Psychology News

These research articles involve many aspects of psychology such as cognitive psychology, depression studies, mental health, stress, happiness and neuropsychology, Scroll below for more specific categories.

A new study explores the complex moral landscape of revenge, revealing that people's reactions to revenge vary significantly based on the emotions displayed by the avenger. Conducted across four surveys involving Polish students and American adults, the study found that avengers who demonstrate satisfaction are viewed as more competent, whereas those expressing pleasure are seen as immoral.
A new study highlights the potential of psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, as a treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. The research demonstrated that psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility and body weight maintenance in an animal model of AN.
Young individuals who use high-potency cannabis between ages 16 and 18 are twice as likely to experience psychosis by their mid-twenties compared to those who use lower-potency strains. This research utilized data from the Children of the 90s study, tracking thousands of participants from Bristol.
People perceive time as moving slower when they are exercising compared to resting or post-exercise. The research involved participants undergoing a time perception task during different cycling conditions, including solo and competitive scenarios.
A new study challenges traditional views on consciousness, arguing that our perceptions of mind-body separation are influenced by psychological biases. The researchers used experiments involving the well-known thought exercises "Mary and the zombie" to illustrate how our intuitions about consciousness are shaped by innate dualism.
Simple social interactions, like chatting with a friend, can mitigate the effects of social exclusion. The research found that both face-to-face conversations and anticipating future interactions help individuals recover quicker from social slights and feel more secure.
Elevated cortisol levels during the third trimester of pregnancy are linked to lower IQ scores in 7-year-old boys, but not in girls. In contrast, higher urine cortisone levels during pregnancy were associated with improved IQ scores in girls.
A recent study investigated how cardiothoracic surgeons learn from failures, revealing that there is a threshold beyond which they no longer gain knowledge from their mistakes. The research highlights that this threshold varies depending on a surgeon's perceived ability to learn.
A new study demonstrates the profound influence of gut microbes on behavior, particularly in the context of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study reveals that gut discomfort in mice reduces social behaviors, a phenomenon reversible by specific bacterial introductions.
Researchers uncovered a reciprocal relationship between depression and physical activity in adults. The findings reveal that current depression symptoms can deter physical activity years later, although the reverse isn't necessarily true—current inactivity doesn’t predict future depression symptoms.
Children who consistently experience insufficient sleep from infancy through early childhood are significantly more likely to develop psychosis as young adults. Analyzing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation is a strong predictor of both psychotic disorders and psychotic episodes later in life.

These research articles involve depression, seasonal affective disorders, grief, pain, sadness, happiness and generally news regarding mental health research.

Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is notably more effective at alleviating depression symptoms than conventional controls. Analyzing seven trials with 436 participants, researchers found a substantial improvement in depression scores following psilocybin treatment compared to placebos or other minor psychedelic doses, showcasing a large effect size.
Engaging in physical activity in natural settings like parks and beaches could prevent around 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, saving over £100 million in healthcare costs. This study underlines the critical role of natural environments in promoting health by reducing the prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Schizophrenia News

Research news involving schizotypal personality, anxiety, paranoia, unconventional thoughts and beliefs is covered.

A new study utilizing UK Biobank data has unveiled the genetic roots of left-handedness, pinpointing rare variants in the beta-tubulin gene TUBB4B significantly associated with this trait. These findings not only shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and brain asymmetry but also link left-handedness with neurodevelopmental disorders through shared genetic pathways.
A new pilot study presents a compelling case for the ketogenic diet as a dual-action treatment for individuals with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, who often suffer metabolic side effects from their medication. The research shows how adopting a ketogenic diet not only mitigates these metabolic issues but also significantly improves psychiatric conditions.