https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/ysph/news-rss/?orgId=118077&title=Latest+News+from+Social+and+Behavioral+Sciences A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Social and Behavioral Sciences en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Sat, 16 May 2026 09:13:47 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/advances-may-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/advances-may-2026/ The Health Care Affordability Lab at Yale University addresses the crisis in U.S. health care costs. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/above-and-beyond/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/above-and-beyond/ The YSPH community came together on May 13th to recognize faculty and staff excellence, and to unveil its new ceremonial mace. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emma-bebarta-mph-26-graduating-student-spotlight/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emma-bebarta-mph-26-graduating-student-spotlight/ Emma Bebarta, MPH ’26 , is a graduating student in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/pietrzak-to-receive-2026-istss-laufer-memorial-award-for-outstanding-scientific-achievement/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/pietrzak-to-receive-2026-istss-laufer-memorial-award-for-outstanding-scientific-achievement/ Robert Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, professor of psychiatry and of public health (social and behavioral sciences), has been selected to receive the 2026 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement. Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/03/getting-older-ageing-happiest-time-of-life https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/03/getting-older-ageing-happiest-time-of-life Aging does not mean inevitable decline, new YSPH research suggests – and having a optimistic outlook can even bring improvements. Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-does-public-health-really-mean-these-high-schoolers-found-out/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-does-public-health-really-mean-these-high-schoolers-found-out/ Public Health Day highlighted Yale School of Public Health’s commitment to reaching the next generation of potential public health leaders before they have chosen a path and showing them what the field looks like up close. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/global-health-connected-building-healthier-more-resilient-cities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/global-health-connected-building-healthier-more-resilient-cities/ “What are you going to do when you go back?” It’s the question that set Jeannette Ickovics, PhD, a faculty affiliate at the Yale Institute of Global Health (YIGH), on a new trajectory toward global climate and health. After nearly five years at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, first as a visiting professor and later as dean of faculty, Ickovics found herself reflecting on what the next phase of her career might look like upon returning to New Haven. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/global-health-connected-developing-suicide-screening-approaches-in-pakistan/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/global-health-connected-developing-suicide-screening-approaches-in-pakistan/ Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 800,000 deaths each year. The burden falls disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, which account for roughly 75% of global suicides. In South Asia, where suicide rates are among the highest globally, stigma and legal barriers often make prevention efforts especially challenging. For Ashley Hagaman, PhD, MPH, associate professor of public health (social and behavioral sciences) at Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and a faculty affiliate of the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH), addressing this issue means developing solutions that are not only evidence-based, but also locally feasible and culturally grounded. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/creativity-and-aging-video-series/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/creativity-and-aging-video-series/ This video series highlights older adults engaging in their chosen creative pursuits throughout the lifespan. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/26/health/positivity-aging-wellness https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/26/health/positivity-aging-wellness Despite stereotypes that the body and brain automatically decline as people get older, new YSPH research shows that many people are more like fine wine: improving with age. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2026/03/17/its-not-complicated-homelessness-is-a-housing-problem-danya/ https://ctmirror.org/2026/03/17/its-not-complicated-homelessness-is-a-housing-problem-danya/ While households wait for subsidies and struggle with unaffordable rents, even a temporary financial shock can push them into homelessness, YSPH Professor Danya Keene and colleagues say in this Op-Ed. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/ Aging in later life is often portrayed as a steady slide toward physical and cognitive decline. But a new study by scientists at Yale University suggests an alternate narrative — that older individuals can and do improve over time, and their mindset toward aging plays a major part in their success. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/03/03/using-ai-improve-cardiovascular-health https://news.yale.edu/2026/03/03/using-ai-improve-cardiovascular-health S. Raquel Ramos, an associate professor at the Yale schools of nursing and public health, is leading a multidisciplinary team to develop a large language model to educate patients on their cardiovascular health. