Articles tagged with Developmental Psychology
A study found that early marriage can exacerbate risky alcohol use among individuals with a high genetic predisposition, contradicting the traditional view of marriage as a protective factor. The research suggests that early life events may not be as protective against poor mental and physical health outcomes as previously thought.
A novel imaging marker has been developed to help diagnose and treat schizophrenia, using abnormal striatal function as a promising biomarker. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that this biomarker can distinguish between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, while also predicting treatment response.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that hemp plants' propensity to become unusable due to high THC levels is determined by genetics, not environmental factors. The team discovered a correlation between the plants' genetics and chemical production, providing new insights into breeding low-THC hemp varieties.
New research at La Trobe University has identified genetic variations that determine the effects of methamphetamine in the brain. These findings may lead to new therapies for people affected by long-term methamphetamine use, which can cause psychosis similar to schizophrenia.
A recent study has concluded that the Micro-Expressions Training Tool (METT), used to train airport personnel, fails to improve lie detection rates. METT-trained individuals performed no better than those who received bogus or no training, and even worse than chance, suggesting that its effectiveness is limited.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that refugees may be at higher risk of developing nonaffective psychosis, including several types of schizophrenia, compared to natives or nonrefugee migrants in host countries. The study analyzed data from over 540,000 refugees in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Canada.
Researchers developed a machine-learning method to quantify semantic richness of conversational language, predicting psychosis with high accuracy. They analyzed sound-related words and low semantic density, detecting hidden patterns in people's language predictive of psychosis.
A longitudinal study by psychologists at the University of Jena found that proximity to emotionally important people is crucial for creating a strong regional identity. The research suggests that moving away from such social contacts can lead to dissatisfaction and a loss of sense of belonging.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München conducted a study on human perception and behavior towards robots. They found that when robots are humanized through anthropomorphic features, participants are less likely to sacrifice them to save human lives.
A research team studied how children draw themselves and found that their expressiveness varies based on the audience's authority and familiarity. The study involved 175 children aged eight and nine, who were asked to draw three pictures of themselves - a baseline, happy, and sad drawing.
A new model predicts PTSD risk with high accuracy, identifying individuals at significant risk for early intervention. The model, developed from a large international study, analyzes trauma scores and estimates each individual's risk of chronic PTSD.
A recent study found that over 40% of youth exhibit obsessive or compulsive behaviors, which can be a red flag for serious psychiatric conditions. Children who experience bad thoughts and intrusive images are more likely to develop depression and suicidal tendencies.
A study in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with childhood maltreatment have altered brain networks, but those who are resilient may have additional changes that compensate for the effects of maltreatment. These changes can help predict susceptibility or resilience to psychiatric symptoms.
Neuroscientists have identified a brain activity pattern that could predict the onset of schizophrenia. The study found abnormal connections in patients who later developed psychosis, which may help diagnose the disease earlier. Researchers are now exploring early interventions to combat symptoms and prevent psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that traditional personality traits, like the Big Five, may not be universal across cultures. To improve psychological science, experts recommend considering socioecological theory and diversifying study samples from non-Western populations.
Researchers found that reducing overall alcohol consumption can lead to fewer people developing an alcohol disorder. The study also showed that men are at greater risk of developing a disorder and are less likely to quit.
A new study reveals that people are capable of articulating multiple considerations when making moral decisions, including harm, welfare, individual rights, fairness, and justice. Despite the complexity of scenarios like the trolley dilemma, participants were able to provide reasons for their judgments, indicating that moral reasoning ...
A new study identifies a brain abnormality associated with a person's general risk for mental illness, found in participants with higher mental health liability. The study suggests a single risk factor may predict development of any form of psychiatric disorder.
Researchers propose empowering soccer coaches to make reliable assessments of player psychological characteristics, which could help teams identify talented players and enhance performance. Coaches' unique insight into player behavior during matches and training can complement standard questionnaires completed by players.
Researchers developed an MRI-based approach to identify high-risk patients who will develop psychosis, with 80% accuracy. This method may help reverse the trajectory of psychosis by providing early-intervention therapy.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found a significant link between common allergic diseases and a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. Patients with asthma and hay fever were found to have a 1.66-fold increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder within a 15-year period.
A study by Kobe University found that children aged 5-6 prefer distributing resources so everyone ends up with the same amount, rather than giving equal amounts regardless of initial amounts. This suggests that young children prioritize fairness and equality in resource distribution.
Researchers developed a new tool, San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE), to measure an individual's level of wisdom. The scale successfully measured five out of six targeted domains, including prosocial attitudes and emotional regulation, and showed correlation with psychological well-being.
Researchers are studying how people's beliefs change over time, comparing German and American respondents. They will analyze questionnaire data and conduct in-depth interviews to document changes in religiosity and worldviews.
A new study reveals that managerial support can help workaholics avoid attending work when sick and address work-family conflict. By recognizing the harm of presenteeism, managers can train themselves to develop protective factors against this phenomenon.
A University of Central Florida study found that individuals with the Apolipoprotein-E4 gene variant have a 20% greater chance of developing clinically significant depressive symptoms. The research suggests that both ApoE4 and poor vascular health independently increase depression risk, not a compounded effect.
Research by Ulster University found that mothers taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy had children with higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience. The study also showed a correlation between the level of folic acid in mothers' blood and their child's resilience.
A mobile sensing system developed by researchers at USC can detect conflict in relationships and send alerts or meditation prompts to reduce stress. The algorithm achieved an accuracy of up to 86% in detecting conflict episodes, using data from wearables, phones, and bio-signals.
A study by Cornell University researcher Gary Evans found that children from poor backgrounds are more likely to develop antisocial behavior, helplessness, and chronic physiological stress as adults. Early intervention and increasing poor families' incomes can help mitigate these issues.
Research reveals that single people value meaningful work and are more connected to family, friends, and coworkers. Longitudinal studies show single individuals experience heightened self-determination and continued personal growth.
A qualitative study found that women feign orgasm as a means to end unwanted and unpleasurable sex. Despite being asked about consensual sex, all participants discussed problematic experiences. The research highlights the need for better language to describe women's experiences of unwanted sex.
A new statistical method developed by researchers at the University of Bath aims to reduce selection bias in elite tennis talent identification. The approach considers biological maturity rather than chronological age, helping to uncover talented players who may be overlooked due to physical advantages gained through early maturation.
Research found that genetic links with educational attainment predict outcomes beyond schooling completion, including career success, financial management, and social mobility. Higher polygenic scores were associated with increased socioeconomic success, regardless of birth family conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.