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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 10:30AM
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TITLE:
After 25 years, researchers uncover genetic cause of rare neurological disease
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103023.htm

Spinocerebellar ataxia 4 is a devastating progressive movement disease that can begin as early as the late teens. Now, a multinational research team has conclusively identified the genetic difference that causes the disease, bringing answers to families and opening the door to future treatments.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 10:30AM
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TITLE:
Breakthrough in brown fat research: Researchers have found brown fat's 'off-switch'
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103018.htm

Researchers have found a protein that is responsible for turning off brown fat activity. This new discovery could lead to a promising strategy for safely activating brown fat and tackling obesity and related health problems.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 02:00PM
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TITLE:
Study links high intake of advanced glycation end products to depressive symptoms and poorer sleep quality
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/study-links-high-intake-of-advanced-glycation-end-products-to-depressive-symptoms-and-poorer-sleep-quality/

<p>A study involving university students in Turkey revealed that a higher dietary intake of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) correlates with more severe symptoms of depression and increased sleep disturbances. This association remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, body mass index, and smoking habits. The paper was published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.040"><em>Journal of Affective Disorders</em></a>.</p>
<p>Advanced glycation end products or AGEs are harmful compounds that form when proteins or fats combine with sugars through a process called the Maillard reaction. This reaction can occur both inside the body—due to metabolic processes—and outside the body, in foods, through food preparation using high temperatures, such as grilling, frying, or baking.</p>
<p>To date, scientists have identified more than 30 different AGEs, approximately half of which are found in food. These include compounds such as Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL), among others. AGEs contribute significantly to the distinct aroma, color, and taste of various foods, with common sources including high-fat meats, dairy products, and foods prepared at high temperatures.</p>
<p>Within the body, AGE levels tend to increase significantly in conditions characterized by consistently elevated sugar levels, such as diabetes. These compounds are also associated with various age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, primarily due to their role in promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.</p>
<p>The study&#8217;s authors, Büşra Demirer and Gulhan Samur, aimed to explore the relationship between dietary AGEs, depression symptoms, and sleep issues. Previous research has suggested a potential link between AGEs and mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Animal studies have highlighted AGEs&#8217; role in promoting neuroinflammation, though human studies in this area are limited.</p>
<p>The study sampled 420 students from Karabuk University in Turkey, aged between 19 and 24 years, with 80% being female. These participants provided data through various assessments, including the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory. They also reported on their food consumption over the previous 24 hours and provided sociodemographic information.</p>
<p>Based on the dietary data collected, the researchers categorized the participants into three groups according to their AGE intake: low, medium, and high. The results indicated that students with higher AGE intake exhibited more severe depression symptoms and poorer sleep quality on average, although no significant differences in macronutrient or energy intake were observed among the groups.</p>
<p>The researchers concluded that dietary intake of advanced glycation end products was linked to both depression and sleep quality among university students. There was no significant correlation between individuals&#8217; AGE intake and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as measured by MEDAS scores.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the links between AGEs intake, depression, and sleep quality. However, it should be noted that the design of the study does not allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be drawn from the data. Additionally, study participants were all students and predominantly females. Results might not be the same on other demographic and age groups.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.040">Intake of dietary advanced glycation end products may be associated with depression and sleep quality in young adults,</a>” was authored by Büşra Demirer and Gulhan Samur.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 04:52PM
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TITLE:
Test reveals mice think like babies
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165208.htm

Are mice clever enough to be strategic? A neuroscientist who studies learning in humans and animals, and who has long worked with mice, wondered why rodents often performed poorly in tests when they knew how to perform well. With a simple experiment, and by acting as 'a little bit of a mouse psychologist,' he and his team figured it out.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 04:51PM
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TITLE:
Imaging technique shows new details of peptide structures
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165154.htm

Researchers outline how they used a chemical probe to light up interlocking peptides. Their technique will help scientists differentiate synthetic peptides from toxic types found in Alzheimer's disease.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 04:50PM
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TITLE:
Pregnancy cytokine levels impact fetal brain development and offspring behavior
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165051.htm

Researchers have discovered in a preclinical model that cytokines, proteins that control immune response, circulating in maternal blood during pregnancy may mitigate an offspring's risk for psychiatric conditions. The findings are surprising because circulating maternal cytokines are at such low levels that they were not implicated in fetal brain development and offspring behavior before.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 04:50PM
.
TITLE:
Pregnancy cytokine levels impact fetal brain development and offspring behavior
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165051.htm

Researchers have discovered in a preclinical model that cytokines, proteins that control immune response, circulating in maternal blood during pregnancy may mitigate an offspring's risk for psychiatric conditions. The findings are surprising because circulating maternal cytokines are at such low levels that they were not implicated in fetal brain development and offspring behavior before.
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Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 10:00AM
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TITLE:
Decision-making deficits predict social difficulties in children with ADHD
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/decision-making-deficits-predict-social-difficulties-in-children-with-adhd/

<p>Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often linked with difficulties in social interactions. Recent research published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-57041-x"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a> has shed light on how decision-making deficits, particularly impulsivity and the inability to delay gratification, play a crucial role in the social challenges faced by children and adolescents with ADHD. The study reveals that these decision-making challenges are consistent over time and significantly predict social difficulties.</p>
<p>Previous research has primarily focused on the overt symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention and hyperactivity, and their impact on social skills. However, these aspects alone do not fully explain the extent of social difficulties. Furthermore, while medications for ADHD help manage these primary symptoms, they do little to enhance social skills directly. This gap in understanding prompted researchers to explore whether underlying decision-making processes could better explain and predict social challenges in ADHD.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000297" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previous research</a>, Lin Sørensen and her colleagues observed that children with ADHD often engage in risk-seeking behaviors, primarily because they find it difficult to remain in unstimulating or tedious situations, or when there is a delay in receiving rewards. This tendency, known as delay aversion, is less prevalent among their typically developing peers and is linked to increased impulsivity in children with ADHD.</p>
<p>&#8220;In the new longitudinal follow-up study, we were interested in studying if the poorer regulation of motivation when being in tedious and stimulus-poor situations (delay aversion), leading to poorer risk-related decision making skills, predicted social difficulties in the longer run,&#8221; explained Sørensen, a professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Bergen.</p>
<p>The initial participant group consisted of 70 children, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old. This group included 36 children diagnosed with ADHD and 34 typically developing peers, ensuring a comparison between the two groups. The children with ADHD were not on any medication at the start of the study to avoid its influence on their cognitive functions.</p>
<p>The key method for assessing decision-making was the Cambridge Gambling Task. This task, part of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, measures decision-making under risk. Participants are shown a series of boxes, some colored blue and others red, with a yellow token hidden behind one of the boxes. They must bet on where they believe the token is, with the stakes varying in terms of risk and potential reward.</p>
<p>The Cambridge Gambling Task quantifies several aspects of decision-making: risk adjustment (how well participants adapt their betting strategy based on the level of risk), delay aversion (preference for immediate rewards over higher but delayed rewards), reflection time (time taken to make a decision), and risk proneness (tendency to choose high-risk options).</p>
<p>Data were collected at two points: baseline and follow-up four years later. At each time point, the Cambridge Gambling Task was administered, and parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist to report on their children&#8217;s social behaviors and any conduct or emotional issues.</p>
<p>One of the central findings was the persistence of suboptimal decision-making in children with ADHD across the study period. Specifically, these children continued to show poor risk adjustment, meaning they struggled to adapt their decision-making strategies according to the level of risk involved. This trait was stable over the four years between baseline and follow-up, suggesting that difficulties with evaluating and managing risk are a consistent feature of ADHD that extends into adolescence.</p>
<p>Interestingly, while delay aversion was pronounced at the baseline, it did not significantly differ from the control group at follow-up. This might indicate some developmental changes in how children with ADHD perceive and react to delays as they grow older. However, despite this shift, delay aversion remained a significant predictor of social problems, indicating its impactful role in the daily interactions and decisions of these individuals.</p>
<p>The researchers also found a robust connection between certain decision-making deficits and social difficulties as reported by parents through the Child Behavior Checklist. In particular, greater social problems were associated with poorer risk adjustment and higher delay aversion. These findings suggest that the way children with ADHD make decisions in risky or delayed situations directly affects their ability to manage social interactions effectively.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our study indicates that children and adolescents with ADHD may appear impulsive in social interactions with others when they are bored and what is happening in the social interaction or in the situation in general is not interesting enough to capture their attention,&#8221; Sørensen told PsyPost. &#8220;This could mean that they know how to behave in social interactions with others but struggle with the effort in certain situations to use those skills.&#8221;</p>
<p>The research also highlighted that not all aspects of decision making equally predicted social outcomes. For instance, risk proneness and reflection times at baseline did not show a clear correlation with social difficulties at follow-up, suggesting that specific elements of decision-making are more critical in influencing social behavior in ADHD.</p>
<p>Sørensen was surprised to find &#8220;that delay aversion was the most important predictor of social difficulties in ADHD. I would have expected also other aspects of cognition such as time used to process information would have associated with difficulties in social interactions.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study provides compelling evidence that decision-making processes play a critical role in the social problems experienced by children with ADHD. But there are limitations to consider. The sample size was relatively small, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, most children with ADHD were on medication at the follow-up, which could have influenced the results, especially regarding their decision-making abilities.</p>
<p>Future research should aim to involve larger groups and possibly include neuroimaging to observe brain activity during decision-making tasks. Also, investigating whether interventions aimed at improving decision-making skills could lead to better social outcomes in ADHD would be valuable.</p>
<p>Despite the limitations, the results underscore the importance of addressing decision-making processes in interventions aimed at improving social skills in children with ADHD. Traditional treatments that focus primarily on reducing hyperactivity and improving attention might not adequately address the complex social challenges these children face.</p>
<p>&#8220;There is a need for improved understanding of the reasons for children with ADHD to struggle with social interactions,&#8221; Sørensen said. &#8220;The treatment typically provided today does not seem to be effective. Therefore, continuing to better understand difficulties in social interactions using experimental paradigms are one important step to disentangle the specific mechanisms causing these difficulties.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-57041-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suboptimal decision making and interpersonal problems in ADHD: longitudinal evidence from a laboratory task</a>,&#8221; was authored by L. Sørensen, S. Adolfsdottir, E. Kvadsheim, H. Eichele, K. J. Plessen, and E. Sonuga-Barke.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 08:00AM
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TITLE:
Attachment styles predict experiences of singlehood and well-being, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/attachment-styles-predict-experiences-of-singlehood-and-well-being-study-finds/

