The Brain and Behavior

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by heightened impulsivity, which can lead to poor decision-making and increased health risks. The study examines the association between parental closeness and adolescent engagement in family-based physical activity, with a focus on its potential to reduce stress biomarkers, such as cortisol levels, heart rate, and salivary alpha amylase. It is anticipated that these reductions in stress biomarkers will result in improved impulsivity control in adolescents. Additionally, the relationship between parental closeness and impulsivity control is expected to be stronger in adolescents who participate in higher levels of family physical activity. Family-based physical activity could thus serve as a key component in youth intervention programs aimed at enhancing behavioral health and impulse control.

Involuntary disengagement, an uncontrolled avoidance response to stress, is particularly concerning among urban adolescents facing multiple stressors. This study examines the relationship between social involuntary disengagement and anxiety using Cities Project data. Analyzing cross-sectional data from adolescent participants, the research employs the Responses to Stress Questionnaire and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between social involuntary disengagement and anxiety; however, when controlling for baseline anxiety, social involuntary disengagement did not significantly predict future anxiety. This suggests a complex, potentially bidirectional relationship between these constructs. Findings provide insights into stress response patterns among urban youth and implications for targeted interventions.

Residents with severe psychiatric disorders living within sober living recovery homes represent an overlooked and understudied realm of research. The current preliminary study explored the characteristics of Oxford House recovery home residents who were taking an anti-psychotic psychiatric medication (classified as severe mental illness), an anti-depressive or anti-anxiety psychiatric medication (classified as moderate mental illness), or no psychiatric medication (classified as controls). Residents in these three groups were compared on two outcome measures assessing overall recovery and status within the sober living homes. There were no significant differences in recovery factors or negative exit scores among the three groups. These findings suggest that when those with severe psychiatric conditions are appropriately medicated and supervised by healthcare professionals, they have positive outcomes in well-structured community-based recovery settings like Oxford Houses.

This thesis explores the potential of ketamine as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Current AUD treatments often have limited efficacy, leading researchers to investigate alternative solutions. Ketamine has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials, altering neuroplasticity and reducing alcohol cravings. This study examines ketamine’s neural mechanisms, compares its effectiveness with existing treatments, and explores regulatory barriers to its medical application. Additionally, it addresses the stigma surrounding ketamine and discusses policy reforms necessary for its broader acceptance. The findings aim to contribute to addiction research and influence public health policies on the medical use of controlled substances.