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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.

Image shows a brain with the amygdala highlighed.

Childhood Maltreatment May Change Brain’s Response to Threat

Researchers report people who experienced emotional abuse and neglect as children exhibited increased amygdala activity in anticipation of a mild electrical shock. The findings suggest early life stress could have an impact on the perception of distant threat.

Image shows the location of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the brain.

Cocaine Users’ Brains Unable to Extinguish Drug Associations

A new study reveals chronic cocaine users have a global impairment of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

Image shows the researcher demonstrating a hands on the hips power pose.

‘Power Poses’ Don’t Work, Studies Suggest

A popular TED Talk argues power poses helps to boost confidence and increases chances of success. A number of new studies challenges the assertions, reporting that power poses may make people feel more powerful, but that is where the effect ends.

Protein Links Alcohol Abuse and Changes in Brain’s Reward Center

A new Neuron study reports blocking the action of the mTORC1 protein causes mice to stop problem drinking behaviors. The findings could help develop new treatments for addictive behaviors in people.

Eating Oily Fish During Pregnancy May Reduce Schizophrenia Risk in Offspring

A new study reports increased risk of schizophrenia in mice whose mothers were deprived of DHA during pregnancy.

Brain Area Responsible for ‘Hearing Voices’ in Schizophrenia Discovered

Researchers have identified a specific area of the brain responsible for auditory verbal hallucinations in people with schizophrenia. The researchers were able to control the hallucinations with the help of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Scientists Find the Secret to Thriving

In order to thrive, researchers say, an individual sense of development and feeling as though you are succeeding in mastering something are key.

Cell Phone Use During Pregnancy Not Linked to Neurodevelopmental Problems

A new study considers the effect on an unborn child if its mother frequently uses a cell phone. Researchers did not find a neurodevelopmental risk for children of mothers who used cell phones, instead they noted some beneficial effects for language development and motor skills.