Seasonality, learning to hope, and the gender citation gap
Mar 20, 2024
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This podcast explores the impact of changing seasons on our moods and behaviors, delving into the research findings. It also discusses the importance of teaching hope as a skill for mental health, showcasing inspiring programs. Additionally, it sheds light on the gender disparity in citing experts in psychology and its implications for diversity in the field.
Seasonal changes impact mood and behavior, with potential increased suicide rates in late spring and summer due to feelings of hopelessness.
Teaching hope as a skill enhances mental health across age groups, emphasizing the positive impact of hope-focused programs on resilience and well-being.
Deep dives
Seasonal Influence on Mood and Behavior
Seasonal changes affect mood, with many people experiencing mood shifts in winter, even if they don't meet the clinical criteria for seasonal affective disorder. The research indicates fluctuations in online posts and searches related to sadness and anxiety in line with seasonal patterns. Surprisingly, suicide rates can be higher in late spring to summer, potentially due to not feeling better like others, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
Impact of Seasons on Cognition and Behavior
Seasonal variations affect mating behavior, with peaks in summer and winter, attributed to both cultural factors and potential hormonal changes. Cognitive functions show mixed effects across seasons, with conditions like Alzheimer's potentially worsening in winter but improvements in certain cognitive aspects. The link between weather and cognition remains complex, with temperature, light, and cultural traditions playing variable roles.
Promoting Hope and Resilience
Research conducted in Northern Ireland explores the teachability of hope to enhance mental health and resilience, which has shown positive outcomes across various age groups. Initiatives like Hopeful Minds aim to instill hope as a 'teachable skill' from childhood to adulthood, addressing mental health challenges and fostering well-being. Testimonials highlight the significant impact of hope-focused programs on individuals, emphasizing the importance of hope in navigating life's challenges.
Are you looking forward to the lighter evenings of summer? Perhaps you're already feeling different as the seasons change and the green shoots of spring arrive? This week on All in the Mind we're taking a look at how the seasons affect our moods, thoughts and behaviours. Claudia Hammond speaks to Michael Varnum from Arizona State University about what the research says. Cognitive neuroscientist Sophie Scott, joins Claudia in the studio to ask what it means for the science of psychology if the seasons have such a profound effect.
And we hear from a project in Northern Ireland that teaches people to have hope. Marie Dunne was inspired to set up the project, called Resilio, after witnessing the success of a programme designed to teach hope in schools. Based on that programme Resilio developed their own hope courses for adults. We hear from people who have benefitted from those courses, and from people who run them, about how to find hope.
Finally, Sophie Scott discusses a new study which found that male psychology scholars were less likely to think of female scholars when asked to name eminent researchers in that field. Could it explain the gender cap in citation rates?
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Lorna Stewart & Lucy Taylor
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire
Editor: Holly Squire
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