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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.

Junk Food Diet Raises Depression Risk

Researchers confirm the link between eating junk foods, which are known to promote inflammation, and an increased risk of depression. To combat depressive symptoms, the study reports people should switch to a Mediterranean style diet.

Gently Stroking Babies Before Medical Procedures Can Reduce Pain Processing

A new study reports lightly stroking an infant, at a speed of 3 centimeters per second, can help to provide pain relief prior to medical procedures.

Depression and Anxiety Take Same Toll on Health as Smoking and Obesity

Researchers report depression and anxiety may be as detrimental to your health as smoking or obesity. The study found those with anxiety of depression are at a 65% increased risk of stroke, 87% increased risk of arthritis and 64% increased risk of stroke, compared to those without the disorders.

Higher Average Potency Cannabis Increases Risk for First Disorder Symptom

Since 1993, THC potency in cannabis has increased from 3.5% to 12.3%. Researchers report those who first used cannabis in the early 90s had a 1.88% increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder, while those who started on higher potency THC marijuana are at a 4.85% increased risk.

Santa’s Watching: Threat of Being on Naughty List Doesn’t Work For Many Kids

According to researchers, many children start to lose their belief in the existence of Santa by age eight. The main reason, researchers say, is as a result of errors made by parents. For those who do believe, the threat of being on the naughty list often isn't a deterrent for bad behavior.

Researchers Find Roots of Neuropsychiatric Diseases in Developing Brain

Researchers found differences in cells types between 16 regions of the brain during development may be key in determining whether genetic risks translate into disorders like ASD, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Parents’ Brain Activity Echoes Their Infant’s When Playing Together

When parents play with their child, their brains show similar bursts of brain activity. The activity is linked to their baby's attention patterns, and not their own, researchers report.

‘Hangxiety’ Higher in Shy People

According to researchers, after a night of drinking, shy people are more likely to be anxious that those more extroverted.

How Teens Deal with Stress May Affect Immune System

A new study reports teens faced with chronic family stress have higher blood pressure and worse immune response to bacterial infections. However, those who used cognitive reappraisal had lower blood pressure, despite the pressures they faced.

Widespread Brain Alterations Identified in Callous Kids

According to researchers, children with elevated levels of callous traits have widespread differences in brain structure compared to kids with lower levels of the traits. Researchers report main differences are see in the brain centers important for decision making, emotional regulation and behavior control.

How Bullying Affects the Brain

A new study reports children and teens who face chronic bullying have altered brain structure, as well as problems with anxiety and depression. Researchers found those who were bullies had structural changes to the putamen and caudate, contributing to the development of anxiety related behaviors and emotional processing.

These Bacteria May Be the Key to Treating Clinical Depression

Researchers report low levels of GABA producing bacteria is associated with brain signatures of depression. They believe it may be possible to treat clinical depression by increasing GABA producing bacteria.