Stress hormone link with psychosis
Researchers found that patients with psychosis fail to produce cortisol after waking, indicating a potential biomarker for early detection. Cortisol levels may also predict risk for other chronic diseases.
Developmental Psychology
Articles tagged with Developmental Psychology
Scaling mental resilience more effectively
Researchers at the University of Zurich developed a revised Sense of Coherence Scale to improve mental resilience assessments. The new questionnaire yields more accurate and objective results, revealing that individuals with greater resilience suffer less from depression and bereavement pain.
Gene could help identify psychosis risk in cannabis users
Researchers have found a link between the AKT1 gene and psychotic-like symptoms in young people who use cannabis. The study suggests that individuals with this gene variant are more susceptible to the mind-altering effects of smoking cannabis, even if they are otherwise healthy.
Making backup plans can be a self-fulfilling prophecy
A new theoretical model suggests that investing too much in backup plans can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals are more likely to use well-developed backup plans and less likely to invest in their primary goal. This can lead to reduced success and motivation.
Genetic defense for violent crimes could backfire for defendants
New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 21, 2015
New study suggests hallucinations, alone, do not predict onset of schizophrenia
A new analysis identified illogical thoughts as most predictive of schizophrenia risk in teens experiencing attenuated psychosis symptoms. Suspiciousness and unusual thought content were found to be the most informative symptoms, while perceptual disturbances - common features of schizophrenia - were not predictive.
Good communication in the operating room prevents patient complications
Effective communication among surgical teams is linked to lower risk of surgical site infections, while irrelevant communication increases the risk. Relevant communication facilitates team coordination and minimizes distractions.
Guideline revised for assessment of children with disorders of sexual development
A revised Society for Endocrinology guideline offers new recommendations for assessing children with disorders of sexual development (DSD), emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary teams, psychological support, and thorough evaluation. The guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for affected children.
Cold, callous and untreatable? Not all psychopaths fit the stereotype, says new study
A new study suggests that psychopathy is not as monolithic as believed, and many individuals with psychopathic traits are not immune to emotional distress. Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can be effective in managing emotions and reducing aggressive behaviors.
No link between psychedelics and mental health problems
A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.
Study offers clues to early detection of bipolar disorders in high-risk children
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between short, distinct episodes of manic symptoms and the development of bipolar disorder in high-risk children. The study suggests that monitoring these symptoms could lead to earlier identification and treatment.
Kids who lack sympathy more likely to share with virtuous friends
A recent study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children who struggle with sympathy are more likely to share resources with peers they respect. The research suggests a compensatory relationship between sympathy and respect, helping kids navigate prosocial solutions even when empathy is lacking.
SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateMar 2, 2015
Predicting the future course of psychotic illness
Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.
Low-birth-weight children are particularly vulnerable to environmental influences
Researchers confirm the diathesis-stress model for low birth weight populations, showing they catch up but don't outperform normal-weight peers. A new differential susceptibility model suggests vulnerable children can thrive under optimal conditions, even with risk factors.
Kids with strong bonds to parents make better friends, can adapt in relationships
A new study found that securely attached children are more responsive to peer partners, adapting their behavior to meet expectations. Children's temperament also plays a role, but it's essential to distinguish between attachment security and temperament.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJun 19, 2014
Same face, many first impressions
Researchers found that slight variations in facial expressions can lead to varied first impressions, challenging the assumption that face images accurately represent an individual's personality. The study suggests that online images can have unintended consequences on how others perceive us.
Life purpose buffers negative moods triggered by diversity
A study conducted on Chicago trains found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life are less affected by negative moods triggered by diversity. Those who had written about their life aims or had a strong sense of purpose did not experience worsened mood, unlike those without a clear direction.
Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateFeb 26, 2013
Genetics plays major role in victimization in elementary school
A study of over 800 twins found that genetic factors account for 73% of relationship problems in kindergarten through Grade 4. Identifying children at risk early on can help intervene and prevent chronic rejection or victimization, which can lead to academic, health, and mental health issues.
Fantasy-reality confusion a primary cause of childhood nighttime fears
Researchers found that preschoolers with persistent nighttime fears were less able to distinguish reality from fantasy. Therapies like using a 'huggy puppy' toy can help children overcome their fears by leveraging their strong imagination. This study aims to develop interventions for clinicians and parents.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateNov 13, 2012
Intelligence is in the genes, but where?
Researchers analyzed 12 genes and found no correlation with intelligence in nearly every case, contradicting previous studies that identified specific genes linked to intelligence. The study suggests that the genetic roots of intelligence may be more complex than previously thought.
