“This is very exciting because right now, there isn’t a blood marker for disorders affecting the brain.” BALTIMORE — A pioneering new blood test is being developed to detect mental health disorders. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center researchers are hoping this blood test can identify psychiatric and neurological issues, including postpartum depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. This research…

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SAN DIEGO — If your ambitions in life include ascending the ranks and reaching a powerful position like CEO, researchers from the University of California-San Diego suggest cultivating a strong sense of self-control is key to grabbing power. Study authors report that showing self-control influences power perceptions among peers, in addition to how much power…

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Procrastination, the art of delaying tasks we’d rather not tackle, is a familiar foe for many. However, an innovative new study sheds light on why some people are more prone to procrastination than others, linking this tendency to a psychological concept known as valence weighting bias. This bias influences whether individuals are…

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TORONTO — Muscle dysmorphia — the feeling that you aren’t muscular enough despite having a healthy physique — may be worsened by poor sleep in individuals who suffer from the condition, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of Toronto say a good night’s sleep is essential after any workout, but they add that the pursuit…

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WURZBURG, Germany — Think you can’t pass on empathy to others? Think again. University of Würzburg neuroscientist Grit Hein has found that adults can both “lose” and “learn” empathy by observing others around them. Her research challenges conventional wisdom that empathy is fixed trait developed during childhood. What does this mean? Essentially, the people we…

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Most depictions and popular examples of psychopaths in the media are male, but the study argues female psychopaths are up to five times more common than currently believed.

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LINKOPING, Sweden — It turns out that the average researcher thinks they are more ethical than their colleagues when it comes to following appropriate research practices, according to a new study. They also think that their own field of study is better than others. As a result, study authors in Sweden say many researchers are…

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Many people have encountered certain individuals who just can’t seem to keep a secret. Gossip is usually a dirty word among most social groups, as no one wants their dirty laundry out there for all to hear. Interestingly, however, researchers from the University of Maryland and University of Stanford believe the…

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COLCHESTER, United Kingdom — A smile really can brighten everyone’s day. Other people’s emotions can be hard to read, especially among mostly unexpressive faces. However, researchers from the University of Essex have found that when someone smiles, even for just a split-second, it actually makes people more likely to see happiness in an otherwise expressionless face.…

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WASHINGTON — Is trying to achieve the proverbial “American Dream” becoming harmful? A new study is shedding light on cities that embody this ethos to the extreme, revealing the potential costs of America’s overwork culture. According to the WalletHub report, the average U.S. worker logs 1,811 hours per year, significantly outpacing their counterparts in Japan,…

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Typically, employees aren't give space for pet bereavement. More workplaces are changing that policy, and one expert says it should be commonplace in the modern office.

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Many people have compared the addictive nature of social media to cigarettes. Checking your likes, they say, is the new smoke break.

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The studies explore how the need for closure impacts decision-making and the emotional journey of waiting.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Scammers are happy to rob anyone of any age, but older adults tend to be their biggest target. Estimates show that over $28 billion disappears annually due to scams targeting older adults. While it’s easier to recognize a scam call or text from an unknown phone number, many older adults are actually…

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WURZBURG, Germany — Have you ever experienced that moment when you make eye contact with someone in a crowded place? It’s a fascinating phenomenon that happens in just a fraction of a second. But have you ever wondered what actually goes on in our minds during that eye contact? Well, researchers at the University of…

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PROVO, Utah — Walking home alone in the dark has always been a precarious situation for women; now, a new study puts science behind it. Researchers from Brigham Young University are revealing the stark differences in how women and men perceive their safety while walking home at night. Their study employed visual tools to demonstrate the…

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OKAYAMA, Japan — As people age, maintaining both oral health and overall well-being becomes increasingly important. Now, a new study by Japanese researchers suggests that these two aspects of health may be closely connected for older adults. The study was conducted by a team at Okayama University Hospital and Okayama University. They examined 218 adults…

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BOCHUM, Germany — In the digital world of endless comparisons, a thought-provoking study by a team at Ruhr University Bochum reveals a startling truth: materialism on social media fuels stress and diminishes happiness. This research, conducted through an online survey of over 1,200 participants, highlights the unique way social media perpetuates materialistic attitudes and the…

