A new study found that adolescent rats were more likely to prefer the place where they got cocaine, and even after extinction, a low dose of cocaine rekindled this preference. This suggests that younger brains are more vulnerable to addiction due to stronger memories for drug-associated cues.
A study by researchers from the American Psychological Association found that people experience mental fatigue and decreased productivity when faced with numerous choices. In experiments involving 328 participants, those who made choices had trouble staying focused and completing tasks compared to those who didn't make decisions.
A study of 80 years of research found that cooperative learning leads to better social relationships, academic success, and peer interaction among 12- to 15-year-olds. In contrast, competitive and individualistic environments hinder friendships and lower achievement scores.
Research suggests that workplace bullying has more severe consequences on employees' well-being and job satisfaction compared to sexual harassment. Employees who experienced bullying reported higher levels of stress, anger, and anxiety.
Most online sex offenders are adults who target teens, seducing victims into sexual relationships. The youth most vulnerable have histories of abuse, family problems, and risk-taking tendencies. Current educational efforts may not be effective in preventing these crimes.
Researchers found that rats given artificial sweetener saccharin consumed more calories, gained weight, and did not compensate later. The study suggests that breaking the connection between sweetness and high-calorie food can confuse the body's ability to regulate intake.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
A study by Andrew Chambers found that rats with damaged amygdalas showed abnormal behavior related to fear and fearlessness, as well as greater cocaine sensitivity. This suggests that brain conditions may alter addiction vulnerability independently of drug history.
A meta-analysis of 46 studies on telecommuting involving 12,833 employees found that flexible work arrangements result in higher morale, lower employee stress, and improved performance ratings. The study also showed that women may derive greater benefits from telecommuting, with improved career prospects and better work-life balance.
Children entering kindergarten with strong elementary math and reading skills are more likely to succeed in school, according to a recent study. Early attention-related skills also played a significant role in predicting later achievement.
Researchers found that individuals with genetically lower dopamine D2 receptors are more motivated to eat and consume more calories. This study provides insights into the genetic contribution to eating behavior and obesity, highlighting potential targets for tailored treatment programs.
Research suggests that perpetrators of school shootings often suffer from cynical shyness, a form of extreme shyness characterized by low empathy and anger outbursts. Experts recommend providing social skills training to help isolated students build sense of belonging.
A recent study found that stress management is positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in older white men. Conversely, hostility and social isolation were not associated with HDL levels. The research suggests a potential protective role of coping mechanisms in maintaining healthy lipid profiles.
In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. urged psychologists to study the impact of social injustice and advocate for social change. Today, research supports King's hypothesis, linking racism to negative health outcomes and reduced psychological wellness. Psychologists acknowledge progress in cultural awareness but emphasize the need for fu...
A new study by the American Psychological Association reveals that depression is closely linked to domestic abuse and family problems among recently returning veterans. The research found that nearly 40% of married or cohabiting veterans experienced frequent family readjustment problems, including feeling like a guest in their household.
Researchers found that chronic stress intensifies inflammation and increases risk of developing central nervous system infections and diseases like multiple sclerosis. Interventions that block stress-induced IL-6 can prevent worsening of disease symptoms, suggesting a potential therapy for vulnerable populations.
In a study by Yale University researchers, older mice benefited from either physical exercise alone or combined with mental enrichment. For younger and middle-aged mice, exercise was key to improving spatial memory. The findings suggest that cognitive stimulation can help compensate for declining memory as people age.
New research suggests that extensive discussions of problems in friendships can have a negative effect on emotional adjustment in teenage girls. Girls who engage in co-rumination, or excessive talking about problems, are more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
A study by Timothy Salthouse found that cognitive scores vary significantly within test-takers as between age groups, raising questions about the validity of single test scores. Repeating tests over a short period may provide a more accurate range of scores, improving diagnostic workups.
Researchers found that combining brain scans with reading skills tests can predict future decoding skill more than four out of five times. This dual diagnostic approach can help identify children at risk for ongoing reading problems as early as possible, allowing for targeted intervention to improve outcomes.
A recent study published in Health Psychology by the American Psychological Association found that young adults with a short temper tend to have compromised lung function. Higher levels of general frustration were also associated with statistically significant reductions in pulmonary function among Black and White women, as well as Bla...
Research shows that police officers outperform community members and students in shoot/no-shoot simulations, with reduced biases against unarmed Black targets. Training improves sensitivity to weapon presence and speed in decision-making.
A recent study found that hearing the same opinion multiple times from one source can have a significant impact on perception, often leading to a false sense of popularity. Researchers examined how individuals estimate group norms and opinions, shedding light on cognitive processes that influence our decisions.
A study found that adults who were close to the 9/11 disaster had increased amygdala activity in response to emotional stimuli several years later. The results suggest long-term neurobiological correlates of trauma exposure and potential vulnerability to mental health disorders.
Research suggests that giving choline to infants after birth can improve their learning and behavior if they were exposed to alcohol during development. The study found that choline significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related over-activity and spatial learning deficits in rats.
