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Why forgiving yourself is harder than it sounds

A new study from Flinders University explores why self-forgiveness can be difficult for some, even when it may benefit mental health. Researchers found that people who struggled to forgive themselves often replayed the moment, felt stuck in the past, and experienced intense emotions like guilt and regret.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSelf and Identity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 6, 2025

Trauma psychology transformed: Professor Philip Hyland reshapes global understanding of PTSD diagnosis

Leading trauma researcher Professor Philip Hyland's work on Complex PTSD fundamentally changed World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, impacting how clinicians worldwide assess and treat trauma survivors. His innovative measurement tools, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire, challenge decades of clinical tradition and...

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2025

Most women in STEM feel like frauds, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University reveals that 97.5% of women in STEM graduate programs experience moderate to severe impostor feelings, which can lead to poorer mental health and increased burnout. Strategies such as shifting mindset and social support may help alleviate these feelings.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

EmoWELL

The EmoWELL video game has been shown to improve emotional management in young university students by helping them identify, understand, and manage their emotions. Participants who played the game demonstrated reduced use of strategies that worsen emotional distress and improved self-acceptance.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2025

Can one video change a teen's mindset? New study says yes - but there’s a catch

A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJCPP Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

New UK population-based study highlights the strengths of LGBT adolescents

A new UK population-based study reveals that LGBT adolescents exhibit unique strengths, particularly in social connections and caring attributes. The study applies the 5Cs model to compare experiences across different gender and sexuality groups, highlighting the importance of emphasizing challenges faced by minoritised groups.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2025

Machiavellianism boosts CEO pay, study finds

A study by the University of Florida found that CEOs exhibiting more Machiavellian traits are likely to secure higher executive pay, severance pay, and bonuses. This suggests a positive relationship between CEO personality and compensation outcomes, highlighting the potential for biases in pay decisions.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

University of Houston researchers find that females with flexible personalities have fewer eating disorders

Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateJun 10, 2025

Effects of psilocybin on religious and spiritual attitudes and behaviors in clergy from major world religions

A study found that psilocybin increased overall psychological well-being, including positive changes in religious practices and attitudes. Clergy who received psilocybin reported sustained improvements in their behavior and attitudes up to 16 months after treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPsychedelic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2025

Major new study reveals key insights into incel community

A major new study provides unprecedented insights into the incel community, revealing a diverse group marked by poor mental health, loneliness, and neurodiversity. The research challenges common stereotypes and highlights two key factors that contribute to the development of harmful attitudes and beliefs among incels.

SourceSwansea University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2025

Digital games facilitate learning about mental illness

A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that digital games can effectively teach people about depression, reducing stigma and increasing empathy. The study showed that participants who watched gaming videos on the topic reported improved knowledge, emotional responses, and motivation to learn more about depression.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 2, 2025

Research reveals missed opportunities to save George Floyd’s life

Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2025

Could personality tests help make bipolar disorder treatment more precise?

Researchers found that specific combinations of personality traits can predict bipolar disorder outcomes, with certain styles raising and others lowering the risk of depression. The study used data from over 2,500 people with bipolar disorder and suggests a personalized approach to treatment planning.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2025

The secret to happiness lies within you, or society -- or both

A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that individual happiness can be shaped by both internal attitudes and personal qualities, as well as external factors such as health, income, and relationships. The research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to improving happiness may not be effective, and instead, pers...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

Stress for success

A Griffith University study reveals that reframing stress as a motivator can lead to improved problem-solving skills and personal growth. Participants who underwent a 15-minute online stress mindset intervention showed no negative impact on their willingness to support others.

SourceGriffith University·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

Who is most likely to fall for fake news?

A global study of over 66,000 participants reveals that younger digital natives, conservatives, and those with lower education levels are more likely to fall for misinformation. The research underscores the importance of understanding who is most at risk to develop effective strategies for counteracting fake news.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Ready (or not) for love? Your friends likely agree

A new study from Michigan State University found that friends significantly agreed on who was ready for committed relationships and those who weren't. Friends of individuals with an insecure attachment style were also seen to be more insecure in their relationships, suggesting a link between social perceptions and romantic prospects.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateFeb 10, 2025

Entrepreneurs who take funding from close family and friends are more likely to pursue lower-risk growth options

New research from Indiana University finds that accepting funding from family and friends can lead entrepreneurs to make more conservative venture growth decisions. This 'funding-source-induced bias' can result in anticipated guilt, prompting founders to prioritize lower-risk strategies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Report: Conscientiousness, not willpower, is a reliable predictor of success

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that conscientiousness, not self-control or willpower, is a key factor in achieving lifelong success. Conscientious individuals tend to be more industrious and organized, leading to better academic and financial outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 10, 2024

Brain research: Study shows what your favourite film genres reveal about your brain

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that fans of action films and comedies react strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while those who prefer documentaries or crime films show a weaker reaction. The research suggests that people choose film genres that optimally stimulate their brains.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Study finds White Western women have lower body appreciation and greater media pressure to look thin

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2024

Deeper down the rabbit hole

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2024

Narcissism decreases with age, study finds

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people tend to become less narcissistic as they age from childhood through older adulthood. However, those who are more narcissistic as children tend to remain so as adults. The research analyzed data from 51 longitudinal studies and found a small decline in agentic...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 11, 2024

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Optimism wards off procrastination

A study published in Scientific Reports found that people with an optimistic outlook on the future are less likely to be severe procrastinators. The researchers surveyed nearly 300 young people and discovered that those who believed their stress levels would decrease in the future were more likely to overcome procrastination.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2024

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 29, 2024

To avenge or not to avenge? Psychologists dig deeper into how people see revenge and those who do it

A study published in the Social Psychological Bulletin found that people who take revenge are morally condemned, but those who experience pleasure from doing so may be viewed as immoral. The researchers also discovered that when participants imagined themselves taking revenge, they perceived themselves as less moral than others.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 13, 2024

Getting out of the political echo chamber

Research suggests that presenting a balanced and pragmatic approach can foster respect and increase willingness to engage in discussions with those holding opposing views. By focusing on practical solutions and showing concern for both sides' interests, individuals can break down polarized debates and build bridges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Why so many jobs are boring: New MSU study identifies large interest gaps in US labor market

A recent MSU study identified large gaps between people's career interests and U.S. job demands, indicating unfulfilled interests at work. The study found that artistic interests are the most popular but least demanded among jobs, while conventional or systematic work is highly demanded despite being less popular.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateMay 10, 2024

Life goals and their changes drive success

A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024