Articles tagged with Psychological Assessment
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology finds that tools assessing bias in standardized tests are flawed, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals. The research, led by Indiana University's Herman Aguinis, used a massive simulation to reveal biases in test scores that were missed by top experts.
Two new tests have been developed by Harvard psychologists to predict patients' risk of attempting suicide. The first test measures attention to suicide-related stimuli, while the second assesses implicit mental associations between death/suicide and oneself. These behavioral markers show great promise in identifying high-risk individu...
Researchers developed a dynamic HIV testing device that eliminates human error and requires no technician intervention. The device is 100% accurate, inexpensive, portable, and self-contained, making it suitable for rural clinics and pharmacies in developing countries.
A random sample of 1205 black, white, and mixed-race faces showed mixed-race individuals were rated as more attractive. The study's findings suggest a biological phenomenon known as heterosis may contribute to this perception.
A new study suggests that just four days of mindfulness meditation can significantly improve cognitive skills, including critical thinking and sustained attention. Participants who received the meditation training performed up to ten times better on a computer adaptive n-back task than those who listened to a book.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people who have a stronger association between death and self are more likely to attempt suicide. This association can be measured using an Implicit Association Test (IAT), which may provide a new tool for identifying and predicting clinical behaviors that are not reported verbally.
Scientists have developed a low-cost behavioral assessment that can detect changes in the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and predict Alzheimer's disease. The test measures information processing capacity, which correlates with hippocampal degradation and decline in brain function.
Researchers at UAB Center for Research in Applied Gerontology are testing InSight software to enhance reflexes and reaction time among senior adult drivers, aiming to reduce car crashes. The study involves training exercises on a computer screen and has the potential to help older adults maintain their cognitive function and mobility.
Researchers found that great apes from socio-linguistically rich environments outperformed those raised in standard laboratory settings. Apes who received simultaneous pointing and vocalization cues performed best, suggesting a potential link between environment and language development.
A new study by Prof. Ofra Mayseless at the University of Haifa found a moderate correlation between psychological maturity and spiritual development in college students. The study suggests that each developmental domain contributes independently to attributes such as generosity and pro-social actions.
A standard ICD test is associated with significant thought-processing problems that improve for most patients after one year. The study found that more than one-third of participants experienced cognitive decline, mainly affecting attention and memory.
Research from Psychological Science found that attachment styles can affect how individuals remember relationship events, with anxious and avoidant individuals recalling experiences based on their needs and goals. The study's results suggest that attachment styles influence how we interpret memories of interactions with our partners.
Men experience lower levels of guilt compared to women, particularly in interpersonal situations, with a greater prevalence of anxious-aggressive guilt among women, especially those over 40. Educational practices and socializing agents can help reduce this trend.
Researchers used MEG to distinguish between neural activity of PTSD patients and healthy controls with over 90% accuracy. A positive association was found between prediction certainty and symptom severity, suggesting potential use in gauging disorder levels.
A worldwide study analyzed data from 69 countries and found small but significant gender differences in math skills, with girls performing as well as boys when given the right educational tools. The research highlights the need for schools, teachers, and families to encourage girls' math learning.
Recent systematic reviews indicate that psychological debriefing of adults does not prevent post-traumatic stress disorder and may even increase the risk. Two programs offering Psychological First Aid and cognitive behavioral support show promise of effectiveness in preventing PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.
College students who practice retrieving knowledge through self-testing learn more effectively than those who rely on repetitive note reading. The key is not dropping flashcards once mastered, as retrieval fluency can create an illusion of learning.
A study by Eva Pomerantz and Qian Wang found that parental control in Western countries can have negative effects on children's psychological development, while in East Asia, it may be more accepted due to cultural differences. The researchers recommend limiting parents' intrusiveness in their children's lives for both regions.
