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.

A new study revealed varying levels of trust in scientists across 45 different fields, highlighting how perceptions of competence and morality influence public confidence. Conducted with 2,780 U.S. participants, the research found that trust levels varied significantly, with neuroscientists and marine biologists ranking highest, while political scientists and economists were trusted less.
Engaging in physical activity in natural settings like parks and beaches could prevent around 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, saving over £100 million in healthcare costs. This study underlines the critical role of natural environments in promoting health by reducing the prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A new study highlights the widespread feelings of isolation and burnout among parents, with 66% reporting feelings of loneliness due to parenting demands. The study, involving parents across various demographics, shows that 62% experience burnout, and 38% lack supportive networks.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between diet and brain health. Analyzing dietary data and health indicators from 181,990 UK Biobank participants, the study found that a balanced diet is crucial for cognitive function, mental well-being, and brain structure. Enhanced cognitive functions and increased grey matter were notably linked to varied, nutritious diets.
Low to moderate intensity exercise significantly reduces depression rates. The umbrella review analyzed global studies and found a 23% decrease in depression risk and a 26% decrease in anxiety risk associated with physical activities like gardening and walking.
A new study explores how human behaviors spread through social networks, revealing that long ties—connections that bridge distant parts of a network—significantly accelerate the adoption of new behaviors and ideas. Contrary to previous beliefs that closely knit groups are more effective in spreading complex behaviors, this study demonstrates that long ties facilitate broader reach and quicker adoption across diverse populations.
A new study found only modest developmental delays in children aged 5 and under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing data from over 50,000 children using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3), the study observed slight declines in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills, with no significant changes in motor skills.
Middle-aged and older adults now perceive the onset of old age to occur later in life compared to previous generations. Analyzing data from the German Ageing Survey, which spanned 25 years and involved 14,056 participants, researchers noted that individuals born later consistently viewed old age as beginning at a later age.
New research reveals the pivotal role of astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in modulating risk assessment behaviors, which are often disrupted in mental disorders. The study used advanced techniques to explore how these brain cells influence a specific group of neurons in the BLA that are crucial for evaluating threats.
A new study reveals how adolescents' life goals evolve into young adulthood and significantly impact their educational and occupational outcomes. The study found that high aspirations in prestige and education during adolescence are strong predictors of higher income, job complexity, and occupational prestige twelve years later.
Researchers adapted the "delay of gratification" test for Singaporean preschool children, offering insights into self-regulation development in Asian contexts. The research involved children choosing between smaller immediate rewards and larger delayed rewards, revealing key developmental and socioeconomic factors influencing their choices.

These research articles involve depression, seasonal affective disorders, grief, pain, sadness, happiness and generally news regarding mental health research.

A comprehensive review challenges the long-held belief that menopause directly causes psychological distress and mental health conditions in all women. This study finds no universal link between menopause and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. However, it identifies factors that heighten the risk of depressive symptoms during menopause, such as previous depression episodes, sleep disruption from hot flushes, and concurrent stressful life events.
Researchers made a significant breakthrough in understanding how ketamine treats depression-related social impairments, focusing on the drug's effects in the mouse model. Their study shows that (R)-ketamine, as opposed to (S)-ketamine, effectively restores neuronal activity in the anterior insular cortex, a region crucial for emotional regulation and social cognition.
Familiar scents can significantly aid individuals with depression in recalling specific autobiographical memories, potentially offering a new avenue for therapeutic intervention. By directly engaging the amygdala through olfactory cues, the research demonstrated that scents are more effective than verbal prompts in evoking vivid and specific memories.

Schizophrenia News

Research news involving schizotypal personality, anxiety, paranoia, unconventional thoughts and beliefs is covered.

A new study utilizing UK Biobank data has unveiled the genetic roots of left-handedness, pinpointing rare variants in the beta-tubulin gene TUBB4B significantly associated with this trait. These findings not only shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and brain asymmetry but also link left-handedness with neurodevelopmental disorders through shared genetic pathways.
A new pilot study presents a compelling case for the ketogenic diet as a dual-action treatment for individuals with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, who often suffer metabolic side effects from their medication. The research shows how adopting a ketogenic diet not only mitigates these metabolic issues but also significantly improves psychiatric conditions.
A global study involving 131 researchers from 105 labs across seven countries has found altered brain pH and lactate levels across various animal models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This large-scale research reveals a common endophenotype involving energy metabolism dysfunction as a hallmark in disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s.