Body Image, Part 5: Are Adolescents Perceiving their True Weight?

What people consider beautiful changes over time. On the other hand, children are far more likely to be obese today than they were only 20 years ago.

Mental HealthDr. Giuseppe Spezzano C. Psych.October 9, 2009adolescent, body image, overweight, perceived weight, teenagerComment

Mediterranean Diet Associated With Reduced Risk of Depression

A Mediterranean diet may be protective against some kinds of mental illness, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Mental HealthadminOctober 8, 2009depression, diet, Mediterranean, Mental HealthComment

Body Image, Part 4: Gender and Internalized Body Image Ideals

Disturbances in body image affect large numbers of people. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 10 million females and 1 million males who experience anorexia or bulimia.

Mental HealthDr. Giuseppe Spezzano C. Psych.October 8, 2009anorexia, body image, bullimia, eating disorders, gender differencesComment

Many Childhood Cancer Survivors Have Uncomplicated Pregnancies, Healthy Babies

Childhood cancer survivors are capable of having healthy babies, according to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Development, Physical HealthadminOctober 7, 2009cancer, childhood cancer survivors, Health, pregnancy, riskComment

Body Image, Part 3: Are boys the forgotten victims of body image messages?

Boys as well as girls feel the impact of the media on body image, but boys may turn to steroid use. How can parents reduce this effect?

Physical HealthDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.October 7, 2009body image, boys, Children, exercise, kids, steroidsComment

Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Associated With Some Adverse Outcomes in Newborns

Antidepressants used during pregnancy may have an impact on newborn health and intensive care admissions, according to a JAMA study.

Mental Health, Physical HealthadminOctober 6, 2009adolescent, antidepressants, newborns, pregnancy, pregnantComment

Body Image, Part 2: Anatomy of Body Image (Episode 80)

Psychologists talk about kids' body image, and how parents can help children to become satisfied with their appearance.

Podcast, The ShowDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.October 6, 2009appearance, body image, Children, eating disorders, kids, Parents, satisfaction, self-esteemComment

Psychiatric Symptoms May Predict Internet Addiction in Adolescents

Teens with other mental health concerns may be more likely to develop an Internet addiction, according to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Mental HealthadminOctober 5, 2009ADHD, adolescents, depression, internet addiction, social phobia, teenagersComment

Body Image, Part 1: How kids can learn to like their looks

Kids seem to be affected by body image messages at younger ages. Here are some ideas for parents.

Parenting IdeasDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.October 5, 2009BMI, body image, Children, exercise, kids, self-esteem, weightComment

Five Tips for Divorced Dads: Maintaining a connection with your kids

It's hard for noncustodial parents to stay in contact with their kids, but it's possible to maintain a relationship.

Parenting Ideas, RelationshipsDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.October 2, 2009conflict, divorce, Relationships, single parentsComment

Does spanking REALLY lower IQ?

Recent news reports that spanking lowers IQ are a bit misleading. What does the research actually say about the effect of corporal punishment?

Good Relationship Skills Alone Do Not a Harmonious Marriage Make

New research suggests that good relationship maintenance skills are necessary but not sufficient for a lasting relationship.

RelationshipsDr. Giuseppe Spezzano C. Psych.September 30, 2009anatomy, couples, of, Relationships, stressComment

Anatomy of Three Things (Episode 79)

Psychologists talk about the effects of maternal depression, myths about Viagra, and homework.

Podcast, The ShowDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.September 28, 2009depression, homework, Mental Health, Parenting Ideas, viagraComment

Preventing Anti-Social Behaviour in Adolescents

New research suggests that there are several factors that can steer troubled conduct disordered children away from becoming teenage offenders.

BehaviourDr. Giuseppe Spezzano C. Psych.September 28, 2009anti-social behaviour, Children, conduct disorder, prognosisComment

Kids in Sports, Part 5: Can sports help shy kids to make friends?

Playing sports is valuable for many reasons. But how do shy kids benefit from playing on a team?

Kids in Sports, Part 4: How do youth sports affect parents?

We know that participation in sports has benefits for kids - but new research shows that it affects parents, too.

RelationshipsDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.September 24, 2009Children, sports, teenagers, Relationships, ParentsComment

Kids in Sports, Part 3: What Promotes Sportspersonship?

Researchers have been studying what makes kids good sports. Some of what they've found validates what parents have experienced. However, some of their findings are alarming.

Kids in Sports, Part 2: Anatomy of Sports

Psychologists talk about the impact of sports on child development, and whether competition is OK.

Kids in Sports, Part 1: Why it Matters

For fans, sports can be an enjoyable distraction; for participants, the elements involved range from physical skills development to having your identity become connected to a larger team or entity.

Physical HealthDr. Giuseppe Spezzano C. Psych.September 20, 2009Children, matters, self-esteem, sports, teamsComment

Grandparenting, Part 5: What happens when parents are stressed?

Many grandparents provide both practical and emotional support to parents. How does that affect parental stress?

RelationshipsDr. Brian MacDonald C. Psych.September 18, 2009developmental disability, fathers, grandchildren, grandparents, mothers, stressComment