Psychology Update — More Teenage Girls With Eating Disorders Wound Up in the E.R. During the Pandemic

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

More Teenage Girls With Eating Disorders Wound Up in the E.R. During the Pandemic

A new C.D.C. study underscored the mental health issues facing teenagers in the past few years.

 

DESCRIPTION

It is important to note that mental health centers have reported an increase in disorders in adolescents through the pandemic.  The types of disorders include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders (tics) and eating disorders.  “During the pandemic, emergency rooms across the country reported an increase in visits from teenage girls dealing with eating and other disorders, including anxiety, depression and stress, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The report provides new detail about the kinds of mental health issues affecting a generation of adolescents. Mental health experts hypothesize that the pandemic prompted some youth to feel isolated, lonely and out-of-control. Some coped by seeking to have control over their own behavior, said Emily Pluhar, a pediatric psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School… In the C.D.C. study, the agency said that the proportion of eating disorder visits doubled among teenage girls, set off by pandemic-related risk factors, like the “lack of structure in daily routine, emotional distress and changes in food availability.”  Additionally, there have been reports of increased tic disorders.  The C.D.C. defines tics as “Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things.”  There is also some speculation that watching “tics” on social media such as TikTok may be a causal agent in the increase in this type of disorder.  

 

SOURCE

New York Times, February 18, 2022, by Matt Richter

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/health/girls-eating-disorders-pandemic.html?smid=em-share

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/ykcr7rsu

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What are some of the reasons for an increase in mental health disorders during the pandemic?

•According to the C.D.C., what types of mental health disorders have increased during the pandemic?  

•What are “tics” and what is the speculation of the causal agent due to social media during the pandemic?

 

Psychology Update — How Your Brain Makes Its Own Electricity – YouTube

Posted by & filed under Brain Structure and Function, Cognitive Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Nervous System, Psychology Update, Psychology Video of the Week.

TITLE

How Your Brain Makes Its Own Electricity – YouTube

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a fabulous YouTube video (approximately 20 minutes) that takes you into the inner workings of the brain and nervous system, and it’s a pure delight!.   The video describes and illustrates how the neurons operate with wonderful animations and actual views inside the cells themselves.  Also, there is a brief history of the types of research that has demonstrated the discoveries of the mystery of the nervous system.  Taking the time to watch the video will bring the chapters on the brain and nervous system to life — totally engaging.

 

SOURCE

YouTube Video by Patreon

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2ujd6eae

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•After watching the video, explain how the brain makes its own electricity as state in the title.

•The video describes, as an example, stubbing one’s toe.  How is the information transmitted to the brain in terms of both touch sensation and pain sensation?

•If you were going to do a lecture on the history of the research into the nervous system, what would you emphasize as the important information for your peers to understand?

 

PSYCHOLOGY UPDATE WEBSITE OF THE WEEK — PSN Psychology Student Network

Posted by & filed under Careers, Careers in Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

TITLE

PSN:   Psychology Student Network

URL      

https://www.apa.org/psnhttps://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn

DESCRIPTION (from the site)

This is a wonderful resource for both college and high school level Psychology students.  Every issue is filled with valuable information about the field and offers many new opportunities for the student interested in majoring in Psychology.

About Psychology Student Network

The Psychology Student Network (PSN) is a publication of the APA Education Directorate designed for precollege and undergraduate psychology students. PSN features articles and announcements about careers and interesting topics in psychology, with a focus on opportunities for students. PSN is published twice a year, in spring and fall.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

TITLE

PSN:   Psychology Student Network

URL      

https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn

 

DESCRIPTION (from the site)

This is a wonderful resource for both college and high school level Psychology students.  Every issue is filled with valuable information about the field and offers many new opportunities for the student interested in majoring in Psychology.

About Psychology Student Network

The Psychology Student Network (PSN) is a publication of the APA Education Directorate designed for precollege and undergraduate psychology students. PSN features articles and announcements about careers and interesting topics in psychology, with a focus on opportunities for students. PSN is published twice a year, in spring and fall.

