Behavioral Health | Penn Today

Young child pulling a face mask down off an adult’s nose and mouth.

How first responders and other parents can protect their children from trauma

While first responders try their best to shield their families from the emotional weight of their work, their children may take notice. First Responder Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health offers ways to help.

Just one beer or glass of wine a day may cause your brain to shrink, study suggests

Henry Kranzler of the Perelman School of Medicine co-authored research that found daily alcohol consumption, even in moderate quantities, can lead to a loss of brain volume. "For pretty much any level of drinking, a reduction is likely to yield health benefits," he said.

A scale with an alcoholic beverage on one side and a brain on the other

One drink a day linked with reduced brain size

The Penn-led research, using a dataset of more than 36,000 adults, revealed that going from one to two drinks a day was associated with changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. Heavier drinking was linked with an even greater toll.

A movie marquee with the words "1. Elbow Bumps 2. Foot Shakes 3. Just Wave!"

Perceptions shaped social behavior during the pandemic

Research from Penn psychologists found that Americans who most feared losing their connections continued interacting with others, paradoxically acting in ways that risked prolonging disease-mitigating social restrictions.

Silhouette of a person sitting against a wall on the side of the image, legs pulled up close to her chest.

Why are alcohol- and drug-related deaths rising in the U.S. and not elsewhere?

With insights from anthropology and neuroscience, Penn researchers Michael Platt and Peter Sterling find that, in comparison, 16 other wealthy nations offer communal assistance at every life stage, support that protects individuals and families long term.

Cover of the book "Creating conspiracy beliefs: How our thoughts are shaped" by Dolores Albarracín, Julia Albarracín, Man-pui Sally Chan, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson

A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape

In a new book, Dolores Albarracín, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, and colleagues show that two factors—the conservative media and societal fear and anxiety—have driven recent widespread conspiracies, from Pizzagate to those around COVID-19 vaccines.

People working out on excercise machines.

A Wharton study on the best ways to boost workout habits

New research from Wharton professors Katy Milkman, Angela Duckworth, and co-authors on how to effectively nudge people to show up at the gym.

Person asleep on a bicycle rickshaw in India.

The link between global health policy and healthy sleep

A new study from LDI senior fellow Heather Schofield explores the relation between government policymaking and healthy sleep.

Therapy dogs help students relax and relieve stress

The Wharton School’s Undergraduate Division invited students to take a break from studying and enjoy therapy dogs on campus.

Cover of the book "After Campus Sexual Assault: A Guide for Parents by Susan B. Sorenson." In the middle is a twisted red pipe cleaner.

New book offers lessons for parents on discussing campus sexual assault

In the guide for caregivers whose child was sexually assaulted on a college campus, Susan B. Sorenson provides advice and identifies resources, both on campus and within the community.

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