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 novel study leverages a vast dataset to uncover brain imaging biomarkers that predict mental illness in adolescents. Utilizing resting-state functional connectivity analysis, the researchers discovered a brain connectivity pattern that correlates with cognitive function and psychopathological symptoms.
A comprehensive study discovered a strong correlation between severe mental illnesses and physical multimorbidity. Analyzing data from almost 200,000 psychiatric patients, the study found these individuals are nearly twice as likely to experience chronic physical conditions compared to those without mental disorders.
Modern computing methods like text mining, face detection, and melodic extraction are allowing cognitive scientists to analyze historical cultural artifacts at scale, uncovering psychological data of past societies. By studying media consumption, such as the prevalence of sad music or the portrayal of leaders in portraits, researchers can infer societal psychological trends.
A recent study points to a potential link between regular caffeinated soda consumption in children and an increased likelihood of alcohol use. Delving into over 2,000 young participants' habits, researchers found a connection to impulsivity and working memory deficits.
A new study suggests regular cannabis users may have a heightened ability to understand others' emotions. Psychological assessments coupled with brain imaging revealed that users show stronger connectivity in brain regions associated with empathy.
A new study reveals the complex role of fathers' mental health in shaping their children's future. Mild anxious or depressive symptoms in fathers correlate with fewer behavioral issues and higher IQ scores in young children, juxtaposing the impact of maternal mental health.
Guilt, often harnessed in persuasive communications, has been scrutinized in a meta-analysis revealing its nuanced impact on behavior change. Researchers found that guilt appeals are more effective when they evoke a general societal responsibility rather than direct blame.
Researchers discovered how stress-induced hormones like cortisol influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Using a rat model with a blunted hormonal response to stress, they observed impaired fear extinction, reduced hippocampal volume, and sleep disturbances, all traits associated with PTSD.
Innovative research established a connection between functional network connectivity (FNC) in adolescent brains and cognitive development, including psychiatric risks. The study analyzed FNC from brain scans of over 9,000 children, finding consistent patterns that serve as individual fingerprints.
Researchers discovered that oral contraceptives may thin the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in women, potentially influencing emotion regulation, especially fear responses. The study examined both current and former users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), finding that the cortical thinning appears to be reversible after discontinuing use.
Emerging research underscores the profound connection between mental health and heart disease, with depression and anxiety hastening the onset of cardiovascular risk factors. Findings from two preliminary studies suggest that psychological conditions not only distress the mind but also have tangible effects on physical health, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.