A recent study found that women veterans of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts as their male counterparts. The research, based on survey responses from 595 service members, suggests that women's exposure to combat stress may be only slightly lowe...
A recent study found that prayer about health issues increased dramatically among American adults over the past three decades, with 49% of respondents praying in 2007. The study also revealed correlations between prayer and socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level.
A study of 266 healthy adults aged 70-88 found that driving errors, such as failing to check blind spots and speeding, increased with age. The results have implications for skill-based driving tests and training for older drivers.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people with good peer support systems at work may live longer than those without. The study also showed that control and decision authority had a different effect on mortality rates for men and women.
A study found that childhood musical experience can provide lifelong cognitive benefits, with musicians outperforming non-musicians on tests of visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the duration of musical practice is more important than continued playing at an advanced age.
A special issue of American Psychologist explores the role of psychology in understanding and addressing global climate change. The issue highlights the importance of psychological factors in shaping human behavior, particularly in the context of low-carbon technologies, economic incentives, and information dissemination.
Men who are abused by their female partners can experience damaging psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Research found that male victims are at a greater risk of developing PTSD if they have sought professional help after experiencing intimate terrorism.
A new analysis of over 25 years of research links exposure to risk-glorifying media with increased risk-taking behaviors and attitudes. Video games were found to be more likely to prompt dangerous behavior than passive media exposure such as watching films or listening to music.
Infants and toddlers can develop serious mental health disorders, but often go untreated due to a mistaken impression that they are resilient and 'grow out of' behavioral problems. Early childhood mental health has few practitioners, making it difficult for parents or children's programs to access help when needed.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.
Researchers analyzed 40 years of safety training studies to find that highly interactive training is most effective for improving safe work behavior in hazardous jobs. Less engaging training can also be effective when the risk of death or injury is low, according to the American Psychological Association.
Research suggests that moderate energy drink consumption can enhance behavioral control, but increased caffeine intake leads to decreased mental fatigue and impaired cognitive performance. Additionally, the study found that adolescents who consumed more caffeine had higher diastolic blood pressure and ate more high-sugar snack foods.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers' brains grew in areas linked to motivation and behavior, particularly in those who showed intense affection for their babies. The researchers suggest that this growth may be due to hormonal changes after birth, which trigger active brain building.
Children from lower-income households benefit more when their mothers enter the workforce, according to a comprehensive analysis of 50 years of research. The study found that mothers who returned to work soon after childbirth had little impact on their children's long-term well-being.
Decades of research reveals that Holocaust survivors exhibit cognitive functioning and physical health similar to non-survivors, yet experience significant psychological pain, post-traumatic stress, and psychopathological symptoms. Living in Israel may serve as a protective factor for improved psychological well-being.
A new study by Timothy Salthouse found that mental abilities decline with age, but not as steeply as previously thought. After adjusting for 'practice effects,' which inflate test scores due to repeated testing, the study revealed smaller declines in mental aging.
A new study has identified three factors linked to cognitive deficits in type 2 diabetes: high blood pressure, balance issues, and poor health reports. These factors contribute to weaker memory and slower cognitive processing in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that disasters disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and mental disorders, with significant barriers to housing, transportation, and disaster services still present two years after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers recommend case managers knowledgeable about ...
Studies show that watching superheroes promote aggressive and autonomic behaviors can harm boys' relationships and psychological adjustment. Experts recommend teaching boys to resist these stereotypes and promoting healthy family and friendship relationships to improve their mental well-being.
New research finds that childhood trauma can lead to inflammation and cell aging, shortening lifespan by seven to 15 years. Adults who experienced childhood adversity continue to be at greater risk for health consequences even in later life.
Research shows that childhood poverty and social isolation can lead to heightened reactivity, increasing the risk of heart disease later on. A study examining 212 adolescents found that those from lower socioeconomic status had stiffer arteries and higher blood pressure.
Researchers found that certain stages of sleep have distinct roles in people's memory capacity, with REM sleep stage crucial for memory systems. The formation of associative networks from previously unassociated information is facilitated by changes to neurotransmitter systems during REM sleep.
A study found that severe mental illness is more common among college students than a decade ago, with a shift towards more severe psychological problems. The number of students on psychiatric medicines increased, but the percentage of students acknowledging suicidal thoughts decreased.
A study by Karen Fingerman found that 68% of parents have at least one grown child with a problem, while only 49% say one is highly successful. Parents who had multiple high-achieving children reported better well-being, but having even one problematic child negatively impacted their mental health.
A psychologist emphasizes that women's suicidal behavior patterns are culturally scripted, with women adopting self-destructive behaviors expected within their cultures. The cultural variability in suicidal behavior calls for 'culturally situated suicidality research and prevention,' according to Silvia S. Canetto.
