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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.

Facial Expressions of Pain Are Linked to Distinct Brain Activity

Facial expressions triggered by pain are deeply tied to brain activity, revealing distinct neural mechanisms compared to verbal pain reports. Researchers developed a neurobiological model, using MRI and machine learning, to predict pain-induced facial expressions.

Gene Defect Linked Brain Size and Social Behavior in ASD, Schizophrenia

A new study reveals how genetic deficits, particularly in the Tbx1 gene, are linked to reduced brain volume and altered social behavior, findings relevant to autism and schizophrenia. Researchers observed smaller amygdala volumes in Tbx1-deficient mice, a brain region key to emotional regulation and social behavior. These mice displayed less interest in social interaction, relying more on non-social cues like bedding preferences.

Depression Genes in Women Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk

A new study analyzing genetic data from over 300,000 people revealed that women with a high genetic risk for depression also face a higher likelihood of developing heart disease, even without a depression diagnosis. This link was not observed in men, highlighting significant gender differences. Researchers emphasized the importance of addressing cardiovascular health in women, particularly those with depression, regardless of menopausal status.

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Ancient Friendship: Humans and Dogs Bonded 12,000 Years Ago

Humans and canines in the Americas formed close relationships 12,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought. Archaeological findings in Alaska, including a 12,000-year-old canine tibia and an 8,100-year-old jawbone, indicate these animals relied on humans for food, such as salmon, rather than hunting independently.

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Teens’ Views on Cannabis Tied to Perceptions of Parental Use

Teens who perceive their parents use cannabis are more likely to hold favorable views toward the drug and express intentions to try it. The impact of parental cannabis use perception varies by parent gender, with closeness to mothers and fathers influencing teens’ attitudes differently.

Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to Stress

Researchers identified a brain circuit involving the amygdala and hippocampus that predicts resilience to stress in mice. Mice with disrupted neural communication in this circuit struggled to seek rewards, but activating the neurons restored resilience and improved decision-making.

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Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

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Excessive Sedentary Time in Teens Linked to Social Media Use

A global study reveals adolescents spend 8-10 hours daily on sedentary activities, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s 2-3 hour recommendation. Social media accounts are significantly linked to increased screen time and overall sedentary behavior, raising concerns about its impact on physical health.

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Musicians’ Sophomore Slump: Real for Critics, But Fans Disagree

A new study challenges the notion of the musicians' "sophomore slump," finding it exists only in professional critics' reviews, not fan ratings. Critics tend to harshly critique bands’ second albums compared to their first and third, likely influenced by social conformity within their group.

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Alone Time Helps Reduce Holiday Stress

46% of Americans don’t get enough alone time during the holiday season, even though 56% say it’s crucial for their mental health. Taking brief moments alone can help the nervous system settle, reducing stress and improving well-being during this busy time.

How We Filter Out Background Sounds When Speaking

Researchers have traced how the brain filters out background noise during speech using signals between the motor and auditory cortices. These milliseconds-long electrical signals, called auditory corollary discharge, originate in the motor cortex's precentral gyrus and travel to the auditory cortex's superior temporal gyrus.

Empathy Loss in Dementia Linked to Brain Activity Changes

Frontotemporal dementia, affecting about 3% of dementia patients in Sweden, is characterized by a loss of empathy that challenges patients and their families. Using functional MRI, researchers found that patients showed no activation in brain networks associated with empathy when viewing distressing images, unlike healthy individuals.