Need for streamlined miscarriage care in Canada
Miscarriage affects 15-20% of pregnancies, causing devastating effects. Outpatient early pregnancy assessment clinics can provide compassionate and tailored care, but services are lagging.
Psychological Assessment
Articles tagged with Psychological Assessment
Educational psychologists can play a part in fighting TikTok mental health and neurodiversity misinformation
A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.
Older adults appear less emotionally affected by heat
A WSU-led study found that older adults tend to experience more discomfort in high heat, but it doesn't affect their mood as much as younger adults. Emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and moderated by age.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender or gender-nonconforming US college students
A cross-sectional study reveals a significant risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender and gender-nonconforming US college students. The study emphasizes the importance of providing targeted support to address this issue.
Psychological distress in adults and caregivers about food allergy is widespread and unrecognized, finds Aston University-led research
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
Environmental quality of life benefits women worldwide
A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.
Childhood social interactions combat stereotypes
Research reveals that children who attended day care regularly are more likely to overcome stereotypical beliefs in adulthood. Participants who spent time in day care were quicker to adjust their behavior when interacting with people of different ages.
Bodily awareness could curb scams and fraud against older adults
Researchers found that older adults who were more attuned to their heartbeat were better at spotting liars and phishing emails. This study suggests that training people in body awareness could improve deception detection skills, particularly among the elderly, who lose an estimated $28 billion annually to financial scams.
Researchers achieve a significant advancement in early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents
Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...
Knowing you have a brain aneurysm may raise anxiety risk, other mental health conditions
A new study published in the Stroke journal found that people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 85,000 people, found that younger adults were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
Telehealth mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain
Scalable telehealth mindfulness-based interventions show promise in treating chronic pain by improving function and reducing symptoms. The low-resource approach could accelerate the adoption of nonpharmacological pain treatment in healthcare systems.
Venting your frustrations can make friends like you better – if you do it right
Researchers at UCLA found that venting frustrations to a friend can make them more likable and create stronger bonds, but only when listeners don't perceive aggressive intent. This 'competition' for friends' affections can lead to improved health, happiness, and social support.
Medical issues experienced by women and children after returning from Hamas captivity
A new study published in Acta Paediatrica reports on the physical and psychological state of 19 children and 7 women who were released from Hamas captivity. The returnees suffered from various health complications, including gastrointestinal pathogens and infectious diseases, as well as trauma and poor hygiene-related issues.
Individuals vary in how air pollution impacts their mood
Researchers found that air pollution affects people differently, causing some to feel less aroused and more negative. The study suggests that this effect can contribute to increased anxiety risk and inform climate adaptation planning.
Adding a 9th psychological health metric to life’s essential 8 enhances the cardiovascular health construct for predicting mortality risk
A new study found that adding a ninth psychological health metric to Life's Essential 8 strongly predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The enhanced score showed up to 70% lower mortality risk compared to the original eight metrics.
Wayne State University professor receives career achievement award from the Society for Health Psychology
Mark Lumley, a distinguished professor at Wayne State University, received the 2024 Nathan W. Perry Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology. He was recognized for his decades-long contributions to the field of health psychology, particularly in chronic pain disorders.
Upfront mental health supports for men with prostate cancer
Researchers highlight acute need for mental health services and support for men with prostate cancer. The study found that 15% of prostate cancer patients started anti-anxiety and antidepression medications at diagnosis, while only 6% sought help from mental health services.
For bigger muscles push close to failure, for strength, maybe not
Research from Florida Atlantic University reveals that training closer to failure can boost muscle growth, while having no clear impact on strength gains. The study analyzed data from 55 studies and suggests that individuals who aim to build muscle should work within a desired range of 0-5 reps short of failure.
Transforming higher education for minority students: Minor adjustments, major impacts
A new psychological intervention has been introduced to enhance the sense of belonging and academic performance of minority students. The intervention involves displaying lecturers' names in multiple languages, resulting in improved grades for Palestinian students.
Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims on the internet and social media about the anti-Mullerian hormone test
Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.
Smoking behavior is linked to personality traits
Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.
High ceilings linked to poorer exam results for uni students
Researchers from UniSA and Deakin University found a link between rooms with high ceilings and poorer examination results. The study analyzed data from 15,400 undergraduate students, comparing their exam scores to ceiling heights, and found lower scores when sitting exams in larger rooms.
Do traumatic life experiences impact perception of distressing imagery?
Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.
Unravelling the gendered undertones of narcissism
Researchers found that men exhibit grandiose narcissism, while women display vulnerable narcissism, which is associated with a greater risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence and bullying. Vulnerable narcissism in women can also lead to subtle but significant harm.
How community stress affects Black Americans’ mental health and wellbeing
A new study found that community stress significantly impacts the mental health and emotional well-being of Black Americans, particularly women. Objective neighborhood quality was related to lower levels of negative emotions in women, while perceived community stress had a similar effect on men's emotionality.
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.
Why students cheat in online exams
Researchers at the University of Cologne found that students' negative perceptions of online exams can lead to increased cheating behavior, while positive perceptions and moral norms can reduce it. The study suggests that lecturers should consider students' psychological factors when designing courses and exam formats.
How infections influence our social empathy
Researchers found that acute inflammation from bacterial endotoxin administration led to a significant reduction in empathy for psychological pain in healthy women. The study highlights the impact of inflammation on both physical and interpersonal relationships.
People make more patient decisions when shown the benefits first
A new study published in Nature Communications found that people tend to prefer shorter-term options when presented with the delay first, but choose longer-term options when presented with the reward first. By focusing on the benefits of waiting, individuals can improve their self-control and make better long-term choices.
Your unsupportive partner is physically stressing you out
A new study from Binghamton University found that couples who receive more negative social support tend to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress reactions. In contrast, those who receive positive support exhibit lower cortisol levels and feel more understood, validated, and cared for by their partner.
Want to feel young? Protect your sleep
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sleep affects how old one feels, with insufficient sleep adding 0.23 years to age perception. A study found that restricting sleep for two nights increased participants' perceived age by an average of 4.4 years, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sleep for a youthful feeling.
If faces look like demons, you could have this extraordinary condition
A new Dartmouth study reports on a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare condition that distorts facial features. The researchers used computer software to visualize the patient's real-time perception of face distortions, providing accurate and photorealistic visualizations for the first time.
The Wim Hof method may reduce inflammation, per systematic review
The Wim Hof method has been found to increase epinephrine levels and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory response. However, its impact on exercise performance is less clear, with some studies showing benefits and others finding no significant difference.
Researchers show that menopause does not always impact mental health
A new review paper from Brigham and Women's Hospital concludes that menopause does not uniformly elevate the risk of depression and other mental health conditions. Certain groups, such as those with a history of depression or severe sleep disturbances, are more likely to experience depressive symptoms during menopause.
Screen time, sociodemographic factors, and psychological well-being among young children
A multiyear cross-sectional study found a strong association between high daily screen time and lower psychological well-being among preschool-aged children. The study also showed that screen time remained elevated in children from poverty-stricken areas even after returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2021.
Expressing workplace anger: Not the way to get ahead
Researchers found that people do not reward the expression of anger with more status, perceiving it as inappropriate and counter-instrumental for workplace goals. The study challenges previous research suggesting a positive correlation between expressing anger and achieving high status in the workplace.
New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets
A new review of international research highlights the dangers of forced separation from pets in crisis situations like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study found a lack of support services puts people and animals at risk of distress and harm.
Suicidal thoughts and trajectories of psychopathological and behavioral symptoms in adolescence
Persistent withdrawn and somatic symptoms in adolescence increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in mid-adolescence. The study found that these symptoms persist or increase over time to be particularly concerning for suicidal risk.
Couples: Caring for oneself can lead to happier relationships – on both sides
A new study found that self-compassion within romantic relationships can improve both partners' relationship satisfaction. Men in particular benefit from their partner's self-compassion, leading to higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
Distinct sex differences persist in countries with higher standards of living
Despite improved living conditions, sex differences in personality, verbal skills, and negative emotions are larger in countries with higher standards of living. Women tend to benefit more from these improvements, exhibiting greater altruism and cooperative ability, while men show better cognitive skills but at a smaller advantage.
Can we trust students to collect data ready to use in scientific research?
A study found that 64% of students did not engage in problematic behaviors, while 26% let participants take part despite knowing the hypothesis. Supervisors underestimated the prevalence of certain behaviors, highlighting the need for improved communication and Open Science education.
Study explores accuracy of computerized ADHD test
A new study has found that the QbTest, a widely used computerized test for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is not accurate enough to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. The researchers emphasize that the QbTest should be used in conjunction with clinical assessment and judgment to arrive at a diagnosis.
AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye
Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.
Addicted to your phone? New tool identifies overuse of digital media
The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS) is a new tool that measures digital media addiction, providing clinically relevant scores across various domains. Researchers found that overuse is typically reported in one or a few domains only, with social media being a significant concern.
No ‘smoking gun’ mental health harm from internet: landmark Oxford survey
A major international study of two million individuals in 168 countries found smaller associations than expected between internet adoption and psychological well-being. Life satisfaction increased more for females over the period, but no specific demographic patterns were identified among internet users.
Higher cognitive ability linked to higher chance of having voted against Brexit
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher cognitive ability were more likely to vote Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Additionally, people whose spouses had higher cognitive ability were also more likely to cast their ballots for Remain.
A new diagnostic tool to identify and treat pathological social withdrawal, Hikikomori
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool to identify and treat Hikikomori, a condition characterized by prolonged physical isolation or social withdrawal. The Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation (HiDE) assesses the severity of social withdrawal, providing a practical guide for clinicians.
People struggling with work addiction feel unwell even when they are working
A study found that workaholics have a consistently negative mood throughout the day, regardless of workload. Women are more vulnerable to workaholism due to role conflict and cultural expectations.
How certain media talk about AI may have everything to do with political ideology
Virginia Tech researchers analyzed partisan media sentiment toward AI and found that liberal-leaning media tend to have a more negative tone than conservative media. The study suggests that this opposition can be attributed to concerns over AI amplifying existing social biases, such as racial and income disparities.
Too good to be true: promising method to study body fat allegedly linked to warming cuddles and social attachment disputed
Researchers tested infrared thermography protocol, but found it unreliable for measuring brown adipose tissue activity. The team suggests alternative methodologies to study links between thermoregulation and social behaviors.
AI recognizes faces but not like the human brain
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that AI's deep convolutional neural networks can identify faces but struggle to capture other important information like emotional state and trustworthiness. Brain activity scans revealed a weak correlation between AI's codes and human brain represent...
Higher risk of breast cancer in women with false positive mammography result
Researchers found a significant long-term increased risk of breast cancer among women with false-positive mammography results. The risk is highest in women aged 60-75 and those with low breast density, facing a 60% increased risk over the subsequent 20 years.
Empathetic cancer clinicians promote psychological well-being in breast cancer patients
A Rutgers study examines how oncology doctors facilitate psychological well-being, finding that providers who show more empathy promote better psychological health among breast cancer patients. The research also highlights the importance of addressing uncertainty throughout the cancer trajectory to facilitate psychological adjustment.
Postsurgery memory impairment in middle-aged Chinese patients
Middle-aged Chinese surgery patients experience subjective cognitive impairment within 12 months after surgery, with identified risk factors. Preoperative psychological interventions and optimized perioperative management may help prevent postoperative cognitive impairment.
Reflecting on one’s values increases success in job search
A 15-minute reflection exercise strengthens job seekers' belief in themselves, making them more effective applicants. The study found that this self-reflection increased the chances of finding a job, even for those over 50 and long-term unemployed.
Not the usual suspects: New interactive lineup boosts eyewitness accuracy
Researchers found that interactive digital face lineups improved identification accuracy, allowing witnesses to actively explore faces and match them to their recollection. The study revealed a significant reduction in misidentifications, with improvements of 27-35% over traditional photo arrays and 35-75% over video lineups.
Life satisfaction may not enhance cognitive functioning among some older adults
A new study suggests that life satisfaction has limited benefits for cognitive function in older adults experiencing health or socioeconomic challenges. High life satisfaction was associated with increased cognitive functioning among most individuals, but it was less beneficial for those with low SES, poor health, or adverse psychologi...
University of Cincinnati research examines the molecular mechanism of psychological loss
A new study from the University of Cincinnati explores the molecular mechanism of psychological loss through enrichment removal, identifying a key area of the brain that plays a role in this experience. The research highlights the importance of understanding how loss affects mental health and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.
Surprising study results: Students are bored during exams
Researchers discovered that test boredom is a significant issue in exams, with underchallenging and overchallenging tasks exacerbating the problem. The study's findings suggest that exam tasks should be relevant to students' lives to minimize test boredom, which can lead to poor performance and negative consequences.
Is research adequately assessing mental health interventions for children in low- and middle-income countries?
Most research focuses on treating existing mental health conditions rather than preventing them or promoting mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently researched outcomes. The findings reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.