A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that children and teenagers with better cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of developing depression as adults. The research, which spanned over 30 years, examined the fitness of Australian children aged 7-15 and found that cardiorespiratory fitness was the strong...
A study published in Addiction Neuroscience found that music therapy reduces cravings and alters brain activity in people with substance use disorders. The therapy was shown to improve emotional regulation and reduce negative emotions, providing encouraging evidence for its role in addiction treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that three months of Transcendental Meditation practice significantly increased happiness, resilience, and self-efficacy among rural Lebanese women while reducing perceived stress. The study showed that Transcendental Meditation may offer women an additional way to cope with daily life pressures.
A large study of 1,279 academic papers and 609,278 people in 76 countries found that women score higher in recognizing and understanding emotions, but men score higher in managing their own feelings. The study also found that gender differences in emotional intelligence have narrowed in recent years, especially among children.
Researchers found that the amygdalostriatal transition zone, a small brain region near the amygdala, is responsible for sustained fear responses. The study provides new insights into the brain's fear circuitry and may lead to the development of more effective therapies for fear and panic disorders.
Researchers developed a multi-level dynamic integrated perception network to address temporal variability in cross-time EEG emotion recognition. The model achieves high accuracy and selectively calibrates temporal variability to preserve stable emotional signals.
Researchers found that people with social anxiety have amplified brain activity that improves learning under low demands but hinders learning under higher demands. This sensitivity to the social context may be helpful when learning is easy, but becomes disadvantageous as demands increase.
A new study identifies astrocytes in the brain's fear center as a key player in stress response and anxiety. The research found that restoring the antenna-like structure on these cells can ease stress behaviors, and a potential treatment target has been identified.
Researchers found that higher progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle are linked to less distinct patterns of activity in brain areas involved in controlling emotions. Participants with clearer emotional control patterns reported better mood, accounting for 7% of the variation in mood scores.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that only 13% of workplaces in Denmark are ready to introduce more plant-based lunches, while 42% are resistant to change. Workplaces with high tertiary activities and employees who eat less meat tend to be more open to change.
Research from the University of Birmingham and other institutions found that interacting with AI-powered customer service robots can reinforce or alter a consumer's self-perception. The study explores how mirroring and mimicry can lead to a 'robotoid humanness' where consumers become more like robots, raising ethical concerns.
Children's sense of fairness becomes increasingly sophisticated as they get older, and they expect rules to be applied impartially and equally to every group member. A fair punishment brings emotional relief to children, whereas unequal treatment provokes strong resistance and undermines their sense of justice.
A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...
Research suggests that childhood trauma weakens pleasure experience through changes in the hippocampus, leading to increased anhedonia. The study found individuals with disrupted hippocampal pathways experienced more anhedonia than those without disruptions.
A recent study revealed that dogs process smiles in a unique brain region and can distinguish between negative facial expressions, including anger, sadness, and fear. This ability allows researchers to understand the adaptations that have developed in dogs to support their social and emotional understanding of humans.
Researchers investigated how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, finding that most people view them as neutral or positive. The study's findings suggest that how a person interprets an unusual experience matters more than the experience itself in determining its impact on wellbeing.
A Swiss study finds that the quality of relationships between humans and animals is more important than pet ownership in determining wellbeing. The research suggests that women, people who spend more time with animals, and those who feel close to them report stronger emotional support from their pets.
A new study reverses the classic Dunning-Kruger effect, suggesting that high-ability people are more overconfident than low performers. The researchers argue that flawed statistical analysis led to the original finding, and when corrected, it reveals a universal human trait of overconfidence among the most capable.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bumblebees display observable 'liking and disliking' behaviours after consuming different liquids. This suggests that insects can evaluate tastes as pleasant or unpleasant, pushing the understanding of their inner life.
A global study reveals that culture influences how people try to regulate the emotions of others, with individualistic cultures prioritizing comforting and expressing care, while collectivistic cultures often view unpleasant emotions as valuable. This finding highlights the importance of cultural context in emotional support.
A mouse study found that social isolation during adolescence impairs emotion recognition and social behavior in adulthood. Resocializing does not reverse these behavioral changes. The study also showed that socially isolated adult mice were unable to tell the difference between stressed and unstressed mice.
Researchers warn that teens' reliance on AI chatbots may bypass opportunities for developing essential relationship skills. The technology offers immediate, nonjudgmental guidance but lacks needed safeguards, potentially reinforcing unhealthy relationship patterns and increasing vulnerability to mental health problems.
Research finds that millennials' fear of growing up decreases as they age, while younger generations report higher maturity fears. The study, published by the American Psychological Association, suggests that broader societal factors such as economic uncertainty and social pressures shape how young people view adulthood.
A study found that depression shapes children's attention to happy and sad faces, with changes based on family history. Children of mothers with a history of depression showed increased attention to sad faces when experiencing depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.
A new study from the University of Jyväskylä explores how people's relationship with music affects their emotional experiences. The research found that songs used to evoke emotions, experience emotions, and express identity tend to elicit more mixed emotions.
