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.

A new study sheds light on the strong link between cannabis use disorder and mental health conditions, indicating a much higher risk than previously thought. The research, based on data from over six million Danes, reveals that individuals with cannabis use disorder have almost double the risk of developing depression and two to three times higher risk of bipolar disorder.
Heavy drinkers' belief that they can 'hold their liquor' better than light drinkers has been challenged by a new study, revealing that this perceived tolerance may lead to risky decisions. The research showed that after consuming equivalent amounts of alcohol, heavy drinkers felt less impaired than their lighter-drinking counterparts.
A probiotic blend comprising 14 strains of bacteria can enhance the treatment of major depressive disorder when used alongside antidepressants. This pilot study highlights the potential of probiotics in promoting improvements in mood over an eight-week period. It is a pioneering exploration into how gut health, improved via probiotics, could pave the way for a novel approach to bolster mood and mental health.
Researchers discovered a unique property of psychedelic drugs: their ability to reopen "critical periods" in the brain, times when the brain is highly susceptible to environmental learning signals. These periods, usually associated with skills development like language learning, are reopened by psychedelics for different lengths of time.
A simple intervention, limiting daily social media use, can significantly enhance the mental health of young adults. The two-week experiment involving 230 college students found that those who limited their social media usage to 30 minutes a day, aided by automated reminders, experienced significantly less anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Positive parenting, as reported by children and teenagers, can safeguard young individuals from the damaging effects of stressors like financial hardship or serious illness. The research team used MRI data and survey responses from 482 participants aged 10–17.
A new study found increased neuronal connectivity in the brains of serial entrepreneurs. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), the researchers discovered that entrepreneurs have higher connectivity between key brain regions associated with cognitive flexibility and exploratory choices.