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The mental and physical health of children is always at risk when family breakups occur, but a new study shows that girls may be at higher risk of negative effects from the breakup than boys are. There are a number of long term negative consequences when children experience a family breakup and researchers from the University of Illinois have concluded that the fragmentation of the family typically affects girls more than boys. Research has shown that both genders can have mental and physical health problems as adults when their families fragmented during childhood. The new research shows the same thing except that it reveals that girls often have more severe issues with smoking, depression, and overall health outcomes as a result. The research study results can be found in the Review of Economics of the Household journal.
The new study findings on the impact that family breakups can have on the mental and physical health of girls, and children in general, could help identify additional support methods which could change the outcome. The study involved more than 7,500 teens between the age of 15 and 18 years old. University of Illinois economist Dr Andrea Beller explained “Girls’ health is more sensitive to family structure. Prior research shows that family breakups affect boys more than girls through cognitive, educational, and emotional channels. We find that, if you grow up in a non-traditional family structure — single parent or step-parent or a cohabiting relationship —girls are more likely than boys to be depressed and report worse overall health.”
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers believe that gender roles and violence may be linked after the latest research findings. The researchers wanted to understand masculinity, and the behavioral health outcomes and injuries that can occur when masculinity and gender roles are involved. The researchers determined that when men feel that they are not living up to the traditional masculine gender roles and norms then these individuals may be more prone to violent behaviors and outbursts. The research focus was on masculine discrepancy stress, which is stress that happens when a man feels that he is not meeting the traditional gender norms for males. These individuals often feel that they are not as masculine as the typical or average man and this causes stress, and they can be more prone to violence as a result of these feelings and perceptions.
According to statements by the study authors in the Injury Prevention journal “Gender role discrepancy and associated discrepancy stress, in particular, represent important injury risk factors and that prevention of discrepancy stress may prevent acts of violence with the greatest consequences and costs to the victim, offender, and society. Masculine socialization and acceptance of gender norms may induce distress in boys and men.” A link to substance abuse was not discovered however, and the study team explained this by saying “This may suggest that substance use/abuse behaviors are less salient methods of demonstrating traditional masculinity in contrast to behaviors related to sex and violence, perhaps due to the potentially private nature of the habit.”
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1. If you are struggling with one of the eating disorders then set up extra support options during the season. This will allow you to call or visit someone when you are tempted to give in or you are struggling to cope with negative thoughts or emotions. Reach for the phone instead of the food and give your support person a call.
2. Ask someone that you trust to act as a reality check for you during the holidays when it comes to food. This individual can help prepare a plate for you, recommend whether your portion sizes are correct, and even help you determine when you have had enough or if your food intake is not sufficient.
3. People who struggle with eating disorders need to place a focus on time spent together. Plan an event where the food items offered are less important than the activities and events scheduled. Invite others to an evening of holiday games and cheer, with non alcoholic beverages and healthy nibbles for them to snack on.
4. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of down time during the holidays. This time of year can mean many invitations and events to attend, leaving you short on time that you need to relax and unwind. Learn to say no and politely decline invitations that are not a priority for you. When you are tired or stressed you are more likely to give in to unhealthy eating patterns so avoid these factors at all costs.
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1. Dealing with eating disorders during this season can be hard, but it will be easier if you eat regularly and plan ahead when you will be attending social events. It is a mistake to skip meals or to eat in a pattern that is not reasonable because you may have indulged before.
2. Carefully choose the events that you attend during the holidays. Before you go eat something so that you do not arrive famished. This will help you stick to the plan and the foods that are acceptable and help you avoid overeating or being tempted in other ways. It is okay to turn down invitations if you feel the events pose a risk to your recovery and well being.
3. Talk about any questions or anxieties that you have concerning eating disorders with your treatment team and your support group ahead of time. These individuals may be able to help you get through the season without any additional problems, and keep you on track with your treatment plan.
4. Before you go anywhere for the holidays know what to expect and make sure that there are no unpleasant surprises. If you have a binge eating disorder then going to a cookie swap party may be a bad idea and it may be better to decline this invitation so that you are not tempted to give in.
5. Focus on fun instead of food. Spending time with family and friends can help you enjoy the season without the focus always being on what is served and what you eat. Bring along a few healthy snacks to nibble on during the event. If anyone asks simply tell them you are currently following a special diet that your doctor recommended.
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According to a recent study bipolar disorder may be linked with having low levels of specific Omega 3 fatty acids which are able to cross the blood brain barrier. Pennsylvania State College of Medicine researchers, together with National Institutes of Health investigators, believe that the study results could lead to effective dietary interventions for this mental health disorder. It is too soon for investigators to understand whether there is a cause and effect between these two factors or if the link between Omega 3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder simply shows that those with this disorder convert Omega 3’s at a lower or different rate than individuals without bipolar. These fatty acids have a large biological significance in the way that the brain functions. Studies in the past have shown that many with unipolar depression can benefit from more of these fatty acids but the results with bipolar disorder have not been as clear.
Pennsylvania State College of Medicine psychiatry chair, associate professor, and bipolar disorder and omega 3 fatty acids study leader Dr. Erika Saunders explained the findings. “This means that the availability of omega-3 in the body is lower in bipolar subjects. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can shift the balance of inflammation, which we think is important in bipolar disorder. We are actively pursuing the next step in this line of inquiry to get to the point where we know what changes in diets are going to help people with bipolar disorder so they can have another option beyond the medications that are currently available. I think our work, along with the work of others, shows that this is an important area for us to continue to study. It’s complicated and hard to study, and there are a lot of factors, but it’s an area we need to keep pursuing.”
