Articles tagged with Developmental Psychology
The American Psychological Association recommends prioritizing features that protect adolescents from AI's negative effects, including exploitation and manipulation. The report suggests age-appropriate defaults in privacy settings and encourages the use of AI to promote healthy development.
A study reveals a strong association between postpartum depression, early mother-to-infant bonding, and child difficulties. Secure early bonding partially buffers the long-term effects of postpartum depression on child outcomes.
Wild chimpanzees develop different attachment types to their mothers, with some showing secure and confident attachment, while others exhibit insecure-avoidant behavior. This study provides insights into the roots of human social behavior by bridging psychology, animal behavior, and anthropology.
The PEERS for Preschoolers program is an evidence-based solution designed to help young children on the autism spectrum learn fundamental social skills needed to form lasting friendships. The program focuses on key areas such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship.
A study by Japanese researchers found that individuals with autism have impaired macrophage function, which may contribute to synaptic pruning deficits. The impaired function is associated with lower expression of the CD209 gene, suggesting a molecular mediator for this process.
Researchers found it takes parents about a year to attune to their child's attitudes towards school once they start education. By Year 1, parental perceptions of how a child feels about school most closely match responses given by the child when they were in Reception class a year earlier.
Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.
Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that positive maternal parenting in childhood can foster key personality traits such as openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Twin study data suggests that modest changes in these traits could lead to significant population-wide benefits.
Researchers found that medical imaging experts can solve common optical illusions, including judging the size of objects. Training to improve visual perception can also make experts less susceptible to these illusions. This study has implications for training medical image analysts.
A study from Kyushu University finds that children focus on literal meaning when interpreting phrases like 'Did you see that?', while adults use a more integrated approach to resolve ambiguity. The findings have implications for dialogue robot development and support systems for individuals with communication difficulties.
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
Dr. Cathy Barr's groundbreaking research sheds light on the genetic foundations of conditions including depression, ADHD, reading disabilities, and Tourette syndrome. Her work has the potential to lead to more targeted treatments and reduce stigma around psychiatric disorders.
A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that people's preference for simple explanations mirrors their desire for efficient actions. The study discovered that individuals are more attracted to explanations involving common and reliable causes.
Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.
Researchers found that a higher proportion of shape-based nouns in a child's vocabulary shortly after cochlear implantation was associated with better language development for the next three years. This association was stronger in children who had received cochlear implants compared to those with normal hearing.
Researchers found those with dyslexia exhibited less implicit bias than those with no disability, while those with dyscalculia showed even less bias compared to both groups. This study provides new insights into the development of people with conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
Research reveals that children who attended day care regularly are more likely to overcome stereotypical beliefs in adulthood. Participants who spent time in day care were quicker to adjust their behavior when interacting with people of different ages.
A new study found that genetic differences account for 60% of variation in food fussiness at 16 months and 74% by age 13. Environmental factors become more influential in later years.
Pretend play is associated with enhanced cognitive abilities like executive function, language, and perspective-taking. Research suggests that play-based preschool curricula offer more significant long-term advantages in academic performance and students' attitudes towards school.
New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University finds that maternal disapproval of children's friends damages their standing among peers, exacerbating behavior problems. Mothers who meddle in their child's friendships inadvertently worsen their behavior issues.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
A study found that perceived gratitude from romantic partners and older children positively impacts individuals' psychological well-being and reduces parenting stress. Expressing gratitude within the family can promote a climate of appreciation, teaching children to acknowledge others' efforts.
This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found that adolescents who receive cognitive reappraisal solutions from their mothers experience more adaptive coping strategies, whereas those who receive strategizing or help-seeking solutions do not. On the other hand, children who reject or respond ambiguously to their mother's cognitive re...
A new study by SMU psychologists reveals that interpersonal racial discrimination has a significant impact on the mental health of adolescents in the US justice system. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these intersecting factors when providing support systems to meet the unique needs of adolescents of color.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that adolescents with high positive affect reported lower rates of anxiety and depression, and higher optimism as adults. Positive affect was associated with healthier behaviors and decreased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.
A study published in American Psychologist reveals that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, with baby boomers reporting the highest overall levels. The research suggests that loneliness is a persistent issue across generations in both the US and Europe.
A new study reveals that young adults look and feel older on stressful days, especially when they lack control over their lives. Researchers found a significant correlation between stress levels and subjective age in younger adults.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that guided parent-child discussions addressing subtle racism significantly reduced anti-Black bias in both parents and children. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of 'color conscious' conversations in mitigating racial prejudice.
