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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.

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Middle-Aged Americans Are the Loneliest, Global Study Finds

A large international study has found that middle-aged Americans report higher levels of loneliness than older adults, a pattern seen in only one other country—the Netherlands. While loneliness generally increases with age globally, the U.S. stands out as an exception, with factors like unemployment, caregiving burdens, and lack of social support systems driving middle-aged isolation.

Responsive Parenting Rewires Emotional Brains in Sensitive Babies

Around 1 in 5 babies are born with a sensitive, unregulated temperament that may raise their risk for anxiety and emotional challenges. A new study shows that contingent responsive parenting—caregivers who accurately respond to a baby's cues—can reshape early brain activity in ways that support emotional regulation.

More People Turning to Psilocybin for Self-Treatment

Psilocybin use in the U.S. has risen sharply across all age groups since 2019, coinciding with increasing legalization and interest in its therapeutic potential. A new study reveals a 44% rise in past-year use among young adults and a 188% increase among those over 30.

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Psychedelics Linked to Visual Echoes

As psychedelics gain traction in mental health treatment, questions remain about their long-term effects. A new study followed individuals self-administering psychedelics and found that while some experienced lingering visual aftereffects, most were not distressed by them.

Eye Clues to Schizophrenia Risk Found in Retinal Thickness

The retina, as part of the central nervous system, may reflect early signs of brain disorders like schizophrenia. A large-scale genetic study found that people with higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, even in the absence of symptoms.

Temporary Anxiety Impairs Threat Recognition and Learning

A brief episode of anxiety can significantly impair a person’s ability to distinguish between safe and dangerous environments, according to new research using a virtual reality flower-picking game. Participants who developed clear spatial memory of which areas contained “stinging bees” (simulated by mild shocks) exhibited lower anxiety, while those who couldn’t differentiate the zones maintained high anxiety—even in safe spaces.

When to Talk Puberty: Parents Split on Best Timing

A national survey reveals that while most parents recognize the importance of discussing puberty, many are uncertain about when or how to start the conversation. Roughly half of parents prefer a proactive approach, while others wait until children ask questions—or avoid the topic altogether.

Pride and Awe in Parenting Boost Mental Health and Life Meaning

A new study reveals that feelings of pride and awe toward one's children significantly enhance parental well-being, life satisfaction, and the parent-child bond. Conducted with nearly 900 parents, the research found that while both emotions were beneficial, awe had a stronger impact on psychological richness and meaning. Awe connects parents to something larger than themselves, offering a sense of wonder that slows time and deepens emotional connection.

Disrupted Myelin Protein Implicated in Schizophrenia

A new study has identified the protein hnRNP A1 as a key player in the production and maintenance of myelin, the fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the brain. Myelin loss is common in disorders like multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia, and this research shows that hnRNP A1 disruptions can impair myelination at the molecular level, even before behavioral symptoms appear.

Potential Depression Risk Linked to Ozempic-Like Drugs

A new international study reveals a possible connection between GLP1 receptor agonists—used in drugs like Ozempic—and increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, especially in people with low dopamine function. Researchers used advanced pharmacogenomic tools to identify genetic pathways that may be vulnerable to dopamine dysregulation when exposed to these medications.

Negative Distractions Most Disrupt Attention and Linger in Memory

A new study reveals that upsetting distractions significantly impair our ability to sustain attention and also linger more strongly in memory. Researchers tested this by having participants perform a 10-minute visual attention task while emotionally charged images appeared in the background.

Natural Disaster Trauma Disrupts Brain’s Decision Circuits

Survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire in California exhibit long-term cognitive changes, particularly in decision-making. Participants directly exposed to the wildfire showed reduced ability to choose long-term rewards and displayed hyperactivity in brain regions tied to rumination.