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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 two people shopping and brains.

Brain Scans Reveal Political Leanings During Grocery Shopping

Researchers have discovered that people’s political affiliation can be identified with nearly 80% accuracy based on brain activity while making routine decisions like buying milk and eggs. Although actual purchasing choices did not differ between Democrats and Republicans, the underlying neural patterns diverged significantly.

This shows a woman sitting alone on a bench.

Loneliness Triples Risk of Early Death in Middle-Aged Women

A new study has revealed a causal link between chronic loneliness and early mortality in middle-aged women. Researchers analyzed data from over 15 years of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health and found that persistent loneliness increased the risk of death threefold.

This shows people listening to music at an office.

Music Choice Can Harm Productivity

A new study shows that background music in workplaces can harm employee mood, energy, and job performance when it doesn’t match individual needs. This "music misfit" effect leads to mental fatigue, decreased focus, and even counterproductive behaviors. The negative impact is especially pronounced for workers who struggle to ignore background stimuli, known as non-screeners.

Mom’s Childhood Trauma May Influence Kids with ADHD and ASD

A new study finds that mothers’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—may affect children diagnosed with ADHD or autism. Mothers who faced early trauma were more likely to have children who reported similar experiences and to exhibit traits of neurodevelopmental conditions themselves.

Immune Signals Shape Social Behavior and Anxiety in the Brain

New research reveals that the immune molecule IL-17 can influence behavior by acting directly on specific regions of the brain. IL-17 reduces neuron excitability in the cortex to enhance sociability, while in the amygdala, it increases excitability and induces anxiety.

Childhood Adversity Weakens Brain Connectivity, But Support Protects It

New research shows that difficult early-life experiences are linked to weaker white matter connections across the adolescent brain, which may lead to lower cognitive performance. These “communication highways” in the brain are essential for functions like language and mental arithmetic and are shaped by early environmental influences.

This shows a teen boy working on a laptop while listening to music.

ADHD and Music: Why Background Beats May Boost Study Focus

A new study explored whether young adults with ADHD are more likely to listen to background music during daily tasks. The survey, involving over 400 participants, found that individuals with ADHD prefer listening to music—especially stimulating music—while studying or playing sports.

ADHD Drugs Linked to Heart Effects

A large new analysis of 102 clinical trials finds that ADHD medications have overall small effects on blood pressure and heart rate in both children and adults. These cardiovascular effects—mostly modest increases—were consistent across stimulants and non-stimulants, with guanfacine being the exception, lowering these parameters.

The Subtle Power of Self-Deprecating Humor

Self-deprecating humor, when used thoughtfully, can help people regulate emotions, build trust, and foster connection—especially in therapeutic settings. Far from being purely negative, this type of humor signals humility, self-awareness, and confidence.

How Psilocybin Lifts Mood Without the Hallucinogenic Trip

Researchers have uncovered two key brain mechanisms—specific neurons and a serotonin receptor—that help explain how psilocybin produces long-lasting antidepressant effects. Their study identified pyramidal tract neurons in the medial frontal cortex and the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor as essential to the therapeutic action of psilocybin.

Listening Builds Trust, But Stories Change Minds

A new study challenges the widely held belief that high-quality, nonjudgmental listening is essential for persuasion. While good listening improves how people feel about a conversation and reduces defensiveness, it doesn’t enhance the impact of persuasive messages.

Study Reveals Brain Circuits That Drive Political Passion and Intensity

A new study has identified specific brain networks that regulate the intensity of political engagement, regardless of ideology. By analyzing Vietnam War veterans with localized brain injuries, researchers found that damage to the prefrontal cortex increased political fervor, while damage to the amygdala reduced it.