A University of Florida study found that exercise alone can improve body image, regardless of the actual physical benefits. The researchers discovered that people who don't meet fitness standards feel just as good about their bodies as those who are more athletic.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people who sit up straight are more likely to believe positive thoughts about their qualifications and abilities. In contrast, those who slouch over have less confidence in their own thoughts. The study suggests that body posture can influence how we think about ourselves.
A new report calls for reform of clinical psychology training programs and accreditation system to ensure mental health clinicians use evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for PTSD with fewer side effects, yet many psychologists do not use it.
Cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) are at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents, with a 16% rate compared to 4% for those without MHE. A study found that ICT was a superior test in identifying patients at risk of future auto accidents.
A new study by psychologists at the University at Buffalo finds that individuals' stories about national trauma are linked to their emotional distress. The researchers found that those who described traumatic events with a sense of closure and redemption had lower levels of distress and higher well-being.
A new study by researchers from Université de Montréal's Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital-Fernand-Seguin Research Centre and McGill University Health Centre found that only a small percentage of individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder received treatment, while many others reported symptoms but did not seek help due to fea...
A new study reveals that memory loss is the only reliable factor for predicting dementia risk in elderly individuals, contradicting previous test results. The study's findings highlight the need for continuous adjustments in dementia detection tools as older generations exhibit improved performance on standardized psychological tests.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that short-term visual memories of colors and shapes can last for at least four seconds without gradually fading away. After this period, the memories disappear completely, providing a clearer understanding of how memory formation and retention work.
Researchers discovered a preference for processing information on the left side of faces, which can aid in facial recognition. In contrast, experts who read Chinese characters exhibit reduced holistic processing and show a left-side bias, indicating general visual expertise.
Researchers found that feeling good encourages individuals to explore values inconsistent with their cultural norms, while feeling bad reinforces traditional stereotypes. This suggests that emotions play a significant role in shaping our cultural identities.
A new project aims to analyze if ethical training programs can prevent doping and unfair behavior in sports by teaching ethical competencies. The online program will be designed to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing doping among young elite athletes aged 12-14.
Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.
The 'Besieged in Britain' report reveals the psychological damage caused by extreme denials of civil liberties, including severe mental health problems and suicide attempts. The policy has led to men being held under house arrest for long periods, subjected to random police searches, and forced to leave their families.
A new Northwestern University study uses brain-reading technology to show that people can be more accurate in recognizing familiar images when distracted or guessing than when paying full attention. The research suggests that implicit recognition may play a significant role in everyday decision-making and problem-solving.
Researchers found that increased temptation, such as sweets in a gym setting, can actually decrease desire for them. This counteractive self-control theory suggests the mind dampens desire to protect greater goals like good health. The study also applied this concept to other temptations like work and play.
A recent study found that when people are told false information about an event shortly after witnessing it, they become less likely to remember the actual details. However, forcing them to recall what they witnessed shortly afterwards improves their ability to learn and retain false information.
A simple questionnaire can replace a doctor's exam to qualify for a job, providing a more accurate forecast of competency. The test is highly effective, with 98% accuracy, and can help those previously deemed unemployable find suitable work. This innovation brings excellent news for employers, reducing medical costs and litigation risks.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that spending time in nature improves attention and memory processes. Volunteers who took a walk in a park performed better on a task than those who walked downtown or viewed urban scenes.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with a higher sense of power experienced less compassion and distress when confronted with another's suffering. High-power individuals' autonomic emotion regulation increased, buffering against their partner's distress.
Research shows nostalgia enhances psychological health by boosting self-esteem and perceptions of social support. Nostalgia also counteracts loneliness and provides a link between past and present selves.
A recent study found that prejudice influences people's perceptions of what ethnic minority faces look like, with prejudiced individuals viewing certain faces as more criminal-looking. The research suggests that this bias may serve as a stereotype-maintaining device.
A new study found that African American adolescent girls whose mothers used psychological control, such as guilt trips and withdrawn affection, reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. In contrast, boys showed no such effect. The researchers suggest a need for parents to strike a balance between giving children autonomy and guidi...
