Psychology News and Research

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

Social comparisons may undermine happiness and life satisfaction

New research is shedding light on how comparing ourselves to others affects happiness and life satisfaction.

15 Jun 2026

Non-hormonal menopausal medication improves mood and hot flashes

The first real-world study of the FDA-approved non-hormone treatment fezolinetant found the menopausal medication improved hot flashes, depression and anxiety in women, according to industry-sponsored research being presented Sunday at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Chicago, Ill.

14 Jun 2026

Grandparents can help counter growing children's mental health challenges

As more than 40% of American teenagers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a leading child psychologist says grandparents and extended family have a vital role to play.

13 Jun 2026

Study reveals unconscious filtering of emotionally negative words

We tend to assume that emotionally charged words are more likely to grab our attention. An insult shouted across a crowded room or a disturbing phrase overheard on television can seem impossible to ignore.

12 Jun 2026

Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor researcher joins ARIA IMPACT Network to advance autism therapies

Dr. Jimmy Holder, associate professor in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Principal investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, and his team have received a grant for up to $17.25 million from Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) to become a part of the Innovative Medicine and Precision Approaches to Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Network.

11 Jun 2026

Proactive brain training strengthens mental wellness before challenges arise

A new study recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology challenges the traditional, reactive model of mental health care by demonstrating that proactive brain training can strengthen the human mind before mental health challenges take root.

10 Jun 2026

Massive genetic study uncovers new insights into anxiety risk

A study led by researchers at King’s College London and QIMR Berghofer medical research institute analysed genetic data on anxiety symptoms in 693,869 people of European ancestry, revealing new insight into the genetic pathways involved in the condition.

9 Jun 2026

Healthcare and insurance access influence folic acid use among women

Access to healthcare and insurance coverage strongly influence whether women take recommended amounts of folic acid to help prevent serious birth defects, according to University of California, Irvine researchers using the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program data.

8 Jun 2026

New academic program teaches practical skills for sustainable well-being

What is the key to happiness? A growing body of research points to a deceptively simple answer: relationships. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of adult life, has found that strong relationships are central to health and happiness.

8 Jun 2026

Early outdoor play reduces future mental health risks in children

Children who spend more time playing outdoors between the ages of two and four may be less likely to develop emotional and behavioural difficulties later in childhood.

8 Jun 2026

Study links common sleep behaviors to signs of brain aging

How we sleep may have lasting impacts for our brain health as we age. A new University of Arizona study has found that several common sleep behaviors may be linked to signs of brain aging.

5 Jun 2026

How tobacco-style product design shaped a kids’ lunchbox staple

A historical case study shows how tobacco-style research, consumer testing, and product reformulation strategies helped shape and expand a child-focused ultra-processed meal brand. The paper argues that tobacco and ultra-processed food regulation should be studied together, as both sectors used similar product-design strategies to boost appeal and maintain consumer loyalty.

5 Jun 2026

Brain remodeling bypasses the prefrontal bottleneck to automate complex skills

New research by Georgetown scientists shows how the brain rewires itself to automate learned tasks. The findings challenge a long-held understanding of how humans master complex skills, suggesting that true multitasking is really possible.

4 Jun 2026

Clean drinking water shortages threaten food security across nations

A new global study has found that people without access to clean drinking water are significantly more likely to experience food insecurity and food safety threats, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated global action to address these issues together.

3 Jun 2026

Subjective aging predicts poorer sleep health and daytime impairment

A new study to be presented at the SLEEP 2026 annual meeting found that adults who feel older than their chronological age reported worse sleep outcomes, including more insomnia symptoms, greater sleep-related impairment, and lower sleep regularity, with those sleep outcomes in turn associated with poorer self-reported physical health.

2 Jun 2026

People with high autistic traits face worsening anxiety in older age

A major UK study has found that while most middle-aged and older adults experience low levels of anxiety, a small group of people with higher autistic traits are much more likely to report that their anxiety worsens as they age.

1 Jun 2026

Grant funds research into molecular memories behind exaggerated fear

Experiencing a traumatic event sometimes produces long-lasting biological changes that can lead to an exaggerated fear response to future stressful events, such as what occurs in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

29 May 2026

Researchers say using digital mental health tool just once can provide exam season support to students

At this time of year, exam season means many young people feel overwhelmed, stuck or under huge pressure to perform.

29 May 2026

Antarctic mission study reveals how constant proximity increases team conflict

Space missions expose crews to months of isolation, confinement and extreme stress. An international study led by Jan Schmutz, professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich, and Andrea Cantisani, psychiatrist and research associate at the University of Bern, has investigated how such conditions affect team dynamics during a ten-month overwintering mission at Concordia Station in Antarctica.

25 May 2026

Shared humor and play strengthen children’s brains and emotional wellbeing

Making children laugh can build deep emotional connections and soothe their nervous systems, making them more resilient and open to new ideas, a leading child development expert tells us.

24 May 2026