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Mental, Behavioral Related

Imbalances in Gut Bacteria Linked to Low Self-Esteem

A growing body of research connects gut health to mental well-being. The ecosystem within our digestive tract, also known as the gut microbiome, is home to many species of tiny organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When the ecosystem is balanced, these organisms help keep the body functioning. But when an infection or stress disrupts the microbiome, the imbalance can affect not only our gut, but our entire body, and possibly even our mental health.

Dr. Abhinav Saurabh

Abhinav Saurabh, Ph.D.

Awardee Institution
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Project Title:
The Modifying Role of Chronic Psychosocial and Environmental Stress on Natural Killer Cell Function
Dr. Kristen Hamilton-Moseley

Kristen Hamilton-Moseley, Ph.D.

Awardee Institution
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Project Title:
An Experimental Paradigm to Examine the Psychological Effects of Vicarious Discrimination

Rumination Following Discrimination Can Lead to Depression, Anxiety in Black Youth, Study Shows

The likelihood that Black children will experience racial discrimination increases as they age and spend time in their communities, schools, and online. Racial discrimination is a significant public health concern. Approximately 90% of Black youth report discriminatory experiences each year that increases their vulnerability to depression and anxiety.

According to researchers, Black youth may ruminate about their discriminatory experiences, which is the internalization of negative feelings as a coping strategy, but it can lead to detrimental mental health outcomes.

Meeting Social Needs Can Improve Mental Health and Increase Life Satisfaction Among U.S. Immigrant Populations

Having one’s social needs met (e.g., food security, employment, health care access) improves life satisfaction, linked to a longer, healthier, and better quality of life overall, research shows. But little is known about how social needs influence the mental health and life satisfaction of immigrant populations. NIMHD researchers examined how social needs impact mental health and the influence of mental health on life satisfaction among 4,320 U.S. immigrants aged 18 years and older, using the 2021 National Health Interview Survey data.

Researcher’s Community-Engaged Studies to Halt Health-Related Miseducation, Misinformation, and Misconceptions in Her Asian Community

NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Engaging With Communities

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day and beyond—by people who represent AANHPI communities, we’re recognizing researchers who are promoting health equity through their community-engaged research.

Researching Expressive Helping for Chinese American Cancer Survivors

NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Engaging With Communities

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day and beyond—by people who represent AANHPI communities, we’re recognizing researchers who are addressing health disparities through their community-engaged research.

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