A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed interesting insights into the relationship between mental health and the time of day. The research indicates that individuals generally experience better mental wellbeing in the morning, while their mood tends to decline as the day progresses, reaching its lowest point around midnight. This study is notable for being one of the most extensive investigations into how mental health varies throughout the day, taking into account factors such as the day of the week and seasonal changes.

The researchers aimed to understand how different times of day affect various aspects of mental health, including happiness, life satisfaction, and feelings of loneliness. They analyzed data collected from the UCL Covid-19 social study, which involved nearly one million survey responses from approximately 50,000 adults over a two-year period. Participants answered questions about their emotional states, such as their happiness levels and overall satisfaction with life, allowing the researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

Findings from the study indicated that happiness and life satisfaction were generally higher on Mondays and Fridays compared to Sundays, with Tuesdays also showing elevated happiness levels. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in feelings of loneliness across the days of the week. Additionally, seasonal variations were observed, with individuals reporting lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness during the spring, summer, and autumn compared to winter.

Despite the study’s comprehensive nature, the researchers noted that it was observational and could not definitively establish causation. They acknowledged that the timing of when participants completed their surveys might have influenced the results. For instance, individuals who felt better in the morning might have been more inclined to respond to the survey at that time. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to validate these findings and account for potential biases.

Dr. Feifei Bu, one of the researchers, highlighted the implications of the study for mental health services. If the observed patterns are confirmed, it could be beneficial for mental health support systems to consider the time of day when individuals seek help. This could lead to a more responsive approach, ensuring that resources are available during periods when mental health needs fluctuate, particularly during late-night hours when individuals may be feeling their worst.

Original news source: Scientists find that things really do seem better in the morning (The Guardian)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different aspects related to the article, such as “mental health,” “happiness,” “midnight,” or “survey.” The other groups will guess what they are acting out without using any words.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Pose statements based on the findings of the article, such as “I believe my mental health improves in the morning” or “I feel lonelier on Sundays.” Students will walk around the classroom, asking their peers to agree or disagree. After gathering opinions, discuss the results as a class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to create catchy headlines for the article that highlight its main findings. They should think creatively and come up with multiple options before sharing their favorites with the class.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Pose a thought-provoking question related to the article, such as “How does your daily routine affect your mental health?” Students will think about their responses, pair up with a partner to discuss their ideas, and finally share their insights with the larger group.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Provide students with key vocabulary from the article (e.g., “mental health,” “happiness,” “loneliness,” “satisfaction”). In pairs, they will come up with as many synonyms as possible for each word. Afterward, they can share their lists with the class for further discussion.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the primary focus of the study conducted by researchers at University College London regarding mental health?
2. How did the researchers collect data for their study, and how many participants were involved?
3. What were the general trends observed in happiness and life satisfaction throughout the week?
4. Which seasons were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness?
5. Why did the researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions from their findings?
6. What potential influence did the timing of survey responses have on the study’s results?
7. How might the findings of this study impact mental health services according to Dr. Feifei Bu?
8. What aspects of mental health did the researchers aim to understand in relation to different times of day?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed interesting insights into the relationship between mental health and the time of day. The research indicates that individuals generally experience better mental wellbeing in the morning, while their mood tends to decline as the day (1)______, (2)______ its lowest point around midnight. This study is (3)______ for being one of the most extensive investigations into how mental health varies throughout the day, taking into account factors such as the day of the week and (4)______ changes.

The researchers aimed to understand how different times of day affect various aspects of mental health, including happiness, life satisfaction, and feelings of loneliness. They analyzed data collected from the UCL Covid-19 social (5)______, which involved nearly one million survey responses from approximately 50,000 adults over a two-year (6)______. Participants answered questions about their emotional states, such as their happiness levels and overall satisfaction with life, allowing the researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

Findings from the study indicated that happiness and life satisfaction were generally higher on Mondays and Fridays compared to (7)______, with Tuesdays also showing (8)______ happiness levels. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in (9)______ of loneliness across the days of the week. Additionally, seasonal variations were observed, with individuals reporting lower levels of depressive (10)______ and higher levels of happiness during the spring, summer, and autumn compared to winter.

Despite the study’s comprehensive nature, the researchers noted that it was observational and could not definitively establish causation. They acknowledged that the timing of when participants (11)______ their (12)______ might have influenced the results. For instance, individuals who felt better in the morning might have been more (13)______ to respond to the survey at that time. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to validate these findings and account for potential biases.

