A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.
A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania and University of York found that teenagers who self-report feeling drowsy mid-afternoon are 4.5 times more likely to commit violent crimes a decade and a half later. The study also links daytime sleepiness with poor attention and brain function, which can lead to criminal behavior.
A Princeton University study found that social exclusion leads to superstitious beliefs and conspiracy theories, suggesting a cycle of exclusion that can entrench beliefs. The researchers propose that addressing social exclusion could help counteract these theories.
A new study by Arizona State University reveals that population density is associated with people adopting a
Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.
A new study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found an inverse correlation between brain stem volume and aggression in children with autism. The researchers discovered that a smaller brain stem is associated with greater aggression, suggesting a potential target for treatment.
Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that US actors dominated the Academy Awards, winning over 50% of all prizes. Shared social group membership with judges was a significant factor in determining award winners. Nationality and film subject matter also played important roles in award wins.
A recent study by Jan Antfolk at Åbo Akademi University found that both men and women become interested in older and younger partners as they age. Most sexual activity occurs between partners of similar ages, contradicting earlier research suggesting older men prefer young women.
A Michigan State University study reveals that children's personalities are contagious and influenced by their peers, with extroverted and hard-working play partners shaping younger kids' behavior. The research challenges traditional views on the role of genes in shaping personality, suggesting that environment plays a significant role.
Psychology researcher Gregory Thomas found that people have about three months to change their commuting habit before the opportunity for new habits diminishes. Recent home movers with stronger environmental views tend to choose greener modes of transportation immediately after moving.
A Princeton University study found that people's perceptions of social mobility affect their willingness to defend the current system. Those who believe Americans have ample opportunities to change their place in society are more likely to support the status quo, while those who think people are mostly stuck are less likely to defend i...
Researchers found that people who recently moved were more likely to make changes to their behaviors, such as reducing energy and water use, commuting choices, and waste management. This study suggests that changing one aspect of life, like moving, can lead to broader positive changes.
Freeman's lab will use an innovative mouse-tracking software to study stereotypic vision, exploring its impact on brain visual processing and potential strategies to reduce biases.
A review of 207 studies found that therapeutic interventions led to an average decrease in neuroticism and increase in extraversion. Emotional stability was the primary trait domain showing changes as a result of therapy, with patients with anxiety disorders changing the most.
Researchers found increased brain activity in the insula and frontal cortex of problem gamblers when exposed to gambling cues. The study suggests that targeting the insula could be a promising approach for treating problem gambling.
A new study by UCR psychology professor Weiwei Zhang found that familiarity with a subject can boost memory capacity. Participants were shown Pokémon characters and asked to remember them in working memory; those who were more familiar with the characters remembered more.
Researchers found that laptop use in class was linked to poorer test scores, with social media and non-academic internet use being the biggest distractions. The study suggests that encouraging students to bring laptops to class without a clear purpose can negatively impact academic performance.
A new study by UC Riverside psychology professor Kate Sweeny found that optimists and pessimists alike brace for the worst when waiting for uncertain news, with no significant differences between the two groups. This challenges the common assumption that optimists are immune to anxiety and pessimism.
A new study by American University professor Anthony Ahrens reveals a surprising link between autonomy and gratitude. Individuals high in autonomy tend to experience less gratitude and value it less, suggesting that self-reliance may hinder social connections.
A study by Vanderbilt University found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most effective in improving daily functioning for IBS patients. Cognitive behavioral therapies were found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy in reducing symptoms and increasing ability to participate in activities.
A study of 62 studies with over 13,000 individuals found that narcissism correlates with a range of social media behaviors, including the number of friends and selfies posted. Grandiose narcissism positively relates to time spent on social media, while vulnerable narcissism does not show a relationship.
A study published in Developmental Psychology found that students who experienced occasional negative moods had the highest GPAs at graduation, while those with high levels of negative moods and low positive moods tended to have lower GPAs. This suggests that managing negative emotions and stress is crucial for academic success.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that individuals with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets had better cognitive performance, as measured by fMRI technology. The researchers suggest that these compounds may help buffer age-related brain decline and improve neurocognitive function.
A study found that funding and promotion criteria prioritize novel findings over confirmatory work, leading to unreliable results. Researchers recommend a balance of exploratory and confirmatory studies for better scientific progress.
A new study found that speech difficulties can predict poor literacy skills at ages 5½ and 8, but effects are mitigated by age. Early language impairment with speech difficulties is a warning sign for significant reading problems.
A University of Toronto study found that individuals who prioritize working on their sexual growth are more satisfied with their relationships, whereas those relying on 'sexual destiny' tend to use their sex life as a barometer for relationship success. The research showed that while both groups experience an initial honeymoon phase, t...
A new study shows that a novel, nonsurgical approach can help 3 out of 4 adolescent athletes with vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) breathe better during exercise. The approach involves visual biofeedback, breathing techniques, and performance psychology training, and has been shown to improve breathing in 75% of patients.
Researchers found that basketball players scored more points after being presented with death-related prompts, boosting their self-esteem and performance. Participants who thought about death performed 40% better in a second game and attempted more shots, suggesting a subconscious effort to regain a protective sense of self-esteem.
A new study reveals a wide range of unexpected authors contributing to psychology research, including politicians, celebrities, and historical figures. Notable examples include Ben Carson, Tim Duncan, and the Dalai Lama.
Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.
A meta-analysis of 58 studies and 19,000 participants found that identifying with the workplace is associated with improved health and lower burnout. The study suggests that a sense of belonging and community in the workplace is key to better psychological and physiological health.
Researchers review how psychology helps people with diabetes manage their condition through behavioral intervention programs and identifying mental disorders associated with the disease. The article highlights the importance of psychological science in improving diabetes prevention and care.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that parents' math skills are associated with their children's performance on standardized tests and may be influenced by an intuitive sense of numbers. The research suggests that parental influence can play a significant role in shaping children's mathematical abilities.
Researchers found that when neurons fire in a coordinated rhythm, like different instruments in an orchestra, we remember the order of events. Notably, gamma activity associated with each object was temporally ordered along a slower theta oscillation when the order was correctly encoded.
Researchers found that personality measures, charitable-giving behavior, and aging converge in the brain to reflect pure altruistic tendencies. General benevolence increases with age, particularly after 45, suggesting life experiences may plant seeds of pure altruism.
Syracuse University researchers Joseph Ditre and Stephen Maisto are exploring the links between chronic pain and alcohol consumption, examining how one affects the other. They will study 280 individuals with moderate to heavy drinking habits, using new technologies to better understand pain mechanisms.
A study by Markus Paulus found that preschoolers (3-5 years) expect reciprocity in social interactions, even before it's explicitly taught. This strategic behavior is rooted in the understanding of relative amounts of social capital they build with others.
Experimental psychologists at Oxford University found that 32% of people were convinced they saw an object disappear, even though none was shown. The study suggests people confuse expectations with sensory experiences, leading to misperception.
A new graduate education program at the University of Missouri is receiving $700,000 to train psychology doctoral candidates in integrated primary care settings. The goal is to enhance healthcare for underserved populations with mental health and physical disorders.
Experts say psychology is key to understanding road safety and autonomous vehicle success. The event aims to reduce road trauma by sharing the latest in road safety research.
Researchers found that couples who perceive their partner as responsive experience higher levels of desire, feeling special, and valuing their partner. Responsive partners convey the impression that they are worth pursuing, promoting an already valuable relationship.
A study of 29 mother-child pairs found that mothers who were overweight or obese served larger portions to their children when they perceived their own hunger as higher. The researchers suggest that parents can intervene by providing objective guidelines and allowing children to have control over their portion sizes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...
A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that agreeableness is a key predictor of prosocial behavior, including helping others. People with high agreeableness are more likely to exhibit empathic concern and volunteer their time to help those in need.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that eating the same food as a companion increases sense of closeness and trust. This strategy can be applied to various social situations, such as first dates or business negotiations, and may even influence marketing effectiveness.
A new study found that when people focus on the inherent traits of something, they are more likely to assume that the patterns they see around them are good. However, when participants were exposed to information about external factors, they became more flexible in their thinking and less likely to think that the way things are is good.
A Clemson University psychology professor found that incorporating light physical activity into work or study improves mood, motivation, and morale, while maintaining cognitive performance. The study suggests that sedentary work may not be harmful in the short term, but long-term effects could lead to chronic disease and physical frailty.
A new psychology study found that the ability to withhold a response to stimuli, or self-control, is a key factor in predicting binge drinking behavior. The study used regression model analysis to measure the impact of different inhibition subcomponents on binge drinking habits among young adults.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that upward changes in probability make events feel closer and more likely than downward changes. This phenomenon, known as psychological momentum, influences people's behavior and decision-making regarding uncertain events.
A new study from Ohio State University found that unemployed individuals who use skills commonly taught as part of cognitive therapy for depression are more likely to receive a job offer. These skills include identifying negative thoughts, countering them with positive responses, and planning enjoyable activities to improve mood.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children's perception of trustworthiness is linked to attractiveness, with more attractive faces being deemed trustworthy. The ability to make this judgment develops with age, becoming more consistent as children approach adulthood.
Psychologists at the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that verbal interaction, not non-verbal cues, is crucial for mutual understanding between strangers. The study shows that exchanging words and asking questions leads to higher levels of common-ground understanding.
Researchers discovered that people are more likely to act on and resist changing their moral opinions compared to non-moral ones. The 'moral' label instantly makes an opinion stronger and more resistant to counterarguments.
Researchers found that wealthy men prioritize physical attractiveness and engage in short-term mating, while committed women may adopt more consistent strategies due to reproductive costs. The study suggests evolutionary psychology principles influence mate selection across cultures.
A New York University analysis found that contextual factors significantly impact replicating psychological studies. Studies with high contextual sensitivity ratings were less likely to be reproduced by the Reproducibility Project researchers.
A new study reveals that police recruits and experienced officers are more likely to subscribe to colorblind racial beliefs, which can lead to problematic interactions with racial minorities. The research highlights the need for training programs that address police racial attitudes and social identities.
Researchers investigate how expectations influence pain perception, with results showing men's pain tolerance altered by sex-based expectations. The study highlights the importance of considering non-explicit expectation processes in psychology and therapy.
Researchers found that participants who took acetaminophen rated others' pain as less severe and showed reduced empathy in various social scenarios. The study suggests that the popular painkiller may blunt not only physical but also emotional responses to others' misfortunes.