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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.

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Neurodevelopmental Disruptions Behind Schizophrenia Cognitive Deficits

A recent review of genetic and population studies reveals that premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, such as lower IQ, are largely due to neurodevelopmental disruptions rather than inherited genetic variants that directly increase schizophrenia risk. The findings suggest that non-familial factors, including rare genetic mutations and environmental influences, play a significant role in both cognitive impairments and schizophrenia risk.
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Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth

Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes are more sensitive to negative social environments, amplifying depressive symptoms over a two-year period.
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Schizophrenia Linked to Disrupted Synaptic Plasticity

Researchers have identified a mechanism that impairs synaptic plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia, revealing the role of three key proteins. Using computational modeling, the team explored how genetic alterations affect the brain’s ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections, a crucial process for memory and learning.
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Observing Trauma Boosts Resilience Through Serotonin

A new study reveals that observing others endure trauma can increase resilience and protect against depression. Researchers found that serotonin, released in the brain's habenula, plays a key role in this process, enhancing resilience by altering neuronal activity.
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No Link Found Between Ozempic and Suicide Risk

A new study has found no evidence that GLP-1 analogues, common diabetes drugs, increase the risk of suicide, self-harm, or related mental health issues. Researchers analyzed data from around 300,000 people treated with these medications and found no clear link between the drugs and mental health risks.
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Virtual Reality Boosts Exercise Engagement by Sensing Emotions

Adaptive VR exergames, which adjust difficulty based on a user's emotional state, can improve exercise adherence and enjoyment. By using sensors to monitor physiological changes like heart rate and facial expressions, these games can dynamically respond to how a person feels, keeping them engaged longer.
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Gender Nonconformity in Play Linked to ASD and Behavioral Problems

A new study reveals that gender nonconforming play behavior in 7-year-olds is associated with increased behavioral difficulties, including autistic traits in girls and peer relationship issues in boys. Researchers analyzed data from 718 children in Sweden, finding that masculine play in girls and feminine play in boys were linked to these challenges. While the study highlights potential associations, it emphasizes that nonconforming play does not imply future behavioral issues.
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Hidden Dopamine Neurons Balance Brain Functions and Behavior

Researchers identified a small group of dopamine neurons in the striatum that play a crucial role in balancing essential brain functions such as reward, cognition, and movement. This discovery opens the door to new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders like schizophrenia, addiction, and Parkinson’s disease. These neurons help regulate the brain's dopamine pathways, preventing overactivity that can lead to various disorders. The research marks a significant step toward understanding how these pathways impact motor and cognitive functions.
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What Your Movie Preferences Reveal About Your Brain’s Emotions

A new study reveals that your favorite film genre may indicate how your brain processes emotions. Action and comedy lovers show strong brain reactions to negative stimuli, while those preferring crime films, thrillers, or documentaries exhibit weaker emotional responses. Researchers used fMRI scans on 257 participants to uncover this link, offering insights into the connection between media preferences and emotional processing in the brain.
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Children’s Curiosity or Memory Gaps? Why Kids Over-Explore Tasks

Children often gather more information than needed to complete a task, even when they know the solution. A new study suggests this "over-exploration" might stem from either natural curiosity or underdeveloped working memory. Researchers found that kids, unlike adults, continue to explore irrelevant information due to uncertainty in their memory retention.
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How Logical Thinking and Empathy Define Wisdom

A new study reveals that people across 12 countries and five continents perceive wisdom through two key dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. Reflective orientation includes logical thinking and emotion control, while socio-emotional awareness focuses on empathy and social context. These dimensions consistently influence how individuals judge wisdom in leaders, scientists, and others. The findings highlight the universal principles that shape perceptions of wisdom and their implications for leadership and education.
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Knowingly Taking Placebos Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Researchers have discovered that nondeceptive placebos—placebos given with the full knowledge that they are placebos—can effectively manage stress, even when administered remotely. In a two-week randomized controlled trial, participants experiencing prolonged stress were divided into two groups: one group received nondeceptive placebos, while the other served as a control.
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