Social Sciences

University at Buffalo researcher Catherine P. Cook-Cottone knows what works to stop the self-destructive cycle of teenage eating disorders. Now, she's expanding that protective web to help teenagers and parents cope with other demons that too often follow the wholesale pressures of growing up -- to win at sports, to be smart, to look good.

A new study of childhood obesity in the United States has found that some social factors, such as the presence of friends, may put overweight youths at greater risk of overeating.

A new study by psychologists at the University at Buffalo and the F. W. Olin College of Engineering finds that in the aftermath of national trauma, the ability to make sense out of what happened has implications for individual well-being and that the kinds of stories people tell about the incident predict very different psychological outcomes for them.

Three new studies by psychologists at the University at Buffalo have found that after receiving negative feedback about one's appearance, individuals who are highly sensitive to appearance-based rejection withdraw from social interactions and prefer to avoid even those with whom they have close relationships.

Experiencing chronic stress day after day can produce wear and tear on the body physically and mentally, and can have a detrimental effect on learning and emotion. However, acute stress -- a short stressful incident -- may enhance learning and memory.

The University at Buffalo Regional Institute has taken a comprehensive look at school district governance in its latest policy brief, including potential cost savings from consolidation, opportunities for expanded regional cooperation and new models for leveraging technology to bridge educational divides.

Young people with asthma have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to their peers without asthma, and studies have shown that depression is associated with increased asthma symptoms and, in some cases, death.

The 24-7, wall-to-wall press coverage of the life, death, music, clothing, vitiligo, sex life, "dearest friends" and plastic surgeries of musician Michael Jackson raises the question, "What the heck is going on?"

Researchers have found that men and women who feel sensitive to rejection based on their physical appearance are more likely to express interest in having cosmetic surgery than those who are less sensitive to appearance-based rejection. This effect is particularly true when people recall negative comments about their physical appearance.

Improved communication among patients and primary care physicians increases the chances those due for colorectal cancer screening will follow their doctors' advice and complete the procedure, a University at Buffalo study has found.