Welcome to the Weekly Medius PsychNews. Every week, we select five thought-provoking Psychology articles from hundreds published in journals and other media. Psychology Drives Everything.

Is Willpower the New Self-Esteem?
The concept of willpower—the self-control one exerts to restrain impulses and to direct behavior toward chosen goals—is getting much play of late. Many people assume that the key to improving their lives is strong willpower. If only we could find it in ourselves to exercise better self-control, we would surely be able to finally quit the junk food, cut back on dessert, exercise regularly, clear that pesky to-do list, and keep all our New Year’s resolutions. Indeed, research has shown that childhood measures of self-control predict an assortment of positive adult outcomes. Full article.


The Anatomy of Insomnia:
Insomnia is the most common sleep condition in the world, with half of adults globally reporting occasional episodes. Chronic insomnia, though far less prevalent, affects as many as 10 to 15 percent of the adult population. Though these sleep problems are extremely common, the neurobiological mechanisms behind insomnia are not entirely understood. Research suggests that emotional stressors do play an outsized role in contributing to sleep problems, and it is well documented that mood and anxiety disorders are common comorbidities with insomnia. This seems like common sense. Emotional arousal, whether due to a state of anxiety or because of intrusive thoughts, makes it difficult to relax, thereby inhibiting one’s ability to either initiate sleep or get back to sleep after waking.  Full article.

 

 

How Walking Enhances Cognitive Performance:
Why do so many successful people (e.g. Steve Jobs, Jack Dorsey, Jeff Weiner) take long walks to get their best thinking done? Let’s dive into the science of how walking improves cognitive performance.  In 51 people, walking during lunchtime significantly increased how much they enjoyed their work in the afternoon. This, in turn, led to better concentration and energy levels. Blood flow to the brain, CBF (Cerebral Blood Flow), is increased when walking. Cerebral Blood Flow is crucial for cognitive performance. Full article.

Misunderstandings of Mental Illness Cost Qualified People Their Jobs:
Complaining about work is a popular pastime. It can be a way of bonding with others who also have impossible bosses, annoying coworkers, or miserable working conditions. But few of us would want to be unfairly barred from all that work can offer. The benefits of a job go beyond economic support. In the best cases, jobs can provide structure, social ties and social support, welcome challenges, and maybe even a sense of self and a meaningful life. If you have a mental illness, though, you may find it particularly difficult to land a job, even if you want to work and you are qualified for the jobs that interest you. According to Bandy X. Lee, an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, unemployment rates among the mentally ill are three to four times as high as those without such illnesses. Among the biggest barriers to employment, Professor Lee maintains, are other people’s misconceptions about mental illness.  Full article.