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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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Study Shows Narcissism Declines with Age

A study reveals that narcissism decreases from childhood to older adulthood, though individual differences remain stable over time. People who are more narcissistic as children tend to stay that way as adults.

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Taylor Swift’s Positive Impact on Fans’ Body Image and Eating Disorders

A new study finds that Taylor Swift's openness about her struggles with body image and eating disorders positively influences her fans' attitudes. Researchers analyzed thousands of online comments, revealing that fans view Swift as a role model for recovery and feel inspired by her transparency.

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Loneliness Worse for Memory Than Social Isolation

A new study finds that loneliness impacts memory more negatively than social isolation among older adults. Those who are both socially isolated and lonely experience the greatest memory decline, but loneliness alone also significantly harms memory.

Brain Area Linked to Mood Swings in Bipolar Disorder

A new study identifies brain areas linked to mood swings and pleasure response in bipolar disorder. Researchers found that people with bipolar disorder show heightened activity in the ventral striatum during rewards, explaining extreme mood shifts. Reduced communication between the ventral striatum and anterior insula may contribute to these mood changes. These findings could lead to better treatments for managing bipolar disorder.

Personality Politics: What Makes a Successful Politician?

A new study identifies humor, charm, and courage as crucial traits for successful politicians. Researchers found that aspiring politicians embark on challenging careers driven by a mix of ambition, idealism, and sometimes narcissism. Key qualities like charm, decision-making skills, and verbal prowess are essential for political success. The study also highlights the limited and often inadequate preparation for ministerial roles, suggesting reforms for better governance.

Handedness and Vision May Reveal Hidden Social Strengths

A new study shows that human biases in handedness and visual field processing have social and cognitive implications. Researchers found that people with a reversed bias (left hand, right visual) are more likely to have social difficulties and conditions like autism or ADHD. The study reveals that aligning biases may have social benefits, much like in animals. These findings could lead to early screening and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Prenatal Cannabis Use Impacts Brain Development

A new study suggests prenatal cannabis exposure may influence long-term brain development and mental health. Researchers used data from the ABCD Study to examine neuroimaging of children exposed to cannabis in utero.

AI Decodes Emotion Through Movements

A new methodology developed by an international research team uses motion capture and the EMOKINE software to decode emotions from movements. The team recorded a dancer performing choreographies expressing various emotions and analyzed the kinematic features of her movements.

How Music Synchronizes Heart Rates and Collective Emotions

Listening to music synchronizes heart rates within individuals more reliably than between different people. This synchronization depends on physiological responses rather than mood or music preferences. The findings help explain the collective emotional experiences of audiences and suggest ways to enhance theater performances. The research offers valuable clues for improving the performing arts.

Oxytocin’s Link to Obesity and Postnatal Depression

A new study has identified the TRPC5 gene as a cause of obesity, behavioral issues, and postnatal depression. Researchers found that missing or impaired TRPC5 genes disrupt oxytocin neurons, crucial for regulating appetite and emotions. This discovery offers potential new treatments, like using oxytocin to alleviate symptoms. The findings emphasize the biological basis of certain behaviors and conditions.

Misleading Information on Depression Hampers Understanding

A new study reveals that misleading information about depression is widespread, making it harder for people to grasp the causes of their distress. The study criticizes the circular reasoning used in psychiatric diagnoses, noting that depression is often incorrectly presented as a disorder that causes symptoms rather than a description of them. This misrepresentation is perpetuated by leading health organizations. Researchers urge for clearer communication to help people better understand their mental health.

Digital Devices Hinder Kids’ Emotional Regulation Development

A new study reveals that using digital devices to manage children's tantrums hampers their ability to regulate emotions later in life. Researchers found that frequent use of tablets or smartphones for calming children results in poorer anger management skills.