A new study found that genetic factors contribute around 33% to the variation in levels of trust among individuals, while life circumstances such as age, health, and relationship status also increase trust. The research used twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on trust.
A new UK study provides insight into the diversity of neurodivergent experiences among adults. The research found significant overlap in characteristics between different neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as distinctive traits associated with each condition. This study offers a framework for examining neurodiversity across the who...
A new report from the Association for Psychological Science finds that youth who receive therapy, life-skills training, and other rehabilitative help are less likely to reoffend than those who face legal punishment. The study suggests that minimizing formal processing and expanding diversion programs can improve community safety.
A study found that younger children trust an inaccurate human informant more than an inaccurate robot informant, while older kids distrust both. Children's selective trust strategies evolve as they get older.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.
Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.
A new study by Uppsala University found that pre-school children aged 3–6 years can describe their feelings and family relationships in detail. The research suggests that children seek comfort from others when experiencing conflicts with parents, but also have positive experiences of making up after a fight.
A recent study found that Black adolescents are underrepresented in suicide research, with only 13% inclusion rate. Another study suggests cultural consensus modeling can elevate Black youth's voices and improve prevention strategies.
A study of over 460,000 participants found life satisfaction decreases between puberty and old age, but remains stable until 70. Positive emotional states decrease from childhood to late adulthood, while negative emotional states fluctuate less.
Researchers at UCSF Health found a way to help teens adjust to their natural sleep-cycle rhythms while fulfilling school responsibilities. The Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, especially among night-owl adolescents.
A new study examines the association between impulsivity and suicidal risk in Black emerging adults, finding that mindfulness may be a key buffer against negative consequences. The research suggests that mindfulness can help mitigate suicidal ideation by reducing impulsivity, offering hope for improved mental health outcomes.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that child language development and language evolution share a common cognitive foundation, based on a core knowledge base. The team built a computational model that predicts word meaning extension patterns across languages and time scales, highlighting the role of visual, associative,...
Research by the American Psychological Association found that high-quality child care in early childhood is associated with better school readiness and later STEM achievement. Children from low-income backgrounds who received sensitive and responsive caregiving did better in STEM subjects in high school.
A landmark study by University of Cambridge researchers found no difference in psychological wellbeing or quality of family relationships between children born through assisted reproduction and those born naturally. However, mothers who disclosed their child's origins early on reported more positive relationships and lower anxiety and ...
Four to eleven-year-olds deemed Alexa more human-like, but neither robot deserved to be harmed or yelled at. As kids advanced towards adolescence, the feeling dwindled, and older children reported it was slightly more acceptable to attack technology.
A new study reveals that autistic children have distinct brain activity when viewing complex visual motion patterns as early as 5 months old. This suggests that autistic individuals process visual motion differently from a young age, which may impact their development and learning.
Recent studies have identified key psychological processes, such as repetitive negative thinking and self-reflection, that may impact cognitive aging and dementia prevention. Researchers propose incorporating psychological elements to reduce dementia risk through cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Researchers say parents' well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm have inadvertently deprived them of independence and opportunities for self-directed play. This decline in 'child's play' is linked to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among school-aged children.
Researchers found broad similarities in how deaf homesigners and hearing adults describe tool-related events, suggesting universal aspects of human thinking. The study suggests that these similarities reflect the extent to which a tool shapes the object it is being used on.
The UCF project, Project CENTRAL, aims to enhance collaboration between special education and school psychology using research-based practices. Scholars will receive enhanced education and preparation in a two-year program, addressing the state's critical shortage of high-quality professionals.
Researchers found that women experiencing prolonged mental health issues after childbirth had genetic evidence of higher immune system defense mechanism activation. The study also identified reduced antiviral immune response genes, which may offer protection from pathogens.
A new study published in Frontiers found that parental methods to help toddlers sleep are related to their behavioral development. The researchers discovered that passive sleep-supporting techniques were associated with lower fussy temperaments and higher sociability scores, while active techniques were linked to more challenging tempe...
Researchers found that experiences of early deprivation, such as parental neglect and financial difficulties, were more closely associated with cognitive and emotional functioning in adolescence. Deprivation was also linked to internalizing and externalizing problems, including lower performance on tests of intelligence.
A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.