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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.

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.

Shared Brain Circuit Links Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression

A large brain imaging study suggests that insomnia, depression, and anxiety—often co-occurring—share overlapping brain abnormalities. Researchers found reduced cortical surface area, smaller thalamic volume, and weaker brain connectivity across all three disorders, while each also displayed unique neural patterns.

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Daily Chats and Nature Boost Mental Health

A new study reveals that simple daily behaviors, such as chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, are strongly linked to improved mental well-being. People who connected socially every day scored notably higher on mental health measures than those who did so rarely.

Brain-Body Links in Emotion and Health

Researchers have developed D-PSCAN, a novel imaging technique that enables high-resolution, minimally invasive observation of the brainstem’s nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in living animals. The NTS, a vital relay for signals from organs via the vagus nerve, plays a key role in emotion regulation and overall mental health.

Happiness Is as Unique as You Are

A large international study shows that happiness does not stem solely from either external circumstances or internal attitudes, but varies widely between individuals. Some people’s happiness is shaped mostly by life domains like income and relationships, while others draw happiness from internal qualities, or a mix of both.

Motivation Struggles Persist After Depression Recovery

People who have recovered from depression show reduced motivation to pursue rewards unless the incentives are large and highly certain. Although mood improves post-recovery, hidden deficits in reward processing and decision-making linger, potentially contributing to relapse vulnerability.

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Study Reveals the Selfish Side of Karmic Belief

A new study reveals people apply karma differently to themselves and others. While individuals view their own positive experiences as karmic rewards, they tend to interpret others' suffering as deserved punishment.

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Immune System Tied to Mental Health Disorders

New research reveals that immune system activity may play a causal role in conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Using Mendelian randomisation, scientists linked 29 immune-related proteins to seven neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting the brain is not the only organ involved in mental health.

Personality Traits Strongly Linked to Mental Health Risks

A major study of over 16,000 participants found that personality traits explain about 25% of the overall risk for mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and phobias. Traits such as higher neuroticism, higher agreeableness, and lower conscientiousness were particularly associated with general mental health risk.

Parents Often Miss Early Clues About How Kids Feel at School

Parents often misread how their children feel about school during their first year, usually taking a full year to align with their child’s actual experiences. While most parents believed their children enjoyed the classroom, many underestimated how much children liked the playground—and vice versa.