Articles tagged with Psychological Assessment
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...
A study by SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities found that people become more sensitive to feelings of disgust when they perceive their lives as being in danger. As a result, they tend to avoid foreigners, which is linked to an evolutionary response known as the behavioral immune system.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that sleep loss does not impact a person's ability to evaluate emotional situations, despite affecting their mood. However, sleep deprivation can make individuals less able to control their own emotional responses.
Researchers found associations between driving convictions, accidents, and behaviors like junk food consumption and alcohol. Genetic variation in serotonin metabolism was also linked to risky driving.
A new VA study finds a strong connection between PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity among female Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma. Treating anxiety may ease core PTSD symptoms, suggesting anxiety sensitivity as a potential target for treatment.
A pioneering EEG test has shown high effectiveness in detecting small changes in brain waves associated with memory recall. The passive test could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
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.
A recent study at Drexel University found that virtual reality art therapy can reduce prefrontal cortex activation, promoting relaxation and flow. The study also showed differences in brain function between creative self-expression and rote tracing tasks.
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.
A new study suggests some people choose to avoid feeling compassion, citing it as mentally taxing. However, when choosing to feel compassion towards close family members, the experience is easier and less challenging.
A unique study co-designed by young women aims to develop trauma-informed, gender-responsive mental health resources. The initiative seeks to provide dedicated safe spaces for young women to connect, lean on each other, and share experiences.
A new Yale University study reveals that social media platforms like Twitter amplify expressions of moral outrage over time, encouraging users to express more outrage with increased likes and shares. This finding has significant implications for leaders and policymakers who use these platforms.
Research found that members of low-status groups endorse hierarchy-enhancing ideologies as an in-group status-enhancement strategy. This challenges previous assumptions on the motivations of disadvantaged groups.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that experiencing rudeness amplifies the anchoring bias, leading people to fixate on one piece of information despite inconsistent feedback. Perspective-taking and information elaboration can counteract this effect, suggesting a need to rethink workplace behavior.
A recent study suggests that improving economic conditions can reduce radicalization efforts, but trying to render people psychologically less susceptible can backfire. Conspiracies have become a powerful tool for far-right groups to manipulate public discourse and drive the growing radicalization of average Americans.
The TEMPUS project explores how people with varying needs will interact with self-driving vehicles and how to make urban traffic safer for all road users. Researchers are using surveys, focus group discussions, workshops, and observations to gather insights into user acceptance and human-technology interaction.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of care for miscarriage, including testing, treatment, pre-pregnancy counselling, and psychological support. The authors estimate that approximately 23 million miscarriages occur every year globally, affecting up to 15% of all pregnancies.
A survey of 3,536 healthcare workers reveals that 67% are experiencing burnout. Healthcare workers who receive frequent COVID-19 tests are less likely to experience burnout compared to those who do not.
A Rutgers-led study found that structural racism and anti-LGBTQ policies compound to negatively impact the psychological and behavioral health of Black gay, bisexual men. These oppressive policies must be changed to support their human rights and improve mental and physical health.
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.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that using euphemistic language can bias people's evaluations of actions to be more favorable. The researchers used agreeable terms, such as 'enhanced interrogation,' instead of disagreeable ones, like 'torture,' to see how it affects people's judgments.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that regret does not contribute to changes in sexual behavior. Women tend to regret casual sex more than men, while men regret missing opportunities more. The researchers suggest that personality plays a significant role in shaping behavior, rather than emotions like regret.
Researchers found that a widely used technique for autism screening is being misused, leading to potential misdiagnoses. The University of Bath team calls for an urgent review and recommends using the correct cut-off score of '6 or above' instead of NICE's 'more than 6 out of 10'.
A new study uses psychological distance as a way to leverage qualities of existing consumer-brand relationships, finding that matching the distance with language can improve outcomes like brand spending and charitable donations. The research highlights the value for marketers to embrace the relationship status quo.
The new scientific statement emphasizes the importance of mental health screening for people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Regular psychological therapy and mind-body programs can lead to better cardiovascular health, while negative psychological factors are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
A team of researchers, including a Nobel laureate, argues that modern decision theory can help policymakers navigate the uncertainty of a pandemic. By accounting for three layers of uncertainty, formal decision rules can provide clarity and test intuition.
Men's psychological well-being declined more than women during the second wave of the pandemic, with a significant drop in scores on the WHO-5 well-being index. The study suggests that uncertainty related to employment may play a role in this gender difference.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that significant psychological distress among Americans surged during the pandemic's early months, comparable to the entire previous year. People with pre-pandemic distress were more likely to experience it again, highlighting the need for targeted services to vulnerable populations.
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.
The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) is a new tool measuring work-attributed depressive symptoms. Researchers found that 7.6% of participants met criteria for job-ascribed depression, highlighting the need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers developed interventions to increase psychological ownership, making users feel more responsible for public resources. Kayakers who gave a nickname to a lake felt more ownership and were more likely to pick up trash. Participants who saw 'YOUR park' signs also showed increased donations and willingness to volunteer.
