Frequent marijuana use can lead to poor attention, memory, and decreased IQ in teenagers and young adults. Brain imaging studies have shown significant changes in brain structure among adolescents who increased their marijuana use.
Research suggests that childhood abuse, sexual victimization, and prior suicidal behavior are significant risk factors for service members and veterans who attempt or commit suicide. The study found that soldiers who reported abuse as children were three to eight times more likely to report suicidal behavior.
Distracted teen driving is a significant concern, with parents playing a direct role in the problem. According to a new study, more than half of teens talk on cellphones with their parents while driving, despite warnings about the hazards of distracted driving.
A recent study by Hayley Cleary found that few juvenile suspects are aware of their constitutional rights during interrogations, with parents largely absent and lawyers rarely present. This raises concerns about due process and the vulnerability of adolescents to coercive interrogation tactics.
Research by Nina Kraus and Margaret Martin finds that musical training improves neural function, learning abilities, and communication skills in low-income youth. The study shows that music programs can help close the academic gap between affluent and disadvantaged students.
Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD, received the American Psychological Association's Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology for her groundbreaking work on race relations. She has also led Spelman College to become one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges.
Research suggests that physically fit sixth-grade girls are less likely to report feeling depressed when they reach seventh grade. Fitness programs can help prevent depression in middle-schoolers, but schools should also use other interventions like therapy.
A survey of thousands of adult smokers in four countries found that larger, more graphic warning labels on cigarette packs increase the likelihood of quitting. Smokers who notice the warnings regularly are more likely to attempt to quit, even when trying to avoid seeing them.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that early elementary school start times were associated with lower standardized test scores and poor attendance in schools serving more economically advantaged children. In contrast, later start times showed no significant impact on academic performance in disadvantaged schools.
Research found that children from low-income families had higher cognitive skills if their mothers went back to work before they were 9 months old, and fewer conduct problems if their mothers worked between 9-24 months old. For middle-income households, there were no ill effects of maternal employment.
Regular positive interactions with family and friends can help older adults maintain good health, but negative social interactions present health risks. Studies found that social networks are associated with more involvement in leisure activities, leading to better health outcomes.
A recent study found that low-income Latino children who attended Montessori pre-K programs showed dramatic improvements in early achievement and behavior. In contrast, low-income black children made similar gains in school readiness when enrolled in Montessori classrooms, but slightly greater gains were seen when they attended more co...
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people trust strangers more often due to a sense of moral obligation rather than expectation of reward. Researchers conducted six experiments involving 645 university students, showing that even those with low expectations of others tend to trust total strangers.
A partnership between psychologists and physicians can produce a comprehensive, integrated personal care plan that includes attention to mental and medical disorders. The collaboration can help improve diagnosis, address substance abuse issues, and incorporate health behavior change, leading to better primary health care outcomes.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that adults with a parent who abused alcohol are 85% more likely to attempt suicide. Having divorced parents also increases the risk of suicide attempts by 14%. However, combining divorce and parental alcohol abuse does not increase suicide risk.
A meta-analysis by American Psychological Association found women rated as highly as men in leadership effectiveness, contradicting long-held stereotypes. The study also discovered that women are viewed more favorably when holding senior management positions, highlighting a shift towards greater gender equality in the workplace.
Research spanning nearly a century reveals that girls have consistently higher grades than boys across various subjects, including math and science. The study's findings contradict recent claims of a 'boy crisis' and suggest social and cultural factors may contribute to the difference in performance.
A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who felt threatened by their teachers' messages about failing performed worse on exams than those who did not. The researchers suggest that teachers should consider using more positive and supportive messages to motivate students.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that people are more likely to register as organ donors if they have positive attitudes specifically about registering, rather than just supporting the idea of organ donation. Attitudes measured in surveys were key predictors of behavior.
A nationwide study found that parents or caregivers were physically injured in over a third of domestic violence cases, yet only 2% of offenders faced jail time. Children experienced fear, anxiety, and trauma more often than physical harm.
A study by American Psychological Association found that military men experience more distress and work performance problems due to sexual harassment than women. The researchers also discovered that men may be less able to cope with the emotional impact of such incidents.
A significant proportion of teenage boys and college men report experiencing coerced sex or unwanted sexual behavior. The study found that coercion was related to risky behaviors and distress, but not lower self-esteem, among victims.
Conscientious personality traits appear to be a key risk factor for better health, with participants who were more conscientious having lower rates of obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Researchers suggest that incorporating personality assessments into preventive healthcare could lead to more effective care plans.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that black boys are more likely to be perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers in police encounters. Researchers tested 176 police officers and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to use force against a black child.