<p>A new study published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12929"><em>Journal of Personality</em></a> examined the link between attachment profiles, singlehood, and psychological well-being.</p>
<p>Despite the universal desire for romantic companionship, a growing number of people are choosing to live alone, with a significant increase in solo living from 7.6% in 1967 to 14.4% in 2020 in the United States. Further, around 35% of U.S. adults are not in a romantic relationship.</p>
<p>In their new study, Christopher A. Pepping and his colleagues examined why some people remain single through the lens of attachment theory. While attachment theory is often referred to in explaining relationship dynamics, it has rarely been applied to singlehood.</p>
<p>Study 1 included 482 single adults (from 5 data sets) between ages 18 to 68. Participants completed measures assessing attachment style, individual differences (e.g., self-esteem, desire for a relationship; e.g., “On the whole, I am satisfied with myself”, “I am single because I cannot be bothered pursuing a relationship”), and well-being (e.g., relatedness, competency; “I feel loved and cared about”, “I feel like a competent person”)</p>
<p>Indeed, four unique profiles were identified among participants: secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. Each group demonstrated distinct characteristics in how they experience singlehood and psychosocial well-being. Secure singles reported the highest levels of psychological well-being, including life satisfaction, social support availability, and lower fear of being single.</p>
<p>Anxious singles faced challenges such as higher neuroticism, lower self-esteem, and significant fears regarding being single. Their psychological well-being was lower compared to secure singles. Avoidant singles showed better outcomes than anxious and fearful-avoidant individuals but reported feelings of detachment and less interest in forming close relationships.</p>
<p>Fearful-avoidant singles had the poorest outcomes, with high levels of emotional distress and the lowest levels of well-being among all groups.</p>
<p>The second study replicated and extended the findings of the first study using a sample of 400 single adults aged between 25 to 83 years, who had been single for a minimum of three years. Participants once again completed measures of attachment style, individual differences (e.g., hurt proneness; “My feelings are easily hurt”), and well-being (e.g., “My life has a clear sense of purpose”).</p>
<p>The findings corroborated those of the first study. Secure singles again showed the best psychosocial well-being, showing less fear of being single and greater satisfaction with non-romantic relationships. Anxious singles continued to report high desire for romantic relationships, significant social and emotional regulation issues, and higher rates of loneliness and depression.</p>
<p>Avoidant singles appeared to maintain their independence with less emotional distress but still experienced lower satisfaction in personal relationships than secure singles. Fearful-avoidant singles had even more pronounced difficulties, with high emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and lower well-being overall.</p>
<p>Across both studies, the findings suggest that attachment styles significantly influence how individuals experience singlehood, with the consistency of the four profiles across different samples and time frames highlighting a robust pattern.</p>
<p>A key limitation noted by the authors is the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal inferences about the relationships between attachment style and singlehood.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12929">Diversity in singlehood experiences: Testing an attachment theory model of sub-groups of singles</a>”, was authored by Christopher A. Pepping, Yuthika U. Girme, Timothy J. Cronin, and Geoff MacDonald.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 29, 2024 at 06:00AM
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TITLE:
Republicans’ pro-democracy speeches after January 6 had no impact on Trump supporters, study suggests
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/republicans-pro-democracy-speeches-after-january-6-had-no-impact-on-trump-supporters-study-suggests/

<p>In the wake of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, a study tested whether speeches by Republican politicians could bolster support for democratic norms among party voters. The findings revealed that despite the perceived initial effectiveness of the speeches by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mitch McConnell, they did not significantly impact the attitudes of Donald Trump&#8217;s supporters.</p>
<p>The research was recently published in the <em><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-experimental-political-science/article/null-effects-of-prodemocracy-speeches-by-us-republicans-in-the-aftermath-of-january-6th/28C6B7C22E17458FBF0A704EBA662FDA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Journal of Experimental Political Science</a></em>.</p>
<p>The violent breach of the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump marked a stark challenge to democratic principles. In response, prominent Republican figures delivered speeches advocating for the core tenets of democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power. This period saw varying reactions from Republican officials and voters, with some downplaying the events and others publicly supporting democratic processes.</p>
<p>The attack on the Capitol raised profound questions about the stability of American democracy and whether political elites could reinforce a waning commitment to democratic principles. Before this incident, various indicators suggested that allegiance to democratic norms was declining among Republicans, influenced by elite cues and partisan divides. Given this context, researchers sought to understand if and how pro-democracy messages from within the Republican party could counteract these trends.</p>
<p>The researchers targeted a specific demographic: U.S. citizens who voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 Presidential elections. Participants were recruited through Prolific, an online platform known for higher data quality compared to other survey platforms. A total of 660 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups to eliminate selection bias and ensure that any differences observed could be attributed to the treatment.</p>
<p>The experiment, which was conducted on February 19, 2021, featured two treatment groups and one control group. The control group watched a neutral video on space exploration, specifically Ronald Reagan&#8217;s historical speech, which was unrelated to democracy or the political climate. This served as a baseline to measure the natural level of support for unrelated political issues.</p>
<p>One treatment group watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_P-0I6sAck">an eight-minute video of Arnold Schwarzenegger</a>, where he drew parallels between the Capitol riots and historical events in Austria, emphasizing the importance of democratic stability and the dangers of its erosion. The other treatment group <a href="https://youtu.be/I9_2CRBfYYc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listened to Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor</a>, advocating for the peaceful transfer of power and the importance of adhering to electoral outcomes.</p>
<p>The researchers found no discernible differences in abstract attitudes toward democracy between the control group and the treatment groups. Participants’ overall endorsement of democracy as a preferred form of government and the importance they placed on living in a democratic society remained unchanged after viewing the speeches. This indicates that the messages did not alter general democratic attitudes among Trump voters, even though they resonated with Republican ideologies and were delivered by prominent figures within the party.</p>
<p>Further analysis revealed similar non-results for more specific democratic norms. The speeches did not increase participants&#8217; acceptance of electoral defeat nor did they decrease their acceptance of political violence as a legitimate means of political expression. This was particularly notable in the context of the study, given that these issues were directly addressed in the speeches, especially in McConnell&#8217;s emphasis on the peaceful transfer of power and Schwarzenegger&#8217;s warnings against the dangers of undermining democratic processes.</p>
<p>The researchers also explored whether exposure to these pro-democracy messages would influence participants&#8217; hypothetical voting behavior. Through a conjoint experiment, where participants chose between two hypothetical candidates with varying democratic credentials, they assessed the practical impact of the speeches on voting decisions. However, the findings showed no significant changes in how much participants valued democratic principles in their candidate choices after viewing the speeches.</p>
<p>&#8220;The experiment reported in this study provides no evidence that Republican politicians who made the case for democratic principles amidst a democratic crisis fostered the commitment of prior Trump voters to these principles,&#8221; the researchers said. &#8220;The lack of persuasive effects on democracy-related orientations goes against our pre-registered expectations as the experiment in various respects was designed to maximize treatment effects&#8230; Both videos were considered highly persuasive in the broader public debate and by many commentators.&#8221;</p>
<p>These results suggest that even well-crafted and earnest appeals by conservative political figures might fail to penetrate the established beliefs and attitudes of Trump voters. However, the unique context of the Capitol riot and the high politicization of the period might have solidified participants&#8217; attitudes to a point where a single speech could not sway them. Also, the study’s timing and the possibility that participants had previously seen similar messages could have influenced the results. Future research could explore the potential effects of repeated exposure to pro-democracy messages or the impact if these messages were delivered closer to the events of January 6.</p>
<p>&#8220;Given these limitations, the reported findings should not be taken as conclusive evidence that Schwarzenegger’s and McConnell’s pro-democracy speeches were in vain and had no communicative effects whatsoever. More narrowly, the study shows that exposing Trump-voting Prolific panelists to these speeches in highly politicized times and in the context of an academic study failed to induce any changes of relevant size on a variety of democracy-related attitudes and behavioral inclinations,&#8221; the researchers concluded.</p>
<p>&#8220;To the extent that readers, like us, would have expected such carefully crafted messages to elicit attitude changes even in the specific context of our study, the findings help us to update prior beliefs on the persuasiveness of such messages. They point to potential limitations of persuasive messaging on citizens’ support for democratic principles and norms from in-party politicians at times when those parties are internally divided. More broadly, these findings hint at a research agenda on the conditions under which pro-democracy communication will and will not be successful.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/XPS.2023.17" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Null Effects of Pro-Democracy Speeches by U.S. Republicans in the Aftermath of January 6th</a>,&#8221; was authored by Alexander Wuttke, Florian Sichart, and Florian Foos.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 04:51AM
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TITLE:
Portugal Rejects Paying Reparations for Colonial Role in Slave Trade
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179295&url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-27/portugals-president-suggests-debt-cancellation-to-repair-colonial-slavery-legacy

