Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Families report positive outcomes from fully virtual, BCBA-delivered, focused autism support program

A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

New study identifies brain networks underlying psychopathy

Researchers used advanced neuroimaging and the Julich-Brain Atlas to identify specific brain networks linked to psychopathy, finding reduced volumes in multiple regions including basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex. This study advances research on neuropsychobiological correlates of aggression.

SourceEBRAINS·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateJun 26, 2025

Motivation and pleasure deficits play important role in social functioning across psychiatric disorders

A recent study published in Nature Mental Health reveals that amotivation and anhedonia are key factors in determining social functioning among individuals with psychiatric disorders. The research found that these negative symptoms have a stronger impact on social functioning than expressive dysfunction, especially in patients with sch...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Psychopathic traits behind the rise and fall of Madoff

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that Madoff's business dealings, trial, and prison time revealed a high score on psychopathy scales. The research warns companies to identify and prevent corporate psychopaths who can bring down organizations and economies through recklessness and greed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Study finds psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

The dark side of social media networks

A systematic review of social media research identified 46 harmful effects, ranging from psychological harms like jealousy and loneliness to security and privacy issues. The study highlights the need for user moderation and software development strategies to mitigate these negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Global Information Management·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 12, 2021

New study reveals brain basis of psychopathy

A Finnish study found that psychopathic criminal offenders and well-functioning individuals with similar traits have altered brain structure and function in emotional regulation areas. The more psychopathic characteristics a person has, the more their brain resembles that of psychopathic criminals.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 14, 2021

Study examines how people with psychopathic traits control their 'dark impulses'

A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that individuals with psychopathic traits have greater levels of gray matter density in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, a region involved in self-regulatory processes. This increased density is associated with improved impulse control and reduced antisocial behavior....

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPersonality Neuroscience·DateSep 19, 2019

The best hedge fund managers are not psychopaths or narcissists, according to new study

Researchers found that hedge fund managers with psychopathic traits made less profitable investments, while those with narcissistic traits took more risks to earn the same amount of money as their peers. The study suggests that Dark Triad personality traits are not desirable in investment managers.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 19, 2017

Probing psychopathic brains

A study by Harvard University researchers found that psychopaths' brains prioritize short-term gains, leading to poor decision-making and violent behavior. The research used brain scans of nearly 50 prison inmates, revealing a specific connection between the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2017

Research finds a majority endorsing revenge porn

Research by University of Kent psychologists finds that most people (99%) approve of revenge porn being posted online, with a link to specific psychological characteristics. The study also found a positive correlation between revenge porn proclivity and the 'Dark Triad' of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Journal of Technoethics·DateMar 2, 2017

Top professional performance through psychopathy

A recent study suggests that people with psychopathic traits, particularly fearless dominance, can exhibit exceptional work performance when educated and socialized properly. This challenges the common perception of psychopathy as solely negative, highlighting its paradoxical nature.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Study identifies psychological traits associated with homophobia

A new study found that psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms are risk factors for homophobia, while depression and neurotic defense mechanisms lower the risk. The study included 560 Italian university students and aims to address the long-standing debate about whether homosexuality is a disease.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 8, 2015

New research shows that there could be increased numbers of psychopaths in senior managerial positions and high levels of business

Researchers found that individuals with psychopathic tendencies and high intelligence can mask their symptoms by manipulating tests designed to reveal their personalities. This raises concerns about the potential presence of ruthless risk-takers in key business posts.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology·DateSep 8, 2014

A neurological basis for the lack of empathy in psychopaths

A neuroimaging study found that individuals with psychopathy fail to activate brain areas associated with empathy and concern for others when imagining others in pain. This atypical pattern of activation suggests that psychopaths may not care for others, but could be triggered into emotional response through cognitive-behavior therapies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2013

Psychopathic traits in teenagers not cast in stone

Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 19, 2013

Kids with brains that under-react to painful images

Researchers found that children with conduct problems show reduced brain activity in response to others' pain, potentially indicating early vulnerability to psychopathy. The study suggests tailoring interventions to individual profiles of atypical processing may help prevent future antisocial behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 2, 2013

'Psychopaths' have an impaired sense of smell

Research suggests that individuals with psychopathic tendencies exhibit impaired odor discrimination and identification skills. This finding supports the idea that front-brain inefficiencies are associated with psychopathy.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateSep 20, 2012

Psychopathic boldness tied to US presidential success

An analysis of 42 US presidents suggests that fearless dominance, a trait associated with psychopathy, may be an important predictor of presidential performance. This study found correlations between boldness and higher ratings for leadership, persuasiveness, crisis management, and Congressional relations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 10, 2012

Psychopaths get a break from biology

A University of Utah study found that judges consider a psychopath's biology when sentencing. If given biological explanations for the disorder, they reduce the sentence by about a year on average. However, this doesn't necessarily mean judges let defendants off easy, but rather show major changes in their reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2012