Tags: mental health

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Generative AI student competition

The 2024 Generative AI Competition for UGA students took place this spring and the winners were announced this week. In the competition, UGA students and student teams were invited to use AI to create something meaningful to enrich the UGA community/experience.  Eight projects were submitted, ranging in topic from threatened species to schedules. Earlier this month, the top three projects were determined by a panel of faculty judges:…

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Franklin College alumna to deliver 2024 commencement address

Four-time Olympian and 10-time Olympic medalist in swimming Allison Schmitt will deliver the spring undergraduate Commencement address at the University of Georgia on Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. Schmitt, who received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UGA in 2014, was elected captain by her teammates at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. She is still the current American record holder in the 200 meter freestyle, which…

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Finding balance: the psychology of self-control and justifications

In a world where immediate gratification often takes precedence, the concept of "treating yourself" has evolved into a call for indulgence and abundance. It's a phrase that frequently evokes images of overpriced lattes, impromptu shopping sprees, and the unceasing pursuit of fleeting pleasures. But is this culture of self-indulgence truly as innocent as it may seem? Researchers at the University of Georgia published a new paper examining the…

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Adversity can accelerate brain aging among Black Americans

Longitudinal research studies led by faculty in the UGA Center for Family Research have changed the landscape of developmental, health, and prevention science by demonstrating its potential for narrowing social and racial disparities in health and well-being. By tracking the experiences of individual subjects over decades, prospective investigations of resilience among Black Americans have set a standard for conducting research with…

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UGA project helps veterans with mental health

Consistent findings reveal that veterans are passionate about helping other veterans and their families; however, these same veterans don’t always feel comfortable helping themselves, said University of Georgia researcher Brian Bauer, who has developed a platform that will enable vets to help each other. Bauer was recently awarded $250,000 by Mission Daybreak, a part of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’10-year strategy to end veteran…

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A journey of helping people – Judge Candice Branche

Originally published in 2019, our profile of Newton County Juvenile Court Chief Juvenile Judge Candice Branche (A.B. psychology, ’90, M.A. counseling, ’92) celebrates a successful alumna and promotes the urge to lead in service among the many attributes that we connect to impactful careers and people. Judge Branche's journey began with psychology, which ushered her into an early professional career in mental health that informs her…

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Promoting student mental health and well-being

Following on the need for everyone to get moving (at least a little), UGA Student Affairs is stepping up to expand efforts to strengthen the university’s mental health and well-being offerings. President Jere Morehead acknowledged the challenges faced by today's college students and asked Vice President for Student Affairs Victor K. Wilson to lead UGA’s efforts to foster a more supportive culture, dedicating $1 million in private funds over…

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'Workaholic' personality traits can fluctuate

Dreading a tough day at work? New research led by University of Georgia psychologist Malissa Clark reveals that anticipating a high workload can lead to daily fatigue and affect spousal relationships—even for people who don’t identify themselves as workaholics. Workaholism—the inner compulsion that you should always be working, as well as feeling anxious or guilty when you’re not working—is typically viewed as a disposition or…

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UGA research project to develop new parenting assessment

Extensive research on families and parenting going back decades allows clinicians and other practitioners to assess and prescribe effective intervention strategies to support healthy children. However, because the assessments and strategies are decades old, they may become outdated in terms of language or changing demographics in the United States. When assessment scales don’t match with intended populations, mismatches in effective…

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Student well-being resources

With a robust volume of orientation sessions underway for incoming first-year and transfer students across campus, UGA student affairs has rolled out a suite of new websites designed to facilitate and connect all of our students to the keys to good health and well-being on their journeys to success in the classroom and beyond. It is important to know what is available and where to go find help, care, and assistance when any of our students…

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Helping minorities navigate racial trauma

Psychology faculty member Isha Metzger is engaged in vital work towards improving the health of our community, developing an expertise that grew out of her own experience as well as a heart for public health and wellness. The Office of Research shares a terrific deep-dive into her program and projects: For Isha Metzger, it’s a chicken and egg question. Which came first—her interest in psychology, or her interest in helping…

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UGA part of $52M NIH study on early detection of schizophrenia in young people

Researchers from the University of Georgia are part of an international investigation led by the Yale Department of Psychiatry to better understand the cause and effect of schizophrenia in some high-risk adolescents and young adults. The research, funded by a $52 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, will fund the development of the Psychosis Risk Outcomes Network, or ProNET. The consortium will be based at 27 institutions, where…

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EMPOWER Lab receive $1 Million SAMHSA Grant

The EMPOWER Lab in the department of psychology - Engaging Minorities in Prevention Outreach Wellness Education and Research – is an important new development within our campus community. Racial stressors, the verbal, behavioral, or environmental stressors that individuals experience because of their race, may include being ignored or insulted by White coworkers, not being considered for jobs or positions, being told that…

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COVID-19 Well-Being Guide

The University of Georgia’s Clinical Psychology Program has made available a mental health guide to provide information and recommendations to members of the UGA and Athens community who are struggling with significant life changes accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic: The spread of the coronavirus throughout the United States and broader world poses a number of significant stressors, each with effects on our mental health and well-being…

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New research shows promise for treating schizophrenia

A new psychology study confirms that targeting one particular symptom of schizophrenia has a positive effect on other symptoms, offering significant promise for treating an aspect of schizophrenia that currently has no pharmaceutical options: A team led by Gregory Strauss published a study confirming that successfully treating the symptom avolition—reduced motivation—has a positive effect on other negative symptoms of schizophrenia.…

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A journey of helping people: from A.B. to the bar to bench for Georgia's newest Judge

Candice Branche (A.B. psychology, ’90, M.A. counseling, ’92) was sworn in August 2 as Assistant Probate Court Judge and full-time Magistrate Court Judge of Newton County, Georgia. The former Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney of Newton County embarked on this new phase of her legal career after a fulfilling and impactful earlier career as a therapist and mental health professional.  Branche arrived at UGA with an open and curious mind…

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Mental health and imprisonment

Sociology doctoral student Timothy Edgemon co-authored "Inmate Mental Health and the Pains of Imprisonment," a paper discussing the large majority suffering from poor mental health among the 2 million people currently incarcerated in the United States. He spoke about the paper with public radio station WRVO in New York: Prison isn't supposed to be a fun place. It's meant to be depriving. It's…

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Using technology to predict schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder that affects about 1% of the population, is a leading cause of functional disability in the United States. Typically diagnosis has hinged on the display of visible “positive symptoms” such as hallucinations and delusions, but one key to earlier identification and treatment is a recognition of negative symptoms, and University of Georgia neuroscientists are developing novel technology-based tools to catch…
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