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a></p>Portugal's government said on Saturday it refuses to initiate any process to pay reparations for atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, contrary to earlier comments from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. From the 15th to the 19th century, 6 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported across the Atlantic by Portuguese vessels and sold into slavery&mdash;more than any other European nation.</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 12:00PM
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TITLE:
Physical touch from teammates appears to improve free throw accuracy in basketball
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/physical-touch-from-teammates-appears-to-improve-free-throw-accuracy-in-basketball/

<p>New research suggests that a simple touch from teammates can significantly influence the success of basketball players during free throw attempts, particularly after a missed first shot. The findings were published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102610" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psychology of Sport &amp; Exercise</a></em>.</p>
<p>Prior research has extensively documented the calming effects of physical touch, such as hugs or pats on the back, which can soothe individuals and lower stress levels. However, the impact of such physical interactions on performance during stressful tasks has remained under-explored. Free throws represent a unique blend of skill, concentration, and psychological pressure as players face not only the physical challenge of the shot but also the intense scrutiny of spectators and the weight of team expectations.</p>
<p>For their study, the researchers analyzed a total of 60 basketball games involving NCAA women’s teams. These games were chosen for their availability and the clarity with which player interactions could be observed. The primary observational focus was on the period between the two free throws, during which teammates could interact with the shooter.</p>
<p>The researchers recorded every instance of physical touch, such as hand squeezes, shoulder taps, or any other form of gentle contact made by up to four teammates who were on the court with the shooter. For each of the 835 instances where a player took two free throws, the research team noted the number and type of physical touches received by the shooter from her teammates after the first shot and before the second.</p>
<p>The researchers found that the likelihood of scoring a second free throw increased when the player received physical touches from teammates after missing the first attempt. This effect was statistically significant, indicating a clear association between supportive gestures and improved performance under stress.</p>
<p>According to the researchers, the study shows that &#8220;physical touch by teammates boosts performance in one of the most stressful athletic tasks imaginable: Succeeding with a free throw in basketball after already missing one.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;The positive effects of touch are even evident after controlling for various player and game factors known to impact free throw performance. Our findings thus speak to the power of touch to handle pressure in basketball, a multi-billion-dollar business where every point is worth money.</p>
<p>&#8220;Furthermore, our findings extend previous theorizing in showing that physical touch indeed improves performance under pressure. As an implication, physical touch may be a powerful antidote against the performance-damaging effects of stress in other team efforts as well, for instance, in sports, in relationships, or at work.&#8221;</p>
<p>While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge several limitations. The study was observational and focused exclusively on women’s basketball, which means the results might not directly translate to other groups, such as male athletes or professional players, without further study.</p>
<p>The research does not establish a causal relationship between touch and performance; it merely identifies an association that could be influenced by other factors, such as team dynamics or individual differences in how players perceive and benefit from physical touch.</p>
<p>Looking forward, the team suggests expanding this research to explore whether the observed effects hold in different settings, such as during practice or in less competitive environments. They also recommend examining the role of sincerity and the intention behind the touches, which could influence the effectiveness of the support provided.</p>
<p>Additionally, expanding the demographic scope to include male athletes and professional players could provide a more comprehensive understanding of how physical touch impacts performance across different contexts.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029224000219" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The power of human touch: Physical contact improves performance in basketball free throws</a>,&#8221; was authored by Christiane M. Büttner, Christoph Kenntemich, and Kipling D. Williams.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 10:27AM
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TITLE:
Hundreds Arrested on U.S. Campuses As Gaza Demonstrations Grow
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179309&url=https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiMWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy93b3JsZC11cy1jYW5hZGEtNjg5MTUwMjHSATVodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY29tL25ld3Mvd29ybGQtdXMtY2FuYWRhLTY4OTE1MDIxLmFtcA?oc=5

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.google.com/?ned=us&topic=m" rel="tag" target="_blank">Google News - Health</a></p>Hundreds more people were arrested at college campuses across the U.S. on Saturday as student protests against the war in Gaza continue. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein was among those detained by police. Protestors are demanding institutions boycott companies and individuals with ties to Israel. But some Jewish students are reporting antisemitism from demonstrators, and some schools are moving classes online, citing safety...</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 10:00AM
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TITLE:
What drives us to share info? Belief alignment trumps surprise and novelty, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/what-drives-us-to-share-info-belief-alignment-trumps-surprise-and-novelty-study-finds/