Genes may play role in educational achievement, study finds
Researchers have found genetic markers that may influence educational achievement, including genes involved in attention regulation and motivation. The study identified three genes – DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4 – as possible markers for academic success.
What are friends for? Negating negativity
A Concordia University study found that friends can immediately reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of self-worth in children undergoing negative experiences. The presence of a best friend has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting adult identity formation and overall development.
Babies remember even as they seem to forget
Researchers found that infants retain an 'inkling' of object existence without remembering its shape. The study's findings shed light on brain mechanisms supporting memory in infancy and beyond.
Post-partum psychiatric episodes linked with increased risk of developing bipolar affective disorder
Research finds that women experiencing post-partum psychiatric episodes within the first 30 days are at a higher risk of developing bipolar affective disorder. The study also suggests that the severity and type of initial episode may be important factors in predicting conversion to bipolar disorder.
What employers look for of those re-entering the workforce
Researchers found that middle-aged women seeking entry-level jobs require vocational training to secure job interviews. The study suggests that employers focus almost exclusively on educational background, but outside activities may have some impact in certain communities.
40-year follow-up on marshmallow test points to biological basis for delayed gratification
A 40-year follow-up study revisits preschool children who were tested with marshmallows and cookies, revealing that their ability to delay gratification remained consistent into adulthood. Brain imaging showed key differences between high and low delayers in the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum.
Stress can affect future offspring
A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.
UNH researcher discovers research manipulated to support pro-eugenic beliefs
A University of New Hampshire researcher has discovered that Yale psychologist Arnold Gesell manipulated his photographic record to support his pro-eugenic thesis. Gesell's research falsely accused Alma, Wisconsin of being overrun with mentally and morally unfit people, a claim that has been debunked by the new discovery.
Brain development goes off track as vulnerable individuals develop schizophrenia
Research studies found that vulnerable individuals with genetic deletions on chromosome 22, known as velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), are at risk for developing schizophrenia. Progressive brain abnormalities emerge during adolescence, including deficits in the volume of temporal cortex gray matter, which predicts psychosis.
Development of protocols for future disasters urgently called for
A recent review article highlights the urgent need for protocols to deal with disaster-related health effects. The study reports on the toxicologic consequences of exposures in the Gulf Oil Spill and notes the complexity of assessing full effects due to multiple sources and underlying disease burdens.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2011
Why argue? Helping students see the point
A new curriculum aims to develop argumentative reasoning skills in students through discussion and debate. Students who participated in the program made more of the higher forms of arguments and listed more questions of substance than those taught in a conventional way.
Springer journal article wins American Psychological Association award
A Springer journal article has won the prestigious George A. Miller Award for its innovative study on the impact of environmental factors on human behavior. The award recognizes outstanding recent articles on general psychology and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding human behavior.
Sri Lankan children affected by war, tsunami, daily stressors
Two studies on Sri Lankan youths who survived the 2004 tsunami and civil war found that traumatic events and daily stressors like domestic violence have a significant impact on their psychological health. Researchers highlight the need for holistic policies and programs to reduce ongoing stressors.
Children use space to think about time
Research by Daniel Casasanto shows that children link distance and duration in time, but struggle to separate the two. Children use physical distance to estimate the passage of time.
Researchers develop new scale to measure anxiety outcomes
A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale, CUXOS, has been developed to measure anxiety outcomes reliably. The scale is brief, easy to score, and correlates highly with clinician severity ratings.
Fish oil may reduce the risk of psychotic disorders in high-risk individuals
A 12-week fish oil capsule course reduced psychotic disorder progression by 22.6% in high-risk individuals, with improved symptoms and functioning compared to placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids may offer a safe prevention strategy for young people at risk of psychosis.
Psychologist to examine childhood depression
Researcher Brandon Gibb is studying the causes of mental-health problems in kids and defining trajectories of risk for depression. He hopes to identify genetic, environmental, and psychological variables that contribute to depression in children.
Early and network-oriented care may help adolescents at risk of developing psychosis
A Finnish study suggests that family and network-oriented, stress-reducing care can improve the overall functioning and mental health of adolescents at risk of developing psychosis. The JERI project provides a multiprofessional, community- and family-focused intervention that reduces stress levels and supports adolescents in their natu...
Children as young as 19 months understand different dialects
Researchers found that 15-month-olds struggle to distinguish Jamaican-accented words, but 19-month-olds exhibit cross-dialect recognition. By 19 months, children demonstrate phonological constancy for both familiar and unfamiliar words in any English dialect.