In this issue (MARCH 2023)

Podcast

From the Honor Societies

Announcements

  • APA web team completes major update of Psychology Topics web pages
    APA’s amazing web team completed a major, six-month project to revamp more than 80 pages and make our Topics section a gateway to all our best content on the science of psychology and its application in the world.
  • APA launches new student listserv
    New listserv for sharing news and time-sensitive announcements.
  • Academic Writer Direct offers a free trial
    New Semester, new you! It’s time to rethink the way you approach your papers this year. Writing good papers starts off with research, writing GREAT papers starts off with using Academic Writer (AW) Direct. AW Direct was created by APA® to help you avoid formatting mistakes and become a more confident writer! It includes tutorials, sample papers, while checking for mistakes, in-text citation tools, and more. Start your free trial today!
  • 2023 meetings of Regional Psychological Associations
    Regional conferences offer a terrific opportunity for students interested in psychology.
    By Sophie Rose
  • Looking for an internship opportunity?
    Internships are an excellent way to gain skills and experience for the workforce
    By Sophie Rose
  • Deadlines are approaching for undergraduate research opportunities
    Undergraduate research provides meaningful skills and experiences for graduate school and the workplace.
    By Sophie Rose
  • APA membership renewal
    If you have yet to do so, please make sure you keep your member benefits and keep your place in APA in 2023. It’s not too late. Renew now, and don’t miss out on exclusive tools, resources, and support for the year ahead.
  • Brehm Undergraduate Scholarship Program
    The Brehm Undergraduate Scholarship Program will provide assistance to students majoring in psychology with demonstrated financial need. Deadline: July 1, 2023
  • APA Merch Store
    Visit the APA Merch Store for some fun and unique swag. Show your love of psychology with a new selection of APA-branded items including stylish T-shirts, practical mugs, adorable onesies, colorful socks and more! Take a look at the new, cozy APA sweatshirt and the other items
  • APA members can save thousands on student loans with Laurel Road
    APA members get an additional 0.25% rate discount when refinancing with Laurel Road, which could translate to significant additional savings on student loans. Program benefits include low interest rates, no fees, and AutoPay discount. Learn more.

Psychology Website of the Week — 85 Great Tech Resources for Psychology Students

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

NAME

85 Great Tech Resources for Psychology Students

URL:  https://www.online-psychology-degrees.org/85-great-tech-resources-for-psychology-students/

Tiny Url:    https://tinyurl.com/v7dcwd2


DESCRIPTION

This site is like a Swiss Army Knife!  Students can explore a variety of useful resources that include apps, websites, writing utilities, groups, forums, project ideas and so on.  It is worth exploring.

From the website:

“The goal of this guide is to outline the best technological “must-haves” for students of psychology and to highlight some of the most cutting edge technology to help students succeed academically, socially and professionally. While some resources will be more relevant for students at the undergraduate or graduate level, all students will find these tools an important part of the academic process.”

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Websites

Chapter 2: Apps

Chapter 3: Blogs

Chapter 4: Forums / Groups

Chapter 5: Online Organizations

Chapter 6: Online Text and Publication Services

Chapter 7: Research Resources

Chapter 8: Test Preparation and Study Aids

Chapter 9: Online Paper Writing Resources

Chapter 10: Additional Resources

Psychology Update — I’m Often Wide Awake at 3 A.M. How Do I Get Back to Sleep?

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Update, Sleep Disorders, States of Consciousness, States of Consciousness & Sleep, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

I’m Often Wide Awake at 3 A.M. How Do I Get Back to Sleep?

Sleep experts offer advice on sleeping soundly through the night.

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a terrific article that points to both the causes of insomnia as well as how to handle the issues and take control to have better sleep.  “It’s normal to wake up a few times during the night, as the brain cycles through various stages of deeper and lighter sleep. [link will take you to other related articles] Older people also often have to get out of bed to use the bathroom one or two times during the night. Waking up at night is usually harmless. Most people have no trouble falling back asleep and may not even remember their nighttime awakenings the next morning.  But if you frequently wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself struggling to fall back asleep, there could be an underlying problem. If this occurs at least three times a week over a period of at least three months, it could be chronic insomnia, said Dr. Kannan Ramar, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and former president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.” The article focuses on normal sleep, the problems related to insomnia (stress/anxiety) and the mistakes that people make when they are awake in the middle of the night.  The article provides advice in the form of the sleep hygiene rules to get a better night’s sleep – and in most cases these rules are effective.

