Research on why people act as they do. Covers self-processing across primates, substance use, weight-loss behavior, and nicotine seeking.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that the way marketers express time can change how people experience the past and future, influencing real consumer decisions. The 'year-length effect' shows that when time is described as a length, people tend to perceive it as longer than when using years.
The January 2026 issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals feature groundbreaking research on externalizing disorders, pediatric anxiety, autism, and inflammation-related depression. The studies also explore the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in suicide prevention.
Researchers found that smiling faces are associated with higher trustworthiness, confidence, and attractiveness. Facial expressions play a crucial role in social judgments, with emotional mimicry influencing character trait evaluations.
Research reveals that negotiation avoidance is the norm, with 95% of individuals choosing not to negotiate up to 51% of the time. To overcome this mindset, experts emphasize the importance of understanding one's position, creating room for concessions, and developing strong relationships.
Researchers found large language models susceptible to malicious input manipulation, leading to potentially hazardous health recommendations. The study highlights the need for robustness testing and regulatory oversight before clinical deployment of these AI tools.
Researchers reveal that harm causes stronger guilt, while sense of responsibility triggers shame, influencing compensatory behaviors. The study also identifies distinct neural activity for guilt and shame-driven decisions, shedding light on the cognitive processes guiding these emotions.
The ESMT Berlin study analyzed 90 studies with over 16,000 participants to conclude that those who make the first offer and come well-prepared tend to achieve better outcomes. Higher first offers often lead to better final outcomes, but there are limits to this approach, particularly when demands are very high or unrealistic.
A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.
Dr. Garcia's book delves into the surprising science behind human connection, exploring how technology, social norms and loneliness impact our ability to form meaningful relationships. With warmth and clarity, he reveals the science behind why we crave connection and how intimacy anchors us in the world.
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
A randomized clinical trial found digital cognitive behavioral therapy to be significantly beneficial for adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment provided sustained benefits and has the potential for public health impact due to its accessibility.
A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds that even a small percentage of individuals who don't follow health measures can significantly increase the infection peak and strain healthcare facilities. The study emphasizes the need to monitor and adapt public health strategies to individual urban contexts, making interventions more effective.
A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.
Researchers found that people perceive dogs as happier when they are in a sad mood and vice versa. The study suggests that there is a significant gap in understanding canine emotions, which can impact human-animal interaction and animal care.
A new study of professional Santas found that diverse individuals can succeed in the role despite lacking typical attributes. Atypical Santas have found ways to surmount the odds and become successful in their chosen profession.
A study found that parental anhedonic depressive symptoms are associated with a reduced neural response in children to positive and negative feedback. This suggests a specific risk factor for developing depression in children of parents with this symptom, potentially impacting their ability to engage in activities.
A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.
A new study by Florida International University found that self-improvement gifts can unintentionally trigger negative online reviews due to emotional sting. Recipients who received these gifts often felt judged rather than appreciated, leading to lower ratings and negative word of mouth.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used AI and fMRI to study brain activity while participants viewed dance clips. They found that experts exhibited more diverse neural patterns than non-experts, suggesting a greater freedom in artistic expression.
A recent study found that Google searches for lorazepam increased by 1.6 million over a 12-week period during the airing of The White Lotus, compared to normal expectations. The show's portrayal of lorazepam use was associated with this surge in interest, including queries on how to acquire it online.
A blueprint for reducing firearms harms has been presented, suggesting investments in community-based initiatives and advancements in firearm technologies. The experts also recommend reframing gun violence as a public health issue and supporting coordinated action at federal, state, and local levels.
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
Researchers found that humans have an evolutionary tendency to bias behavior against rare but mass mortality events, leading to intense dread and avoidance. This response is favored by evolution as it protects familial structures and genetic lineage.
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
A federally funded clinical trial tested an intervention to prevent suicides among people recently released from jail, reducing suicide attempts by over half. The safety planning intervention involved in-jail programs and telephone check-ins for six months.
A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.
A new study reveals a connection between parents' attachment styles and the likelihood of experiencing parental burnout. The research suggests that difficulty in recognizing and understanding one's own emotions can increase the risk of burnout.
The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on schizophrenia, stimulant use disorder, and recovery-oriented approaches for schizophrenia. The publications highlight new treatments and findings on alcohol use disorder, youth mental health, and suicide risk.
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
Researchers found that L-DOPA increased participants' willingness to wait for larger delayed rewards by 20%, decreasing impulsivity. The study also suggests that dopamine's effect on waiting may not stem from changes in basic decision processes, but rather from future reward valuation.
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
A new study reveals that urban grey squirrels balance risk and foraging in urban environments by perceiving roads with consistent loud noise as lower predation risk. This ability to navigate complex risks contributes to their success in urban spaces.
Classic Maya cities rose due to climate downturns, intergroup conflict, and strong economies of scale, while deurbanization occurred when environmental degradation outweighed urban benefits. The study integrates population ecology theory and resolves the paradox of why agrarian populations would aggregate despite high costs.