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TRONDHEIM, Norway — Imagine this: you’re resting on the couch with your significant other, watching TV, and suddenly, your partner’s mood takes a nosedive. Could it be the innocent coffee chat you had with an old friend, or maybe it’s that new co-worker you can’t stop talking about? Why the sudden shift? Welcome to the…

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RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Teenagers and young adults are notorious for ignoring what their parents have to say, so much so that many consider disobeying mom and dad’s wishes to be a rite of passage. Of course, while breaking the occasional rule or two isn’t all that bad, there are certain topics and situations in which…

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PHILADELPHIA — With so many tasty snacks and fatty foods to choose from, many people have eaten something they later regretted. In the middle of a diet, these lapses in judgment can feel like a devastating failure, but new research is serving as a reminder not to beat yourself up too badly the next time your…

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QUEENSLAND, Australia — The emotional relationship between a person and their pet might be more profound than previously thought. A new study conducted by Australian researchers reveals the psychological and safety risks that arise during the forced separation of pets and their owners during an emergency, such as domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study…

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BOCHUM, Germany — When it comes to phobias like fear of crowded places or snakes, the go-to treatment is exposure therapy. This means gradually exposing the patient to whatever they’re afraid of until the experience isn’t quite so terrifying. Scientists have thought that exposure therapy is only effective against one phobia at a time, but new…

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NEW YORK — A recent study reveals that traumatic memories appear in the brain in an entirely different way than sad memories. These findings may finally provide a biological explanation for why recalling traumatic memories often manifest as intrusions that differ greatly from “regular” negative memories among PTSD patients. Study authors from the Icahn School…

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GRANADA, Spain — Are people addicted to their phones — or everything we use them for today? Contrary to popular belief, researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) have found that it’s not the phones themselves which fuel society’s addiction to technology, but rather the social interactions they enable. This theory, initially proposed in 2018…

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CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — Just one month of feeling depressed can quickly lead to weight gain, a new study warns. While the link between depression and weight gain has been recognized for some time, study authors say the specifics of how they affect each other have been unclear until now. However, researchers from the United…

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AUSTIN, Texas — While most people have heard the saying “honesty is the best policy” before, pretty much everyone still harbors a secret or two. There are certain truths people keep to themselves, largely out of fear of being judged unfairly by others. Now, surprising new research explains that people should all be more open with…

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In his sci-fi film Inception (2010), Christophe Nolan imagined his protagonist slipping into other people’s dreams and even shaping their contents. But what if this story wasn’t so far away from real life? Our research suggests that it is possible to interact with volunteers while they are asleep, and even to converse with them at…

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LONDON — Looking for a way to get out of your New Year’s resolutions already? A new study has discovered the perfect excuse that will even keep people from losing respect for you! Just tell them you’re broke! A researcher from the City University of London found that people who blame circumstances outside of their control…

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Mark Twain apocryphally said, “I’m in favor of progress; it’s change I don’t like.” This quote pithily underscores the human tendency to desire growth while also harboring strong resistance to the hard work that comes with it. I can certainly resonate with this sentiment. I was raised in a conservative evangelical home. Like many who…

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REHOVOT, Israel — A woman’s tears appear to carry the secret formula for easing aggression in men. Researchers found that sniffing female tears produced a strange effect among male participants in an experiment designed to anger them. Compared to smelling saline solution, sniffing a woman’s tears significantly reduced brain activity linked to aggressive behavior in…

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Psychology books captivate readers with their exploration of the human mind’s hidden depths. They offer a glimpse into our own motivations, anxieties, and desires, making us feel a sense of connection and understanding. Whether learning about fascinating case studies or delving into the science of happiness, these titles on our list of the top seven…

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SAN DIEGO — People experiencing suicidal thoughts may not always be forthcoming in the deep pain they’re battling, but scientists are working to find ways to help them before they act. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have made a landmark discovery in the field of mental health, potentially leading…

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CHICAGO — An alarming new study reveals a significant connection between the menstrual cycle and increased suicidal thoughts and planning among women with a history of mental health issues. Researchers say this study is the first of its kind to track how suicidal thoughts vary on a day-to-day basis across the menstrual cycle. “As clinicians,…