Research suggests that women experience chronic pain longer, more intensely, and more often than men due to hormonal and social factors. Treating both physical and mental symptoms is crucial for effective management of chronic pain in women.
Research finds that sons with fond childhood memories of their fathers are more emotionally stable in stressful situations. A good father-son relationship is linked to lower psychological distress and fewer stressful events as an adult. The study controlled for factors such as age, family income, and parental presence.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with insecure attachments in relationships may be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Those with anxious attachments were particularly associated with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers al...
A new study by Michael C. Seto and Martin Lalumiere found that adolescent sex offenders are more likely to have atypical sexual interests, such as desire for prepubescent children, than social skills deficits. The researchers also identified social isolation as a key factor in adolescent sexual offending.
Poor problem-solving skills are a significant predictor of both bullying and being a victim, according to new research. The study found that boys bully more than girls, and individuals with academic troubles are more likely to become bullies.
Research found that frequent moves in childhood are related to lower life satisfaction and fewer quality social relationships as adults. Introverts and neurotic people were more negatively affected by frequent relocations.
Latino children display strong parenting practices and social agility, but early gains are eroded by poor schools and peer pressure. Research shows that tight family bonds and tough parenting contribute to their initial success in the classroom.
According to a study by Ulrich Orth and colleagues, self-esteem rises steadily as people age until retirement, then declines. Higher income, better health, and satisfying relationships contribute to maintaining self-esteem throughout life.
People with Parkinson's disease struggle to recognize emotions in others' faces and voices. Deep brain stimulation appears to exacerbate this issue, particularly with fear and sadness expressions.
Researchers report on effective treatments targeting racial and ethnic minorities, psychiatric disorders, and families with asthma. Cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly increased quit rates among African-American smokers, while family-focused approaches showed promising results for Latino families.
Research suggests that novelty can compete with drug-linked cues in recovering addicts, potentially helping prevent relapse. The study found that rats were more likely to visit the side where they experienced rewarding effects of cocaine when given a choice.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association finds psychodynamic psychotherapy to be highly effective in alleviating mental health symptoms, with benefits persisting after treatment has ended. The therapy's focus on self-reflection and examining relationship patterns leads to substantial treatment benefits.
A worldwide study analyzed data from 69 countries and found small but significant gender differences in math skills, with girls performing as well as boys when given the right educational tools. The research highlights the need for schools, teachers, and families to encourage girls' math learning.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association finds that deficiencies in DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may contribute to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and ADHD. The research suggests that increasing DHA in the diet may help improve nervous-system function.
Researchers found that students who witness bullying are more likely to experience psychological distress than those who are bullies or victims. The study also suggested that witnessing bullying can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety in bystanders.
A new study reveals that nerve-cell transplants can promote nurturing growth factors, promoting the healing of an injured nervous system. The transplants helped brain-damaged rats fully recover their cognitive function, including learning and memory.
A new study finds that consuming caffeinated 'alcohol-energy' drinks with alcohol may lead to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of disasters. Caffeine does not reverse the negative impact of alcohol on cognition, making people more likely to believe they are not intoxicated.
Long-term brain tumor survivors in childhood experience ongoing cognitive problems, with lower levels of education, employment, and income compared to siblings and other cancer survivors. Medical complications such as radiation and surgery also play a significant role in these impairments.
A national study found that retirees who continue to work in a bridge job experience fewer major diseases and functional limitations than those who fully retire. People whose post-retirement jobs are related to their previous careers report better mental health.
Research suggests adolescents possess intellectual skills to make informed decisions about terminating a pregnancy but lack social and emotional maturity to control impulses. This immaturity mitigates their criminal responsibility, according to the study published in American Psychologist.
A new study found that healthy older brains are similar in size to those of younger individuals, contrary to previous findings. The research tested participants without neurological problems and used MRI scans to measure brain areas. Cognitive decline was measured by drops in performance on certain tests.
A new study found that losing just one hour of sleep can pose serious consequences for workers in hazardous environments. The research, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, analyzed data from 1983 to 2006 and showed a 68% increase in lost work days after the switch to daylight saving time.
A new study by the American Psychological Association reveals that excessive exercise can lead to physical addiction, causing withdrawal symptoms. Rats given a drug that blocks the action of heroin showed severe withdrawal symptoms after running excessively, highlighting the potential for exercise to become compulsive and addictive.
Research shows that approximately 25-35% of American adults are inactive, doubling their risk of developing numerous health conditions. A leading exercise scientist emphasizes the importance of physical activity in delaying mental decline and brain health problems.
According to renowned canine researcher Stanley Coren, dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years. Dogs can learn up to 165 words, including signals, and some breeds excel in specific areas such as working and obedience intelligence.