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 illuminated the mechanisms by which sleep aids in processing emotional memories, crucial for mental health. The research synthesizes over two decades of data to reveal how neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline, inactive during REM sleep, facilitate the recalibration of emotional experiences.
A new study demonstrates the potential of virtual reality (VR) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Using extended reality-enhanced behavioral activation (XR-BA), researchers found that VR interventions could match the effectiveness of traditional behavioral activation therapies.
People often view AI-generated answers to ethical questions as superior to those from humans. In the study, participants rated responses from AI and humans without knowing the source, and overwhelmingly favored the AI’s responses in terms of virtuousness, intelligence, and trustworthiness.
Researchers, using statistical physics, have validated the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" axiom. The researchers applied advanced network modeling to confirm Heider’s social balance theory, which suggests that humans innately seek harmonious relationships in social networks.
Researchers are conducting a study to explore the impact of omega-3 supplements on children’s behavior, mood, and mental health. Recognizing that UK children consume less than half the recommended omega-3 intake, this study, aims to assess whether these supplements can address dietary deficiencies and improve well-being. The online study will involve children aged 6-12 and include assessments of behavior changes through parental questionnaires. This research could inform broader educational and health strategies by identifying which children benefit most from increased omega-3 intake.
Children and adolescents experience intrinsic joy in learning new words, a pleasure that persists up to adulthood. The research aimed to understand and measure the emotional responses of young learners during word acquisition, using a method where participants aged 10 to 18 deduced meanings from sentence contexts across 40 trials.
A new study challenges the concern that social media impairs young people's offline interactions. The study, part of the long-term Trondheim Early Secure Study, surveyed 800 individuals from ages 10 to 18, finding that increased social media use correlates with more offline socialization, not less.
Exposure to death through media, such as films and series, can enhance one's ability to cope with the concept of death. Participants who were prompted to think about death before watching meaningful scenes from films like Me Before You or series such as House and Grey's Anatomy, showed a greater acceptance of death compared to those who did not engage in pre-viewing reflection.

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

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.
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.

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.