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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.

Using a Video Game to Understand the Origin of Emotions

Using fMRI neuroimaging to evaluate the emotional state of people playing video games, researchers found different emotional components recruit several neural networks in parallel distribution throughout the brain. The transient synchronization between the different emotional components translates to different emotional states.

Mothers’ Stress May Lead to Preterm Births, Faster Aging in Children

Stress in women either before or during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and accelerate aging in their offspring.

Autism Study Suggests Connection Between Repetitive Behaviors and Gut Problems

A new study reports on a link between repetitive behaviors associated with autism and gastrointestinal problems. Researchers also found a connection between the severity of ASD symptoms and an increased risk of children experiencing more severe constipation, stomach pains, and other GI problems. However, no association was found between GI problems and social or communication difficulties associated with ASD.

A Modified Game of ‘Chicken’ Reveals What Happens in the Brain During Decision-Making

During decision-making tasks, activation of two brain areas in rhesus macaques mirrors the same regions as in humans. The findings shed light on the neurobiological basis of cooperation and social interactions during decision-making tasks.

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Common Neural Circuit and Potential Target for Anxiety and OCD

Glutamatergic neural connections between the prelimbic prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens appear to be responsible for co-morbid anxiety and OCD behaviors.

Children With Dyslexia Show Stronger Emotional Responses

Children with dyslexia show stronger emotional responses than their peers without the disorder. The higher emotional reactivity was correlated with stronger activation in the salience network of the brain, a system that supports self-awareness and emotion.

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Why Our Obsession With Happy Endings Can Lead to Bad Decisions

Study concludes one reason we may make unwise decisions is our preference for a positive outcome.

Laughing Is Good for Your Mind and Your Body, Here’s What the Research Shows

Researchers investigate how laughter improves both mental and physical well-being.

Are We the Same Person Throughout Our Lives? In Essence, Yes

The continuity of self remains stable throughout our lifetimes, while other components of the "self", including physical appearance, attitudes, beliefs, and physiological processes change.

Genetic Discovery Could Lead to Better Prediction of Suicide Risk Within Families

Study ties twenty genes into suicidal behaviors that span generations of families.

Exploring Links Between Infant Vocabulary Size and Vocal Interactions With Caregivers

Certain types of interactions between parents and babies result in greater infant vocabulary.

Anxiety Associated With Faster Alzheimer’s Disease Onset

Anxiety may accelerate the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Brain scans revealed patients who progressed from MCI to Alzheimer's disease had decreased volume in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.