by Iliyah Maddox | Sep 26, 2025 | arts and humanities, social and behavioural sciences
Research from communication scholars at The Ohio State University reveals fascinating new insights about the dynamics of conversations about race-related issues in the USA. Two complementary studies show that White participants expected more negative outcomes and were more likely to avoid conversations with fellow White people from different political parties than with Black people from different parties. The findings challenge assumptions about racial identity and suggest that partisan divisions have become more influential than racial divisions in shaping willingness to engage in difficult conversations.
by Iliyah Maddox | Sep 24, 2025 | social and behavioural sciences
Loneliness is often described as the invisible epidemic of our time. It creeps quietly into lives, eroding confidence, weakening social bonds, and, at its most dangerous, pushing individuals toward the edge of despair. Stigma can prevent the lonely from seeking help and as loneliness is largely experienced through the prism of isolation, those in need of support may feel they have no-one to turn to. In his chapter “Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Suicidal Behavior: ‘Only Girl, Middle Child’” from the Edited Volume “Loneliness – The Ultimate Suffering in Modern Society”, Dr. Raymond Atwebembere of the Washington University in St. Louis examines this crisis not through abstract statistics alone but through vivid personal stories. His work underscores the truth that loneliness is not just a feeling; if left unaddressed it can be lethal.
by Iliyah Maddox | Sep 19, 2025 | health and medicine, social and behavioural sciences
Interview with Professor Mary Rezk-Hanna
by Iliyah Maddox | Sep 17, 2025 | social and behavioural sciences
By all measures, America’s mental health system is stretched too thin. Families are in crisis, community mental health providers are overworked, and groundbreaking research often struggles to find its way into real-world practice. But thanks to researchers such as Professor Ukamaka Oruche of the University of South Florida, and colleagues, we’re learning how to map and close that gap, one challenge at a time. When we think of medical breakthroughs or scientific discoveries, we often imagine white coats, high-tech labs, and swift translation from theory to practice. But in the world of mental health, particularly in community settings that serve the most vulnerable, reality looks very different. Shockingly, it can take 17 to 20 years for evidence-based mental health interventions to become part of everyday clinical care.
by Iliyah Maddox | Aug 28, 2025 | health and medicine, social and behavioural sciences
Research from Dr. Adam W. Carrico at the Florida International University, and his colleagues, explores innovative approaches to address HIV prevention and treatment challenges among sexual minority men who use stimulants. Three interconnected studies examine how behavioral interventions can reduce HIV viral load, alter gene expression in immune cells, and increase the use of preventive medication in this high-priority population. Collectively, these randomized controlled trials provide compelling evidence of the potential of behavioral interventions to improve health behaviors and outcomes.
by Iliyah Maddox | Jul 21, 2025 | social and behavioural sciences
Research from Professor Justin J. Joseph at the University of North Alabama examines the influences that impact the behaviour of underrepresented populations. In one study, he explores potential sex differences in the relationship between psychopathy traits, executive functioning, and youth gang membership. In a separate study, Joseph and colleagues investigated how information sources shape perceptions of campus carry policies among students at a Historically Black University.
