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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.

Genetic Influences on Youth Behavior and Mental Health

Researchers have used an innovative approach to explore genetic links to mental health issues in youth, identifying associations with behaviors such as screen time and caffeine consumption. By focusing on polygenic scores that reflect genetic predispositions, the study highlights a range of potentially modifiable factors that may contribute to psychiatric risk.

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25% of Adults Suspect Undiagnosed ADHD

A new survey reveals that 25% of adults in the U.S. suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD, though only 13% have consulted a doctor. Social media has driven greater awareness, especially among younger adults, but experts warn of the risks associated with self-diagnosis.

When Dogs and Humans Connect, So Do Their Brainwaves

Research reveals that dogs’ and humans’ brain activity can synchronize when they gaze into each other’s eyes. Known as neural coupling, this phenomenon has been seen in interactions within species, but observing it between different species highlights the unique human-dog bond.

Teen Friendships Shape Long-Term Wellbeing

New research reveals that teenage friendships lay crucial foundations for adult wellbeing, with the timing and nature of these friendships playing a pivotal role. Early adolescence social acceptance is linked to better adult mental health, while close friendships in later teens impact job satisfaction and romantic stability.

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Reflecting on Parents in Therapy Can Shift Childhood Memories

New research suggests that reflecting on a parent in therapy can subtly alter how a person recalls feelings from childhood, even if the question is neutral. This process, known as reappraisal, may lead individuals to adjust their emotions or perceptions toward a parent, with potential long-term effects on family dynamics. In one experiment, participants were asked to remember positive or negative attributes of their mothers, which notably impacted their current and past feelings.

New Genetic Mutations Linked to Schizophrenia Risk

A study has identified mutations arising during brain development that may contribute to schizophrenia. Unlike inherited genes, these somatic mutations occur after conception and were found more frequently in schizophrenia patients' brain tissue. By sequencing DNA from neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, researchers identified single-nucleotide variants linked to disrupted brain functions. This discovery highlights the importance of studying both inherited and non-inherited genetic factors.

From Face to Feeling: Context Shapes Emotion Recognition

Emotion recognition extends far beyond facial expressions, involving a rich interplay of context, physical attributes, and background knowledge. Researchers propose that recognizing emotion is part of forming an overall impression of a person, shaped by cues like clothing, perceived social roles, and personal history. For instance, a facial expression of fear might be interpreted as anger if background context suggests it.

Newly Discovered Protein Complex Shapes Synapses and Mental Health

Researchers have identified a protein complex, TrkC-PTPσ, that plays a key role in the structural organization of synapses in the brain, impacting cognitive behaviors. By studying this complex, scientists uncovered how it regulates synaptic protein phosphorylation, essential for healthy brain function. Disruptions in this protein complex led to anxiety-like behaviors in mice, providing insights into mental health conditions like anxiety and autism.

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Child Trauma Recovery Tied to Thoughts, Not Event Severity

A new study reveals that how children mentally process traumatic events is the most significant factor in predicting their mental health outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive factors—like how children remember the event and view themselves afterward—play a more critical role than the event’s objective severity. Researchers found that children with more negative self-perceptions or distorted memories were at higher risk for long-term psychological impacts.

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Helping Kids Fact-Check in the Age of Misinformation

New research suggests exposing children to limited misinformation online can improve their skepticism and fact-checking abilities. By encountering controlled false claims, children develop critical thinking skills essential for navigating the digital world. In a study, children exposed to unreliable information became more diligent fact-checkers compared to those in more accurate environments. Researchers argue that equipping kids with online literacy skills is more effective than shielding them from all misinformation.

Higher IQ in High School Linked to Increased Alcohol Use in Adulthood

A new study shows that individuals with higher IQs in high school are more likely to consume alcohol moderately or heavily later in life, though less likely to binge drink. This connection may be due to social factors, such as income level and career stress, that often accompany higher IQs. Researchers used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, revealing that each IQ point increase correlated with a 1.6% rise in moderate or heavy drinking.

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Why Our Brains Prefer Rewards Over Habits

New research suggests our brains prioritize actions based on rewards, not habits, challenging the idea that tech simply "steals" attention. The study found that when presented with multiple tasks, participants consistently chose the option with the highest reward, even if it conflicted with a trained habit.