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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.

      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.

      This shows a woman on a smart phone.

      App Shows Promise in Reducing Depression by Curbing Rumination

      A new digital health intervention, developed over a decade of research, uses a gamified app to help reduce depressive symptoms by disrupting ruminative thought patterns. The app, which features five mini-games, encourages users to progress through thoughts more flexibly, aiming to break negative cycles. In an 8-week trial, participants who used the app reported faster symptom improvement compared to those who didn’t. These benefits persisted up to four weeks after the study, suggesting long-lasting effects.
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      This shows people drinking.

      After the Pandemic, Alcohol Use Remains Elevated

      U.S. alcohol use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stayed elevated post-pandemic, posing serious health risks. Heavy drinking rose by 20% during the pandemic, and the increase continued in 2022. This trend spanned across most demographics, with the highest rise among adults aged 40-49.
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      This shows people and money.

      Wealth Shapes Perceptions of Trustworthiness

      New research shows that across diverse cultures, individuals with fewer material resources are consistently perceived as less trustworthy. The study spanned eight countries and uncovered a universal stereotype linking wealth to trustworthiness, even among those with low resources themselves.
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      This shows an older couple sitting on a bench.

      Emotional Sensitivity Linked to Anxiety and Depression Risks

      A recent study reveals that seniors who are more susceptible to “emotional contagion”—feeling emotions from others—are significantly more likely to experience anxiety or depression. Researchers found that emotional sensitivity, when unmanaged, could increase the risk of psychological distress in seniors by up to tenfold. Emotional contagion, often triggered unconsciously, helps foster empathy but may strain mental health in communal living settings.
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      This shows a brain.

      Astrocytes Play Role in Deciding the Fate of Memories

      Researchers have uncovered a surprising role for astrocytes—cells surrounding neurons—in deciding which memories are kept or forgotten. By manipulating astrocytes in mice using optogenetics, scientists found that acidifying these cells after a traumatic experience leads to forgetting the memory over time, while alkalinizing them preserves it long-term. This suggests astrocytes significantly influence emotional memory retention and could inform treatments for conditions like PTSD.
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      This shows statues of heads.

      Why Human Culture Never Stops Evolving

      A new study proposes that human culture’s unique power lies not in its ability to accumulate knowledge, as once thought, but in its "open-endedness." Unlike animal cultures that reach limits in evolution, human culture continuously expands, adapting without bounds.
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      This shows a brain.

      Brain Struggles with Conflicting Information in Schizophrenia

      Researchers have developed a potential diagnostic tool for schizophrenia by observing how patients process conflicting information. By analyzing neural activity between the cortex and thalamus, they found distinct patterns that make schizophrenia patients more sensitive to uncertainty.
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      This shows a brain and bacteria.

      Gut Bacteria Modulate Stress Responses Over Time

      New research has unveiled how gut bacteria play a key role in regulating stress by interacting with circadian rhythms, opening possibilities for microbiome-based therapies for mental health. Researchers found that depletion of certain gut bacteria can lead to time-specific increases in stress responses through the HPA axis, the body's central stress response system. Specific bacteria, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, were identified as crucial to modulating stress hormones throughout the day.
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      This shows people sitting and exercising.

      Personality Traits Linked to Physical Activity and Sedentary Patterns

      A new study reveals that personality traits influence both physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns. People with resilient personalities, marked by high conscientiousness and extraversion, tend to engage in longer sessions of both physical activity and sedentary periods. In contrast, those with a brittle personality, often associated with neuroticism, interrupt sedentary times more frequently, which may benefit health. This research highlights how personality can shape health behaviors and may impact long-term well-being.
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      This shows a mother and child.

      Mother’s Role in Buffering Child PTSD

      A mother’s ability to regulate her response to trauma can significantly lessen PTSD symptoms in her children, particularly in high-stress regions. The research observed 131 mothers and young children in southern Israel, where security threats are prevalent, linking maternal self-regulation to reduced PTSD in children.
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      This shows a brain.

      Amygdala Cells Linked to Anxiety

      Researchers have identified specific cell types in the amygdala linked to anxiety, revealing potential new targets for treatment. By analyzing gene expression in human and macaque brains, scientists discovered clusters of cells with unique roles, including “gatekeeper” cells that help control emotional responses.
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