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 a U-shaped pattern of loneliness across the lifespan, with higher levels in younger and older adults and the lowest during middle adulthood. The research identified risk factors for loneliness including social isolation, lower education, and physical impairments.
Researchers discovered a link between higher levels of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in foods like eggs and seafood, and a reduced risk of bipolar disorder. Utilizing Mendelian randomization, the study identified 33 metabolites associated with bipolar disorder, suggesting that lipid levels play a significant role in its etiology.
The type of smile displayed by political leaders can significantly sway voter preferences and support for their political agendas. The study distinguished between 'reward' and 'affiliative' smiles, analyzing their effects on voter reactions to leaders from the 2019 UK general election.
Impulsivity affects decision-making between primary rewards like food and secondary rewards like money. The team found that individuals are more likely to choose immediate food rewards over delayed ones, while they prefer to wait for a larger sum of money.
A new study highlights the critical need to restore community support systems for teenagers to enhance mental well-being post-pandemic. The study, using data from over 8,800 Grade 11 students, demonstrates that positive childhood experiences significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve life satisfaction.
Researchers conducted a study examining the impact of language and ideological beliefs on pronoun usage. The study, which compared pronoun use in English, a language with gender-specific pronouns, and Turkish, which uses gender-neutral pronouns, found that pronoun preferences align closely with each language's structure.
Researchers discovered a critical role for the cytokine XCL1 in fetal brain development and the emotional behavior of offspring, challenging previous assumptions about its low impact due to minimal circulating levels during pregnancy. The study shows that a temporary spike in maternal XCL1 is essential for proper placental development and regulating fear behavior in male offspring.
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.

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

Researchers shed light on how individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) process emotions differently due to abnormalities in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. By using stereotactic electroencephalography (sEEG), researchers were able to observe how these brain regions react to positive and negative stimuli, revealing a significant imbalance in emotional processing.
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.

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.