Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & School of Medicine and Public Health
Although experiencing high levels of stress has been associated with accelerated aging, less is known about the effects of specific types of stress. This study examined two types: major stressful events that occur over a lifetime and individual feelings of perceived stress over the last month. Researchers examined whether these were linked to accelerated aging, …
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, poverty, or household dysfunction. They have been found to have profound negative effects on physical and mental health throughout the lifespan, including premature mortality. For instance, one study showed that adults who reported ACEs died, on average, 20 …
Life’s little pleasures, from having a good conversation to sitting under a tree, may seem simple, but could add importantly to psychological well-being and satisfaction with life. Some individuals may, however, have less access to these positive experiences. This MIDUS study examined differences in the frequency and enjoyment of positive life experiences and how they …
Research has shown that people with strong, supportive social relationships are more likely to have better physical and mental health and to live longer. However, most research has focused on only limited types of social connection, even though people make social connections in diverse ways and places, such as at work, at church, or within …
MIDUS research has shown that stress, discrimination, poverty, and loneliness are linked to reports of chronic pain. Alternately, supportive families, good sleep, and positive social connections are associated with lower levels of pain. For a review of MIDUS research on chronic pain, download the latest MIDUS newsletter: https://midus.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Chronic-Pain.pdf All the MIDUS newsletters can be viewed …
Research has shown that psychological well-being is important for many aspects of health, including extended longevity. Psychological well-being encompasses both hedonic well-being, which involves feeling happy and satisfied with life, and eudaimonic well-being, which is about fulfilling one’s potential. Eudaimonic well-being has six dimensions, including purpose in life, personal growth, and positive relations with others. …
Many people turn to food as a means of coping with stress. However, repeated use of this coping strategy may create a habit that negatively affects health. Research focused on the biological mechanisms behind stress eating has shown that stress increases amounts of the hormone cortisol in the body, which can stimulate appetite and encourage …
Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has significant impacts on people’s lives, including contributing to severe, ongoing stress. This study explored the interactions between chronic pain and work-family interactions, given that work and family are key areas in which people experience stress. It also examined the role of the stress hormone …
Memory complaints from people who notice they are becoming more forgetful are a growing public health concern, partly because such complaints may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that stress can increase memory complaints. This study investigated whether the stress of experiencing discrimination influences how often people experience forgetfulness, as well …
Researchers have often examined the cliché “money can’t buy happiness.” Prior findings suggest that having a higher income is associated with greater well-being, at least until the highest income levels are reached. However, research also suggests that people overvalue the importance of money. This study looked at whether believing that one would be happier with …