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      Psychology

      What is Psychology?
      Definition of Psychology: Psychology is the study of behavior in an individual, or group. Our psychology articles cover research in mental health, psychiatry, depression, psychology, schizophrenia, autism spectrum, happiness, stress and more.

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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.

      This shows two heads and "paranormal" symbols.

      Traditional Paranormal Beliefs Linked to Stress

      Traditional paranormal beliefs, such as witchcraft and religious superstition, are linked to higher stress and reduced coping ability, while new age beliefs, like spiritualism and precognition, show no such link. Researchers used an improved scale to analyze responses from over 3,000 participants, revealing that traditional beliefs may reflect anxieties about external control. The findings highlight the psychological differences between belief types but cannot confirm cause-and-effect relationships.
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      Metabolic Pathways Link Cannabis to Psychosis in Teens

      A study investigated how cannabis use influences metabolomic patterns linked to psychotic-like experiences in adolescents. Blood samples revealed that non-cannabis users showed inflammatory metabolic changes associated with hallucinations, while cannabis users exhibited shifts in energy-related metabolites tied to brain ketogenesis. These findings suggest that cannabis use may trigger distinct molecular pathways in psychotic-like experiences.
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      Schizophrenia Risks Tied to Psychedelic Use

      A new study links hallucinogen-related emergency department visits to a 21-fold increased risk of schizophrenia compared to the general population. Even after accounting for other mental health disorders and substance use, individuals faced a 3.5-fold higher risk.
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      Are Emotional Sounds Universal Across Languages?

      A new study examined vocal expressions of emotion across 131 languages, exploring similarities in emotional interjections and comparing them to non-linguistic sounds like cries and laughter. The research aimed to understand whether shared vocal patterns exist globally and if these patterns relate to our evolutionary roots in vocal communication. The team found that vocal expressions of pain, like "Ouch!", showed consistent vowel forms across languages, while disgust and joy did not.
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      This shows dogs and people.

      How Viewing Dogs as Family Changes Owner Behaviors

      New research shows that how owners perceive their dogs—as friends, family, or security guards—shapes the way they care for them. Surveying over 800 dog owners, researchers found that people who view dogs as family often form closer bonds and dedicate more time to them, while others keep dogs mainly for companionship or practical roles. This generational shift in perception highlights a growing trend of treating dogs as family members.
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      Psychedelic Therapy Could Benefit 5.6 Million People with Depression

      Psilocybin-assisted therapy could potentially benefit up to 5.6 million Americans with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression, offering a powerful alternative to traditional treatments. Researchers applied medical criteria to a national pool of patients and found that over half might be eligible for psilocybin therapy, pending FDA approval. If approved, this therapy could significantly impact public health policies, insurance frameworks, and economic costs by reducing reliance on long-term antidepressant prescriptions.
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      This shows glial cells.

      Glial Cells May Influence Depression and Schizophrenia

      New research highlights neuroglia (or glia cells) as critical players in mental health, potentially influencing conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Glia cells, long considered "support cells" in the brain, have now been shown to communicate through unique calcium signaling, impacting neuronal function and stress responses. Studies suggest that compromised astrocyte function, a glial cell type, may relate to depressive symptoms and schizophrenia.
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      This shows a depressed woman.

      Chronic Inflammation Linked to Depression

      Emerging research suggests that chronic inflammation, rather than neurotransmitter deficiencies alone, may be a major factor behind depression, reshaping traditional views of the condition. This insight links inflammation, both in the body and brain, to depressive symptoms, explaining why some patients don't respond to conventional antidepressants. Studies reveal that stress can trigger immune responses that activate and later damage microglial cells in the brain, worsening depressive symptoms over time.
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      This shows a woman in a HBOT chamber.

      Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Shows Promise for Treating PTSD

      Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown effectiveness in alleviating symptoms for individuals with PTSD unresponsive to traditional treatments. In a study of combat veterans, HBOT led to significant reductions in flashbacks, irritability, and hypervigilance, and was associated with improved brain connectivity on fMRI scans. The specialized protocol, developed over years, involves 60 sessions of breathing pure oxygen under high pressure.
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