 

SOURCE

New York Times, July 13, 2021, by Anahad O’Connor

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/well/mind/sleep-insomnia-tips.html?smid=em-share

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/3nmd67ct

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What are the normal sleep stages?

•What are the causes of insomnia?  What mistakes do people make when they wake up in the middle of the night?

•If you were a sleep specialist, what advice would you give insomnia suffers to help them achieve a good night’s sleep?

 

Psychology App of the Week — FlipBoard

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology App of the Week, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

 

THIS IS A MUST HAVE APP THAT WILL REALLY HELP WITH SAVING ARTICLES AND ALSO MAKING PROJECTS FOR CLASS BOTH AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND FOR TEAM WORK.

PSYCHOLOGY APP OF THE WEEK

 

FLIPBOARD

 

flipboard

 

Click on your platform (free):          iOS        or         Android

 

Web Site:

https://flipboard.com

 

DESCRIPTION

Description (from Google Play Store)

“Flipboard is your personal magazine. Used by millions of people everyday, it’s a single place to keep up on the news, follow topics you care about and share stories, videos and photos that influence you.

To start, follow a few topics, and Flipboard creates your personal magazine. You can always add more as you find new topics, magazines or interesting people to follow.

Read world class publications like The New York Times, PEOPLE magazine, Fast Company, and Vanity Fair on Flipboard — find any source with the search bar. You can also connect Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to Flipboard and easily flip through pictures and posts from friends.

Save stories you enjoy or express a point of view. Use the + button on anything you find to collect it into your own magazine. You can see all your magazines in your Flipboard Profile. For more on how to make your own magazine, visit www.flipboard.com. “

HOW TO USE IT 

This is a fabulous for both teaching and class use.  It is available on all platforms (tablets and smart phones) as well as for use directly from a computer.  As a faculty member, you can very easily set up a “magazine” for your class.  You simply get the app, specify that you want to begin and name your magazine.  You then just enter the URL’s of various sites or articles and voila! you have an online magazine.  You could take all of the sited articles in the Psychology Update and turn them into your own magazine.  Your students with the  Flipboard app and link would simply search within the app and load your Flipboard.  Additionally, for the professor, you can personally use Flipboard for your own particular interests.

 

 

Psychology Update — Managing attention and distractibility in online learning

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Lecture Enhancement/Student Engagement, Psychology Update, States of Consciousness & Sleep, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

Managing attention and distractibility in online learning

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a high level article from the American Psychological Association website regarding K-12 teaching online learning.   It is directly applicable to college learning.  Though it “speaks” directly to teachers, it really can be applied to the college student him/her self as regards to issues of distance learning.  An important issue is that of “engagement” of the student in online learning.  As a student, DO YOU FEEL ENGAGED IN YOUR LEARNING?   “Behavioral engagement is “on task behavior.” In a virtual environment, on task behavior may include students’ commenting in the chat function, asking and answering questions, seeking and providing help to peers, and participating in collaborative discussions. Cognitive engagement refers to effort aimed at understanding complex material or learning challenging skills. In a virtual environment, cognitive engagement may include students showing that they are willing and able to take on a task even if it is challenging (Corno & Mandinach, 1983), the extent to which they persist on a task regardless of its difficulty, and the strategies they employ to assist them while learning (Richardson & Newby, 2006). Affective engagement refers to students’ emotional reactions including showing interest in, curiosity about, or enjoyment of a task, communicating a positive attitude, and expressing the value, importance, or personal relevance of a task (Boykin & Noguera, 2011). When students are not affectively engaged, they are likely to show boredom, stress, or anxiety.”  Are you experiencing any of these issues?  If so, what can you do personally and how can you provide feedback to your instructors.    If you are a professor, then read how this article from the APA can offer suggestions for online and virtual teaching.

