Latest News from Social and Behavioral Sciences

New research has found that the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher than previously believed and the number of people diagnosed with dementia annually is expected to double to about 1 million a year by 2060. Dr. Joan K. Monin, an associate professor in the Yale School of Public Health's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, discusses the significance of the dementia prevalence study and steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of dementia as they age.

Engagement in spirituality correlates with better physical and mental health, YSPH Associate Professor Yusuf Ransome says in this Psychology Today commentary.

Dean Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, welcomed U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and city, state, and community leaders, to the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) on January 30th for a wide-ranging discussion about the continued need to fund firearm injury prevention research.

Robin Masheb, PhD, professor of psychiatry, and Marney White, PhD, MS, professor of public health (social and behavioral sciences) and psychiatry, are co-authors of a paper in General Hospital Psychiatry that discusses findings about a new eating disorder screener for use in healthcare and community settings that serve veterans.

Anti-aging is all the rage these days in Silicon Valley and beyond. One of most simple and effective interventions is among the least well known. YSPH Professor Becca Levy discusses the health benefits of having a positive mindset as we age.

A small but growing movement of scientists wants to classify aging as a disease. They face an uphill battle. “Classifying aging as a disease can become part of structural ageism,” says Yale School of Public Health Professor and aging expert Becca Levy. “Aging is not inherently bad.”

The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding early-career scientists and engineers who are federally funded. Dr. Opara is among 400 scientists who received the prestigious PECASE award from former President Joseph Biden in January.

The News spoke with Yale experts about the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendations for raising awareness about alcohol’s cancer risk. YSPH Professor Vasilis Vasiliou comments.

This Spotlight on Teaching shines on Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, PhD, professor of public health (social and behavioral sciences), and his focus on a “flipped” classroom model.