A large study of physicians found that doctors tend to mirror the attitudes of the majority and implicitly favor whites over blacks. This suggests that subtle race bias may affect healthcare quality, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
A study by Frederik Anseel and Wouter Duyck found that employees are more likely to work for companies with matching initials, a phenomenon known as the name-letter effect. The researchers analyzed data from over 100 Belgian employees and discovered a significant correlation between employee initials and company names.
A study of 215 women who underwent BRCA testing found that personal beliefs about inconclusive results are a strong predictor of psychological adjustment. Women with higher levels of worry and distress were more likely to struggle with the uncertainty of their test results.
Long-term cancer survivors are more likely to experience severe psychological distress than adults never diagnosed with cancer. Younger survivors aged less than 65 years old were particularly at risk, the study found. The research aims to raise awareness of psychosocial needs among long-term survivors and encourage routine screening.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a decision-making instrument called the Test Accessibility and Modification Inventory (TAMI) to address the issue of accessibility for students with special needs. The tool helps test developers apply principles of universal design to create more inclusive assessments.
Researchers Chen-Bo Zhong and Geoffrey Leonardelli found that socially excluded individuals experience a physical feeling of coldness, which is linked to their preference for warm food and drinks. This study suggests that warm chicken soup may be a literal coping mechanism for social isolation.
A study by Brandeis University suggests that age-related differences exist in how people view their past, present, and future expectations. Younger adults tend to be more optimistic about their future, while older adults are more realistic and accurate in their predictions.
A substudy of the IBIS II trial found no significant differences in cognitive assessments between postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and placebo, but noted more endocrine symptoms such as hot flushes in the anastrozole group.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario developed a method to tap into automatic mental associations of undecided individuals, predicting their future decisions on controversial issues. The implicit association test was used to analyze participants' responses, showing significant correlations between initial and final beliefs.
A new study found biracial Asian Americans are twice as likely as monoracial peers to be diagnosed with a psychological disorder. The research controlled for factors like age and stress but found no difference in life experiences.
Children's ability to plan for the future develops around age 4, with 4- and 5-year-olds performing better than 3-year-olds. Additionally, children's current physiological state can affect their ability to imagine themselves in a specific situation, as seen in studies on pretend scenarios and hunger.
Research by Dr Jane Fowler found strikers experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, but those actively involved in union activities showed lower symptoms. Unions can support members with financial assistance and counselling to reduce psychological impact.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that Western cultures tend to emphasize psychological symptoms of depression, while East-Asian cultures emphasize somatic or physical symptoms. The study also revealed a link between cultural differences in thinking styles and symptom reporting.
Researchers used a study on pen choice to investigate Japanese and American cultural differences. Contrary to previous stereotypes, the findings suggest that cultural differences are not due to inherent preferences, but rather how individuals interpret ambiguous situations.
TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Researchers found that wanting what you have contributes to happiness, but only up to a point. Having what you want also brings happiness, but in moderation. The key to true happiness lies in appreciating the possessions you already own and managing desires for more.
A study found that severe housing damage is a key factor behind socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress after Hurricane Katrina. The research also revealed that blacks were substantially more likely to experience serious psychological distress, with almost one-third reporting high levels of distress.
A study using the ultimatum game found that even when subjects stood to gain the same amount of money, they were happier with fair offers and more disdainful of lopsided deals. The brain's emotional response was linked to regions associated with reward and self-control.
A study by Ohio State University found no improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control among participants exposed to aromatherapy oils. However, lemon oil showed a positive effect on moods, while lavender oil had no impact.
A team of psychologists found that people's emotional desire for a mate leads them to believe there are fewer desirable partners available, even when the numbers are equal. This 'value heuristic' affects judgmental decisions in everyday life and can sometimes lead to unrealistic assumptions about reality