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Introducing Nikola, the emotional android kid

Researchers from RIKEN created Nikola, an android child that can convey six basic emotions through facial expressions. The study tested the quality of these expressions and found that humans can recognize them with varying accuracy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 15, 2022

Large majority of citizens trust science

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that the majority of citizens trust science, with a significant increase in trust since the pandemic began. The study also revealed that educational level is a key factor in shaping trust judgment, and that scientists' intentions and expertise are crucial in maintaining public trust.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

Mental health is an issue for people with spinal cord injury. Chronic pain makes it worse

Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSpinal Cord·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Suicidal thoughts can help identify teens with a variety of treatable psychosocial problems

A new study finds that adolescents with frequent suicidal thoughts are at risk for a range of psychological and social issues, including depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and more. Pediatricians can use screening tools to identify teens who need help, regardless of whether they will attempt suicide.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

New research reveals COVID-19 traumatic stress may predict PTSD, particularly for people with a history of trauma

A new study by Georgia State University reveals that COVID-19 traumatic stress may predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, especially in individuals with a history of past trauma. The findings showed a positive association between COVID-19 traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms across racial groups, except for Asian Americans.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 25, 2022

Redefining alcohol use disorder

Researchers at MU developed a new framework to identify people previously overlooked for AUD, focusing on 13 risk factors such as impulsive behavior and reward sensitivity. The framework aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and connect individuals with tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 24, 2022

How much do students learn when they double the speed of their class videos?

A new UCLA study shows that students can learn and retain information quite well when watching lectures at speeds of up to double the normal speed. However, once they exceed this limit, comprehension begins to suffer. The researchers found that spending time saved by speeding up videos on additional studying activities enhances learning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJan 11, 2022

Is shaming kids effective? The answer depends on parents' religiosity level, Hebrew University study finds

A Hebrew University study found that parents' religiosity level impacts their child's behavior. In secular Jewish families, psychological control was linked to reduced helpfulness, while in religious Jewish and Muslim families, it showed the opposite effect. The research suggests that parenting style is culturally context-dependent.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Medicinal cannabis oil found effective for treating autism

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving behavioral and biochemical parameters. The treatment showed significant improvement in compulsive and anxious behaviors, and a decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 19, 2021

Almost all asylum-seeking children and parents who had been forced to separate at the US-Mexico border were subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, depressive and/or anxiety disorders, even after reunification

Forced family separation on the US-Mexico border led to a high incidence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety disorders in asylum-seeking children and parents. Reunification did not alleviate these symptoms, highlighting the need for continued support and intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2021

Machine learning can provide strong predictive accuracy for identifying adolescents that have experienced suicidal thoughts and behavior

A new machine learning-based algorithm has been developed to identify adolescents who have experienced suicidal thoughts and behavior. The algorithm, applied to a large dataset of survey responses from over 179,000 high school students in Utah, shows high accuracy in predicting individual adolescents at risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2021

Worsening depression cuts survival in lung cancer patients

A new study has found that worsening depression after diagnosis significantly reduces the survival of lung cancer patients. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was found to be a key factor in understanding how depression relates to premature death. Patients with worsening depression had shorter lifespans, even when receiving advanced...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

No, stress isn’t always bad. Here’s how to harness it

University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Is right-wing authoritarianism a cognitive conservatism?

A new study published in the Social Bulletin of Psychology found that right-wing authoritarianism is more closely tied to how people acquire positive attitudes than changing them. The researchers suggest that individuals with RWA tend to be more sensitive to negative information, leading them to stick to positive information and avoid ...

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateAug 2, 2021

Faulty memories of our past whereabouts: The fallacy of an airtight alibi

A study examined how humans remember past locations using GPS tracking and sound recordings. Participants' memories were often incorrect, especially when events were similar or involved similar sounds/movements, highlighting the fallacy of an airtight alibi. The findings have implications for alibi generation and investigation strategies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 7, 2021

Face off for best ID checkers

A new face identification ability test, GFMT2, has been developed to identify high-performing facial recognition individuals known as super-recognisers. This test will help prevent false identity matches made by facial recognition software and improve recruitment for roles such as visa processors and passport issuers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 5, 2021

Have a pandemic plan? Most people did not

A survey of 217 participants found that most people were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, with 62% having no plan at all. The study suggests that building basic health literacy skills can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·DateJun 30, 2021

Association of symptoms of PTSD with posttraumatic psychological growth among US veterans during COVID-19 pandemic

A national survey of US veterans found that those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced positive psychological changes, including personal growth and appreciation for life, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests a complex relationship between PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic psychological growth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 8, 2021

Bosses need appreciation, too

A recent study found that feeling appreciated by subordinates boosts the energy and optimism of supervisors, leading to higher levels of psychological well-being and positive behaviors at work. The research suggests that external validation can be particularly powerful for supervisors who lack internal validation.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Management·DateDec 10, 2020

Accounting for 'research fatigue' in human studies

Research fatigue in marginalized communities is a systemic issue that requires systematic responses, as noted by Florence Ashley. The article emphasizes the need for researchers to ensure studies are responsive to the community's needs and tailored to minimize fatigue.

SourceWiley·JournalBioethics·DateNov 18, 2020