Latest

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.

Frequent Snoring in Teens Linked to Behavior Issues

Adolescents who snore frequently are more likely to show behavioral issues such as inattention, rule-breaking, and aggression, but their cognitive abilities, including memory and language skills, remain unaffected, a new study reveals. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 12,000 children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, the largest U.S. brain development project. They found snoring rates naturally declined as children aged, even without treatment, but persistent snorers showed behavioral difficulties that might be mistaken for ADHD.

Low Confidence Drives Feedback-Seeking, Boosts Learning Outcomes

A new study reveals that individuals with low confidence in their performance are more likely to seek corrective feedback, which significantly enhances their learning. By analyzing participants' decisions during a memory task tied to monetary rewards, researchers found that the desire for feedback was driven by uncertainty, not emotional factors like stress.

Brain Mapping Approach Reveals Hidden Clues to Schizophrenia

A new study identifies previously hidden brain network patterns in schizophrenia by focusing on nonlinear connectivity, offering potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. Traditional imaging methods often overlook these patterns, but researchers developed advanced statistical tools to uncover this new dimension of brain organization.

Immune System Gene Linked to Hyperactivity, ADHD and Autism

Researchers have uncovered a link between the immune gene regulator STAT1 and hyperactive behaviors in mice, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. STAT1, vital for infection response, also influences brain cell activity, particularly dopamine neurons involved in motivation and learning. In mice with prolonged STAT1 signaling, hyperactivity and reduced neural activity in key brain regions were observed. The study opens the door to targeting STAT1 for potential therapies to address neurobehavioral disorders.

Cannabis Worsens Brain Connectivity Deficits in Psychosis Risk

Young adults at risk of psychosis show reduced synaptic density, a critical brain connectivity deficit that cannabis use appears to exacerbate, according to new research. The study revealed lower synaptic density linked to social withdrawal and motivational deficits, symptoms poorly addressed by current medications.

L is Smooth, R is Rough: Our Brains Link Sounds to Sensations

A new study reveals a near-universal association between the trilled R sound and rough textures or jagged shapes, while the L sound aligns with smooth textures or straight lines. Researchers tested over 1,000 participants speaking 28 languages and found that 94% matched the trilled R to jagged lines and 84% matched L to smooth lines, even among speakers of languages without a trilled R.

War Impacts Child Development, Alters DNA

War exposure in Syrian refugee children triggered unique DNA methylation changes, marking genes involved in brain development and stress responses. These epigenetic changes suggest potential long-term effects on health and development, distinct from other traumas like poverty.

This shows a woman listening to a podcast.

How Podcasts Inspire Positive Healthy Changes

Podcasts are increasingly popular, with people spending over five hours weekly listening to them. A new study reveals health-related podcasts can significantly improve health knowledge, boost physical activity, and encourage healthier eating habits.

Leveling Up: How Gaming Boosts Decision Making and Cooperation

A new study reveals that multiplayer online gaming can enhance workplace skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Researchers found that gamers with years of experience apply their in-game behaviors to professional settings, developing patience, self-confidence, and coaching abilities.

Public Trust in Scientists Grows with Intellectual Humility

Research shows that scientists who exhibit intellectual humility—admitting their knowledge may be incomplete—earn greater public trust. Across five studies, participants rated intellectually humble scientists as more trustworthy and were more likely to believe their findings on polarizing topics like climate change and vaccinations.

This shows an illustration of a robot, a tree and people.

How AI Could Shape Human Evolution in Subtle Yet Profound Ways

Artificial intelligence is becoming a pivotal force in human lives, prompting questions about its evolutionary effects. A new study explores how AI may influence human evolution through everyday interactions, likening human-AI dynamics to ecological relationships such as predation or competition. Potential evolutionary shifts include changes in brain size, attention spans, personality traits, and social behaviors, particularly through AI's impact on relationships and decision-making.

This shows a woman eating in a small cell.

Confined Spaces Change How We Smell and Experience Food

Researchers found that confined environments, like the International Space Station, alter the way people perceive food aromas, with emotions significantly coloring their responses. Using virtual reality to simulate space conditions, participants reported stronger smells for most aromas, except lemongrass, compared to a microgravity posture.