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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 the outline of a pregnant woman, the gut-brain axis and bacteria.

Link Found Between Antibiotics and Depression in Pregnancy

A study of 94,000 women reveals that antibiotic use before and during pregnancy is linked to increased psychological distress. Researchers point to the disruption of the gut-brain axis as a potential cause for this "stepwise" increase in mental health risks.

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Direct Link Between Stress and Addiction Found

Researchers discovered a brain pathway linking stress centers directly to habit regions. While stress normally promotes flexibility, alcohol disrupts this circuit, explaining why stress leads to compulsive drinking and relapse.

Why Adolescents Struggle to Reciprocate Kindness

New research shows that while teenagers accurately perceive when others are being cooperative, they are less likely than adults to reciprocate. This "cooperation gap" suggests teens prioritize self-interest even in win-win social scenarios.

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40% of Bullied Children Show Clinical Symptoms of Trauma

A new study reveals that 40% of bullied elementary students suffer from clinical trauma symptoms. The research highlights the devastating impact of "invisible" bullying, such as social exclusion and early-onset cyberbullying.

Ultrasound Helps to Unlearn Fear

Researchers used targeted ultrasound to dampen the amygdala, slowing fear formation and speeding up "unlearning." This non-invasive method could revolutionize exposure therapy for PTSD and anxiety.

Blocking NOX-1 Extends Ketamine’s Effectiveness for Depression

Researchers have identified the NOX-1 enzyme as the reason ketamine's antidepressant effects are short-lived. By blocking NOX-1, they extended the drug's benefits from days to weeks.

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Can Deep Brain Stimulation Unlock Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Researchers are testing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression. By acting as a "brain pacemaker," the device targets white matter to help patients who haven't found relief from standard medications or therapy.

Stress Shift: From Alarm Mode to Reflection in 60 Minutes

A new study identifies a "resilience window" 60 minutes after stress. While physical stress fades quickly, the brain's high-order recovery peaks an hour later, marking a shift from threat detection to internal reflection.

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Machine Learning is Making Personality Tests 4x Faster

Researchers used machine learning to streamline the DISC personality test, reducing it from 40 questions to 10 with 91% accuracy. The AI approach also identifies complex "blended" personality traits that traditional methods miss.

“Magic” of Play: Why Adults Should Stop Telling Kids How to Have Fun

Researchers surveyed 504 children to define "good play" from a kid's perspective. The study identifies seven key factors, including "play feeling" and "transgression," and warns that adult interference often ruins the experience.

This shows a person on a smartphone and a robot.

How AI “Sycophancy” Warps Human Judgment

A new study finds that AI chatbots are "sycophants" that affirm users 49% more than humans do. This constant flattery makes users more certain of their own biases and less likely to repair real-world relationships.

Repetition is Key: Eating the Same Meals Speeds Up Weight Loss

A 12-week study shows that repeating the same meals leads to greater weight loss. By reducing decision fatigue, "routinized eating" helps people lose 5.9% of their body weight compared to 4.3% for those eating varied diets.