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Penn research points to omega-3 as an intervention for childhood behavioral problems

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Adrian Raine suggests that omega-3 supplements can have long-term neurodevelopmental effects, reducing antisocial and aggressive behavior problems in children. The study found a 42% reduction in externalizing behavior and 62% reduction in internalizing behavior after six months, with...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2015

Hacked emails slice spam fast

Research by Ghita Mezzour and Kathleen Carley found that hacked emails tend to send spam more aggressively, reaching a larger audience faster. This is because malware-infected accounts generate spam automatically, whereas human-propagated spam is often done manually.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateNov 26, 2014

Can love make us mean?

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that feelings of warmth and sympathy can lead to aggressive behaviors when caring for someone else is obstructed. Empathy and aggression are linked through neurohormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which drive social approach behaviors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 5, 2014

Dogs exhibit jealous behavior

Researchers tested dogs' reactions to owners' affection for realistic and non-realistic objects, finding stronger jealous behaviors towards the dog-like object. This study suggests jealousy may have a primordial form in animals, including humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

Alcohol-related terms can increase aggression

Researchers found that exposure to alcohol-related words increased aggressive behaviour following provocation when it was ambiguous or not clear-cut. The effects of alcohol priming are short-lived, diminishing after seven minutes and disappearing after 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2014

Ohio State study shows 2 drugs help adolescents with ADHD, aggression

A new Ohio State University study found that a combination of two ADHD medications, along with parent training, significantly reduced aggressive behavior in children. The treatment approach showed promise in addressing physical aggression and disruptive behavior in children aged 6-12 with ADHD.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 20, 2013

Soft drink consumption linked to behavioral problems in young children

A new study finds that soft drink consumption is associated with aggressive behavior, attention problems, and withdrawal behavior in young children. Approximately 43% of the children consumed at least 1 serving of soft drinks per day, and those who drank 4 or more were more than twice as likely to engage in problem behaviors.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 16, 2013

Raising adopted children, how parents cooperate matters more than gay or straight

A new study by psychologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that how well co-parenting couples work together is linked to fewer behavior problems in their adopted children, regardless of their sexual orientation. The research suggests that harmonious relationships and cooperation are more important than division of ch...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalChild Development·DateJul 12, 2013

Fish win fights on strength of personality

New research from the University of Exeter suggests that small fish with aggressive personalities are more likely to win food contests against larger, passive counterparts. The study found that consistently aggressive fish were able to put on weight and survive in resource-scarce environments.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 26, 2013

Seeing happiness in ambiguous facial expressions reduces aggressive behavior

A study found that encouraging young people to see happiness rather than anger in facial expressions leads to a decrease in their levels of anger and aggression. The researchers also discovered that this effect can be induced in healthy adults, suggesting that emotion processing plays a causal role in anger and aggressive behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2013

The soldier as sexual aggressor

A Norwegian study examines the cases of soldiers convicted for sexual violence during the Bosnian War, highlighting three categories of perpetrators: romantic heroes, opportunists, and repentant sinners. The research emphasizes the importance of clear training and leadership to prevent such behavior.

SourceThe Research Council of Norway·JournalGlobal Responsibility to Protect·DateFeb 26, 2013

Study spells out hat trick for making hockey safer

A new study found that mandatory rules, such as restrictions on body checking, can decrease penalties and injuries in ice hockey, particularly among young players. Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital recommend combining rule changes with educational strategies to promote sportsmanship and reduce brain injuries.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 3, 2012

Researchers investigate aggression among kindergartners

A study by Penn State researchers found that kindergartners' aggressive behavior can be attributed to varying levels of verbal ability and physiological arousal. The team identified two groups: one characterized by low verbal ability and the other by high emotional reactivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateSep 27, 2012

The scientific side of steroid use and abuse

Research highlights the dangers of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on adolescent brain function and behavior. Studies show that exposure to AAS at critical periods during adolescence can impose permanent changes in brain organization and function, leading to physiological and psychiatric effects that may persist into middle age.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateAug 6, 2012