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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.

Cortisol’s Role in PTSD Vulnerability

Researchers discovered how stress-induced hormones like cortisol influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Using a rat model with a blunted hormonal response to stress, they observed impaired fear extinction, reduced hippocampal volume, and sleep disturbances, all traits associated with PTSD.

Adolescent Brain Biomarkers Predict Mental Health

Innovative research established a connection between functional network connectivity (FNC) in adolescent brains and cognitive development, including psychiatric risks. The study analyzed FNC from brain scans of over 9,000 children, finding consistent patterns that serve as individual fingerprints.

Oral Contraceptives’ Effect on Brain’s Fear Center

Researchers discovered that oral contraceptives may thin the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in women, potentially influencing emotion regulation, especially fear responses. The study examined both current and former users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), finding that the cortical thinning appears to be reversible after discontinuing use.

This shows a man standing next to a heart.

Depression and Negative Mental States Affect Heart Health

Emerging research underscores the profound connection between mental health and heart disease, with depression and anxiety hastening the onset of cardiovascular risk factors. Findings from two preliminary studies suggest that psychological conditions not only distress the mind but also have tangible effects on physical health, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Men Hesitate More Than Women to Share Negative News

Men are less likely than women to share negative information, while both genders share positive news similarly. The research, suggests that men's concern about perception leads to selective self-promotion.

Autistic Adults Acutely Feel Loneliness Too

Contrary to stereotypes, Autistic individuals profoundly experience loneliness, according to new research. The study found that sensory differences play a role in exacerbating loneliness in both Autistic and non-Autistic adults.

New Gene Link to Treatment-Resistant Depression

Researchers discovered a gene, LHPP, that interacts with stress and plays a pivotal role in treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) using an animal model. This groundbreaking study underscores the intricate dance between genetic risks and environmental factors in the onset of MDD.

Color Concepts: How Bilingualism Influences Color Perception

Researchers discovered that the way we perceive and describe colors is influenced by the languages we speak. In a study with the Tsimane’ society from the Bolivian Amazon, bilingual individuals who learned Spanish as a second language began distinguishing colors differently than monolingual Tsimane’ speakers.

Sleepless Nights: The Brain’s Surprising Reaction to All-Nighters

unveiled the science behind the buoyant mood many feel after acute sleep deprivation, like pulling an all-nighter. The study in mice showed that not only does dopamine release rise during these short periods without sleep, but the brain also rewires itself, enhancing synaptic plasticity for several days.

Post-Pandemic America: Unmasking the Silent Stress Surge of Collective Trauma

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has instigated a silent surge in stress and mental health issues among Americans. Alarmingly, adults aged 35-44 exhibited the most significant hike in chronic health conditions and mental health diagnoses since the pandemic.

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Lonely or Alone? Revealing the Fine Line

Researchers have discerned the nuanced relationship between feeling lonely and actually being alone. The study revealed that loneliness creeps in when individuals spend over 75% of their time in solitude.

Machine Learning Deciphers News Language to Predict Country’s Peace Level

Researchers devised a machine learning model that gauges a country's peace level by analyzing word frequency in its news media. By studying over 723,000 articles from 18 countries, the team identified distinct linguistic patterns corresponding to varying peace levels.