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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.

SSRI Exposure in the Womb May Rewire Brain Circuits

New research suggests that prenatal exposure to SSRIs may alter brain development in ways that increase the risk of depression and anxiety later in life. Using mice and human data, scientists found that early-life SSRI exposure heightened activity in brain fear circuits, a pattern not observed in offspring of depressed mothers who did not take SSRIs.

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Social Drinking, Not Solitary, Drives Most Alcohol-Related Harm

New research challenges the stereotype of the solitary drinker, showing that social drinking plays a central role in the development and consequences of alcohol use disorder. Studies reveal people consistently drink more in social settings, where heavy drinking often leads to serious harms like violence, risky sex, and traffic fatalities.

Robot Gender and Design Influence Customer Choices

New research reveals that service robots’ gendered characteristics can shape customer decisions in the hospitality industry. Robots with male-associated traits were more persuasive with women who had a lower sense of personal power, while customers with higher power felt less influenced.

Psychedelics Rewire Brain-Immune Circuits

New research reveals that psychedelics like psilocybin do more than alter brain activity — they reshape how the brain and immune system communicate. Scientists identified a pathway where chronic stress disrupts amygdala signaling, triggering immune responses that increase fear and anxiety.

Emotional Regulation Offers a New Path to Relief

A new study shows that improving emotional processing can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life. Researchers developed Pain and Emotion Therapy, an online intervention teaching emotional regulation, which led to notable pain reduction in participants.

Teens With Mental Health Conditions Use Social Media Differently

Adolescents with mental health conditions report distinct and often more negative experiences on social media compared to their peers. Those with internalising conditions like anxiety and depression were more likely to compare themselves to others, struggle with self-control, and experience mood changes tied to likes and comments.

Physical Activity Protects Teens From Depression

A long-term study shows that teenagers who maintain or increase physical activity levels are less likely to develop symptoms of depression. Researchers tracked 873 participants from ages 6 to 18, measuring activity levels with accelerometers and assessing mental health through clinical interviews.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Erases PTSD

A pioneering clinical study found that pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with traditional therapy eliminated PTSD diagnoses in all participants up to six months post-treatment. The trial combined prolonged exposure therapy with brief bursts of VNS via an implanted device, enhancing neuroplasticity and sustaining remission.

Stressful Neighborhoods May Numb Kids’ Brains to Joy and Loss

Children raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods may show blunted brain responses to rewards and losses, especially if they have a family history of depression. New research reveals that community-level stress, not just personal trauma, can dampen neural reactions tied to motivation and emotional engagement.

Music Mindfulness Eases Anxiety and Depression

Mindfulness exercises paired with music were found to engage both neural and cardiac systems, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A recent study showed that live and virtual music mindfulness sessions lowered stress and altered states of consciousness, though only live sessions fostered social connection.

Setting and Mindset Shape Ayahuasca’s Mental Health Effects

New research highlights how ayahuasca’s long-term mental health outcomes depend heavily on individual mental health history and the environment in which it is used. While the psychedelic has shown promise in easing anxiety and depression, adverse mental states—such as feelings of disconnection or hopelessness—were more common among users with pre-existing conditions or those in unsupportive, non-traditional settings. Interestingly, some negative experiences, like visual distortions, were linked to positive outcomes later on, suggesting that so-called adverse effects may hold therapeutic value.

Why Alcohol Hits Women Harder

Alcohol use among women has surged to match men’s rates, but women face far greater health risks even at lower consumption levels. A growing body of research is uncovering key neurobiological sex differences that influence why and how women drink, with stress being a more prominent motivator for women.