Mental Health
The physiological reasons the human brain struggles to process information in extreme heat
When temperatures rise, the brain's hypothalamus works overtime to regulate body heat. This intensive thermoregulation demands significant physiological resources, leaving individ…
Breaking the law makes people seem less moral, even when the act is unchanged
Does making a behavior illegal actually make it immoral? According to new research, yes. Simply labeling an action as illegal makes people judge it as more morally wrong even if t…
Social media goes into overdrive with Lindsay Clancy conspiracy theories
Algorithms are responsible for fever pitch content surrounding trial, including misinformation, experts sayAs the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of kill…
Psychology researchers uncover an unexpected benefit of dance training
People who practice dance might be better at regulating their physical actions in positive emotional situations. A new study found that dancers were faster at stopping an ongoing …
New study: Men and women multitask equally well, but men talk less while doing it
Do women really multitask better than men? Researchers put both sexes through a rigorous real-world simulation. While they scored the same on most metrics, one difference emerged …
Multi-ancestry study explores how DNA and trauma affect smoking habits
New research reveals how genetic risk and trauma symptoms combine to influence tobacco use. Individuals with a lower genetic predisposition to smoking may actually be more vulnera…
Study suggests even casual cannabis use is associated with depression in older adults
New research indicates that roughly 5 percent of adults over 50 experience major depression. The study also links casual cannabis use to higher odds of depression, highlighting a …
Survival of the wittiest: How humor and cleverness shaped human evolution
A new theoretical framework proposes that "survival of the wittiest" drove early human evolution. By developing clever language, early humans swapped physical violence for verbal …
Artificial intelligence agents spontaneously conform to the majority opinion
Advanced artificial intelligence programs spontaneously conform to majority opinions, allowing them to coordinate in massive groups. However, this same peer pressure can cause the…
Psychological models suggest female libido disparities stem from early behavioral conditioning
While declining female sexual desire is frequently treated as a biological or hormonal issue, behavioral researchers point to adolescent development. Unequal early sexual experien…
Unpredictable work schedules increase the risk of romantic breakups, new study finds
While money problems are a known relationship killer, a new study uncovers another threat: unpredictable work schedules. Researchers found that erratic shifts and last-minute chan…
Single adults in early midlife often prefer cohabitation over marriage, study finds
A recent survey of unmarried adults in their thirties and forties shows wide variation in future relationship goals. While many prefer cohabitation to marriage, others are unsure …
Psychedelic raves act as a modern rite of passage with complex psychological effects, new research suggests
A new study reveals that for Israeli rave-goers using psychedelics, the party is just one phase. Extensive preparations and complex physical, emotional, and social after-effects s…
This specific type of positive emotion predicts life satisfaction better than the rest
Think feeling excited and enthusiastic is the secret to a great life? A new analysis of nearly 30,000 people suggests a completely different kind of positive emotion actually driv…
Depression may speed up cognitive decline by increasing social isolation
A large study of older adults in China suggests that depression can lead to a decline in memory and thinking skills by causing people to withdraw from their social circles, highli…
Maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children’s social communication skills
Children whose mothers experienced high levels of stress during pregnancy and shortly after birth may face lasting challenges with social communication. A new analysis tracks how …
People who favor dark humor tend to exhibit more problematic personality traits
The way a person jokes may offer a glimpse into their psychological makeup. A recent study suggests that people who favor darker humor, such as sarcasm and cynicism, tend to show …
Weight-loss drugs linked to rare eye condition in massive data review
A comprehensive analysis of nearly 1.6 million patients suggests that popular diabetes and obesity medications may increase the risk of a rare condition that causes sudden vision …
The “sense of absence” may explain why disconnected teens turn to addictive behaviors
New research suggests adolescents who feel emotionally unnoticed are more likely to engage in addictive behaviors. A newly developed psychological scale reveals how this “sense of…
Global data shows a sharp rise in adult ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions
ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions are surging globally, particularly among adults and women. This trend reflects improved clinical recognition of historically overlooked…
Lindsay Clancy trial: everything that happened this week in court
Outcome of trial of a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children may come down to witness testimonyThe trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of…
Women face higher risks of partner violence during the weeks their partners cheat
A new study reveals a troubling pattern in young relationships: women are more likely to face intimate partner violence during the exact weeks their partners are cheating on them,…
Caffeine might ease anxiety and depression by calming brain inflammation
A systematic review of animal research suggests that caffeine can reduce anxiety and depressive-like behaviors by acting as a brake on the brain's immune system and lowering neuro…
Neutrogena responds to criticism over how brand deal with Hayden Panettiere ended
Late actor in May said beauty brand cut off its relationship with her after she spoke out about postpartum depressionThe beauty brand Neutrogena has acknowledged making its former…