Mental Health

Two young children looking out of a window.

How to Talk to Your Kids about Coronavirus

Q&A with Alison Miller

How do we talk about coronavirus and COVID-19 to children, who may not fully understand what is happening? How can parents and guardians ease the concerns of their children during this time that is likely creating stress for all members of the family?

Wooden trail in the lush green forest.

Social Distancing and Coronavirus: What Are the Implications on Mental Health?

Q&A with Alison Miller

At a time when much of the population is practicing social distancing due to the spread of COVID-19, Alison Miller, associate professor of Health Behavior and Health Education, explains methods for managing stress as well as who may be vulnerable to added mental health and stress impacts during this time.

Young child reaching for strawberries on a cutting board on a kitchen counter.

For Children, Food Insecurity Means Not Only Hunger but Also Stress, Sadness

New Research from Cindy Leung

Parents who experience food insecurity might think they're protecting their children from their family's food situation by eating less or different foods so their children can be spared, but a new study from assistant professor of Nutritional Sciences, Cindy Leung, shows that children know more about food insecurity than their parents give them credit for.

candy jar

Overweight Kids Actually Eat Less Right After Stressful Events

New Research from Rebecca Hasson and Matthew Nagy

People often react to stress by binging on sweets or fattening comfort foods. But overweight adolescents—considered particularly susceptible to stress eating—actually ate less when exposed to a lab stressor, according to a University of Michigan study.