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Do embedded counseling services in veterinary education work? A new study says “yes.”

A groundbreaking study by University of Missouri researchers shows that embedded counseling services in veterinary programs lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees. The study also highlights the critical role of mental health support in high-stress professional education, with implications for...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Medical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2025

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

Animal characters can boost young children’s psychological development, study suggests

A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Standardized autism screening during pediatric well visits identified more, younger children with high likelihood for autism diagnosis

A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2024

Are autistic adults more vulnerable to criminal exploitation?

A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.

SourceFlinders University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Remote tool developed to helped detect autism and developmental delay in children with limited access to specialists

A new remote tool has been developed to detect autism and developmental delay in children. The Kids’ Development Diagnosis methodology was adapted into a mobile app, allowing for swift and efficient diagnosis. This digital tool can help prevent lifelong impacts of early intervention.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·DateOct 22, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEducational Psychology in Practice·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2024

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.

SourceAston University·JournalAllergy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 2, 2024

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.

SourceDartmouth College·Journalnpj Science of Learning·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

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...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2024

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 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

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

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.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

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.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 13, 2024

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 3, 2024