Summer break is finally here, and it’s time to unwind with that well-deserved holiday you booked months ago. While you sunbathe at the beach or sip on a warm mug of coffee at home, take a look at our Top Picks for July. This month, we explore new Open Access research on education, employment, surgery, and anxiety.
1. How Can Schools Control Bullying?
Bullying is a huge problem in many societies, particularly among adolescents and young people. It is meant to dominate or intimidate a “weaker” party, through emotionally or physically hurting the victims. There have been several studies exploring the psychological consequences of bullying, but only recently have researchers started to investigate how schools can counter this problem.
Read about one new anti-bullying program (ROOTS) in an Indonesian school and its fascinating success here.
2. Why is it Hard to Discuss and Understand Chronic Pain Symptoms?
While many adults experience chronic pain, a lack of awareness around this issue often makes it challenging for people to recognize the severity of the pain they endure. Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain that lasts for over three months and can appear at different times during this period. According to Cleveland Clinic, about 25% of adults in the US experience chronic pain, which also includes arthritis, back pain, and even Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Recently, medical practitioners and doctors have developed effective methods to help patients accurately measure and understand their chronic pain, providing valuable insights for better management and support.
Read about their methods here.
3. Why is Surgery Scary and What Can You do About It?
Undergoing surgery can be an understandably nerve-wracking experience for many people. Anxiety before surgery is a common emotion among patients, as the fear of the unknown can sometimes be overwhelming. While surgery itself can offer treatment for specific health issues, have you ever wondered about the pre-surgery treatment for nerves?
This study explores using mind-body therapy as a solution to preoperative jitters and its benefits.
4. What are the Secrets to Achieving Work-Life Balance?
Finding the perfect work-life balance seems like an elusive dream in our fast-paced society, where the demands of the capitalist system can be overwhelming at times. As we drag ourselves to work and yearn for much-needed breaks, it is crucial to remember that numbers and metrics are not the only measure of employee performance. Fostering positivity in the workplace lies in prioritizing work-life balance and ensuring fair treatment.
Discover the best practices for unlocking a happier and more productive workforce here.
5. Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side?
In today’s globalized world, the phenomenon of migration has become increasingly prevalent. Many people leave their birth countries and towns in search of employment and a brighter future. Migrant workers make significant contributions to their host country’s economy. Unfortunately, these contributions are not always recognized, and often come at a detrimental cost to migrants in terms of their well-being and social integration. As researchers delve deeper into the complexities of migrant workers’ lives, recent studies have provided fresh perspectives on the challenges they face.
Read about the exploitation of Indonesian migrant workers, and how they can be protected by the State here.