<p>Every day, we are bombarded with a deluge of information, especially online, where news spreads faster than ever. But what kind of information do we choose to share, and why? A new study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56086-2"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a> explores this, revealing that people are more likely to share information that aligns with their beliefs, even if it isn&#8217;t particularly surprising. This challenges the common notion that novelty and surprise are primary drivers of information sharing.</p>
<p>Information theory posits that the value of information is largely derived from its novelty or the surprise it generates. The more unexpected the information, the theory suggests, the more likely it is to be shared. Previous research has often found a link between the novelty of information — such as fresh insights on health or political issues — and its rapid dissemination.</p>
<p>However, this study introduces a twist: the alignment of information with personal beliefs might play a more critical role than previously thought, prompting the researchers to investigate how belief-consistency influences sharing.</p>
<p>&#8220;Some prominent research suggested that false information spreads farther and faster than true information because the false information is more novel/surprising,&#8221; explained study author Jacob T. Goebel of Ohio State University.</p>
<p>&#8220;Yet, this work did not seem to account for the extent to which information might fit or not with the beliefs of people deciding to spread the information. We wanted to account for both belief-consistency and novelty/surprise to examine in a more controlled way whether surprise was playing the key role attributed to it.&#8221;</p>
<p>The researchers conducted two primary methods of investigation: an analysis of Twitter data and two controlled experiments. For the Twitter analysis, they gathered data from 223 tweets from politically neutral news sources and tracked how frequently each tweet was retweeted. They examined the timing of the tweets relative to when the events they reported happened, using this as a measure of novelty. They also analyzed the ideological alignment of the tweets with the beliefs of the users who shared them.</p>
<p>The first experiment included 226 undergraduate students from an introductory psychology course at Ohio State University. They were tasked with the role of an editor&#8217;s assistant at a news organization, where their job was to decide how much information to forward to the editor for a comprehensive understanding of an issue. Initially, participants were provided with an interview transcript discussing the effectiveness of risk-taking in firefighting. This transcript was designed to manipulate the participants&#8217; beliefs about the topic, with the fire chief&#8217;s statements and supporting evidence either favoring or opposing risk-taking.</p>
<p>After establishing these initial beliefs, the participants received an &#8220;update&#8221; from a reporter that presented additional evidence either supporting or contradicting the initial information (belief consistency manipulation). This update also included information that was either previously seen in the transcript or new, thus manipulating the novelty of the information presented. Participants then assessed the novelty and surprise of the update, and decided which pieces of information were critical enough to pass along to the editor.</p>
<p>The second experiment was similar in design but involved 301 participants recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform and focused on a different topic. In this experiment, the subject matter concerned whether a hypothetical country should be allowed to join the European Union. Like the first experiment, participants were initially exposed to information designed to sway their beliefs in one direction or the other. They then received an update containing information that either aligned with or contradicted these newly formed beliefs, and like before, the novelty of the information was manipulated.</p>
<p>Participants in Experiment 2 were also asked to rate the value of the information in the update before making decisions about what to share. This addition aimed to gather more detailed data on how perceived value influenced the decision to share information.</p>
<p>The researchers found that tweets posted sooner after an event — thus more novel — tended to receive more retweets. However, the ideological consistency of the tweets with the users&#8217; beliefs emerged as a strong predictor of sharing behavior. Tweets that aligned with users&#8217; political ideologies were shared more frequently than those that did not, regardless of their novelty. This suggests that while novelty attracts attention, congruence with pre-existing beliefs substantially influences whether information is considered share-worthy.</p>
<p>&#8220;Encountering a sea of information each day, people must decide what is worth sharing with others,&#8221; Goebel told PsyPost. &#8220;People don’t always share information that is “fresh” or “new”; they also react to how it fits with what they already know. Often, this leads them to share information that is consistent with their prior beliefs (even though that information is not very surprising to them). It is not safe to assume that information will be shared simply because it is novel and/or surprising.&#8221;</p>
<p>The two experiments reinforced these results, showing that information consistent with participants&#8217; beliefs was not only perceived as less surprising but was also more likely to be shared. Interestingly, the novelty of the information did not significantly affect its likelihood of being shared, contrary to what traditional information theory would predict.</p>
<p>&#8220;When we manipulated whether potential information to be spread had or had not been seen previously, participants were not sensitive to that manipulation when judging how novel (or surprising) the information was,&#8221; Goebel explained. &#8220;In other words, people didn’t seem very adept at discerning how objectively novel the information was.&#8221;</p>
<p>As with any study, the research includes some caveats. For instance, the experiments were conducted in controlled settings with hypothetical scenarios, which might not fully capture the complexities of real-world information sharing.</p>
<p>&#8220;The experimental work created new beliefs in order to have strict control over whether the information to be spread had or had not been previously seen (in addition to whether it was belief-consistent or not),&#8221; Goebel noted. &#8220;That control is useful for making clear claims about these particular studies, but it leaves open the question of whether similar effects occur when new information is related to long-held existing beliefs.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Also, because the sharing occurred in the context of a scenario in which information was to be shared with an editor of a publication, different roles ascribed to the participant or to the audience might shape what kinds of information would be viewed as valuable.&#8221;</p>
<p>Future research could explore how these dynamics play out with different types of information, such as health advisories or political news, where individuals might have stronger pre-existing beliefs. Additionally, examining the impact of real consequences associated with sharing misinformation could provide deeper insights into how beliefs influence sharing behavior.</p>
<p>&#8220;We would like to examine how group and network contexts might shift sharing tendencies, perhaps enhancing or changing the kinds of effects we observed for individual decisions,&#8221; Goebel said. &#8220;For example, a network of friends might call for sharing of different information than a network of scholars or of political affiliates (or foes). These network/audience contexts might also shift the roles of novelty, surprise, and/or belief-consistency.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;There are other contexts in which surprise draws interest or prompts processing of information one encounters,&#8221; he added. &#8220;Thus, it seems likely that there might be contexts in which surprise also makes incoming information seem worth spreading to others. It could be that, in many contexts, however, people use consistency with existing beliefs as a key factor in determining whether information is worth sharing.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56086-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belief-consistent information is most shared despite being the least surprising</a>,&#8221; was authored by Jacob T. Goebel, Mark W. Susmann, Srinivasan Parthasarathy, Hesham El Gamal, R. Kelly Garrett, and Duane T. Wegener.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 06:00AM
.
TITLE:
Hookups lead to breakups for female characters in top teen romance dramas
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/hookups-lead-to-breakups-for-female-characters-in-top-teen-romance-dramas/

<p>A scientific analysis of the romantic content in the 41 high-grossing teen romantic drama movies from 1961 to 2019 has found that male characters were more likely to express romantic ideals, whereas hookups — especially those involving female characters — often predicted relationship terminations. This trend highlights a persistent sexual double standard in these films, which could have negative implications for their primarily young female audience. The findings have been published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000530" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psychology of Popular Media</a></em>.</p>
<p>For decades, romantic films have played a significant role in shaping societal views about love and relationships, often idealizing these experiences in a way that might not align with reality. Previous research indicates that exposure to these films can influence young people&#8217;s beliefs about romance, leading them to hold more idealistic views about love.</p>
<p>However, the specific content and messages conveyed in teen romantic dramas remained less explored. Given the popularity of these films among adolescents, understanding their content could provide insights into how media influences young viewers&#8217; expectations and beliefs about relationships.</p>
<p>&#8220;I, just like many others, grew up (and still love) watching romance movies. I always found myself infatuated with the characters and relationships I saw on the screen,&#8221; said study author Amy Pezoldt, a graduate student in social psychology at University of Florida.</p>
<p>&#8220;In my personal experience, guys in real life acted a lot differently than the ones in the movies; no one has ever told me they thought I was flawless or loved me from the moment they laid eyes on me! I thought it would be really interesting to systematically analyze and actually break down what themes and messages these movies are spreading to viewers, and so a content analysis on teen romance movies seemed like a great way to do exactly that.&#8221;</p>
<p>The researchers selected a sample of films based on listings from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), specifically tagged under &#8220;teen romance.&#8221; The films were selected and filtered to meet specific criteria: main characters had to be teenagers or young adults, and the film needed to be produced by a U.S. company and released in U.S. theaters. After reviewing plot summaries and other relevant details, 42 films were initially chosen; however, one was later excluded as its plot was not primarily romantic, leaving 41 films for detailed analysis.</p>
<p>One of the standout findings was that male characters in these films expressed more romantic ideals than their female counterparts. This was quantified by counting the instances of phrases and dialogues that represented idealistic views of love, such as &#8220;love conquers all&#8221; or &#8220;soulmates.&#8221;</p>
<p>Male characters were found to express romantic ideals significantly more frequently than female characters, with males averaging 1.78 expressions compared to females, who averaged 0.68. However, when it came to expressing challenges to romantic ideals — statements that presented a more realistic or critical view of love — there was no significant gender difference. Female characters expressed slightly more challenges to romantic ideals than male characters, but this difference was not statistically significant.</p>
<p>In terms of relationship dynamics, there were no significant differences between male and female characters in terms of their engagement in hookups and long-term relationships. Both genders participated in a roughly equal number of hookups, with men averaging 1.32 hookups and women averaging 1.17, showing no statistically significant difference. Likewise, there was no significant gender difference in the number of long-term relationships.</p>
<p>However, an interesting gender disparity emerged in the consequences of these relationships. Films in which female characters engaged in hookups often ended with those characters experiencing break-ups, suggesting a moralistic or cautionary stance on women&#8217;s autonomous sexual behavior. In contrast, the relationship outcomes for male characters were not significantly influenced by their engagement in hookups.</p>
<p>&#8220;This study revealed that teen drama romance movies can be both realistic and unrealistic,&#8221; Pezoldt told PsyPost. &#8220;They are rather unrealistic in the sense that men in the films believe in romantic ideals (like soulmates and love and first sight) more than they report in real life.</p>
<p>&#8220;Unfortunately, they fall more on the side of realism when considering that women are more likely than men to experience a negative aftermath of hooking up, in both movies and real life. I think it&#8217;s important to recognize these underlying themes that are being presented in many of the movies we know and love.&#8221;</p>
<p>Despite evolving societal norms and attitudes towards relationships and sexuality, the researchers found that the depiction of both casual and committed romantic relationships in teen romance films remained consistent over time.</p>
<p>&#8220;One thing that was particularly surprising was that romance movies have remained relatively stable over time; there haven&#8217;t been many drastic changes,&#8221; Pezoldt explained. &#8220;Characters today express similar amounts of romantic ideals and challenges, and hook up and take part in long-term relationships, just as they did 50 years ago.&#8221;</p>
<p>But the study, like all research, includes some caveats. The study&#8217;s focus on high-grossing films means it primarily includes mainstream movies that may not represent the full diversity of teen experiences and relationships. Most films analyzed featured White, heterosexual main characters, which does not reflect the broader societal diversity. Future research could expand to include a wider range of films.</p>
<p>&#8220;I would like to conduct research on the actual viewers of teen drama romance movies, instead of just analyzing the movies themselves,&#8221; Pezoldt said. &#8220;It would be interesting to see the effects that these movies may have on viewers’ romantic beliefs and dating behaviors.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;No one should ever feel guilty about liking romance movies,&#8221; she added. &#8220;They are popular and enjoyable for a reason, and sometimes all people want to do is watch a whimsical and idyllic romantic story. I would advise romantic movie lovers to familiarize themselves with the different themes these movies are spreading, which may not always be easy to see. I hope my study can help people grasp these ideas a bit better.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fppm0000530" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Young Love on the Big Screen: A Content Analysis of Romantic Ideals, Challenges, Hookups, and Long-Term Relationships in Teen Romantic Drama Movies</a>,&#8221; was authored by Amy F. Pezoldt, Marina Klimenko, and Gregory D. Webster.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 01:17PM
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TITLE:
How New Graduates Can Find a Job in the Age of AI
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179243&url=https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/how-new-grads-can-find-a-job-in-the-age-of-ai

