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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.

Social Media Filters Impacting Children’s Body Image

A majority of parents believe that social media image editing apps and appearance-related trends negatively affect their children's body image, according to a survey. The survey reports 69% of parents believe filters have a negative impact, while 65% are concerned about trends related to diet or exercise. To counteract this, On Our Sleeves urges parents to have open conversations about body positivity.

Higher Vitamin D Dose in Childhood Linked to Lower Mental Health Risk

A recent study suggests higher doses of Vitamin D3 supplementation during early childhood may reduce the risk of internalizing psychiatric symptoms in later years. The study, a part of the VIDI trial, observed the impact of the standard 10 µg and a tripled 30 µg dose of Vitamin D on children from the age of two weeks to two years.

Delighting in Others’ Downfall: The Neuroscience of Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude, the complex emotion of deriving pleasure from others' misfortunes, is shaped by intricate neural processes. Key regions implicated in experiencing schadenfreude include the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the ventral striatum, integral in reward processing, decision-making, and empathy.

Guilt-Prone Personalities: A Bulwark Against Bribery?

Guilt-prone individuals have been identified as less likely to accept bribes, particularly if it results in harm to others. A new study explored the connection between personality traits and corruption tendencies.

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Viewing Food Images Multiple Times Curbs Appetite

Viewing images of the same food item multiple times can lead to a feeling of fullness. The study found that when participants viewed the same food picture 30 times, they subsequently chose smaller portion sizes compared to those who saw the image just three times.

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Neuroscience vs Victim Blaming: Unraveling Fear-Induced Immobility in Court

A new perspective challenges the traditional victim-blaming narrative in sexual assault cases. The researchers discuss neuroscientific evidence which supports the notion of victims becoming 'frozen' due to fear and threat.

Microglia Less Active in Those With Depression

Researchers have uncovered a crucial link between depression and the immune system. A new study reveals microglial cells, a type of immune cell in the brain, are less active in individuals with depression.

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Shared Genetics for Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers discovered shared genetic underpinnings for cannabis use and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Employing advanced statistical modelling, the study revealed a complex interplay of genetic variants increasing or decreasing risk factors for these conditions. These findings may contribute to personalized preventive measures and interventional strategies.

Taking Strides: Why Walking Is Not So Popular in the U.S

Walking is less popular and more perilous in the U.S. than in other countries, according to a new study. Comparing U.S. statistics to European counterparts like the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands, the study reveals that Americans take fewer walking trips and face higher fatality rates.

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Key Influencers in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Success Among Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are more likely to complete cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment if referred by the justice system, community partners, or health care providers. The research provides novel insights into treatment outcomes for pregnant women seeking CUD treatment at public-funding facilities. Findings also showed that only 30% of pregnant women completed treatment, with a 4-to-12-month stay associated with treatment completion.

Pivotal Protein in Female PTSD Identified

Researchers discovered an exciting new role for a widely known protein, ubiquitin, particularly in its K-63 form. They found K-63 ubiquitin selectively influences fear memory formation in female brains, potentially contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This discovery sheds light on why women are more likely to suffer from PTSD and paves the way for developing female-specific therapeutic treatments.

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Brain Connectivity a Potential Indicator of Suicide Risk

Researchers have identified a potential marker in the brain that might indicate an increased risk of suicide. They observed that veterans with a history of suicide attempts demonstrated distinct functional connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks.