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      Psychology

      What is Psychology?
      Definition of Psychology: Psychology is the study of behavior in an individual, or group. Our psychology articles cover research in mental health, psychiatry, depression, psychology, schizophrenia, autism spectrum, happiness, stress and more.

      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.

      This shows a person using a cell phone and a lit up brain.

      Why Our Brains Prefer Rewards Over Habits

      New research suggests our brains prioritize actions based on rewards, not habits, challenging the idea that tech simply "steals" attention. The study found that when presented with multiple tasks, participants consistently chose the option with the highest reward, even if it conflicted with a trained habit.
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      This shows people smiling.

      Smiles Are Contagious: Shared Expression Fosters Connection

      Smiles during face-to-face conversations strongly impact connection, with the intensity of one person's smile often influencing the other. Researchers found that speakers smiled more when listeners smiled, especially in same-sex interactions, indicating that mutual smiles foster warmth and comfort.
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      This shows a sad woman and a slice of cake.

      Sugar Lovers Face Greater Depression and Health Risks

      A new study has found that people with a preference for sweet foods face higher risks of depression, diabetes, and vascular issues like stroke. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers grouped participants into three categories: health-conscious, omnivores, and sweet tooth. They found that the sweet tooth group had poorer blood markers for inflammation and glucose levels, indicating higher risks for metabolic and mental health conditions.
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      This shows people fighting over a puzzle piece.

      Why We’re Confident with Only Half the Story

      A new study reveals that people often overestimate the amount of information they have when making decisions, a phenomenon researchers call the “illusion of information adequacy.” Participants who were only given partial information about a situation were just as confident in their decisions as those who had the complete story.
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      This shows a face made of photos.

      Social Networks Drive Idea and Misinformation Contagion

      A recent study examines how the structure of social networks influences the spread of both diseases and ideas, using data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers developed a model to analyze not only social connections but also the mechanisms driving contagion and information diffusion.
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      This shows a happy person surrounded by psychedelic swirls.

      Optimism Boosted by Psilocybin, Hinting at Depression Relief

      Researchers have discovered that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, increases optimism and motivation in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for treating depression. Using computational modeling, scientists observed that rats given psilocybin were more likely to engage in reward-based tasks, indicating enhanced optimism.
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      This shows kids sharing toys.

      Do Boys and Girls See Fairness Differently?

      A new study explores how young children perceive fairness and act on it, revealing nuanced gender differences in sharing behaviors. Researchers found that girls tend to show more compassion in sharing, while boys are more competitive, especially with other boys.
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      This shows kids on smartphones.

      Screen Time Linked to Mental Health Symptoms in Kids

      A recent study finds that increased screen time is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and attention issues among 9- and 10-year-olds. Following a diverse group over two years, researchers discovered that activities like video chatting, texting, and gaming were most strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
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      This shows a stressed woman with gray hair.

      Does Stress Lead to Premature Hair Graying?

      Hair turns grey due to a decrease in melanin production in hair follicles, a process influenced by both genetics and environmental factors like stress. Contrary to myths, plucking a grey hair won’t make more grow back, and hair can’t turn grey overnight.
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      This shows a head and DNA.

      Uncovering Genetic Links to Psychiatric Disorders in the Brain

      Scientists have identified how genetic variants influence the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. Using live neural cells and DNA sequencing, researchers discovered thousands of "non-coding" genetic variants with context-dependent functions, activated during brain development.
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      This shows a depressed woman.

      Gene Activity in Depression Linked to Immune System and Inflammation

      A new study reveals that inflammation and immune system activation are closely linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in those resistant to standard antidepressants. Researchers analyzed gene expression in people with depression, finding increased immune-related gene activity, especially in those with higher inflammation.
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      This shows a brain and molecules.

      Targeting Liver X Receptor Beta for Depression Treatment

      A recent review highlights the potential of liver X receptor beta (LXRβ) as a target for treating depression and anxiety. Known for regulating cholesterol, LXRβ is emerging as a key player in mental health, with research showing its role in balancing neurotransmission and enhancing cognitive function.
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