Psychology News and Research

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Psychology is the study of human mental functions, behavior and processes.

Sensory traits in infancy tied to poorer sleep quality

Babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia.

19 Feb 2026

Study links employee food insecurity to reduced work engagement

Food insecurity can increase anxiety and undermine employees at work, but workplace programs to address it can improve job outcomes, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

19 Feb 2026

Prenatal infection increases risk of alcohol misuse in adulthood

Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new Washington State University study shows.

19 Feb 2026

Onset of "the munchies" after cannabis use could offer clues to help people with appetite loss

The urgent onset of "the munchies" after cannabis use isn't imaginary – it's a cognitive response that occurs regardless of sex, age, weight or recent food consumption and could offer clues to help people struggling with appetite loss.

19 Feb 2026

Can mobile apps change how we eat?

Evaluating digital tools for sustainable eating, the review highlights initial positive impacts but stresses the importance of long-term effectiveness research.

18 Feb 2026

A simple handgrip test reveals how strong your working memory may be

Grip strength correlates with working memory performance and prefrontal activation, highlighting its potential as a cognitive health marker in older adults.

18 Feb 2026

Short health ads reduce junk food cravings

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has found advertisements that encourage healthy choices can reduce cravings and intentions to consume unhealthy foods, and in some cases a 15-second message may be more effective than traditional 30-second commercials.

17 Feb 2026

Psychedelic effects of ketamine do not predict sobriety

The psychedelic effects recreational users often seek from taking ketamine do not predict the therapeutic benefits for people being treated for alcohol use disorder.

16 Feb 2026

Attachment insecurity and materialism drive phubbing in relationships

New research reveals how attachment insecurity and materialistic values fuel 'phubbing' in romantic relationships.

13 Feb 2026

How psychedelics alter perception: A glimpse into the brain's inner world

Research findings reinforce new approaches in psychology, using psychedelic substances under medical supervision to treat certain clinical conditions.

13 Feb 2026

Promising new speech biomarker could enrich antipsychotic clinical trials

Researchers have identified a promising new speech biomarker that could significantly enrich clinical trials by reducing sample size requirements and enhancing statistical outcomes.

11 Feb 2026

Tiny organism offers insight into neurological side effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer, yet it often comes with significant long-term side effects that can dramatically affect patients' quality of life.

11 Feb 2026

Group intervention reduces burnout among foster carers

A group-based support program for foster carers significantly improves carer wellbeing, reduces burnout and stress, and strengthens relationships with children in care, while also offering good value for money, finds a new study led by a UCL researcher.

10 Feb 2026

Barriers to testosterone therapy drive men toward underground sources

Some men are resorting to obtaining testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from underground sources due to significant barriers to accessing the therapy through formal medical channels, according to new Griffith University research.

9 Feb 2026

Research provide new insights into the brain mechanisms underlying juvenile fibromyalgia

Children and adolescents affected by juvenile fibromyalgia show greater sensitivity to non-painful sensory stimuli, such as sounds and bright lights.

9 Feb 2026

Children’s cooperative behaviors align with cultural norms over time

Children across the globe engage in a constellation of behaviors that support cooperation, an action critical to the survival of the human species, a team of Boston College researchers report today in the journal Science Advances.

7 Feb 2026

How children’s cooperation develops across cultures and communities

How do children learn to cooperate with others? A new cross-cultural study suggests that the answer depends less on universal rules and more on the social norms surrounding the child.

6 Feb 2026

Mental sharpness boosts goal completion equivalent to extra work time

A new U of T Scarborough study finds that being mentally sharp can translate into a productivity boost equivalent to about 40 extra minutes of work each day.

6 Feb 2026

Dyslexia linked to broader brain network vulnerabilities

A University of Houston psychology professor is challenging the notion that dyslexia, or specific reading disorder, stems from a single faulty gene in the brain, suggesting instead that it is caused by an overall brain network vulnerability.

5 Feb 2026

Study identifies genetic fingerprint of neuropathic pain neurons

Researchers from The University of Texas at Dallas and their international colleagues have determined the molecular signature of human sleeping - or silent - nociceptors: sensory neurons that are unresponsive to touch or pressure yet are key culprits in neuropathic pain.

4 Feb 2026