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/being-a-pessimist-is-not-really-a-choice-now/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/being-a-pessimist-is-not-really-a-choice-now/ As a national leader in LGBTQ+ health care, alumnus Jorge Ramallo, MD ’14, MPH ’14, is all about moving forward. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/when-trust-is-lost-how-do-we-get-it-back/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/when-trust-is-lost-how-do-we-get-it-back/ “Can you remember a time when you shared something that you later found out was not true or trustworthy?” Dean Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, posed that question during her opening remarks at a conference about rebuilding trust in public health on February 10. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/translating-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/translating-science/ Three impact stories and one essay detail research projects across YSPH's Scholarly Areas of Focus, led by Drs. Nicola Hawley, Yusuf Ransome, Kai Chen, and Zack Cooper. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/articles/disabled-comics-student-sketch-groups-perform-at-faculty-group-event https://yaledailynews.com/articles/disabled-comics-student-sketch-groups-perform-at-faculty-group-event The Faculty with Disabilities at Yale Interest Group sponsored a comedy show featuring disabled comedians. The show was meant to challenge stereotypes about disabilities. “I think people tend to not respond as well to lectures, but everybody likes humor,” said Katie Wang, an associate professor at the School of Public Health and a co-chair of the faculty group. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-symposium-focuses-on-music-memory-and-aging/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-symposium-focuses-on-music-memory-and-aging/ Members of the Yale schools of public health, medicine, and nursing came together for Yale's first Music, Memory, and Aging Symposium on January 29. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/acne-might-increase-eating-disorder-risk-what-to-know https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/acne-might-increase-eating-disorder-risk-what-to-know A recent study found an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder in people who also suffer from acne. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.southernct.edu/2026/02/12/care-receives-national-award-for-excellence-in-community-engaged-partnerships/ https://news.southernct.edu/2026/02/12/care-receives-national-award-for-excellence-in-community-engaged-partnerships/ The Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE), co-housed at the Yale School of Public Health and Southern Connecticut State University—in partnership with the New Haven community—has been selected as one of five recipients of the Campus Compact’s 2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Awards. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/11/seven-day-injectable-daily-tablet-buprenorphine-equally-effective-ed-patients-opioid-use https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/11/seven-day-injectable-daily-tablet-buprenorphine-equally-effective-ed-patients-opioid-use In a Yale study, researchers found that seven-day injectable buprenorphine and daily tablet buprenorphine are equally safe and effective in engaging patients with opioid use disorder in treatment after an emergency department visit. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:00:00 Z https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd A chance encounter introduced José Aravena, ’25 PhD, to YSPH Professor Becca Levy's research on positive aging. The moment changed the direction of his career. In this Q&A, Aravena discusses his interest in aging and brain health and shares some surprising findings from his fieldwork in southern Chile. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/why-people-fall-love-lose-100000605.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/why-people-fall-love-lose-100000605.html Yale School of Public Health researchers have found that once a couple falls in love, their long-term happiness may depend on their individual genes or those of their spouse. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/learning/do-you-ever-feel-like-you-are-hiding-your-true-self.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/learning/do-you-ever-feel-like-you-are-hiding-your-true-self.html YSPH Professor John Pachankis says concealing important parts of ourselves can harm close relationships and cause shame or guilt. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5683324/sex-is-pleasurable-it-should-feel-safe-too https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5683324/sex-is-pleasurable-it-should-feel-safe-too YSPH Research Scientist Dr. Jasmine Abrams participates in a discussion about sexual health with NPR host Brittany Luse in this episode of the "It's Been a Minute" program. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.wypr.org/2026-01-08/changing-your-perception-on-aging-can-lead-to-greater-well-being-psychologist-says https://www.wypr.org/2026-01-08/changing-your-perception-on-aging-can-lead-to-greater-well-being-psychologist-says YSPH's Dr. Becca Levy is one of the nation's leading researchers on the physical and mental health effects of ageism. Her work is discussed in this episode of Here and Now on National Public Radio. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-study-highlights-the-burden-of-social-determinants-of-health-on-suicide-risk-among-us-veterans/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-study-highlights-the-burden-of-social-determinants-of-health-on-suicide-risk-among-us-veterans/ A new study led by researchers at the National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and Yale School of Medicine, including first author Robert H. Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, provides one of the most comprehensive examinations to date of how cumulative social disadvantage is linked to suicide risk among U.S. military veterans. The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/secondary-caregivers/ https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/secondary-caregivers/ Secondary caregivers are the quiet forces orbiting the primary caregiver, who step in to steady the system when the daily strain becomes too much, says Joan Monin, professor of public health at Yale University. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-examines-the-impacts-of-financial-strain-on-adult-caregivers/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-examines-the-impacts-of-financial-strain-on-adult-caregivers/ A new pair of studies from Yale School of Public Health suggests that when a parent is living with dementia or depression, the consequent financial stress becomes a hidden source of emotional turmoil for millions of U.S. families. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/well/mind/masking-autism-adhd.html?unlocked_article_code=1.508.N8wJ.ICbmCstIq2Mj&smid=url-share https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/well/mind/masking-autism-adhd.html?unlocked_article_code=1.508.N8wJ.ICbmCstIq2Mj&smid=url-share YSPH psychologist John Pachankis discusses the mental health effects of ‘masking’ in people with autism or ADHD. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/opinion/aging-seniors-medicare.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/opinion/aging-seniors-medicare.html More than 4.1 million Americans will be turning 65 each year through 2027, a record surge. Yale School of Public Health psychologist Dr. Becca Levy offers insight and guidance. Her research has found that older adults who take in more negative attitudes on aging tend to be less mobile, have poorer memory, are more susceptible to cognitive decline, and tend to die an average of 7.5 years sooner than similarly situated peers with more positive attitudes on aging. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-alums-explore-issues-of-race-at-film-screening/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-alums-explore-issues-of-race-at-film-screening/ Yale School of Public Health alums, inspired by two new documentary films, gathered for a night of storytelling and reflection on October 9. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/11/03/incarcerated-people-gaps-exist-quality-cancer-care https://news.yale.edu/2025/11/03/incarcerated-people-gaps-exist-quality-cancer-care A new Yale study investigates the quality of cancer care among those diagnosed with cancer during or immediately after incarceration. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:00:00 Z https://everytownresearch.org/intersection-of-intimate-partner-violence-and-firearm-threats-explicit-and-implicit/ https://everytownresearch.org/intersection-of-intimate-partner-violence-and-firearm-threats-explicit-and-implicit/ Everytown Research recently featured research by Tami P. Sullivan, PhD, professor of psychiatry, who studied how firearm exposure plays out in the daily lives of women experiencing intimate partner violence. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cpa-to-honor-pietrzak-with-distinguished-contribution-to-the-science-of-psychology-award/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cpa-to-honor-pietrzak-with-distinguished-contribution-to-the-science-of-psychology-award/ Robert Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, professor of psychiatry and of public health (social and behavioral sciences), has been chosen to receive the Distinguished Contribution to the Science of Psychology Award from the Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA). Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/want-to-cut-health-care-costs-by-dollar70-billion-take-urban-climate-action/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/want-to-cut-health-care-costs-by-dollar70-billion-take-urban-climate-action/ Yale School of Public Health Professor Dr. Jeannette Ickovics, PhD, discusses a new report laying out steps that could save money and 700,000 lives. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiehailstone/2025/09/19/coalition-urges-cities-urges-to-tackle-climate-related-health-threats/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiehailstone/2025/09/19/coalition-urges-cities-urges-to-tackle-climate-related-health-threats/ Cities around the world could save 725,000 lives a year by tackling climate change-related threats to health, according to a new analysis. YSPH Professor Jeannette Ickovics, a co-author of the report, says targeted urban interventions also would help save $70 billion in health care costs. Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-yale-led-study-reveals-why-younger-veterans-face-higher-ptsd-risk/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-yale-led-study-reveals-why-younger-veterans-face-higher-ptsd-risk/ Younger U.S. military veterans are three times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than their older counterparts, largely due to greater psychological and social challenges, according to a new study led by researchers at Yale School of Medicine and the National Center for PTSD. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine calls for an evidence-based national strategy to increase breastfeeding rates in the United States. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, co-authored the NASEM report. