https://ysph.yale.edu/ysph/news-rss/?title=Latest%20News%20from%20Social%20and%20Behavioral%20Sciences&orgId=118077 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Social and Behavioral Sciences en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:46:46 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/fischer-to-receive-distinguished-contribution-to-the-science-of-psychology-award-from-the-connecticut-psychological-association/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/fischer-to-receive-distinguished-contribution-to-the-science-of-psychology-award-from-the-connecticut-psychological-association/ Ian C. Fischer, PhD, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry, has been selected to receive the Connecticut Psychological Association’s 2026 Distinguished Contribution to the Science of Psychology Award. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/edelman-to-study-unhealthy-behaviors-in-those-with-hiv/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/edelman-to-study-unhealthy-behaviors-in-those-with-hiv/ As part of a larger initiative focused on advancing HIV service delivery through pharmacies and pharmacists, a Yale team led by E. Jennifer Edelman, MD, MHS, professor of medicine (general medicine), and the PHOENIX Lab has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 Z https://scienmag.com/new-scale-captures-the-hidden-anxiety-behind-a-blistering-skin-disease/ https://scienmag.com/new-scale-captures-the-hidden-anxiety-behind-a-blistering-skin-disease/ Researchers have developed and validated a new questionnaire, the Skin Checking and Avoidance Behaviors Scale, to measure the compulsive checking and avoidance behaviors that stem from health anxiety Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/white-recognized-for-her-work-in-psychodermatology/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/white-recognized-for-her-work-in-psychodermatology/ Marney A. White, PhD, MS, professor of public health and psychiatry, has been honored by two organizations for her work in psychodermatology, where she explores connections between the mind and skin. Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-neighborhood-disadvantage-linked-to-higher-rates-of-ptsd-depression-suicidal-ideation-among-us-veterans/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-neighborhood-disadvantage-linked-to-higher-rates-of-ptsd-depression-suicidal-ideation-among-us-veterans/ A new study published in World Psychiatry examines the association between neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage and mental health among U.S. veterans. Ian C. Fischer, PhD, left, and Robert H. Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, right, are lead and senior authors, respectively. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-storm-daily.html https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-storm-daily.html Understanding and preventing suicide often focuses on why people want to die—but a Yale researcher is calling for a shift to a more constructive, humanizing starting point. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/sullivan-honored-with-istss-distinguished-mentorship-award/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/sullivan-honored-with-istss-distinguished-mentorship-award/ Tami Sullivan, PhD, professor of psychiatry, has been awarded the Distinguished Mentorship Award by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), an honor recognizing sustained excellence in mentoring within the field of traumatic stress research and practice. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/gun-violence-prevention-program/3759899/ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/gun-violence-prevention-program/3759899/ Hartford teens gave up a part of their summer to participate in a gun violence prevention program for several weeks. The program is a partnership between Hartford Communities That Care, Yale School of Public Health, and Project Unloaded, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that employs young people to prevent gun violence through education, storytelling, and community action. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spring-2026-spark-award-recipients-announced/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spring-2026-spark-award-recipients-announced/ The Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH) Global Health Spark Award provides up to $10,000 in seed funding biannually to support innovative global health projects led by YIGH-affiliated faculty. Designed to catalyze new collaborations, pilot studies, and community partnerships, the award helps investigators launch projects with the potential to grow into larger, sustainable initiatives that improve health outcomes around the world. This spring, YIGH awarded funding to five faculty-led projects. Projects proposed by Jofesa Martinez, PhD and Melanie Sion, MD received support through YIGH, while projects led by Ninani Kombo, MD, Ghada Elhadari, MBBCh, PhD, and Alice Miller, JD were funded through a partnership with the Yale Office of International Affairs through the Yale and the World Partnership Fund, an initiative designed to strengthen international collaborations that advance research, education, and practice on issues of global significance. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yales-health-innovators-put-community-first/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yales-health-innovators-put-community-first/ Developing technology that makes health care more inclusive was a theme of the 2026 Yale Innovation Summit's Health Track. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-convenes-state-leaders-researchers-and-philanthropists-for-data-driven-decarceration-meeting/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-convenes-state-leaders-researchers-and-philanthropists-for-data-driven-decarceration-meeting/ More than 50 leaders from state government, academia, philanthropy, health care, and community organizations convened at Yale University on April 10, 2026 for “Data-Driven Decarceration in Connecticut,” a working meeting hosted by the SEICHE Center for Health and Justice at Yale and sponsored by the Section of General Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:30:00 Z https://insights.som.yale.edu/podcasts/health-veritas/live-at-the-yale-innovation-summit-2026 https://insights.som.yale.edu/podcasts/health-veritas/live-at-the-yale-innovation-summit-2026 Howie Forman is joined by guest host Megan Ranney, dean of the the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH), for a live episode of the podcast "Health & Veritas" recorded at the Yale Innovation Summit, featuring conversations with five innovators, including Associate Professor Yusuf Ransome of YSPH. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-researchers-perspective-how-ycci-supports-high-quality-clinical-research-edelman/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-researchers-perspective-how-ycci-supports-high-quality-clinical-research-edelman/ To offer perspective on YCCI’s support, E. Jennifer Edelman, MD, MHS, professor of medicine (general medicine) and associate professor on term, social and behavioral sciences, shared her experience working with YCCI in the following interview. Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/advances-may-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/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://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/two-ysph-trained-yale-students-marshall-scholarship-rhodes-scholar/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/two-ysph-trained-yale-students-marshall-scholarship-rhodes-scholar/ Two senior undergraduate students at Yale, each of whom conducted extensive research in labs at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH), were recent recipients of prestigious awards for postgraduate study. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/eating-well-on-purpose/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/eating-well-on-purpose/ Food as medicine programs prescribe fruits and vegetables to prevent and treat chronic diseases, reduce food insecurity, and cut long-term healthcare costs — and research shows they work. 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/esterlis-and-pietrzak-awarded-dollar42-million-nimh-grant-to-study-brain-changes-underlying-menopause-related-depression-and-cognitive-decline/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/esterlis-and-pietrzak-awarded-dollar42-million-nimh-grant-to-study-brain-changes-underlying-menopause-related-depression-and-cognitive-decline/ Irina Esterlis, PhD, and Robert Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, professors of psychiatry at YSM, have been awarded a $4.2 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to investigate how menopause affects brain function, mood, and cognition. Mon, 20 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/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/when-trust-is-lost-how-do-we-get-it-back/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/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/ysm/public-health-magazine/article/translating-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/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