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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.

This shows a man sitting at a desk with a coffee and a bible.

Morning Larks, Religion, and Happiness: A Unique Link

Religious tendencies could contribute to the previously noted connection between morning preference and life satisfaction. Researchers conducted surveys of Polish adults assessing their morning-evening preference, conscientiousness, religiosity, and satisfaction with life.

Early Bipolar Diagnosis Linked to Lower Suicide Rates in Boys

Researchers identified that fewer teenage boys commit suicide in regions of Sweden where bipolar diagnoses are more common. This discovery highlights the potential of more proactive care in reducing suicides.

Placebo Effect: AI Augmentation Belief Spurs Risk-Taking

The belief in AI enhancement can lead to increased risk-taking behavior. In the study, participants were informed that an AI application would enhance their cognitive abilities during a virtual card game. Despite the absence of actual AI assistance, participants displayed higher risk-taking, indicating a potential placebo effect in technological applications.

Beyond Surviving: Thriving Mental Health among Childhood Physical Abuse Survivors

New research offers a promising perspective on mental health among survivors of childhood physical abuse, with nearly two-thirds reporting a state of "psychological flourishing." This study underscores the remarkable resilience within this population.

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an urgent advisory addressing the potential dangers of social media on the mental health of young people. Despite the potential benefits, the advisory highlights the risks social media poses to children and adolescents, with nearly 95% of 13-17-year-olds reporting usage. Acknowledging the ongoing youth mental health crisis, the Surgeon General calls for immediate action from policymakers, tech companies, researchers, and families to better understand and mitigate the effects of social media.

The Neuroscience of Sharing: Personal Relevance of News Fuels Social Media Engagement

New research reveals people are more likely to share social media posts they find personally relevant or valuable to their relationships. The study found that prompting users to consider the value of a post increased activity in brain areas linked to sharing decisions, boosting their motivation to share. Participants were more likely to share health-related articles when they thought about how the information could help someone else or shape a positive self-presentation.

Group Support and Tapering Reduce Opioid Dependence in Chronic Pain Patients

A new treatment shows promising results in helping people stop long-term opioid use for managing chronic pain. The study revealed that an intervention program combining group support and individual guidance allowed one in five people to quit opioids within a year, without increasing their pain or requiring substitute medication.

Revisiting the Invisible Gorilla: Fast-Moving Unexpected Objects Capture Attention

A study challenges the long-held belief that our ability to spot unexpected objects is compromised when focused on a separate task. The team showed that individuals are surprisingly good at noticing fast-moving objects entering their field of vision, even when concentrating elsewhere.

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.