Dr. (14)______ Bu, one of the researchers, highlighted the implications of the study for mental (15)______ services. If the observed patterns are confirmed, it could be beneficial for mental health support systems to (16)______ the time of day when individuals seek help. This could lead to a more responsive approach, ensuring that resources are available during periods when mental health needs fluctuate, particularly during late-night hours when individuals may be feeling their worst.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your personal experience with your mood changing throughout the day?

2. How would you feel if you had to complete important tasks at night, knowing that your mood might be at its lowest?

3. Do you think certain times of the day are better for creative work? Why or why not?

4. What is a typical routine you follow in the morning that helps improve your mental wellbeing?

5. How do you think seasonal changes impact your mood and mental health?

6. Do you like the idea of mental health services being adjusted based on the time of day? Why or why not?

7. How would you feel if you were asked to participate in a survey about your emotional state regularly?

8. Do you think people are more honest about their mental health in the morning or at night? Why?

9. What is a strategy you use to maintain a positive mood throughout the day?

10. How do you think social activities on certain days of the week influence overall happiness?

11. Do you believe that people’s mood can be significantly affected by external factors like weather or daylight? Why or why not?

12. How would you feel if mental health resources were more available during late-night hours?

13. Do you think it’s important for researchers to consider the time of day when studying mental health? Why?

14. What is a time of day when you feel most productive, and how does it affect your mental health?

15. How do you think cultural differences might affect the relationship between time of day and mental health?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. insights
2. wellbeing
3. progresses
4. extensive
5. variations
6. analyzed
7. responses
8. depressive
9. observational
10. causation
11. inclined
12. validate
13. implications
14. responsive
15. fluctuate

Meanings:
(A) The relationship between cause and effect
(B) Having a tendency or preference to do something
(C) Deep understanding or perception of a situation or concept
(D) To change or vary irregularly in number or amount
(E) Based on watching and recording events as they happen
(F) Relating to or causing feelings of severe despondency and dejection
(G) The possible effects or results of an action or decision
(H) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
(I) Reacting quickly and positively to changes or needs
(J) To confirm the truth or accuracy of something
(K) To move forward or develop over time
(L) Examined methodically and in detail
(M) Differences or changes in condition, amount, or level
(N) Covering a large area or scope; comprehensive
(O) Reactions or answers to a question or situation
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What institution conducted the recent study on mental health and time of day?
(a) Harvard University
(b) Stanford University
(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(d) University College London (UCL)

2. When do individuals generally experience their lowest mood according to the study?
(a) Around midnight
(b) In the morning
(c) At noon
(d) In the evening

3. How many survey responses were analyzed in the UCL Covid-19 social study?
(a) About 500,000
(b) Nearly one million
(c) Approximately 100,000
(d) Over two million

4. Which days of the week showed higher happiness and life satisfaction levels?
(a) Mondays and Fridays
(b) Wednesdays and Thursdays
(c) Saturdays and Sundays
(d) Tuesdays and Saturdays

5. During which season did individuals report higher levels of happiness according to the study?
(a) Winter
(b) Fall
(c) Spring
(d) Summer

6. What did the researchers emphasize as a need for future studies?
(a) To increase the number of participants
(b) To focus solely on loneliness
(c) To validate the findings and account for potential biases
(d) To reduce the survey duration

7. What did Dr. Feifei Bu suggest regarding mental health services?
(a) They should only focus on morning hours
(b) They should consider the time of day when individuals seek help
(c) They should ignore seasonal changes
(d) They should limit surveys to weekends

8. What aspect of mental health did the researchers analyze in relation to time of day?
(a) Physical health
(b) Sleep patterns
(c) Dietary habits
(d) Happiness and life satisfaction

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Individuals generally experience better mental wellbeing in the evening compared to earlier in the day.
2. Happiness and life satisfaction were found to be lower on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays.
3. The research analyzed nearly one million survey responses from approximately 50,000 adults over a two-year period.
4. The researchers noted that the study was observational and could not definitively establish causation.
5. A study conducted by researchers at University College London ignored the relationship between mental health and the time of day.
6. Dr. Feifei Bu suggested that mental health services could benefit from considering the time of day when individuals seek help.
7. The lowest point of mood for individuals typically occurs around midnight.
8. The study observed that individuals reported higher levels of depressive symptoms in spring, summer, and autumn compared to winter.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What time of day do individuals generally experience better mental wellbeing according to the study?
2. How did the researchers gather data for their analysis on mental health and time of day?
3. What were the findings regarding happiness and life satisfaction across different days of the week?
4. What seasonal variations in mental health did the study observe?
5. What implications did Dr. Feifei Bu suggest the study’s findings could have for mental health services?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the primary focus of the study conducted by researchers at University College London regarding mental health?
The primary focus of the study was to understand the relationship between mental health and the time of day, specifically how different times of day affect aspects such as happiness, life satisfaction, and feelings of loneliness.

