally, women have reported greater stress than men. What may be causing the change in perception of levels of stress in the genders? Researchers are speculating that the current recession is causing greater layoffs in male-dominated industries. Men greatly attain their identities from their work and their ability to support a family. When these two areas in their lives are being challenged economically, many men are perceiving the current situation as very stressful. As men take on greater responsibility for the levels of stress in the home, it may give women a small break from assuming full responsibility for the stresses the family is encountering. During times of stress, healthy coping mechanisms are crucial.

• Eat Well
• Stay Physically Active
• Utilize Support Systems
• Maintain Gratitude
• Maintain a Positive Outlook.

For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us online at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Do We Know What Makes Us Happy?

Sadly, many people are depressed and not satisfied with their lives. Given that a significant number of people are experiencing discontent with their lives; does this finding suggest that we are unsure of what makes us happy? Researcher Dr. Chistopher Hsee is exploring the idea that individuals struggle with predicting what makes them happy. He further suggests that humans are not built to be happy. Rather we are built to survive. As modern society has advanced, survival is no longer a major concern. Consequently, an existential concern of pursuing happiness becomes more important. Various factors were identified and studied to determine what makes people happy. Money does factor into well-being, however it does not produce happiness. However, what people do with their free time does impact our sense of satisfaction. Money is critical in keeping us safe, warm and fed. Once those basic survival needs are meet, money no longer plays a large role in happiness. However, if we are spending our leisure time in a way that is congruent to our values, we experience joy. A simple question is, "Are you doing the things you would like to be doing?" To illustrate this point take the following example. Individuals that receive a raise are temporarily content with their raise because they do not use the raise to engage in the activities that they would like to. Instead, they focus their energy on the next raise, rather than use their current raise to pursue what makes them happy. The questions remain: How can you take advantage of your free time or make time to engage in things that make you happy? What are you willing or unwilling to compromise? Your actions speak volumes of what is a priority in your life. Does your priority list match your values list? If not, how can you expect to be happy? What adjustments are you willing to make to spend your free time enjoying your life? For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Does the Economic Recession Have a Silver Lining?

Social psychologists are discovering an interesting trend among Americans during this economic recession regardless of whether they have been directly affected by the financial downturn. Researchers are recognizing that Americans are decreasing their spending, clipping coupons, not frequenting shopping malls, and planting fruit and vegetable gardens in their backyards. In addition, the Monitor on Psychology (July/August 2009) stated that households planning to grow their own foods rose to 19% over the last year. In addition, American's are wasting less and trash has decreased by 30%. Plastic surgeons are also reporting a decrease in cosmetic surgical procedures. The consumerist mindset has lead people to acquire materialist items and ignore what is truly important to them. This credit-fueled over-indulgence is decreasing due to the recession. People are reflecting on what is most important to them, such as their family, friends, and health. A lack of financial extravagance helps individuals reconnect to their values and whether they are leading their lives in congruence to those values. The question remains, "Will Americans revert back to their old habits of over-consumption once the economy rebounds?" Is it possible that the economic crisis is an opportunity for positive change that leads to less greed, egotism and more social connection? Research suggests that materialism does not bring happiness, rather our relationships and spiritual connection gives us a sense of purpose in life. Our connection to our community is essential for our survival and mental and emotional health. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us online at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Stress and Its Relationship to Tumor Development

The word "Cancer" is terrifying to all. Given that cancer is on the rise, it would be helpful to identify the cause of this disease. New research is pointing to a relationship between stress and tumor development. In fact, findings suggest that black women develop more aggressive and lethal breast cancers at a younger age than white women. Given that 70% to 80% of breast cancer has no evidence of inherited mutation, it is hypothesized that black women's social behavior and environment may create genetic transformations that cause breast cancer. The above research was conducted by Dr. Martha McClintock and she suggests that racial identity along with implications of belonging to a certain group may play a role in the unique stress that an individual experiences. Dr. McClintock believes that one's racial identity may place black women in social environments and psychological states that change their hormone function. The hormone imbalance may then serve as a catalyst to genetic mutations and mammary tumor growth. Living in a state of stress increases the chances that one's body produces stress hormones. Lacking adequate resources to manage the stress excerbates one's experience of stress and can cause mental, emotional and physical problems. It is hoped that as individuals can better manage stress or be connected to resources that can assist them in constructively coping with stress, cancer rates for all individuals will decrease. For more information, please contact Dr.Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Stay-at-Home Dads and Job Satisfaction