Being bullied in childhood associated with psychotic symptoms among preteens
Research suggests that children who are consistently victimized by peers are more likely to develop psychotic symptoms in early adolescence. A study of over 6,400 participants found that chronic or severe peer victimization was associated with an increased risk of psychotic symptoms.
Yours, mine, ours: When you and I share perspectives
When reading sentences describing everyday actions, volunteers who read second-person statements (
Hormone level during pregnancy may identify women at risk for postpartum depression
A study found that higher placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) levels during pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of postpartum depression. The predictive capability of pCRH levels increased when midpregnancy depressive symptoms were also assessed.
Children distressed by family fighting have higher stress hormones
A new study found that children distressed by family fighting have higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol may explain why children experiencing high levels of distress during parental conflicts are more likely to develop psychological problems.
The mental health dangers of birth hypoxia
Research suggests that birth hypoxia may contribute to the development of schizophrenia by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The study found a significant decrease in BDNF among individuals who later developed schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of maternal health during pregnancy.
Natural childbirth linked to stronger baby bonding than C-sections
Researchers at Yale University found that natural childbirth is associated with stronger emotional connections between mothers and their babies. The study suggests that vaginal delivery may influence neurohormonal factors that contribute to parental bonding and postpartum depression.
Whom do we fear or trust?
Scientists have developed a computer program to analyze human faces for trustworthiness and dominance, identifying key features such as a U-shaped mouth and surprised eyes. This research has implications for various fields, including sales and criminal justice, where facial expressions can greatly impact perceptions.
I'm listening -- conversations with computers
A computer system called SEMAINE is being developed to recognize human emotions through facial expressions, gaze, and voice, enabling it to adapt its performance and engage in conversation. This project aims to bridge the gap between humans and technology, paving the way for more natural interactions.
AAAS symposium to address significant effects of the male parent in reproductive success
A multidisciplinary symposium will address evidence of paternal exposure to toxins affecting fetal development, producing deficits in offspring, and expressing in subsequent generations. The event aims to raise awareness and stimulate research on the significant impact of male parents on reproductive success.
Scientists can predict psychotic illness in up to 80 percent of high-risk youth
A large study found that identifying youth with risk factors for psychosis can lead to accurate predictions, with a 65-80% accuracy rate. Combinations of risk factors include social decline, family history, unusual thoughts, and past drug abuse. This ability to predict psychosis will help determine the most effective time to intervene.
Males with a female twin may be at higher risk for anorexia nervosa
Research suggests that males exposed to female sex hormones in the womb may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa. Studies of Swedish twins born between 1935 and 1958 found a higher risk among males with female twin sisters.
Chronic job strain doubles the risk of a second heart attack
A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.
Very young children can step into the minds of storybook characters
Researchers found that preschoolers can perform impressive perspective-taking feats by tracking a character's mental perspective in narrative. Five-year-olds successfully pointed to the cow in the thought-about location, while three-year-olds only looked at the physical location.
SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateSep 13, 2007
Toddlers are capable of introspection
Researchers at UC Davis found that 3- and 4-year-olds can think about their own thinking, using pictures to communicate uncertainty. This suggests that young children are more introspective than previously thought, with implications for human development and traits.
Cannabis could increase risk of psychotic illness later in life by over 40 percent
A meta-analysis of 35 studies found that cannabis use is associated with a 41% increased risk of psychosis, with the most frequent users more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic outcome. The study suggests that governments should invest in education campaigns to warn young people about the risks of cannabis use.
Someone to complain with isn't necessarily a good thing, especially for teenage girls
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.
New LSUHSC program addresses mental health of Katrina displaced
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
Helping children resolve past conflicts may be beneficial
Researchers found that siblings can resolve past differences when working together and compromising on flexible plans. Older siblings often lead efforts to resolve conflicts with younger siblings' input, leading to better outcomes when both parties have high regard for each other's interests.
FSU study links anxiety sensitivity to future psychological disorders
A new FSU study reveals that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop a clinical case of anxiety or panic disorder. This link was established through a two-year follow-up study involving 404 young adults, indicating anxiety sensitivity as a risk factor for anxiety disorders.
Ethnic identity gives teens daily happiness boost
A new study by Wake Forest University psychologist Lisa Kiang suggests that positive feelings toward one's ethnic group can provide an extra boost of positivity in individuals' daily lives. Adolescents with higher ethnic regard rated their daily happiness levels higher than those with lower ethnic regard.