Psychology News and Research

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

Lesbian, gay and bisexual teens punished unfairly: Study

A new study says that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) teens and young adults, especially females are punished more often by school and criminal authorities than are straight youngsters. According to Yale researchers Kathryn Himmelstein and Hanna Bruckner, this increased punishment is not always due to more rule-breaking or law-breaking. Ms. Himmelstein, now a high school math teacher in New York City, began the study after spending time working in the juvenile justice system during a leave of absence from college. She noted this trend during her tenure and started this work as her senior thesis at Yale.

6 Dec 2010

Food outlets sending vouchers to kids in mail-outs

Now fast food outlets are sending direct mailers to kids under the age of 12 as part of online marketing campaigns to pre-teens that include special offers, free food vouchers and competitions. Outlet names like Hungry Jacks and Taco Bill Mexican Restaurants have come up in a submission to a Senate inquiry on privacy laws made by a coalition of some of the country’s peak health bodies.

5 Dec 2010

Robotics and machine-brain interface may benefit paraplegics

A ballet dancer grasps her partner's hand to connect for a pas de deux. Later that night, in the dark, she reaches for her calf to massage a sore spot. Her brain is using different "maps" to plan for each of these movements, according to a new study at UC Santa Barbara.

4 Dec 2010

GoodTherapy.org adds post-graduate therapist training directory, psychology graduate school directory

GoodTherapy.org, an internationally recognized organization which promotes healthy psychotherapy practices and helps people connect with mental health professionals, is pleased to announce the addition of two new features to its comprehensive website.

4 Dec 2010

Relationship-strengthening class for expectant, first-time parents improves family life

Expectant parents who completed a brief relationship-strengthening class around the time their child was born showed lasting effects on each family member's well being and on the family's overall relationships, according to a recent Penn State study.

3 Dec 2010

NSU receives $1.6 million federal grant to provide better care for homeless

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine recently received a $1.6 million federal grant to develop an academic program for medical students to provide better care for the homeless by understanding their needs.

3 Dec 2010

NSU offers free dental services to victims of domestic violence

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is offering free dental services to victims of domestic violence, who otherwise may not have access to such services.

3 Dec 2010

Moderate consumption of 'energy drinks' can improve people's response time

Moderate consumption of so-called energy drinks can improve people's response time on a lab test measuring behavioral control, but those benefits disappear as people drink more of the beverage, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.

3 Dec 2010

New book on managing worry, anxiety and fear

Americans' danger detectors are cranked up way too high these days, but we don't have to be held hostage by our anxiety, according to a new book on coping with stress by a Northwestern Medicine psychologist.

3 Dec 2010

Indiana University to join multi-state program focused on cervical cancer prevention

Indiana will join a multi-state program focused on cervical cancer prevention thanks to an unrestricted gift from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals to the Indiana University School of Medicine, in partnership with the Kristen Forbes EVE Foundation.

3 Dec 2010

Early autism diagnostic test on the horizon

Soon scientists may have a test to diagnose autism spectrum disorders using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. As of now this dreaded developmental disorder is typically diagnosed through observations, along with educational and psychological testing.

2 Dec 2010

One-third of LGBT youth attempt suicide

One-third of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth have attempted suicide in their lifetime -- a prevalence comparable to urban, minority youth -- but a majority do not experience mental illness, according to a report by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

2 Dec 2010

Study explores beauty discrimination in hiring process of labor market

"Good looks" are only sometimes a positive factor in consideration for a job, according to new research from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). In the new working paper, "Are Good-Looking People More Employable?" two economics researchers from BGU prove that a double standard exists between good looks as a positive factor in men and women.

1 Dec 2010

RCUK Academic Fellow to discuss microbial pathogens, immune system at Henry Wellcome Building

The Frank May Prize Lecture 2010 will be given by Dr Russell Wallis, speaking on microbial pathogens, and will be on Wednesday 1st December 2010, 5.30pm, in the Frank and Katherine May Lecture Theatre, Henry Wellcome Building (Lancaster Road), University of Leicester.

1 Dec 2010

Common sleep complaints predict development of metabolic syndrome: Study

A study in the Dec. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP found that loud snoring and two common insomnia symptoms difficulty falling asleep and unrefreshing sleep each significantly predicted the development of the metabolic syndrome. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for common sleep complaints in routine clinical practice.

1 Dec 2010

Willpower can be learned

Good things come to those who wait. A scientist who showed that willpower can be learned–and that it carries lifelong benefits–has won the 2011 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Psychology.

1 Dec 2010

Study finds boosting glucose levels can reduce aggressive behavior

A spoonful of sugar may be enough to cool a hot temper, at least for a short time, according to new research. A study found that people who drank a glass of lemonade sweetened with sugar acted less aggressively toward a stranger a few minutes later than did people who consumed lemonade with a sugar substitute.

1 Dec 2010