 

SOURCE

American Psychological Association

Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education

September 29, 2020

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/managing-attention-distractibility-online-learning

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/yxtukkmb

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What are some of the negative issues and/or problems with online learning?   Have you, as a student, experienced any of these?

•Students need to feel engaged in their own learning.   How does the article discuss the concept of “engagement?  What are the different types of engagement?

•If you were asked to give a lecture to college students, what steps would you suggest to them to become more engaged in their own learning?

 

Psychology Website & App of the Week — APA Monitor

Posted by & filed under Careers, Introduction To Psychology, Lecture Enhancement/Student Engagement, Professional Organization, Psychology App of the Week, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE & APP OF THE WEEK

 

 

APA MONITOR

 

ICON

 

 

TO DOWNLOAD THE APP

iOS:  (free)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apa-monitor-on-psychology/id550242836?mt=8

 

ANDROID:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maz.combo2335

 

FOR THE WEBSITE

https://www.apa.org/monitor

 

DESCRIPTION

From the Google Play and  iTunes Store

Now you can read the APA Monitor on Psychology magazine on the go from the app OR on your computer from the website

Every month, the APA Monitor brings you hot new findings in the behavioral sciences plus articles on psychology education and practice — everything your class needs to know to stay current in the field.

 

A wonderful resource for students!

 

Psychology Update — How to Excel in Online Learning | Student Guide to Digital Classrooms

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

TITLE

How to Excel in Online Learning | Student Guide to Digital Classrooms

 

DESCRIPTION

Though not an article, this website will be very helpful in preparing you to get ready for efficient and successful online learning this semester if needed.  From the website:  “Innovative teaching and learning platforms are giving online students unprecedented opportunities to earn a college education on their terms. However, online courses present unique challenges and often require an adjustment period, especially for first-timers. The following guide helps future and new online college students avoid common pitfalls, improve academic performance, manage their stress and time effectively, and find valuable resources. Learn what it takes to excel and make the most out of your online education.”  The website may include advertisements (the tutoring section and which are somewhat distracting and may be skipped over.  However, the information can be extremely helpful.

 

SOURCE

pastedGraphic.png by Luz Cludio Ph.D., and Robin Strempek Ph.D.

LINK TO RESOURCE

 

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/student-success-online-college/?fbclid=IwAR3gdTu1FgXEwVh1W4T8j-8edSHRQqSBTMNWKGGg7c_kc5vqvFK6CvI8eqs

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y4kjnp5g

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•After reading the “COMMON MISTAKES” section, what would you consider to be the 3 most common that you would consider most important for you?

•After reading the section on “STUDY HABITS,” what would you consider the most important for your own learning style?

•After reading the “Time Management” section, what would be the most effective strategy for your own use?

 

WELCOME TO PSYCHOLOGY UPDATE

Posted by & filed under Psychology Update.

WELCOME STATEMENT

Welcome to  Introductory Psychology Weekly Updates

Every Monday you will find wonderful resources to enhance your teaching and to engage your students in discussions.   With each “published” edition, you will discover two or three interesting provocative articles to use as “triggers” to discuss important issues that relate to your teaching content, subject matter, and/or important issues.  The choice of the articles is such that students can find these on popular sites such as the New York Times, Time Magazine, Huffington Post, and read them without the pressure of going to the library or poring through their textbook.  The popular media choices are easy to find without the need for subscription services; these are often articles that you might have read and brought up in your class.   Further, the update will include a few questions that can be used to get a discussion started.

In addition to a listing of the articles, you will also be presented with a few websites for use in your classes.  The websites can be useful informative resources for both your teaching preparation and for  student use.  Lastly, every week, you will find either an App Of The Week listing, occasionally YouTube video, or a Podcast that will both enhance your teaching and presentations.   If you have any suggestions please contact me.   

 

To the Psychology Student:  This is great stuff that will stimulate your interest in the field and help you understand the world better and become a better student as well!

Thank you,

David Berg