Latest

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.

Eyeing Fear: Neurons That Drive Visual Aversion Uncovered

Scientists have unearthed a cluster of neurons, which control our urge to avert our gaze from frightening situations. The team studied fruit fly brains and found these neurons release a chemical, tachykinin, that triggers aversion towards perceived threats.

Sleep Quality Is A Stronghold Against Depression and Anxiety

A recent study reveals quality sleep can significantly bolster resilience to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, especially under chronic stress. Analyzing data from over 600 participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers found that positive coping strategies, supported by high-quality sleep, helped to prevent poor mental health outcomes.

Conceptual Linking: How Pain Avoidance Can Spread to Safe Activities

Avoiding activities associated with past pain can cause individuals to shun related tasks that might be painless. This avoidance may generalize to safe activities, leading to needless abstention from valued activities.

AI Companion Robots: A Potential Remedy for Loneliness Epidemic

A new report suggests that AI-enhanced companion robots could alleviate the growing loneliness epidemic. The study outlines the need for ethical considerations and guidelines regarding their use, and also proposes a novel way to measure a companion robot's impact.

Psychedelic Breakthrough: MDMA Revolutionizes PTSD Treatment

Psychedelic therapies, including the use of MDMA, are set to revolutionize psychiatric treatments, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The anticipation builds for the FDA's approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, which will mark a first for a psychedelic drug in mainstream medicine.

This shows a woman with a swirly background.

Debunking Myths: Cannabis Compound is Not A Psychedelic

Recent research has debunked claims that THC-O-acetate, a cannabinoid compound, has psychedelic effects similar to LSD or psilocybin. The study surveyed nearly 300 participants' experiences with the compound and found no strong evidence to support the supposed psychedelic effect.

Dispelling Popular Myths About Hypnosis

A recent paper aims to dispel common misconceptions about hypnosis that are widely circulated in popular culture. Contrary to the myth that hypnotized individuals can't resist suggestions, the authors clarify that people retain voluntary control during hypnosis.

Novel Neurobehavioral Profiles Predict Risk of Mania in Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

A recent study dentified a neurobehavioral signature that can predict the risk of future mania or hypomania in bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD). Researchers identified three profiles: healthy, moderate risk, and high risk, based on factors such as reward sensitivity, impulsivity, and sleep-circadian characteristics.

Prenatal THC Exposure May Risk Lifelong Health

A recent study shows that exposure to THC during pregnancy could significantly affect fetal development, leading to life-long health impacts on offspring. The research discovered that THC exposure altered the placental and fetal epigenome, changes that are consistent with common neurobehavioral conditions like autism spectrum disorder.

This shows a man writing with books swirling around him.

Creative Minds at Ease: Making the Most of Idle Time for Innovation

Creative people effectively utilize downtime by exploring their thoughts. The research demonstrated that creative individuals were less prone to boredom when left alone, as they allowed one idea to naturally segue to another.

Schizophrenia Linked to Non-Inherited Genetic Mutations

Researchers found a link between schizophrenia and somatic copy-number variants, mutations occurring post-inheritance. The study scrutinized genotype-marker data from over 20,000 blood samples, identifying two genes, NRXN1 and ABCB11, that correlate with schizophrenia when disrupted during development.

Redefining Depression: TBI Affective Syndrome Discovered

The study proposes a new term for this variant of depression - “TBI affective syndrome”. Fundamentally, this research marks a significant step toward personalized treatment strategies for TBI patients.