2. How did the researchers collect data for their study, and how many participants were involved?
The researchers collected data from the UCL Covid-19 social study, which involved nearly one million survey responses from approximately 50,000 adults over a two-year period.

3. What were the general trends observed in happiness and life satisfaction throughout the week?
Happiness and life satisfaction were generally higher on Mondays and Fridays compared to Sundays, with Tuesdays also showing elevated happiness levels.

4. Which seasons were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness?
Spring, summer, and autumn were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness compared to winter.

5. Why did the researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions from their findings?
The researchers cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions because the study was observational and could not establish causation. They acknowledged that the timing of when participants completed their surveys might have influenced the results.

6. What potential influence did the timing of survey responses have on the study’s results?
The timing of survey responses might have influenced the results by affecting who felt inclined to respond at certain times, such as individuals who felt better in the morning being more likely to complete the survey then.

7. How might the findings of this study impact mental health services according to Dr. Feifei Bu?
According to Dr. Feifei Bu, if the observed patterns are confirmed, mental health support systems could benefit from considering the time of day when individuals seek help, ensuring resources are available during periods when mental health needs fluctuate, particularly during late-night hours.

8. What aspects of mental health did the researchers aim to understand in relation to different times of day?
The researchers aimed to understand various aspects of mental health, including happiness, life satisfaction, and feelings of loneliness, in relation to different times of day.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) progresses
(2) reaching
(3) notable
(4) seasonal
(5) study
(6) period
(7) Sundays
(8) elevated
(9) feelings
(10) symptoms
(11) completed
(12) surveys
(13) inclined
(14) Feifei
(15) health
(16) consider
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. insights
Answer: (C) Deep understanding or perception of a situation or concept

2. wellbeing
Answer: (H) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy

3. progresses
Answer: (K) To move forward or develop over time

4. extensive
Answer: (N) Covering a large area or scope; comprehensive

5. variations
Answer: (M) Differences or changes in condition, amount, or level

6. analyzed
Answer: (L) Examined methodically and in detail

7. responses
Answer: (O) Reactions or answers to a question or situation

8. depressive
Answer: (F) Relating to or causing feelings of severe despondency and dejection

9. observational
Answer: (E) Based on watching and recording events as they happen

10. causation
Answer: (A) The relationship between cause and effect

11. inclined
Answer: (B) Having a tendency or preference to do something

12. validate
Answer: (J) To confirm the truth or accuracy of something

13. implications
Answer: (G) The possible effects or results of an action or decision

14. responsive
Answer: (I) Reacting quickly and positively to changes or needs

15. fluctuate
Answer: (D) To change or vary irregularly in number or amount
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What institution conducted the recent study on mental health and time of day?
Answer: (d) University College London (UCL)

2. When do individuals generally experience their lowest mood according to the study?
Answer: (a) Around midnight

3. How many survey responses were analyzed in the UCL Covid-19 social study?
Answer: (b) Nearly one million

4. Which days of the week showed higher happiness and life satisfaction levels?
Answer: (a) Mondays and Fridays

5. During which season did individuals report higher levels of happiness according to the study?
Answer: (c) Spring

6. What did the researchers emphasize as a need for future studies?
Answer: (c) To validate the findings and account for potential biases

7. What did Dr. Feifei Bu suggest regarding mental health services?
Answer: (b) They should consider the time of day when individuals seek help

8. What aspect of mental health did the researchers analyze in relation to time of day?
Answer: (d) Happiness and life satisfaction
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Individuals generally experience better mental wellbeing in the evening compared to earlier in the day. (Answer: False)
2. Happiness and life satisfaction were found to be lower on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays. (Answer: False)
3. The research analyzed nearly one million survey responses from approximately 50,000 adults over a two-year period. (Answer: True)
4. The researchers noted that the study was observational and could not definitively establish causation. (Answer: True)
5. A study conducted by researchers at University College London ignored the relationship between mental health and the time of day. (Answer: False)
6. Dr. Feifei Bu suggested that mental health services could benefit from considering the time of day when individuals seek help. (Answer: True)
7. The lowest point of mood for individuals typically occurs around midnight. (Answer: True)
8. The study observed that individuals reported higher levels of depressive symptoms in spring, summer, and autumn compared to winter. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