A comprehensive review by the American Psychological Association highlights psychologists' expertise in addressing chronic pain. Successful treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis, which offer more relief than prescription drugs or surgery.
Research by American Psychological Association found that single-sex schools do not offer advantages in academic performance or attitudes towards school. A comprehensive analysis of 184 studies involving over 1.6 million students worldwide showed trivial benefits, if any, for boys and girls in math and science subjects.
Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.
Teenage boys who perceive themselves as underweight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and engage in steroid use. The research highlights the importance of addressing body image concerns among adolescent boys, particularly those who feel bullied or underweight.
A review of research suggests that video game play can enhance cognitive skills such as spatial navigation and problem-solving. Playing video games is also found to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience in children. Additionally, gaming communities provide opportunities for social interaction and cooperation.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million people's personality traits and demographics to identify three distinct geographic areas with unique characteristics, including friendly and conventional regions versus relaxed and creative states.
A new study by the American Psychological Association finds that people who cheat without causing harm experience an emotional boost, contrary to expectations. The research involved over 1,000 participants and revealed that cheating can lead to feelings of satisfaction, even when the payoff is small.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that men subconsciously feel worse about themselves when their female partner succeeds, regardless of whether they excel or fail in a specific area. Women's self-esteem, however, is not affected by their male partners' successes or failures.
Researchers found that rats fed high-fat or high-sugar diets during pregnancy weighed more as adults, drank more alcohol, and had stronger responses to abused drugs. Exposure to sugar-rich diets before birth or nursing increased sensitivity to amphetamine and hyperactivity.
Research found that multiracial people are more likely to be misidentified as white rather than black and value being accurately identified. Multiracial participants were more interested in meeting partners who had accurately identified them, while single-race people had similar negative reactions to being misidentified.
A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that people who feel isolated are more likely to make risker financial decisions. The research, led by Rod Duclos, discovered that socially excluded individuals prefer longer odds for bigger lottery payoffs and take greater risks with their finances.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that people who were repeatedly bullied throughout childhood and adolescence are significantly more likely to go to prison. Women who experienced chronic bullying faced greater odds of substance abuse and arrest compared to men.
According to new research, nearly 1 in 3 American youths aged 14-20 have been victims of dating violence and almost as many acknowledge committing violence toward a date. The study found significant overlap between victimization and perpetration, highlighting the importance of prevention programs that consider these dynamics.
A new study suggests that environmental enrichment, which involves sensory stimulation and play, can significantly improve behaviors in autistic children. The therapy was found to be effective even for older children up to age 12, whereas traditional treatments are typically most effective at a young age.
Researchers found that adaptable leaders have more complex and differentiated brain networks in areas associated with self-regulation, decision-making, and memory. They also demonstrated greater adaptability and effectiveness in a hypothetical military scenario.
Researchers documented a California sea lion's ability to synchronize her head movements with music, challenging current theories on brain mechanisms that enable vocal mimicry. The study found that the sea lion could keep the beat even when metronome-like ticks missed a beat.
Adults of various ages improved retention of new information by taking tests and receiving feedback compared to restudying, according to a study published in Psychology and Aging. The results suggest that testing can be an effective way to increase learning in adults of all ages.
Research suggests that older people who expect a bleak future are more likely to take precautions to maintain health and safety, leading to better outcomes. Meanwhile, younger individuals tend to have a brighter outlook but may face greater risks of disabilities and death.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that spending on others provides a psychological reward, regardless of cultural or economic context. The researchers surveyed over 234,000 individuals across 136 countries and found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others.
Young children may go above and beyond when helping adults, overriding specific requests for unhelpful items in favor of something more useful. In one experiment, most 3-year-olds recognized that an adult wasn't making the best decision and decided to be helpful instead.
A study of nearly 600,000 students found that African-American and Hispanic students tend to work longer hours than non-Hispanic white students but experience less negative effects on their grades. High school students who worked long hours at part-time jobs were more likely to be employed and report working more than 25 hours a week.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 80% of teachers reported being victimized at school at least once in the past year, with 44% experiencing physical attacks. The authors recommend a national registry to track incidents and standardized licensure requirements for educators.
A study of an isolated Bolivian society found that five widely accepted personality traits may not be universal, instead revealing a unique 'Big Two' structure including prosociality and industriousness. Researchers suggest expanding beyond Western populations to better understand personality development.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that increases in personal income are crucial for happiness worldwide. Rising incomes that coincide with higher optimism are key to well-being, and material possessions play a significant role in this relationship.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that about half of addiction counselors in the US now find moderate drug use acceptable as an intermediate goal, while one-third consider it acceptable as a final goal. However, for clients with severe dependence, limits on consumption are still widely rejected.