Current reporting, research and professional developments across Research, curated for psychologists and behavioral-health professionals.
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 competition, changing the trajectory of…
Advanced artificial intelligence programs spontaneously conform to majority opinions, allowing them to coordinate in massive groups. However, this same peer pressure can cause them to adopt incorrect answers and unsafe…
While declining female sexual desire is frequently treated as a biological or hormonal issue, behavioral researchers point to adolescent development. Unequal early sexual experiences often condition the developing brain…
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 changes increase the risk of breakups for…
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 or have no interest in living with a…
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 show the experience extends well beyond…
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 drives true life satisfaction.
Israeli study links religiosity to greater meaning in life and lower risks of depression and addiction, highlighting factors that may benefit mental health.
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, highlighting a potential pathway to protect…
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 early adversity shapes distinct social…
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 higher levels of maladaptive personality…
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 loss, though the absolute risk remains…
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 absence” acts as a bridge connecting…
ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions are surging globally, particularly among adults and women. This trend reflects improved clinical recognition of historically overlooked demographics, fundamentally shifting the…
Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have developed an experimental oral therapy that protected mice from otherwise harmful radiation exposure while preserving radiation's ...
New 2026 studies show parental conflict raises the risk of child mental health problems. Here is what the data actually shows, and who is most at risk.
A groundbreaking study recently published in The Lancet Public Health journal reveals that expectant mothers battling pre-existing physical or mental health conditions face significantly elevated ...
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, often leading to a breakup.
A new mental health drug combination could be a gamechanger for those with bipolar and depression ...
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 neuroinflammation.
Childhood adversity might alter how the brain responds to social hormones. A study in Translational Psychiatry suggests oxytocin temporarily increases altruism in adults with difficult childhoods, but decreases…
Women experiencing physical symptoms of stress, like headaches or muscle pain, report more negative dreams. A new psychological survey explores how daytime physical discomfort and general bodily awareness relate to the…
New research published in Brain Imaging and Behavior suggests that estradiol influences how brain areas communicate during memory tasks in middle-aged women. The findings provide evidence that higher hormone levels tend…
The term “porn addiction” is ubiquitous, but clinical realities are far more complex. Current research suggests underlying mental health conditions, emotional dysregulation, and even religious guilt fundamentally shape…
Children growing up without a father in the home during their first year may experience earlier signs of puberty. A recent study published in the Biology of Sex Differences suggests early family environments relate to…
A recent brain imaging study found that people with even slightly different political views process information using different neural patterns. Listening to political statements about immigration prompted synchronized…
Infrequent exercise is associated with a higher prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety among higher-education students in Norway, according to a study published ...
Caregivers who spend more than 20 hours a week providing unpaid care face a significantly greater risk of poor mental health ...
A first-of-its-kind psilocybin study shows promising mental health benefits for those using state psilocybin centers, as clinical trials begin for veterans.
A new survey reveals that Gen Z is significantly more likely than older generations to support using shoutdowns, blockades, and violence to silence public speakers, regardless of whether the young adults attend college.
Send a personal recommendation to a friend.