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How humans repress prejudices

Research by Dr Beate Krickel suggests that people can hold unconscious biases despite professing tolerant views. These biases can be detected using psychological tests, but may be masked by repression of negative emotions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateMay 16, 2018

Why US policies for dyslexia should be scrapped

Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.

A majority of middle-aged people show a high level of mental well-being

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found a surprisingly high level of mental well-being among middle-aged individuals. The research examined multiple dimensions of mental well-being and identified four groups with varying levels of mental well-being. Individuals on the high-wellbeing trajectories had more satisfying relation...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateFeb 5, 2018

Cancer patients: Web-based help improves quality of life

A new web-based stress management program has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life and reduce distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients. The online program, developed by researchers from the University of Basel, provides patients with information, exercises, and strategies to manage their condition.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 31, 2018

Researchers examine social identity threat and religion in the US

A new US study examines how social identity threat affects religion and finds that highly religious individuals, particularly Christians, feel targeted and experience prejudice. The study reveals that religious minorities like Jews and Muslims also face heightened threat, likely due to prejudice and discrimination.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 14, 2017

How emotions influence our internal clock

A study by Dr. Roland Thomaschke and colleagues found that emotions impact our mental time-processing system, causing faster processing of positive concepts and slower processing of negative ones. This suggests that emotional states can influence human perception, potentially affecting how we respond to advertisements or online content.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEmotion·DateNov 14, 2017

How toxic air clouds mental health

A University of Washington study found a direct connection between toxic air and mental health, with fine particulate matter linked to increased psychological distress. The study, which controlled for other factors, showed that even moderate levels of pollution can be detrimental to health, particularly among specific populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth & Place·DateNov 2, 2017

Should Google offer an online screening test for depression?

Experts debate the value of an online screening test for depression, with some arguing it could prompt informed conversations with clinical professionals and provide potentially helpful resources. However, others express concerns about inadequate treatment resources and misuse of data, warning that unregulated screening may cause harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 13, 2017

Study points to path for better diagnosis of eating disorders, the deadliest of mental illnesses

Researchers developed a new diagnostic system, HiTOP, which predicts 68% of psychological and social functioning issues related to eating disorders. In contrast, the traditional DSM-5 approach predicts only slightly less than 10%. The study used a hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology, combining symptoms into dimensions and sub-fact...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalComprehensive Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2017

Good as gold

Researchers have designed a new assay that uses gold nanoparticles to improve the accuracy of medical screening, reducing false positives and wait times. The technology has been shown to be up to clinical standards, allowing patients to receive results in about an hour.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Tests can help quantify automatic empathy and moral intuitions

A team of psychologists developed new tests to capture automatic moral and empathetic judgments. The studies found that certain situations trigger instant moral assessments, even when participants are instructed to counteract those feelings. These measures could help criminologists and psychologists understand pathological behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognition·DateMar 29, 2017

Meditation benefits patients with ALS

A clinical trial of 100 patients with ALS found that an eight-week mindfulness-based meditation program improved quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression. The results remained stable over a 12-month follow-up, suggesting a potential tool for increasing well-being in ALS patients.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2017

'Tis better to give -- to your spouse

A study published in the journal Emotion found that husbands and wives who practiced compassionate acts reported higher emotional well-being, with benefits significantly stronger for the donors than recipients. The researchers discovered that recognition by the recipient is not necessary for the donor's benefit.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 14, 2017

The damage of discrimination

A Harvard study found that minority workers perform worse under biased managers, with a 53rd percentile performance rate compared to the 79th percentile under unbiased managers. This disparity is due to biased managers interacting less with minorities, leading to reduced productivity and lower pay for minority workers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateFeb 13, 2017

Computer work dominates physician workday

A recent study by the American College of Physicians found that physicians spend significantly more time on computer activities than direct patient interaction, taking up about half their workday. This has led to concerns over physician satisfaction, patient education, and increased malpractice risks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

Psychological well-being and physical activity in older adults

A study published by Chapman University researchers found that higher psychological well-being is associated with greater levels of physical activity in older adults. The study, which followed 9,986 English adults over 11 years, suggests that boosting mental health may encourage physical activity and improve overall well-being.

SourceChapman University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 1, 2016

Young toddlers can tell when others hold false beliefs, study finds

A new study by Renée Baillargeon and colleagues found that 2.5-year-old children can answer questions about people acting on false beliefs, a skill previously thought to develop until age 4. The researchers developed a modified version of the Sally-Anne test, which gave children a chance to prepare for the question and reduced processi...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2016

Effect of facial expression on emotional state not replicated in multilab study

A coordinated replication effort across 17 labs failed to replicate the 1988 study suggesting that facial expressions can trigger emotional reactions. The multilab study used a standardized protocol with over 1,900 participants but found no evidence that inducing particular facial expressions affected their emotional state.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 2016

UA psychologist creates tool for measuring memory

A UA psychologist has developed a tabletop version of an interactive game that tests memory, which was later translated into an Android touchscreen-based battery of tests. The tool aims to measure memory in younger children and those with intellectual disabilities, addressing the lack of standardized tests in these populations.

Tinder: Swiping self esteem?

Research suggests that using Tinder leads to lower levels of self-worth and increased negative perception of body image among both male and female users. The study, conducted by the American Psychological Association, involved 1,044 women and 273 men who reported less satisfaction with their bodies and looks compared to non-users.

Here's why run-down schools trigger low test scores

A Cornell University study found that run-down schools contribute significantly to low test scores and poor academic achievement, accounting for 70% of the issue. Students attending such schools are more likely to miss classes and exhibit high absenteeism, hindering their ability to learn.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJul 21, 2016