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Spare the rod and develop the child

A new study published in Social Development journal found that schools using corporal punishment performed worse on tasks requiring planning and self-control. Children exposed to punitive environments had lower verbal intelligence and increased behavioral problems related to executive-functioning deficits.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Development·DateJul 26, 2011

Perspectives on improving patient care: Genetics, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention

This special issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science investigates the potential of genetics research, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention to improve patient care. The articles examine the intersection of behavior and genetics, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual genetic characteristics.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 14, 2010

Depression may nearly double risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology shows that having depression may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life by nearly 70%. The study examined data from over 900 people with an average age of 79 and found that those with depressive symptoms were more likely to develop dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 5, 2010

British Academy Wiley prize in psychology

Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.

SourceWiley·DateApr 29, 2010

The longevity revolution

A new study in the journal Political Insight suggests that older adults can play a pivotal role in their communities through dedicated volunteering and participation. The researchers argue that promoting lifelong learning and community action among older people can help them feel less overwhelmed and isolated, and may even lead to bett...

SourceWiley·JournalPolitical Insight·DateMar 23, 2010

Autism's earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months

A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2010

The Glass Cliff: Female representation in politics and business

Research by Dr. Michelle Ryan found that women are more likely to be appointed to powerful leadership positions when an organization is in crisis or high-risk circumstances, a phenomenon known as the 'glass cliff'. This stereotype is often reinforced and self-perpetuating, with women continuing to face challenges in politics and business.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateFeb 9, 2010

'Peter Pan' apes never seem to learn selfishness

Researchers found bonobos never seem to learn how not to share, whereas chimps do as youngsters but grow out of it. Bonobos' behavior is shaped by their environment's abundance, leading to a 'Peter Pan world'. They shared like juveniles even after reaching adulthood, unlike chimps.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 2010

In cancer-ridden rats, loneliness can kill

Research at Yale University and the University of Chicago found that socially isolated female rats developed more tumors and more malignant types than their group-living counterparts. The study suggests a link between social isolation and cancer susceptibility, particularly in psychiatric disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

Gender-based pay gaps among US faculty

A new study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found a significant gender-based pay gap among US faculty members, with women earning an average of 30% less than men. The study analyzed salaries at a large American university and controlled for factors such as education level, experience, and rank.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateNov 10, 2009

Study helps identify college drinkers who might continue excessive drinking as adults

A recent study suggests that college drinkers who use alcohol for developmental needs beyond socializing, such as boosting self-confidence or coping with personal problems, are more likely to continue high-risk drinking into adulthood. The research identified a subset of students most likely to persist in problem drinking and recommend...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateMar 24, 2009

New study shows that in horse play, adult-to-young ratio is key

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the adult-to-young ratio plays a critical role in the social development of horses. The research revealed that groups with low adult-to-young ratios had younger horses exhibiting more aggression and forming tighter bonds with each other, potentially reducing their interaction with adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 2009

Can cannibalism fight infections?

Researchers found that exposing bacterial colonies to the same chemical signals they use to fend off competition causes them to kill each other, reducing their population. This strategy is unlikely to develop resistance and may offer a new hope for fighting bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

Faces and race

Researchers developed a measurement system and protocol to train Caucasian subjects to recognize different African American faces, reducing implicit racial bias. The training improved ability to tell apart individual African-American faces and increased positive associations with African-American faces.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2009

Boy-girl bullying in middle grades more common than previously thought

Research by Philip Rodkin reveals that unpopular boys are more likely to bully popular girls, challenging the classic 'whipping boy' syndrome. The study found that both bullies and victims are highly disliked by their peers, highlighting the need for educators to take reports of harassment from popular girls seriously.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateDec 9, 2008