Psychology News and Research

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

Johns Hopkins scientists identify autism gene linked to severity of social interaction deficits

With the help of two sets of brothers with autism, Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene associated with autism that appears to be linked very specifically to the severity of social interaction deficits.

7 Apr 2011

Robotic-assisted keyhole surgery tested for bowel cancer

A robotic system that promises to improve the quality of 'keyhole' bowel cancer surgery is being put to the test for the first time.

7 Apr 2011

Only half of post-combat military service members having mental health issues seek treatment

Approximately 50 percent of military servicemembers returning from combat duty report experiencing a mental health issue, but only half of them have sought treatment. That is according to a recently released study titled Joining Forces America, a comprehensive survey of more than 1,000 military servicemembers, family members of servicemembers, and mental health professionals.

6 Apr 2011

Meditation for pain succeeds: Study

According to a new study meditation may help in reducing pain. For the study researchers mildly burned 15 men and women in a lab on two separate occasions, before and after the volunteers attended four 20-minute meditation training sessions over the course of four days. During the second round, when the participants were instructed to meditate, they rated the exact same pain stimulus - a 120-degree heat on their calves - as being 57 percent less unpleasant and 40 percent less intense, on average.

5 Apr 2011

How materialistic advertising messages negatively shape the female body image

Psychological research has consistently shown that women feel unhappy with their body after looking at images of thin, idealized models, which are typically represented in the media. However, today's consumer culture and media promote not only the ideal of perfect beauty, but also that of the material affluent lifestyle, both of which are commonly depicted together, and highlight the benefits of beauty and of owning material goods to one's personal success and fame.

5 Apr 2011

Acamprosate can help treat patients with autism, Fragile X syndrome

In small, early clinical trials, adults and children with autism and Fragile X syndrome have shown improved communication and social behavior when treated with acamprosate, according to Craig Erickson, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine and chief of the Riley Hospital for Children Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at Indiana University Health.

5 Apr 2011

Faculty member of Capella University co-authors new book that focuses on healthcare leadership

Nick Coppola, PhD, MHA, FACHE, a faculty member in the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Capella University, an accredited online university that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, has co-authored a book that focuses on healthcare leadership.

2 Apr 2011

APA to host 2011 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference in Chicago

The American Psychological Association's 2011 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference will be held April 8-9 in Chicago.

2 Apr 2011

British Columbia Psychological Association stands ready to help people affected by disasters in Japan

For people with family and friends living or travelling in areas affected by the recent disasters in Japan, the British Columbia Psychological Association stands ready to help. Those in BC who are experiencing emotional concerns due to these events in Japan can access the services of the BCPA Disaster Response Network who will provide brief pro bono psychological services to help restore coping skills challenged by the enormity of this disaster.

2 Apr 2011

IOM report: Researchers must engage LGBT population in health studies

Researchers need to proactively engage lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in health studies and collect data on these populations to identify and better understand health conditions that affect them, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.

1 Apr 2011

Study: Stress can increase risk of C section in first-time mothers

The risk of emergency caesarean section among first-time mothers increases if the mother has experienced stress, worry, or sleep disturbances during her pregnancy. This is shown in a unique study performed collaboratively between Malmö University, Skåne University Hospital, and Lund University in Sweden.

1 Apr 2011

Scientists to develop new techniques for autism detection and treatment

To parents, learning that a child has been diagnosed with autism can be overwhelming. Children with the disorder can seem trapped in a world of their own, without friends or even a conception of friendship. Many prefer to play alone. Some lose the ability to speak more than a few words.

1 Apr 2011

New study examines psychological, social challenges of women with breast cancer

When an aggressive form of breast cancer strikes a young woman, what kind of stress, anxiety and other psychological and social challenges does she face?

1 Apr 2011

Study: Internet-based intervention can improve childhood sleep problems

A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP demonstrates that an Internet-based intervention was effective at reducing infant and toddler sleep disturbances, as well as providing positive, indirect benefits for maternal sleep, mood and confidence.

1 Apr 2011

Post-sex blues in nearly 10% of women: Study

A new study suggests that many women do feel depressed after sex. The study involved more than 200 young Australian women who were questioned about their sex lives. At least one in three young women said they experienced post-coital blues at some point in their lives. Ten per cent said they frequently or almost always felt sad after making love. The study was published in the quarterly International Journal of Sexual Health.

31 Mar 2011

Study examines how both men and women view harassment

Sexual harassment may have become so commonplace for women that they have built up resistance to harassing behavior they consider merely "bothersome," suggests a provocative new study by Michigan State University researchers.

31 Mar 2011

Individuals with asthma 1.26 times more likely to have been a smoker

New research out of the University of Cincinnati suggests that being diagnosed with asthma is significantly associated with a greater risk for a lifetime history of daily smoking and nicotine dependence.

31 Mar 2011

Positive mood can negatively impact working memory storage capacity

Most people have had trouble remembering something they just heard. Now, a University of Missouri researcher found that forgetfulness may have something to do with being in a good mood. Elizabeth Martin, a doctoral student of psychology in the College of Arts and Science, has found that being in a good mood decreases your working memory capacity.

31 Mar 2011

QUT study finds 32.9% of young women experience post-sex blues

Post-sex blues is not a sexual behaviour commonly discussed, but a Queensland University of Technology study of more than 200 young women has found one in three had experienced the phenomenon at some point.

31 Mar 2011

Eating disorders - hitting early and hard

Children as young as seven have been admitted to hospitals for eating disorders. A peak support group has reported a doubling of calls about children under the age of 12 in the past decade. Being hit so early with these disorders also means malnutrition leading to retarded growth, osteoporosis, infertility and changes in brain structure say experts.

30 Mar 2011