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.

New research shows that lower sustained attention in adolescence can predict a higher likelihood of cigarette and cannabis use by young adulthood. The study, which analyzed brain imaging data from over 1,000 participants, found that reduced attention at age 14 was linked to increased substance use by age 23.
Researchers are developing AI-driven smartphone applications to detect signs of depression non-invasively. One system, PupilSense, monitors pupillary reflexes to identify potential depressive episodes with 76% accuracy. Another tool, FacePsy, analyzes facial expressions and head movements to detect subtle mood shifts, with unexpected findings like increased smiling potentially linked to depression. These tools offer a privacy-protective, accessible way to identify depression early, leveraging everyday smartphone use.
A new study reveals that users with extreme political views are more likely to encounter and believe online misinformation. The research shows that misinformation spreads across the political spectrum, but its impact is most pronounced among those with conservative or liberal extremes.
A recent study found that individuals who display traits or behaviors that differ from traditional gender stereotypes are at a higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The research, which analyzed data from up to 142,000 participants, revealed that gender nonconformity is more strongly linked to mental health difficulties in men and adolescents.
New research reveals that people who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a higher likelihood of committing abuse against older adults. The study surveyed over 13,000 individuals and found that 8.5% of those with ACEs admitted to physical or verbal abuse of seniors.
Humans tend to cooperate even after being betrayed, defying traditional game theory expectations. Researchers conducted online experiments using alternating and voluntary participation games, revealing that people are more tolerant and cooperative than previously thought. The findings suggest that human psychology and social context play a bigger role in cooperative behavior than current models account for. These insights may lead to revised game theory models that better reflect the complexity of human interactions.
Yawning is a universal behavior observed in many species, but why do we tend to yawn when someone else does? While the idea that yawning increases brain oxygenation remains unproven, some evidence suggests it may be linked to circadian rhythms and attention regulation.
Videos on TikTok are contributing to a resurgence in "huffing" or "chroming," the dangerous practice of inhaling toxic fumes from household items like markers or nail polish. The study analyzed over 100 TikTok videos, collectively viewed more than 25 million times, and found that more than half referenced repeated use or addiction.
A new study shows that unexpected sounds can cause dopamine bursts in the brain, which may lead to riskier decision-making. Researchers found that participants were 4% more likely to choose risky options after hearing a surprising tone. These findings highlight how unrelated sensory events, like sounds, can influence choices, shedding light on the role dopamine plays in decision-making.
Research shows that the way you smile in a photograph can reveal key personality traits like warmth, trustworthiness, and conscientiousness. Social psychologists found that people with a Duchenne Smile, which involves both mouth and eye muscles, are perceived more accurately than those with neutral expressions.