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a></p>&quot;Do you have advice on how to find an AI-related job?&quot; This is an important and timely question that upcoming college graduates are asking this spring as millions of students graduate from American colleges and universities in one of the most dynamic labor markets in recent history. The fact is that every job role that requires postsecondary education can be influenced and impacted by AI.</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 28, 2024 at 01:16PM
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TITLE:
Iraq Parliament Criminalizes Same-Sex Relationships
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179302&url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68914551

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/" rel="tag" target="_blank">BBC News - Top Headlines</a></p>Iraq's parliament has passed a bill criminalizing same-sex relationships with jail terms of between 10 and 15 years. Transgender people could also be sent to prison for between one and three years under the new law. Supporters of the changes say they will help to uphold religious values in the country. Rights groups say they are a further black mark on Iraq's record of violations against LGBT people.</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 04:00PM
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TITLE:
New study suggests gut microbiota can influence brain structure
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/new-study-suggests-gut-microbiota-can-influence-brain-structure/

<p>In a study recently published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.063"><em>Journal of Affective Disorders</em></a>, researchers have found evidence suggesting that certain types of gut bacteria may influence the thickness of the brain&#8217;s cortex. The study identifies specific bacteria within the orders <em>Lactobacillales</em> and <em>Bacillales</em> that are potentially associated with changes in brain structure.</p>
<p>Our gut is teeming with microorganisms that influence various aspects of our health, from metabolism and immunity to our risk for diseases. Recently, scientists have begun to explore how these microbes might also impact the brain. This interaction between the gut and the brain is often referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Prior research has shown that changes in the composition of gut bacteria are linked to a variety of brain functions and disorders, including cognitive abilities and mental health conditions.</p>
<p>However, the mechanisms behind this influence are not fully understood. Traditional studies have faced challenges such as small sample sizes and confounding factors, which can obscure true effects.</p>
<p>In their new study, researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing aimed to provide clearer evidence using a technique called Mendelian randomization, which helps to infer causal relationships from genetic data. This technique leverages genetic variations as natural experiments to explore the influence of modifiable risk factors on health outcomes.</p>
<p>The researchers used genetic data from large public health databases, analyzing genes related to the presence of certain gut bacteria and their potential impact on the thickness of various brain regions. They focused on two groups of bacteria, <em>Bacillales</em> and <em>Lactobacillales</em>, known for their prevalent roles in human health. The study involved over 51,000 participants primarily of European descent.</p>
<p>The researchers identified a statistically significant association between the abundance of <em>Bacillales</em> and <em>Lactobacillales</em> and the thickness of the cerebral cortex. This association was consistent across global measures of cortical thickness and notably in specific brain regions that are crucial for various cognitive and sensory functions.</p>
<p>For <em>Bacillales</em>, an increase in cortical thickness was observed in brain regions such as the fusiform, insula, rostral anterior cingulate, and supramarginal areas. <em>Lactobacillales</em> showed a similar impact, particularly increasing thickness in the fusiform and supramarginal regions.</p>
<p>These regions are involved in processes such as visual processing, emotional regulation, sensory perception, and cognitive control, suggesting that the influence of these bacteria could extend to these fundamental neural functions.</p>
<p>But how would gut microbiota influence brain structure? The researchers noted that gut bacteria affect metabolic functions in the liver, influencing the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids which, when altered, can cross the blood-brain barrier and impact neuronal activity. Additionally, gut microbes produce a range of metabolites and hormones that are crucial for the gut-brain signaling system.</p>
<p>Despite its innovative approach, the study has limitations. The findings are based on genetic data that predict bacterial levels rather than direct measurements, which might not capture the dynamic nature of gut microbiota. Additionally, the study&#8217;s population was mainly of European ancestry, which might limit the generalizability of the results to other ethnic groups.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the findings suggest that the microbiota-gut-brain axis could be a viable target for therapeutic interventions in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The researchers call for further studies with diverse populations and direct measures of gut microbiota to confirm these findings. They also suggest that future research should explore the mechanisms through which these bacteria influence brain structure.</p>
<p>&#8220;Overall, our study supports the view that an interventional approach using probiotic strains (including order Bacillales and Lactobacillales), prebiotics and potentially fecal microbiota transplantation therapy may be an effective initiative to improve brain function, taking into account cost, feasibility and patient compliance,&#8221; the researchers said.</p>
<p>&#8220;By modulating the gut microbiota composition and regulating the gut-brain axis interaction, these interventions hold potential therapeutic value for various neurologic disorders. However, further clinical research is needed to verify the safety and efficacy of these interventions and to determine specific details and applicability of the optimal treatment protocols.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724003720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of gut microbiota with cerebral cortical thickness: A Mendelian randomization study</a>,&#8221; was authored by Lubo Shi, Xiaoduo Liu Shutian Zhang, and Anni Zhou.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM
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TITLE:
Air pollution and depression linked with heart disease deaths in middle-aged adults
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426110054.htm

A study in more than 3,000 US counties, with 315 million residents, has suggested that air pollution is linked with stress and depression, putting under-65-year-olds at increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM
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TITLE:
Robotic nerve 'cuffs' could help treat a range of neurological conditions
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426110020.htm

Researchers have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The researchers combined flexible electronics and soft robotics techniques to develop the devices, which could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders, including epilepsy and chronic pain, or the control of prosthetic limbs.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM
.
TITLE:
Robotic nerve 'cuffs' could help treat a range of neurological conditions
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426110020.htm

Researchers have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The researchers combined flexible electronics and soft robotics techniques to develop the devices, which could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders, including epilepsy and chronic pain, or the control of prosthetic limbs.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 02:00PM
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TITLE:
Psilocybin for chronic pain? Preliminary research sheds light on psychedelic’s potential
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-for-chronic-pain-preliminary-research-sheds-light-on-psychedelics-potential/

