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Others may know us better than we know ourselves, study finds

A psychologist's study found that individuals are more accurate in assessing internal traits like anxiety but less so for external traits like intelligence. Friends are better barometers of intellect-related traits, while strangers can spot extroversion. The self has difficulty judging evaluative traits due to perceived stakes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2010

Why England's soccer team keeps losing on penalties

A new study by the University of Exeter shows that anxious penalty takers are more likely to focus on the goalkeeper, leading to shots that centralize and become easier to save. The research suggests that coaches can address this issue through training, emphasizing the importance of practicing aiming strategies under pressure.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateDec 11, 2009

Fear of anxiety linked to depression in above-average worriers

Researchers found that anxiety sensitivity significantly predicted depression symptoms in above-average worriers. The fear of cognitive dyscontrol and publically observable anxiety symptoms specifically correlated with depression. Understanding this link may lead to new depression treatments by addressing anxiety sensitivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateDec 1, 2009

Anxious pregnant mothers more likely to have smaller babies

A new study reveals that anxious pregnant women are more likely to have affected babies, with anxiety during the third trimester predicting significantly smaller births. Women with severe anxiety in the first and second trimesters also show significant impact on birth outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateOct 27, 2009

Depression and anxiety affect up to 15 percent of preschoolers

A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that up to 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety. The investigation also revealed that children with atypically high depression and anxiety levels are more likely to have mothers with a history of depression.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2009

New research examines how career dreams die

Researchers found that people cling to their dreams until they're clearly shown the consequences of failure. The study involved students who were told varying levels of threat to their new dreams, with those receiving the strongest threat experiencing higher self-doubt and anxiety, leading them to drop their dream.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Cognition·DateAug 25, 2009

Too many ways to say 'it hurts'

A new project called PROMIS aims to establish a common scientific vocabulary for measuring pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical/social functioning. This will help researchers compare results and evaluate treatment benefits more effectively, enabling better care for patients with chronic diseases.

Promotional tests can discourage some of the best says new research from U of T's Rotman School

Promotional tests may deter top applicants, causing anxiety and negatively impacting job performance, according to a study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School. The research found that fairness perceptions were not linked to exam results, but rather with candidates' willingness to recommend the process.

Research finds kava safe and effective

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that a traditional kava extract is an effective treatment option for chronic anxiety and depression. The study found significant reductions in anxiety levels among participants taking kava tablets, with improvements also seen in depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMay 11, 2009

Racial tension in a 'split-second'

Research suggests that brief hesitations in conversation can increase anxiety in interracial interactions. In a study, participants experienced heightened anxiety when having conversations with someone of a different racial background after being delayed by just one second. This delay was undetectable to the participants.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2008

Once a shy monkey, always a shy monkey?

A new study by the HealthEmotions Research Institute found that anxious brains consistently respond more strongly to stress and show signs of anxiety even in safe situations. Anxious monkeys showed higher brain activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates emotion, which corresponded to higher levels of stress hormones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

'Emotional inflation' leads to stock market meltdown

A recent study from University College London suggests that investors' emotional states play a significant role in the stock market's behavior. The researchers argue that 'emotional inflation' - the unchecked enthusiasm and wishful thinking that can lead to excessive risk-taking - is a major contributor to market crashes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe International Journal of Psychoanalysis·DateApr 29, 2008

Fear of messing up may undermine interracial contact

Research shows that individuals who are anxious about appearing prejudiced may avoid interactions with people of different races due to fear of social disapproval. A study by Jennifer Richeson and Sophie Trawalter found that white participants focused on neutral black faces for longer periods than white faces, suggesting a cognitive bi...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 1, 2008

Spring training for parents?

A study by sport psychologists at the University of Washington found that providing parent workshops alongside coach training decreases performance anxiety and stress in young athletes. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving the youth sports experience.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Youth Development·DateMar 18, 2008

Brain chemistry ties anxiety and alcoholism

A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found a key molecular event in the brain that links anxiety with alcohol addiction. The researchers discovered a protein called Arc that is produced in response to alcohol exposure, which helps reduce anxiety-like symptoms. Restoring levels of this protein may help alleviate withdrawal-indu...