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://19thnews.org/2025/09/government-breastfeeding-paid-parental-leave/ https://19thnews.org/2025/09/government-breastfeeding-paid-parental-leave/ Researchers have been examining ways to increase breastfeeding rates for years. A new report co-authored by YSPH Professor Rafael Perez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, urges the federal government to work with states to ensure implementation of existing maternal health programs and to support new ones. Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/epa-s-deregulatory-efforts-endanger-human-and-environmental-health https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/epa-s-deregulatory-efforts-endanger-human-and-environmental-health In July, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed “the largest deregulatory action in the history of America” when he reversed prior Agency findings that formed the basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. In this commentary, YSPH Professor Jeannette Ickovics urges policymakers and public health leaders to voice their concerns about the proposed changes. Public comment will be accepted until Sept. 15. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2838466 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2838466 The Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) Project investigated the hurricane's impact on the mental health of those impacted by the storm. Now, 20 years after the hurricane, the study's findings are providing new insights into the long-term effects of major disasters. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe said survivors who showed symptoms of posttraumatic stress also reported psychological growth, such as a deeper sense of spirituality and improved personal relationships. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/us/politics/minneapolis-shooting-anti-transgender-conservatives-robin-westman.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/us/politics/minneapolis-shooting-anti-transgender-conservatives-robin-westman.html The transgender identity of the attacker in a Minneapolis mass shooting has led some to describe the event as "trans terrorism." YSPH Professor John Pachankis says trans people are not linked to higher rates of violence. "A school shooter who happens to be transgender has more in common with other school shooters than with other transgender people," Pachankis tells The New York Times. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spring-2025-spark-award-recipients-announced/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spring-2025-spark-award-recipients-announced/ The Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH) has selected Jasmine Abrams, PhD, Marwan Osman, PhD, and Claudia Valeggia, PhD as recipients of the Spring 2025 Global Health Spark Award. Each will receive up to $10,000 to “spark” new global health research and collaborations. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/school-start-times-ct-greenwich-brookfield-20389993.php https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/school-start-times-ct-greenwich-brookfield-20389993.php Connecticut school start times are some of the earliest in the nation. YSPH Professor Marney White says evidence shows later start times allow children to get more sleep, improving their physical and mental health, and academic achievement. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/close-knit-community-and-broad-course-choices-attract-first-year-student-to-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/close-knit-community-and-broad-course-choices-attract-first-year-student-to-ysph/ First-year student Niki Bajaj, MPH '27, says the Yale School of Public Health's close-knit community and the ability to take classes offered by different Yale schools persuaded her to enroll in the program. But she also admits her desire to try New Haven's famous apizza factored into her decision. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.yale.edu/yales-impact-america/innovation-matters https://www.yale.edu/yales-impact-america/innovation-matters From rural health access to sustainable construction to quantum breakthroughs, see how Yale University's work is making a difference nationwide in this video series. Episode 4 highlights how YSPH students and faculty are partnering with communities across the nation—whether in Connecticut, Appalachia, or rural Ohio—to protect and improve health. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/criminalization-and-forced-treatment-undermine-real-solutions-homelessness-crisis https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/criminalization-and-forced-treatment-undermine-real-solutions-homelessness-crisis On a single night in 2024, more than 770,000 individuals experienced homelessness in the United States. This reflects the highest number of individuals experiencing homelessness ever recorded in US history, and a continued reversal in the declining trend seen between 2007 and 2016. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/great-news-weird-twist-after-nih-moved-restore/docview/3235906346/se-2?accountid=15172 https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/great-news-weird-twist-after-nih-moved-restore/docview/3235906346/se-2?accountid=15172 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has moved to restore hundreds of grant awards, but researchers - including Yale School of Public Health's Dr. John Pachankis - say restarting their work has been slow and resource-intensive. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-can-hurt-your-health https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-can-hurt-your-health Climate change poses a significant threat to human health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe says the mental health impact can extend beyond those immediately affected by climate change disasters to close friends and family as well. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z