<p>Scientists have recently discovered that psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” can significantly reduce chronic pain in rats. Notably, this pain relief was related to pain from touch, but not pain from heat. The study was published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01374-X">Current Biology</a>.</em></p>
<p>Psychedelic drugs have recently gained attention for their potential to treat various psychiatric disorders. Psilocybin, in particular, has been the subject of research for its therapeutic effects on treatment-resistant depression as well as alcohol and tobacco abuse.</p>
<p>Led by Nicholas Kolbman, researchers from the University of Michigan set out to explore the possibility of psilocybin as a treatment for chronic pain, an area that had not been systematically studied before despite the growing evidence for it.</p>
<p>The team utilized a rat model where chronic pain was induced using intravenous formalin injections, which is a compound known to cause long-lasting pain sensitivity. In this study, two types of pain responses were analyzed.</p>
<p>Mechanical hypersensitivity, which is increased sensitivity to pain from physical touch that wouldn’t normally be painful, was measured in the rats using a device known as von Frey filaments. These tools contained thin, flexible hairs of different thicknesses that were pressed against the rats’ paws until they were bent.</p>
<p>Thermal hyperalgesia was also measured, which occurs when intense pain is experienced from warm temperatures that would not usually be painful. This pain response was determined by measuring how quickly the rats withdrew their paw after being placed on a hot surface (126.5<strong>°</strong>F/52.5°C).</p>
<p>Kolbman and colleagues then administered different doses of psilocybin to the rats and then observed the effects on pain sensitivity.</p>
<p>13 rats (6 male, 7 female) were provided saline solution, 14 rats (6 male, 8 female) were given a low psilocybin dose of 1 mg/kg, and 12 rats (6 male, 6 female) were provided a high psilocybin dose of 10 mg/kg.</p>
<p>Pain responses to the touch and heat stimuli were measured a few hours after formalin infusion, every second day during the first week, and then weekly over the next three weeks.</p>
<p>The study found that both the low and high doses of psilocybin significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity for all testing days, up to 28 days.</p>
<p>However, the drug had a limited effect on thermal hyperalgesia. The low dose only reduced pain on days 3, 5, and 21, and the high dose also briefly reduced pain on the day of administration and on day 5.</p>
<p>Kolbman’s team concluded, “Psilocybin could act via neuroplastic effects produced by psychedelics … psilocybin-induced attenuation of mechanical hypersensitivity outlasted the half-life of psilocybin (~2 h post intravenous administration), which suggests a centrally mediated mechanism of action.”</p>
<p>In other words, the pain relief lasted much longer than the time psilocybin stays in the body (the substance itself only lasts for about two hours after administration). This long-lasting effect implies that psilocybin is working through a central mechanism in the brain, not just at the local site of pain.</p>
<p>The researchers noted that this finding holds significance because many chronic pain conditions are believed to be due to changes in the brain and spinal cord, and psilocybin may help ‘rewire’ certain brain circuits involved in pain, providing relief that goes beyond the temporary effects of traditional pain medication.</p>
<p>While the study presents promising results, it also acknowledges limitations. The model used represents pain from chemical inflammation, which may not cover all types of chronic pain. Additionally, the study was not designed to compare the effects of psilocybin between male and female rats conclusively.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.016">Intravenous psilocybin attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic pain</a>,” was authored by Nicholas Kolbman, Tiecheng Liu, Peter Guzzo, Jim Gilligan, George A. Mashour, Giancarlo Vanini, and Dinesh Pal.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM
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TITLE:
Illusion helps demystify the way vision works
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426110025.htm

Research shows that a certain kind of visual illusion, neon color spreading, works on mice. The study is also the first to combine the use of two investigative techniques called electrophysiology and optogenetics to study this illusion. Results from experiments on mice settle a long-standing debate in neuroscience about which levels of neurons within the brain are responsible for the perception of brightness.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 01:14PM
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TITLE:
Physical activity in nature helps prevent several diseases, including depression and type 2 diabetes
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425131440.htm

Physical activity in natural environments prevent almost 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases a year in England and save treatment costs of more than 100 million, new research has found.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM
.
TITLE:
Illusion helps demystify the way vision works
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426110025.htm

Research shows that a certain kind of visual illusion, neon color spreading, works on mice. The study is also the first to combine the use of two investigative techniques called electrophysiology and optogenetics to study this illusion. Results from experiments on mice settle a long-standing debate in neuroscience about which levels of neurons within the brain are responsible for the perception of brightness.
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Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 01:14PM
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TITLE:
Simplified diagnosis of rare eye diseases
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425131431.htm

Uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease. Posterior and panuveitis in particular are associated with a poor prognosis and a protracted course of the disease. Diagnosis and monitoring can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a fast and non-invasive imaging technique that supports this. Researchers have drafted a review on how FAF can facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of posterior uveitis and panuveitis.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 12:00PM
.
TITLE:
Study reveals distinct connections between types of conspiracy beliefs and forms of antisemitism
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/study-reveals-distinct-connections-between-types-of-conspiracy-beliefs-and-forms-of-antisemitism/

<p>Recent research has found a strong connection between belief in various conspiracy theories and antisemitism in the United Kingdom. This study, detailed in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12397-023-09518-6"><em>Contemporary Jewry</em></a>, found that antisemitic attitudes toward Jewish individuals are strongly linked to beliefs in personal well-being conspiracies. Meanwhile, antisemitic views related to the State of Israel and its supporters correlate more with theories about governmental wrongdoing.</p>
<p>The correlation between antisemitism and conspiracy beliefs is not new and has been documented in historical studies. However, limited research has explored how different types of conspiracy beliefs specifically relate to different types of antisemitic attitudes, which this study seeks to address using comprehensive data analysis techniques.</p>
<p>The research utilized a sample of 1,722 adults drawn from YouGov&#8217;s database, which includes a wide range of individuals across the UK. This approach allowed for a balanced and representative sample reflective of the broader population.</p>
<p>The data collection occurred online, integrating the survey into YouGov’s regular political omnibus polling, which is designed to capture a snapshot of public opinion at regular intervals. The survey was conducted over a single weekend in December 2021, ensuring that responses were gathered in a concise timeframe to minimize external influences that might change public opinion.</p>
<p>To measure antisemitism, the researchers employed the Generalized Antisemitism scale along with its two subscales: Judeophobic Antisemitism (focusing on attitudes toward Jews) and Antizionist Antisemitism (focusing on attitudes toward the State of Israel and its supporters).</p>
<p>Judeophobic Antisemitism focuses on attitudes directed specifically towards Jewish people, measuring traditional forms of antisemitism that involve stereotypical views and discriminatory beliefs about Jews as a religious or ethnic group (e.g., &#8220;Jewish people chase money more than other people do&#8221;).</p>
<p>On the other hand, Antizionist Antisemitism addresses attitudes towards the State of Israel and its supporters, capturing a form of political antisemitism that can sometimes blur the lines between legitimate criticism of a nation-state and prejudicial attitudes towards its people (e.g., &#8220;Israel can get away with anything because its supporters control the media&#8221;).</p>
<p>To assess conspiracy beliefs, the researchers used the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs scale. This scale is divided into five factors, each representing a different domain of conspiratorial thinking.</p>
<ol>
<li><em>Government Malfeasance</em> includes beliefs about government involvement in illegal or harmful activities, such as &#8220;false flag&#8221; terrorist attacks.</li>
<li><em>Malevolent Global Conspiracies</em> involves theories that suggest global elites control various aspects of the world (like politics and economics) for nefarious purposes.</li>
<li><em>Extraterrestrial Coverup</em> captures beliefs that governments are hiding the truth about extraterrestrial life.</li>
<li><em>Personal Well-being</em> focuses on conspiracies related to health and personal safety, such as pharmaceutical companies withholding cures to ensure profits.</li>
<li><em>Control of Information</em> concerns the manipulation of information by powerful entities to mislead the public.</li>
</ol>
<p>The researchers found that all types of conspiracy beliefs measured were positively associated with all forms of antisemitism. This overarching result confirms the hypothesis that a propensity to believe in conspiracies is likely to co-occur with antisemitic attitudes. However, the strength and nature of these associations varied depending on the type of conspiracy belief and the form of antisemitism.</p>
<p>Personal well-being conspiracies showed the strongest association with Judeophobic Antisemitism. This suggests that individuals who feel that external forces are harming their personal health may be more susceptible to believing in traditional antisemitic stereotypes.</p>
<p>Government malfeasance conspiracies were most strongly linked to Antizionist Antisemitism, indicating that those who distrust governmental actions are more likely to extend this skepticism towards political and national entities like Israel.</p>
<p>Malevolent global conspiracies were found to correlate highly with Generalized Antisemitism, which encompasses both Judeophobic Antisemitism and Antizionist Antisemitism.</p>
<p>The researchers also found that factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and educational level were related to antisemitic attitudes. Older respondents tended to express higher levels of Antizionist Antisemitism compared to their younger counterparts. This might suggest generational differences in how political and historical contexts are understood and internalized, particularly in relation to the State of Israel.</p>
<p>Female respondents generally exhibited lower levels of Judeophobic Antisemitism but slightly higher levels of Antizionist Antisemitism compared to male respondents. Respondents from non-white ethnic backgrounds reported higher levels of both forms of antisemitism compared to white respondents. This could be influenced by various factors, including socio-economic status, experiences of discrimination, or differing perceptions of global and local politics.</p>
<p>Education played a notably protective role against antisemitic attitudes. Individuals with a degree-level education exhibited lower levels of all forms of antisemitism compared to those with lower educational qualifications. This effect points to the potential of education to challenge prejudicial beliefs and promote critical thinking about stereotypes and misinformation.</p>
<p>The researchers acknowledged certain limitations in their approach. The study&#8217;s design was cross-sectional, meaning it could only capture a snapshot in time without indicating causality or changes over time. The reliance on self-reported measures and the potential for social desirability bias were also noted as constraints.</p>
<p>Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies that track changes in conspiracy beliefs and antisemitic attitudes over time. Additionally, exploring other potential mediators, such as personal experiences or broader socio-political contexts, could provide deeper insights into the roots and manifestations of these beliefs and attitudes.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12397-023-09518-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Relationship Between Antisemitic Attitudes and Conspiracy Beliefs: A Cross-Sectional Study of UK-Resident Adults</a>,&#8221; was authored by Daniel Allington, David Hirsh, and Louise Katz.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 10:00AM
.
TITLE:
Spontaneous self-affirmation is related to reduced boredom proneness via heightened meaning in life
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/spontaneous-self-affirmation-is-related-to-reduced-boredom-proneness-via-heightened-meaning-in-life/