Stay at home dads may be suspiciously watched by mothers at the playground. New statistics indicate that stay at home fathers have increased by over 60% since 2004 (APA Monitor). Research is suggesting that stay at home dads are doing well psychologically and experience marital satisfaction. One word of advice, is to not call them Mr. Mom. A benefit to father's staying home with their children is that a father's job is being redefined. There are several reasons that influence a dad's decision to stay home with his kids. Decisions that were noted include their wives' stronger earning potential, their own desire to be a primary caretaker and the apprehension that both mother and father have about allowing someone else to care for their children. Not surprisingly, men who stayed home with their children were more likely to be affectionate and nurturing. Regardless of the men being happy and confident in their decision to raise their children, a social stigma still remains. Family and friends voice their mixed reactions to the care-taking arrangement. Similar to the women, men also miss the daily adult interaction and stimulation. Being a stay at home father may also isolate the men from other full-time parents. Sadly, some stay at home dads reported being rejected from play-groups. Given such information, it is pertinent that father's are provided with support by creating daddy-friendly playgroups, or online support networks where stay-at-home dads can share stories, attain parenting suggestions and find a sense of camaraderie in the elation and challenge that raising children offers. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Are Young Girls Over-Sexed?

Psychological research is being conducted to explore the messages advertisers are sending to young girls and how these messages are affecting their development. The findings of the research indicate that children in the U.S. are being bombarded by negative messages that objectify pre-teen girls. The findings are devastating. Young girls are becoming sexualized at earlier ages. Sexualization is the process that invites girls and young women to value themselves, and others, primarily for their sexual appeal above all other characteristics. Sadly, there is an awareness that society places great emphasis on an unattainable body image which damages the health and self-image of countless girls and women. Such detrimental emphasis can lead to eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Rather than placing emphasis on physical appearance as one's greatest attribute, parents and society alike should encourage participaton in sports, artistic expression and meditation. These avenues can assist girls and women to develop a healthier self-image that is not based on sexualization. Advertisers promote sexualization by highlighting young girls as sweet, feminine and nurturing. Such coaching is presented in the "princess" or "pretty in pink" phase that many young girls experience. As these young girls develop, they are molded to become sexy vixens. The media needs to convey a different approach, that women do not need to rely on being sexy and attractive or a makeover to have power. Young girls are being brain-washed to adhere to this ridiculous societal standard. Shockingly, thong underwear and padded bras are marketed to 6 year old girls. The sexualized images women are exposed to are connected to depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders. Parents need to educate their children how to understand the media's manipulation. As a society, it is our responsibility to teach our young girls core values that are not based on beauty. It is encouraged that parents write to companies and support consumer-advocacy groups that work to counter media messages that are unhealthy. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us at our website at Association for Compassionate Transformation.

Are Men Really Commitment Phobic?

Columnist Neil Chethik collaborated with the University of Kentucky Research Center to study men's inner lives and how they relate to relationships. The results revealed very interesting findings. According to the research and contrary to popular belief, men do enjoy talking about relationships. The caveat is, that they enjoy discussing relationships on their own terms and in a different manner than women. To further elaborate, men are willing to talk about feelings when they feel comfortable and using their own language. During the research, when men were questioned about their feelings toward their wives, they felt uncomfortable and withdrew from the conversation. However, when the men were approached using action phrases to decipher how they felt about their wives, the men became engaged. The men also appeared more comfortable discussing their thoughts about their wives rather than their feelings. What does this finding suggest? Men are more likely to share their inner worlds with someone when they can do so in a language they feel comfortable with. Men also have a negative reputation for not being as willing as women to commit to a relationship. Nevertheless, the results from this study also discredited this popular belief. The results indicate that men do want to make a commitment, and take more time because they want to be confident that they are making the right decision. This conclusion points to the idea that men take commitment very seriously and desire a good fit between their mate and themselves. As men should because marriage as a commitment offers joys and challenges. The question remains, "Are men overwhelmed by fear or are they being cautious with a decision that they are cognizant will affect the rest of their life? Maybe women could also benefit from placing more weight on the decision as well? In addition, the completed survey suggested that 90% of currently married men would marry the same women again! This is a very important statistic. The majority of men are indicating that they believe they had made the right decision and are satisfied with their choice. This statistic corresponds well to the finding that women initiate 2/3rds of all divorces. Hence, when men commit to marriage, they intend to be in the relationship for good. Lastly, another myth was extinguished. The aphorism that men who treat their mother's well will make good husbands was found to be inaccurate. Men who had good relationships with their mothers were as likely to have positive or negative relationships with their wives. Rather, the results indicated that men who had a good relationship with their fathers had better relationships with their wives. Fathers obviously play a large role in modeling behaviors for their sons. If father's treat their wives well, their sons have a better role-model. In essence, sons learn to relate as men by watching their fathers.