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What comes to mind when you think about winter? Snowflakes? Mittens? Reindeer? In much of the Northern Hemisphere, winter means colder temperatures, shorter days and year-end holidays. Along with these changes, a growing body of research in psychology and related fields suggests that winter also brings some profound changes in how people think, feel and…

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BATH, United Kingdom — Being too optimistic may lead to poor decisions, a surprising new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Bath found that, when it comes to your financial well-being, it actually helps to look at the glass as half-empty instead of focusing on the positives in life. It’s a stunning turn, seeming…

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WASHINGTON — Saying “no” to a holiday party you simply have no interest in could be the best thing for your mental health. A new study finds politely declining unwanted invitations during the holiday season has a bigger positive impact than dragging yourself to countless gatherings you may not want to attend in the first…

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BATH, United Kingdom — Just starting your professional career? Be ready to go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Researchers from the University of Bath’s School of Management have uncovered a distinct emotional progression that professionals (specifically lawyers) undergo on their path toward securing a coveted partnership role. The study, focusing on legal professionals in the…

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MONTREAL, Quebec — Empathy often seems to be in short supply these days. However, a new study reveals that there’s an easy way of harnessing more of this ability. Researchers from McGill University say the power of imagination can help people understand and share the feelings of others — especially when they need help. Specifically,…

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LONDON — Meditation can significantly improve the well-being of older adults, a new study reveals. Researchers in London have found that a specially designed meditation program can enhance the mental health of adults over 65 years-old. This program consisted of a nine-month mindfulness module, followed by a nine-month module on loving-kindness and compassion. It also…

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Customizing voice assistants like Alexa or Siri to sound similar to you makes them more likable, according to researchers from Penn State. Their study reveals a strong preference for voice-activated devices that sound extroverted — speaking louder, faster, and in a lower pitch. When voice assistants matched a user’s personality, people…

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MEXICO CITY — Scientists have unveiled a surprising connection between regular marijuana use and enhanced empathy. Cannabis users higher levels of emotional comprehension compared to non-users, according to their study. This finding challenges previous assumptions about cannabis’ impact on emotional processing. By focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a key area in empathy and…

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ARLINGTON, Texas — In today’s fast-paced culture and never-ending news cycle, it’s never been harder to maintain focus. There’s always another breaking news story or viral video to draw our eyes away from whatever we’re doing. If you’ve been finding your attention span especially short lately, new findings by a team from the University of Texas…

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BOLOGNA, Italy — Workaholics are addicts who don’t really enjoy their jobs, a new study argues. Previous studies have shown that workaholics commonly experience a sense of unwellness, often in combination with negative emotions such as hostility, anxiety, and guilt, when they don’t do as much work as they would like. Now, new research shows…

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CHICAGO — Losing can bring out the worst in some people — especially sports fans. Now, a new study suggests that sports team losses can trigger violent and irrational behavior among fans. Conducted in South America, this research analyzed the brain activity of soccer fans, revealing that victory activates their brain’s reward systems. Conversely, defeat…

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The allure of nature for humans: is it ingrained in our DNA or shaped by our childhood experiences? Swedish scientists discovered it’s a combination of both, with your preference for green spaces actually depending on the genes you inherited from mom and dad. This has significant implications for how we design our urban…

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HAMBURG, Germany — Providing positive feedback to workers is a big part of any manager or leader’s job. However, interesting new research suggests supervisors may want to think twice about heaping too much praise on any one employee. Scientists at Kühne Logistics University have discovered a tendency for employees to act arrogantly toward their peers and…

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When tragic events happen, no matter how far away from us they are, it’s hard not to pay attention. Many of us empathize with the people in these situations and wonder how we can get involved, or if there’s anything we can do to help. Over the past few years, we’ve borne witness to a…

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LONDON — Experts warn that alternative therapies like “brainspotting” and “cuddle curing” may cause more psychological harm than good. Researchers in London say the United Kingdom is reportedly a haven for so-called charlatans and tricksters, offering wacky treatments that endanger those with serious mental health issues. These practitioners often charge up to $300 an hour…

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ATHENS, Ga. — Countless people look to their smartphones for approval and happiness, but researchers from the University of Georgia find that people would be better off talking to someone in person instead. Study authors report that when people were asked to either scroll on their phones, sit quietly by themselves, or have a conversation with…

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