<p>In a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11031-024-10060-7"><em>Motivation and Emotion</em></a>, researchers investigated how spontaneous self-affirmation is related to life&#8217;s perceived meaning and susceptibility to boredom. Their findings suggest that individuals who frequently engage in self-affirmation — recognizing and reinforcing their own positive attributes and values — are likely to find more meaning in life and are less prone to boredom. The study sheds light on the potential of personal affirmation habits as a psychological tool to enhance well-being.</p>
<p>&#8220;Self-affirmation is the process of maintaining a positive self-image in response to self-threatening information. Most of the research on self-affirmation has focused on experimental manipulations,&#8221; said study author Muireann K. O’Dea, a PhD student at the University of Limerick.</p>
<p>&#8220;However, some individuals may also have a tendency to self-affirm in response to threatening information (spontaneous self-affirmation). Chronic experiences of boredom (which we refer to as boredom proneness in the article) are associated with a range of mental health and behavioral issues. We proposed that spontaneous self-affirmation, as an adaptive psychological tendency against self-threatening information, predicts lower levels of boredom proneness.&#8221;</p>
<p>To investigate the interrelationships among spontaneous self-affirmation, perceptions of meaning in life, and boredom proneness, the researchers conducted four distinct studies using varied participant groups and methodological approaches.</p>
<p>Studies 1a and 1b focused on establishing baseline correlations among these psychological constructs, using 336 participants recruited from Amazon&#8217;s Mechanical Turk. These initial studies required participants to complete standardized questionnaires designed to measure their propensity for spontaneous self-affirmation, the presence of meaning in their lives, and their susceptibility to boredom.</p>
<p>The researchers found that spontaneous self-affirmation—where individuals affirm their values, strengths, and social relationships—was positively correlated with the presence of meaning in life. This indicates that individuals who regularly engage in self-affirmation perceive their lives as more meaningful. Additionally, Study 1b demonstrated a negative correlation between spontaneous self-affirmation and boredom proneness, suggesting that those who habitually affirm themselves are less likely to experience chronic boredom.</p>
<p>Building on the foundational data from Studies 1a and 1b, Studies 2a and 2b introduced a mediational analysis to delve deeper into how meaning in life might mediate the relationship between spontaneous self-affirmation and boredom proneness. For these studies, the researchers employed a more diverse sampling strategy, including both a broader online population (214 participants) and 105 undergraduate students from the University of Limerick, to enhance generalizability and robustness.</p>
<p>The results from these studies provided robust evidence supporting the mediation hypothesis. Specifically, spontaneous self-affirmation was found to significantly predict higher levels of meaning in life, which in turn was associated with lower levels of boredom proneness. This mediating effect of meaning in life suggests that self-affirmation enhances one&#8217;s sense of purpose and coherence in life, which acts as a buffer against feelings of boredom.</p>
<p>&#8220;Individuals who are inclined to self-affirm appear to be less prone to boredom,&#8221; O’Dea told PsyPost. &#8220;The heightened levels of meaning in life that spontaneous self-affirmation predicts may help explain this negative association. Spontaneous self-affirmation may prove a useful individual difference in coping with chronic boredom, although specific experimental and intervention research is needed to confirm this notion.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-024-10060-7">Spontaneous self-affirmation predicts more meaning and less boredom</a>,&#8221; was authored by Muireann K. O’Dea, Eric R. Igou, and Wijnand A. P. van Tilburg.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 08:00AM
.
TITLE:
Fear changes the way women, but not men, make decisions about monetary rewards
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/fear-affects-womens-financial-choices-more-than-mens-research-shows/

<p>Recent research from Italy has shown that inducing fear in women causes them to discount the future more steeply than men and to focus more on immediate monetary rewards. In contrast, the emotional state did not influence men&#8217;s decisions regarding monetary rewards. The study was published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299591"><em>PLOS One</em></a>.</p>
<p>Decision-making is the cognitive process of choosing a course of action from multiple alternatives. It typically starts with identifying a problem or decision point, followed by the collection and analysis of relevant information. Individuals or groups then assess the potential outcomes of various options, considering factors such as benefits, risks, costs, and personal values or preferences. This evaluation often involves comparing the potential impacts of each choice, using either intuitive judgment or more formal, systematic methods.</p>
<p>A person&#8217;s emotional state, cognitive biases, social pressures, and past experiences can all influence the decision-making process. These factors affect how attractive or feasible different options appear. In everyday decisions, individuals frequently face trade-offs between short-term and long-term benefits and costs. Often, they must choose between waiting for a larger but delayed reward or opting for a smaller, immediate one.</p>
<p>Examples of such decisions include choosing between investing to grow funds for future use or spending them immediately. Another example is choosing between pursuing further education, which can lead to higher future earnings, or working immediately at lower rates. This process of comparing and deciding whether it is better to wait for a larger reward or accept an immediate smaller one is known as delay discounting.</p>
<p>Study author Eleonora Fiorenzato and her colleagues aimed to explore how emotions and gender affect delay discounting. They conducted an online experiment where they induced emotions in participants by showing them movie clips proven to evoke specific feelings and had them participate in a computerized task involving hypothetical monetary rewards.</p>
<p>The researchers hypothesized that fear would lead individuals to prefer immediate rewards, viewing them as less risky. Conversely, happiness was expected to lead to perceptions of predictability, fostering optimistic risk assessments and a greater willingness to wait for larger, albeit risky, delayed rewards.</p>
<p>The study involved 308 participants who completed an online survey hosted on the Qualtrics platform. The researchers recruited participants by distributing the survey across various platforms and encouraged participants to share it further, expanding respondent numbers. Participation was voluntary and uncompensated.</p>
<p>The survey system randomly assigned participants into three groups. One group watched 2-minute clips intended to evoke fear (thrilling scenes of anticipated threats), another group viewed clips that induced joy (scenery that elicited joy or happiness, featuring stunning natural landscapes), and the third group saw neutral clips (scenes from urban documentaries). Each group was shown four different clips to ensure consistency in emotional induction.</p>
<p>After watching a clip, participants completed a delay discounting task. This task involved several trials where participants had to choose between two virtual monetary amounts: a smaller immediate sum (e.g., 20,000 EUR today) or a larger sum available at a later date (e.g., 40,000 EUR in one to ten years).</p>
<p>Participants also completed assessments of their affective experience (using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), depression, anxiety, and stress (using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21), and impulsivity (using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale).</p>
<p>Results showed that women exhibited higher delay discounting than men after viewing clips that induced fear. This suggests that fear made them more inclined to choose immediate rewards over delayed ones. There were no gender differences after viewing joyful or neutral clips. Compared to the joyous state, women discounted more steeply after experiencing fear, but not after the neutral condition.</p>
<p>“We found an increased tendency to opt for immediate rewards by women when in a fearful condition—as opposed to men. Also, women were more prone to choose immediate rewards when in a fearful condition, than when in a positive state of joy/happiness. By contrast, when in a positive or neutral emotional state, females and males did not differ,&#8221; the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on gender differences in decision-making. However, it should be noted that the study utilized hypothetical monetary amounts in an online experiment. Also, emotions induced by clips were most likely not particularly strong and temporary. Results might not be the same if decision making in real life situations and under stronger emotions was considered.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299591">Gender differences in the effects of emotion induction on intertemporal decision-making,</a>” was authored by Eleonora Fiorenzato, Patrizia Bisiacchi, and Giorgia Cona.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 27, 2024 at 06:00AM
.
TITLE:
How cognitive and physical demands interact when learning to play the piano
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/how-cognitive-and-physical-demands-interact-when-learning-to-play-the-piano/