A study spanning 25 years found that early attachment experiences influence adult emotional expression and relationship dynamics. Secure infants tend to form closer friendships and express emotions more effectively in adulthood.
Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.
A study by Daniel Ames and Francis Flynn found that assertiveness is the most common weakness among aspiring leaders, with 48% suggesting too much or too little. The researchers suggest that leaders who exhibit moderate assertiveness may be better able to balance their responses.
A large study found that carriers of the APOE4 gene, which increases Alzheimer's risk, showed the same normal age-related cognitive declines as non-carriers. The research suggests the higher-risk genotype acts only in later years to accelerate disease progression.
Researchers found that high-normal uric acid levels are linked to lower scores in tests of mental processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory. Older adults with high-normal uric acid levels may experience slow information processing and failures in verbal and working memory.
A review of 290 studies found that women are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD despite males experiencing more traumatic events on average. Women's higher PTSD rates were linked to sexual trauma and emotional responses to traumatic events.
Juvenile hamsters on low doses of fluoxetine exhibit longer and more intense attacks compared to adults. The study suggests that brain maturity during puberty affects drug response, leading researchers to investigate potential negative effects on developing nervous systems.
A recent meta-analysis found that certain personality variables predict aggressive behavior, including anger, irritability, and impulsivity. The study analyzed data from 63 studies and identified two patterns of associations: aggression-prone and provocation-sensitive individuals.
A meta-analysis of 50 studies found no correlation between anxiety symptoms and pregnancy complications, including longer labor or low birth weight. Despite this, further research is needed to understand the impact of anxiety on pre-eclampsia and small infant weights.
Researchers find that chronic stress can lead to damage in the brain and body, but also note that certain behaviors like exercise, social support, and coping techniques can modify these effects. Healthy centenarians exhibit slower insulin rates, higher thyroid hormones, and lower cortisol levels compared to younger adults.
Researchers found physical exercise can slow aging's effects and improve cognitive functions in older adults. Fitness training, particularly aerobic exercise, was associated with improved cognition, brain function, and retained brain volume.
A recent study found that positive religious resources can enhance hope and perceived social support in heart surgery patients, leading to less depression and anxiety. Negative religious thoughts and struggles hinder recovery, while faith-based positive coping styles provide a protective mechanism against psychological distress.
A new study found that open-mindedness predicts higher intelligence in young adults, while disagreeableness is linked to better vocabulary and knowledge retention in older age. Conscientiousness also plays a role in strong short-term memory and visual processing in older adults.
A meta-analysis of 30 studies found that targeted selective and indicated prevention programs had greater effects on reducing depressive symptoms than universal programs. These targeted programs showed better results in alleviating depressive symptoms at post-intervention and six-month follow-ups.
A study found that ramelteon, a new sleep medication, does not instigate the same cognitive effects as other commonly prescribed sleep aids. The research suggests that ramelteon is unlikely to promote benzodiazepine-type dependence and may be a safer alternative for treating insomnia.
Research suggests that the Internet can provide essential social support for isolated adolescents and improve academic achievement in low-income youth. However, online interactions may also normalize self-destructive behaviors and expose vulnerable individuals to potentially damaging communities. Additionally, the Internet has been fou...
Researchers found that groups of three, four, and five members perform better than the best individual on complex problems requiring verbal, quantitative, or logical conceptual skills. This suggests that group work may be beneficial for students in school and for scientific research teams.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to cortisol, a human stress hormone, contributes to symptoms of depression and anxiety in mice. Mice given chronic doses took longer to emerge from a dark compartment into a brightly lit environment, indicating increased fearfulness.
Diverse mock juries showed fewer errors and greater willingness to discuss race-related issues compared to all-White groups. White participants in diverse juries were also more willing to discuss racism and cited case facts accurately. This suggests that diversity may lead to more thorough and competent decision-making.
A study of 186 cognitively normal adults aged 70+ found that performance on cognitive tests of executive control and memory predicted walking speed without interference. Gait velocity with interference was also affected by executive control and memory, highlighting the importance of these functions in navigating busy environments.
A longitudinal study found that peer rejection is a strong predictor of reduced academic engagement and achievement in children. Children who experience rejection are more likely to avoid school and exhibit decreased classroom participation.
A study of 76 adolescent hamsters found that anabolic steroid use led to increased aggression, lasting up to two years and affecting brain chemistry. The research suggests that humans may experience similar long-term behavioral problems if they abuse steroids during adolescence.
A study of 545 adolescents found that parental alcoholism was associated with early onset and persistent drug use throughout young adulthood. Marriage was also linked to lower levels of drug use, but its effect was limited by the lower marriage rates among children of alcoholics.
A review of 225 studies found that chronically happy people are more successful across many life domains due to their positive emotions. Happiness is associated with behaviors that lead to further success in work, relationships, and health.
Researchers found that uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly worsens verbal fluency and short-term memory in older men. The study suggests that controlling hypertension can help mitigate age-related cognitive declines and may even be beneficial for cognition.