Strengthened amygdala pathways increase aggression in those who have experienced trauma. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD. Read More
While psychopathy is generally associated with antisocial behaviors, many with the personality trait develop successful careers. A new study supports a novel model of psychopathy which runs contradictory to existing models of the disorder, focusing on the strengths associated with psychopathy, rather than just the deficits. Researchers found higher initial psychopathy was associated with a steeper increase of general inhibitory control and the inhibition of aggression over time. The effect was magnified among those who were "successful." Read More
Exposure to violence and childhood adversity has a negative effect on the developing brain. Neuroimaging reveals adolescents who experienced adversity and violence as children had reduced connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. However, social support may act as a buffer and reduce the negative effects of early life stress. Read More
Scenes of justified and unjustified violence in movies activate different areas of the adolescent brain. Unjustified violence activates the lateral orbital frontal cortex, while scenes where violence appears justified, activates the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Read More
A new study backs previous findings that there is not enough evidence to support the view that violent video games lead to acts of violence. Read More
Video games are often blamed as a cause of mass shootings, especially if the perpetrator is white. When it comes to perpetrators of other racial backgrounds, people are more likely to assume they are involved in violent criminal activities. Blaming gaming for school shootings perpetrated by white people, and thereby providing an unfounded excuse for their actions, is a sign of a larger racial issue. Similar excuses aren't extended to people of other racial backgrounds. Instead, they are viewed as more culpable for their crimes. Read More
Psychologists warn parental burnout needs to be taken more seriously by both partners and clinicians. A new study reveals burnt out parents experience escape ideations, and show an increased risk of neglect and violence toward their children. Supporting a parent experiencing burnout by letting them relax and avoid exhaustion reduces negative feelings and is also good for the children. Read More
Study links acceptance of violent attitudes toward women and more tolerance to 'rape culture' with a person's presidential candidate support in the 2016 election. Read More
Vulnerability to extremism isn't just a matter of being psychologically susceptible to moral influence. It is also a matter of being susceptible to sustained exposure to settings that enable extremist socialization. A new study sets five categories of determinants which generate, or suppress, the risk of individuals acquiring extremist beliefs and engaging in extremist behaviors. The study proposes a framework for tackling lone-actor terrorist risks and the emergence of radicalizing environments. Read More
Heavy metal music may have a bad reputation, but a new study reveals the music has positive mental health benefits for its fans. Read More
Using fear as a political platform has created a resurgence in feelings of tribalism. The utilization of fear as a political tool is uninformed, illogical and can result in increased social violence. A new study looks at the impact of the politics of fear on tribalism. Read More
The effects of heavy drinking extend beyond those who use alcohol, a new study reports. Each year, one in five American adults are harmed as a result of someone else's drinking. People report threats of harassment, vandalism, physical aggression, financial and family problems, and harm from DUIs as main problems associated with other people's drinking. Researchers say the type of harm experienced differ by gender, with women more likely to report financial or family problems, and men reporting physical aggression and vandalism more often. Women are more likely to experience harm as a result of a family member's drinking, while men are more likely to be harmed as a result of alcohol use by a person outside the family. Even those who don't drink heavily are at three times higher risk of antisocial behaviors. Read More