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.
A new study finds that burnout has a greater impact on work stress than vice versa, leading to a downward spiral of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. Providing adequate support and promoting employee control are key to preventing this cycle.
Two new papers address outstanding ethical issues in BCI technology, including physical and psychological effects, and offer guidance for addressing those issues. The studies also explore the potential of BCI technologies for cognitive enhancement and highlight the need for more public engagement with the field.
Recent research shows that chimpanzees, like humans, increasingly prioritize mutual and equitable friendships with others as they get older. Younger adults tend to form lopsided relationships, while older chimpanzees focus on maintaining smaller, fulfilling networks of close friends.
Research finds that increasing feelings of ownership towards a public good enhances stewardship behavior, causing individuals to take direct action to care for the setting. Participants who felt a sense of ownership were more likely to pick up trash or donate money to park maintenance efforts.
Researchers at University of Konstanz found that short periods of massage or rest can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing psychological and physiological stress. Participants experienced increased heart rate variability and reported feeling more relaxed after receiving a massage or resting for ten minutes.
A new study published in the Journal of Employment Counseling found that high levels of self-regulation predict better well-being, job search clarity, and job search self-efficacy. The findings suggest that employment counseling efforts should help individuals improve their self-regulation to achieve positive outcomes after job loss.
Scientists found that when someone is caught staring, their brain sends a signal that the gaze is not significant, allowing others to ignore it. This study sheds light on how social dynamics shape visual attention and reveals the brain's ability to perceive intentions behind an averted glance.
A long-term study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased average life satisfaction and positive feelings among Germans. Those who perceived the crisis as a challenge and used constructive coping strategies reported higher subjective well-being.
A large-scale study of over 212,000 active duty Army personnel found that those with stable positive character strengths prior to deployment were less likely to struggle with mental health issues after returning home. In contrast, those with lower character strengths experienced further declines and were at higher risk for major mental...
A new study examines ventilation and medication strategies to prevent psychological trauma in COVID-19 ARDS survivors. Researchers found that opiates are the most reliable agent for relieving air hunger, while sedatives often do not alleviate shortness of breath.
Researchers found that functional MRI measurements are highly suspect for predicting individual brain patterns, leading them to shift focus to brain structure measures instead. The study's findings have significant implications for the field of fMRI research, highlighting the need for more reliable methods.
A new study by the University of Rochester and University of Toronto found that couples who accurately perceive appeasement emotions, such as embarrassment, have better relationships. In contrast, couples where either partner feels negative emotions, regardless of whether those emotions are accurately perceived, have poorer relationships.
Scientists have identified a key brain region responsible for executive functions, including selective attention and working memory. The study found that damage to the inferior frontal junction area (IFJ) can lead to impairments in these abilities, as seen in individuals with dysexecutive syndrome.
A VCU study examines 348 psychological manipulations and finds that roughly 42% have no validity evidence, while others are validated in limited ways. The study suggests that many psychological experiments rely on an untested foundation, prompting recommendations for experimenters to improve their practices.
The University of Utah has awarded seed grants to 56 cross-campus projects exploring COVID-19's impact on domestic violence and mental health. These projects will develop innovative strategies to prevent, treat, and mitigate the long-term effects of physical isolation.
The collection of articles highlights the importance of neuropsychological and psychological applications in neurorehabilitation, addressing various etiologies and recovery outcomes. Innovative treatment methodologies such as solution-focused brief therapy and holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation are also discussed.
A standardized dementia test has been adapted for use in seven Indian languages, enabling accurate diagnosis and mild cognitive impairment detection. The study found high diagnostic accuracy, making it a valuable tool for future cross-national research studies.
A new study found that testing enhances both memory and the ability to make inferences about subject matter. The researchers tested participants with either rote restudy or testing, and found that testing improved long-term memory and inference over a period of 25 days.
Research by Arizona State University's Tess Neal found that psychological tests used in courts are not always scientifically valid and are rarely challenged. The study examined 364 commonly used psychological assessment tools and found that only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric properties.
A new study reveals that brain imaging can improve diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders by identifying distinct neurobiological signatures. The research used machine learning to analyze the brains of over 1,100 children and adolescents with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Researchers developed a new dynamic measurement model that uses standardized test scores to predict future academic performance, capturing what is going on in the data and predicting learning potential three times better than existing methods.
Researchers found that esports players faced 51 different stress factors, including communication problems and concerns with live audiences, mirroring the mental conditions experienced by pro athletes. The investigation recommended psychological training for top players to develop effective coping strategies.
Researchers found that when déjà vu occurred, subjects experienced a strong 'postdictive' bias, feeling they knew the turn was coming. This bias was linked to feelings of familiarity and hindsight. Déjà vu is often accompanied by intense prediction feelings, but not actual prediction.
A national survey of physicians found that 99% have experienced care cascades, causing patients psychological harm, physical harm, and financial burden. Physicians report waste of time and effort due to cascades, emphasizing the need for guidelines and patient education.