Psychology News and Research

RSS

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

Fear of growing up declines as adults gain experience

As young adults, many millennials feared growing up more than past generations. But they've come around to it as they age, finds research published by the American Psychological Association.

26 Jun 2026

Discovery of karyoptosis opens new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia

Markers of a new mechanism for cell death, called karyoptosis, have been found in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

25 Jun 2026

Zebrafish study shows how visual surroundings reshape the eye's retina

The environment experienced by young zebrafish influences both the shape and electrical activity of the neurons in the eye, which impacts subsequent behavior.

23 Jun 2026

Lifetime estrogen exposure linked to improved brain health in women

Researchers from the University of Kansas have shown a link between reproductive hormone exposure throughout life and brain health in 459 women aged 65 to 80.

23 Jun 2026

Australian research uncovers how the brain manages unexpected sensory surprises

Australian researchers have uncovered what happens behind the scenes in our brain when we're faced with a predictable situation versus a surprise, giving vital clues in a long-standing mystery in neuroscience.

22 Jun 2026

Study links neuroimmune dysregulation to complex fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterized primarily by chronic widespread pain, fatigue and other physical and cognitive symptoms.

22 Jun 2026

Study shows positive milestones shape the lives of youth

Which major life events matter to young people? A recent study by the University of Zurich (UZH) shows that adolescents and young adults primarily cite positive, everyday developmental steps as formative events, for example school and apprenticeships, friendships, first relationships, travel and moving out of their parents' home.

22 Jun 2026

Psychologist warns DNA testing kits can bring unexpected risks

DNA testing kits are often gifted for Father's Day, Christmas and special occasions. The idea of learning more about yourself and unearthing some long-forgotten family history is certainly appealing for many, but a psychologist has warned that these presents can come with profound psychological implications.

19 Jun 2026

Early life stress leaves unique biological signatures in cells

New research links childhood adversity to mitochondrial bioenergetic changes later in life, underscoring the impact of stress in early life on cellular health.

18 Jun 2026

Parents' phone distraction linked to insecure attachment in teenagers

We worry about the time kids spend using screens - but what if the time their caregivers spend on phones is also harmful? Scientists working on digital mental health noticed increasing reports of teenagers struggling with their parents' phone use and decided to investigate.

18 Jun 2026

Mental health problems common in encephalitis survivors, study finds

A major new study has found that mental health and behavioral changes such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability are common in people who survive encephalitis - inflammation of the brain that can be caused by infection or autoimmune disease.

18 Jun 2026

Trauma-focused therapy safely improves PTSD symptoms in psychosis patients

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London and published in The Lancet Psychiatry has found that people with psychosis experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can benefit from a Trauma-Focused therapy integrated with Cognitive Behavior Therapy for psychosis (CBTp).

17 Jun 2026

Study links commercial cannabis markets to increased addiction

Removing criminal penalties for possessing cannabis for personal use, or introducing tightly controlled legalisation of cannabis, does not appear to increase levels of cannabis use.

17 Jun 2026

Oral contraceptive pills may increase binge eating in some women

A new study from Michigan State University found increases in binge eating when taking hormone pills in the form of oral contraceptives - but not in all women.

17 Jun 2026

Adverse life experiences alter brain structure linked to schizophrenia

Carnegie Mellon University and University of California, San Francisco researchers found that childhood trauma, poverty, social isolation and other adverse life experiences are associated with brain changes linked to schizophrenia-spectrum disorders - findings that could help researchers identify people at risk earlier and develop interventions before severe symptoms emerge.

17 Jun 2026

Study shows how career interests translate into major life choices across decades

Career interest tests can be very helpful for teenagers and young adults deciding which careers to pursue. New research from Michigan State University challenges the assumption that vocational interests are only relevant for early career decision-making; rather, they remain relevant into adulthood.

17 Jun 2026

Loneliness linked to faster mental and physical decline in older adults

Some people might not mind spending time alone, but new research with data from 18 countries suggests that older people who struggle with loneliness - rather than strictly being alone - may experience a faster mental and physical decline.

16 Jun 2026

Depression shapes how children pay attention to emotional faces

A smile. A frown. The faces a child pays closer attention to might offer invaluable insight into their mental health.

16 Jun 2026

Pet interactions improve mood but do not buffer daily stress

Researchers just got one step closer to solving the age-old question: whether cats or dogs make better pets.

16 Jun 2026

New USC clinical trial explores psilocybin for mental health

Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the Brain and Creativity Institute at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have launched the University of Southern California's first study of psychedelic therapy.

16 Jun 2026