A new survey conducted by UCLA found that nearly 1 in 4 transplant hepatologists in the US screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use. The study highlights the critical need for accessible physician wellness programs and reduced stigma around doctors seeking help.
New University of Virginia research explores the most common and effective types of counseling and support for people who have had a near-death experience. The study found that acceptance and validation, as well as support from groups or online sources knowledgeable about NDEs, are key to successful support.
A Kinsey Institute study found that gaps in sex education can have lasting impacts on adult relationships, including relationship struggles, lack of confidence, and reduced quality of life. Most participants learned only a few topics in school, with many lacking information on healthy relationships, consent, and communication.
A meta-analysis of 100 studies across psychology, sociology, economics, and engineering found that positive attitudes toward conserving electricity are key to saving energy. Individuals who think others expect them to conserve power and have pro-environmental habits tend to save more energy.
A new study at Bournemouth University found that people with horse experience were more accurate at recognizing pain in horse faces, while those with social anxiety were better at detecting pain in human faces. The findings aim to improve animal welfare by helping owners recognize changes indicating pain in horses.
A recent study found that despite a slight decline in DUD prevalence, the global mortality rate and number of deaths have more than doubled over the past three decades. The increase is largely attributed to systemic gaps in harm reduction and access to treatment.
A new study found that financial advisors' childhood environment significantly predicts their core code of ethics, influencing their professional behavior. The research suggests that cultural norms from their hometown play a significant role in shaping their ethical foundations. This finding highlights the importance of considering the...
A recent study found that people who attribute extreme weather events to climate change are more likely to support climate regulations. The study analyzed data from 68 countries and found significant differences in public support depending on the type of climate action. Protecting forested and land areas was a popular policy option, su...
A recent study by ESMT Berlin researchers found that radical leadership styles rarely deliver as planned. The 'annealing' mechanism, which involves deliberately disrupting organizational routines, can be effective but only works under specific circumstances.
Research by Mass General Brigham reveals association between witnessing neighborhood violence and insufficient sleep in adolescents, leading to increased violent behaviors such as carrying a weapon. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 teenagers, finding strong links between sleep loss and exposure to violence.
A new study using a validated survey has found that most people form an emotional attachment to their horses, similar to human-pet relationships. The Horse Attachment Questionnaire, adapted from a pet questionnaire, measured anxiety and avoidance in horse owners across 21 countries.
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.
A study by Dr. Esther Sternberg highlights the importance of social engagement, intellectual stimulation, purposeful activity, humor, and spiritual exploration in achieving exceptional cognitive and social functioning in advanced age. Dr. Reichlin's example challenges conventional assumptions about aging trajectories.
Problem gambling in minors is linked to a higher risk of suicide, substance use disorder, theft, and assault. The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges the federal government to expedite legislation to regulate sports betting advertising and protect young people from its harms.
A study found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation, which can be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction. However, limited opportunities for connection may lead to pursuing less healthy rewards.
A new study found that 89% of children and young people play video games, with loot box purchases linked to enhancement, distraction/compulsion, and FOMO. The yRAFFLE scale validated the motivations of children and young people who buy chance-based items in games.
Scientists have identified the mechanism linking a mutation in the Shank3 gene with alterations in social behavior, revealing that vasopressin plays a crucial role in regulating sociability and aggression. The study shows that targeting specific vasopressin receptors can restore social abilities without affecting aggression.
A new study has identified the deeply personal reasons that suicidal adolescents give for wanting to live, with family connections being the most common reason. Young people also spoke about personal dreams, simple joys, and meaningful activities, such as getting a tattoo, as reasons to keep living.
A study by Waseda University researchers found that cultural cognitive biases impact the explicit aspects of visuomotor adaptations, influencing motor learning outcomes. The findings suggest that verbal reports used in rehabilitation and sports training may be misinterpreted due to cultural prejudices.
Researchers found that correcting myths with facts strengthened people's intentions to get vaccinated, making myth-busting strategies a key to broader vaccine distribution. The study suggests three effective strategies for debunking false information about COVID vaccines.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that toddlers in the US experienced slightly fewer emotional and behavioral problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 children, suggests that some toddlers may have shown resilience during this time.
A new study by Tulane University's Newcomb Institute found a measurable link between prolonged extreme heat and increased domestic violence-related emergency calls in New Orleans. When temperatures stayed above the top 10% for five consecutive days, calls rose by 7%. The researchers recommend integrating domestic violence prevention in...
A new study found that firearm suicides are rising sharply among older women, with nearly 40% of suicides involving firearms in 2014-2023. The trend outpaces older men, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to mitigate firearm suicides among all older adults.
A neural pattern predicting self-focused thinking has been identified in people with a tendency to internalize. Fluctuating brain activity during rest is associated with maladaptive self-interest, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Researchers hope their findings will help predict the onset of mental health conditions.