A study found that 18% of college students used AI for mental health, with those having more severe symptoms and Asian students being more likely to do so. The use of AI may pose risks, such as undermining emotional regulation or perspective-taking.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers shows that internet-based CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in women with broken-heart syndrome, a condition often triggered by extreme stress. The treatment also helps patients better cope with emotions related to their illness.
Researchers at Viva Bem have developed an AI method that identifies states of anxiety with high accuracy using smartwatch data. The technology aims to provide a layer of proactive monitoring for users, alerting them to recurring anxiety episodes and recommending specialist consultation.
Research from Aalto University and Harvard University found that ambidextrous structures create major emotional tensions within senior management, undermining innovation efforts. Leaders must actively make the future concrete, expand firm identity, and institutionalise empathy in communication.
A study by UOC researchers reveals that young people are not fooled by monetization systems in video games; they often accept them as part of the gaming experience. The study highlights various systems that encourage consumption, such as loot boxes and virtual currencies, and shows a consistent relationship between these mechanisms and...
A new study found that physically or psychologically aggressive parenting can disrupt a child's ability to regulate stress, leading to more external regulation as they age. Researchers observed 129 mother-child pairs and used heart rate monitoring to measure physiological regulation.
A recent study reveals widespread exposure to harm among US teens using AI chatbots, with entertainment being the most common motivation. The study found that nearly half of teens experienced at least one risk, including exposure to unsafe content and encouraging risky behavior.
A Charité study analyzed therapist experiences worldwide to create a profile for successful psychedelic-assisted therapy. Key characteristics include stable environment, support from loved ones, and specific personality traits that contribute to treatment success.
Researchers identified a key brain pathway in rats that helps them decide whether to approach stressed pups or avoid stressed adult peers. The insular cortex and prefrontal cortex work together to process social information, with the pathway playing a crucial role in making these decisions.
A new Simon Fraser University study suggests that freedom is a better gauge of happiness than positive feelings or pleasure. Autonomy, the feeling of being free to make choices, was found to be a stronger indicator of life satisfaction.
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
A study by Edith Cowan University found that tracking students' moods over several weeks provides a more accurate picture than a single snapshot in time. Repeated mood monitoring can help identify students who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
A recent study found that more fear in dreams is associated with worse mood in the morning, but individuals with better emotion regulation strategies tend to have more fear in their dreams. Additionally, emotional complexity in dreams may have a protective effect on mood.
A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.
Researchers found that viewers question the sincerity of fear or sadness expressed about climate change in simulated news reports, text messages, and TikTok posts. Emotional expression can serve an important role in helping people find a community, but it may not necessarily persuade others.
A recent study published in Gait & Posture found that analyzing a person's walk and getting up from a chair can identify elevated depression and anxiety symptoms. The researchers used machine-learning models trained on data from participants' movements combined with information about their mental state, achieving high accuracy rates.
A study published in Frontiers found that young people with attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying emotions are more susceptible to short video addiction. Mental training, such as mindfulness and attention regulation, can help prevent this addiction by strengthening emotional awareness and cognitive regulation.
A Tulane University study reveals how the brain regulates defensive behavior and fine-tunes fear responses as perceived threats diminish. Researchers identified distinct roles for neurons in the central amygdala, which help determine whether an animal responds with intense escape behavior or freezing.
A new brain pathway has been identified that enables humans to quickly detect and respond to 'scary' sounds, leading to increased self-reported fearfulness. This pathway is associated with better hearing ability in noisy environments.
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption in Canadian preschoolers was associated with increased emotional symptoms by age 5. Replacing UPF with minimally processed foods may support healthier behavioral development and long-term mental health.
A study found that individuals trying to diet are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when feeling negative emotions, but emotional awareness is the key to maintaining healthier eating habits. Practicable strategies like mindfulness exercises and checking in with feelings can help dieters stay on track.
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
A national US study of tens of thousands of college students found that excessive social media use is linked to higher odds of loneliness. Students who spent 16 hours or more on social media per week were 38% more likely to feel isolated.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that football fans' mean stress level was 41% higher on the day of a major match compared to non-match days. Participants experienced increased heart rates, peaking during the match, and were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol.
A new study found that people with neurotic personalities report having more frequent sexual fantasies. In contrast, those who are more conscientious or agreeable tend to have less frequent fantasizing. The study analyzed data from over 5,200 adults in the US and explored links between personality traits and sexual fantasies.
A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of young people experience physical aggression towards their parents between ages 11-24. This behavior is linked to factors such as parental conflict, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD), and physical punishment.
In a study, participants preferred feedback providers who provided overly optimistic feedback to avoid hurting others, even if it meant telling the truth. This suggests that people strategically adjust their preferences for honesty based on social cues and prioritize the well-being of others.
Dissociation is a complex survival mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma, affecting memory, identity, and perception. Research confirms its prevalence among individuals who have experienced trauma, and effective dissociation-specific treatment options are needed.
Animal studies reveal complex dynamics of sex, fidelity, and monogamy in various species like wolves, dolphins, and swans. The intimate animal explores the evolutionary roots of human attachment and love.