From PsyPost

  • Social withdrawal’s hidden nuances: Study sheds light on distinct emotional outcomes in youth

    A recent study published in the Journal of Early Adolescence explores the experiences of social withdrawal among children and early adolescents. The researchers aimed to understand how different motivations for social withdrawal are related to feelings of loneliness and aloneliness, and how these feelings, in turn, contribute to internalizing problems like social anxiety and depression. The findings indicate that shyness is strongly linked to loneliness and internalizing problems, while...

  • Neuroscience study shows different brain reactions to music based on song familiarity

    Music is a fundamental part of human culture, experienced daily by people across the globe to evoke emotions and memories. A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex has now provided new insights into how our brains process music we know well compared to tunes that are new to us. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, researchers have found that familiar and unfamiliar music engage different memory systems in our brains, shedding light on the neurobiological processes underlying our musical...

  • Older adults adhering to Mediterranean diet have 11% lower odds of developing dementia, study finds

    A meta-analysis of studies examining the association between diet and the risk of dementia in individuals over 60 years of age found that those adhering to the Mediterranean diet had an 11% lower risk of developing dementia. The reduction in risk was most pronounced for Alzheimer’s disease, with the elderly following the Mediterranean diet experiencing a 27% lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. The findings were published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. Dementia is a broad...

  • Does repeated information trick us into thinking we knew it all along? New study has an answer

    New research published in Cognition reveals that repeated exposure not only makes people more likely to believe information is true but also falsely remember knowing it beforehand. The “truth effect’ demonstrates how repeated exposure to a statement can significantly influence our belief in its truthfulness, regardless of its actual accuracy. The ease with which our brain processes these repeated statements—a concept known as processing fluency—is often mistakenly interpreted as a signal of...

  • Relationship found between creatine in the brain and recovery from traumatic stress

    A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders provides preliminary evidence that creatine levels in a specific region of the brain could play a role in recovering from traumatic events. The study, conducted with a small group of United States veterans, suggests that higher levels of creatine are associated with better recovery from stress caused by traumatic experiences. The study was motivated by the critical need to understand why some individuals recover from traumatic events...

  • Confident in your politics? New study uncovers a dark side of political efficacy

    Individuals who are confident in their political knowledge and abilities are more likely to exhibit intolerance and hostility toward those with differing views, according to new research published in the journal Public Opinion Quarterly. Those who question their political prowess, in contrast, tend to approach disagreements with more openness and fairness. Previous research into political behavior has often highlighted the virtues of political engagement and confidence. Historically, scholars...

  • This emerging technology could transform early detection of dementia

    If you or a loved one have noticed changes in your memory or thinking as you’ve grown older, this could reflect typical changes that occur with ageing. In some cases though, it might suggest something more, such as the onset of dementia. The best thing to do if you have concerns is to make an appointment with your GP, who will probably run some tests. Assessment is important because if there is something more going on, early diagnosis can enable prompt access to the right interventions,...

  • Self-guided digital therapy shows promise in reducing adolescent rumination and stress

    A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has found evidence that a self-guided digital mental health program, tailored specifically for adolescents, can significantly reduce stress, rumination, and feelings of loneliness. Nearly 20% of adolescents globally suffer from mental health disorders, a number that has been climbing more steeply compared to adults. Traditional access to mental health services for adolescents remains limited, especially for those with less...

  • Confronting workplace prejudice can reset social norms

    Calling out prejudiced remarks at work not only challenges the comments themselves but also signals and potentially reinforces anti-bias norms within the workplace, according to new research from Purdue University. The findings suggest that confronting such biases can reset social norms in environments where prejudice occurs, thus supporting a safe identity for individuals who witness or are subject to these biases. The new research, published in the Personality and Social Psychology...

  • Cannabis compound’s neuroprotective properties revealed — could be key to treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

    Recent scientific advancements have shown that a lesser-known compound from the cannabis plant, cannabinol (CBN), may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that not only does CBN protect brain cells from age-related damage, but its chemically modified versions could be even more effective. These findings, detailed in the journal Redox Biology, suggest a new frontier in the treatment of traumatic...

  • FOMO and Dark Triad traits linked to using smartphone while driving

    A study of German car drivers found that 61% of them admit to using smartphone while driving at least occasionally. Individuals with a stronger fear of missing out, problematic smartphone use, and Dark Triad personality traits were more likely to use their smartphones while driving. The research was published in PLOS ONE. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2019 show that 3,142 people were killed in the U.S. alone in accidents involving distracted drivers. Of...

  • How can parents fight smartphone overuse? New research provides key insights

    New research published in the journal Addictive Behaviors sheds light on effective parental strategies to combat problematic smartphone use among adolescents. The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, advocating for parental participation in the digital lives of their children, rather than mere supervision. Understanding Problematic Smartphone Use Problematic smartphone use refers to a behavioral pattern where an individual excessively uses their smartphone in a way that...