<p>Learning new skills involves intricate brain processes that scientists are still working to fully understand. A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040405"><em>Brain Sciences</em></a> examines how older adults learn motor sequences—such as playing a musical instrument—and how their cognitive and motor abilities support this learning over time. The research provides insights into the connections between mental and physical capabilities and their roles in learning new tasks.</p>
<p>Previous studies have established that motor learning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different types of motor learning—like learning to play the piano—involve distinct brain systems and stages. Researchers have long been interested in how various cognitive abilities contribute to these stages of learning. Studies indicate that while some abilities are crucial at the beginning of learning a new skill, others become more important as one gains proficiency.</p>
<p>&#8220;Learning new skills, such as reading and writing, driving a car or mastering a handstand, requires cognitive processes. We wanted to know whether the cognitive requirements are stable or whether they change when older people learn to play the piano,&#8221; said study author <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Florian-Worschech-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florian Worschech</a>, a cognitive neuroscience researcher at the Institute of Music Physiology and Musicians&#8217; Medicine and the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media.</p>
<p>The study involved 86 older adults, with an average age of 72.5 years, including both men and women. These participants were selected based on their general health and absence of neurological, psychological, or significant motor issues. Among them, 37 had some piano playing experience, though anyone with over 4000 hours of piano practice was excluded to maintain a novice level among subjects.</p>
<p>The primary tasks involved learning motor sequences through repeated trials. Initially, participants engaged in a piano-related sequence task using a Yamaha MIDI piano. This task required participants to press keys in a specified order, which was visually displayed and had to be executed as quickly and accurately as possible. The sequence was designed to be looped, creating a continuous task flow.</p>
<p>Subsequently, the participants performed a piano-unrelated task on a response pad, pressing keys in an alternating pattern with their index fingers. Similar to the piano task, the sequence was repeated across several trials to assess learning over time.</p>
<p>Each motor task consisted of 20 trials of 20 seconds each, with a 30-second break between trials to minimize fatigue. The entire experimental session lasted approximately 100 minutes.</p>
<p>The researchers found that both the piano-related and piano-unrelated tasks exhibited typical learning curves, which could be best described by exponential models. These curves showed that while participants initially improved quickly, the rate of improvement slowed as they continued practicing. This pattern suggests a rapid gain in familiarity with the tasks followed by a more gradual refining of skills.</p>
<p>&#8220;The level of cognitive and motor demands depends on the learning phase,&#8221; Worschech told PsyPost. &#8220;With our task, we have shown that the requirements increase exponentially during the learning process and approach a plateau.&#8221;</p>
<p>One of the key findings was the varying contribution of different cognitive and motor abilities to task performance. Initially, processing speed, psychomotor speed, and dexterity were strongly correlated with how well participants performed the motor sequences. However, as participants became more practiced, the influence of these abilities on performance decreased, indicating that other factors began to play more significant roles as the tasks became more familiar.</p>
<p>The researchers also examined gaze behavior as an indicator of cognitive load and task familiarity. They found that the number of gaze shifts decreased significantly within the first few trials. This decrease suggests that participants required less visual information to perform the tasks as they became more accustomed to the sequences, reflecting a shift from more conscious, deliberate control to more automatic processing.</p>
<p>Error analysis provided further insights into learning efficiency. Both tasks showed a reduction in errors as the trials progressed. Interestingly, the rate of error reduction was correlated with dexterity, underscoring the role of motor control in learning new sequences. The fact that dexterity continued to influence error rates throughout the experiment suggests that motor precision remains crucial even as the task becomes more familiar.</p>
<p>Contrary to some existing theories that suggest well-practiced tasks become almost automatic, this study found that task difficulty and cognitive demands did not diminish even after multiple repetitions. Instead, the need for cognitive engagement seemed to increase, highlighting the persistent challenge these tasks posed to the participants. This finding is particularly important because it challenges the notion that repetition leads to automaticity, suggesting instead that continuous cognitive and motor engagement is required for performance improvement.</p>
<p>&#8220;Traditionally, it is assumed that the execution of skills becomes &#8216;automatic&#8217; with increasing practice, with minimal cognitive load,&#8221; Worschech explained. &#8220;Our study results were surprising, as they show that under certain circumstances the cognitive demands can also increase during practice.&#8221;</p>
<p>Overall, the study underscored the interplay between cognitive functions and motor performance during the learning process. The findings suggest that while certain abilities are crucial in the early stages of learning a new motor sequence, a shift toward other cognitive resources occurs as proficiency increases. This nuanced understanding of motor sequence learning could have significant implications for designing cognitive and physical interventions aimed at older adults.</p>
<p>&#8220;The aim of this project was to lay the foundation for the development of a comprehensive cognitive process theory of music making,&#8221; Worschech said. &#8220;The results emphasize the potential of learning a music instrument to produce positive cognitive transfer effects, for example to support healthy aging. However, the interventions should be sufficiently long so that the transfer potential can be fully exploited.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/4/405">What Does It Take to Play the Piano? Cognito-Motor Functions Underlying Motor Learning in Older Adults</a>,&#8221; was authored by by Florian Worschech, Edoardo Passarotto, Hannah Losch, Takanori Oku, André Lee, and Eckart Altenmüller.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 01:14PM
.
TITLE:
Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson's disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425131437.htm

A new study found certain genetic variants could help explain how long-term pesticide exposure could increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 24, 2024 at 04:02PM
.
TITLE:
A university lecture, with a dash of jumping jacks
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424160228.htm

A university professor has found a way to help students -- and himself -- power through long lecture classes: exercise breaks. A new study showed that five-minute exercise sessions during lectures were feasible and that students reported positive impacts on their attention and motivation, engagement with their peers and course enjoyment.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 24, 2024 at 11:16AM
.
TITLE:
Neurons spoil your appetite
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424111641.htm

A brain circuit inhibits food intake during nausea.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 24, 2024 at 11:16AM
.
TITLE:
Neurons spoil your appetite
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424111641.htm

A brain circuit inhibits food intake during nausea.
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Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
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NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot
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Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 07:02AM
.
TITLE:
Mental Illness in America Costs $282 Billion Annually, Study Estimates
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179196&url=https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/04/24/mental-illness-costs/7151713965581/

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.upi.com/Health_News/" rel="tag" target="_blank">United Press International - Health News</a></p>America's mental health woes essentially serve as an annual economic downturn for the nation, a new study suggests. Mental illness costs the U.S. economy $282 billion every year, equivalent to the average economic recession, researchers say. That amount is equal to about 1.7% of American annual spending, and is about 30% larger than previous estimates of the overall cost of mental illness in the United States, according to the report.</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 24, 2024 at 11:16AM
.
TITLE:
New research shows 'profound' link between dietary choices and brain health
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424111638.htm

New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 01:15PM
.
TITLE:
Nanomaterial that mimics proteins could be basis for new neurodegenerative disease treatments
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425131549.htm

A newly developed nanomaterial that mimics the behavior of proteins could be an effective tool for treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The nanomaterial alters the interaction between two key proteins in brain cells -- with a potentially powerful therapeutic effect.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 24, 2024 at 11:16AM
.
TITLE:
New research shows 'profound' link between dietary choices and brain health
.
URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424111638.htm

New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health.
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NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 05:23AM
.
TITLE:
Social Media Hurt Girls' Mental Health and Education Potential, Says U.N.
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179260&url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/unesco-gem-technology-social-media-1.7184717?cmp=rss

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/" rel="tag" target="_blank">Canadian Broadcasting Company - Top Stories News</a></p>Girls around the world tend to spend more time on social media than boys, and it's hurting their mental health, says a new report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In the latest edition of the agency's Global Education Monitoring report released on Thursday, researchers examined the intersection of education and technology as it relates to girls, finding several causes for concern.</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 05:16AM
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TITLE:
Student Protesters Across U.S. Ask Colleges to Cut Financial Ties to Israel
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179205&url=https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMia2h0dHBzOi8vYXBuZXdzLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlL2NvbGxlZ2UtcHJvdGVzdHMtaXNyYWVsLWRpdmVzdG1lbnQtcGFsZXN0aW5pYW5zLTNmMzdmOTZmN2JlOGUxMTI0ZjI2Njg0MmQ5Y2FhNjI30gEA?oc=5

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.google.com/?ned=us&topic=m" rel="tag" target="_blank">Google News - Health</a></p>Students at a growing number of U.S. colleges are gathering in protest encampments with a unified demand of their schools: Stop doing business with Israel&mdash;or companies that support its war in Gaza. Inspired by the arrests last week of more than 100 student protesters at Columbia University, students from Massachusetts to California are now gathering by the hundreds on campuses, setting up tent camps and pledging to stay put until their demands...</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 05:13AM
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TITLE:
Employee Is Accused of Using AI to Make His Boss Appear Racist
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=179261&url=https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiU2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5wci5vcmcvMjAyNC8wNC8yNi8xMjQ3MjM3MTc1L2JhbHRpbW9yZS1haS1nZW5lcmF0ZWQtcmFjaXN0LWF1ZGlvLWNyaW1l0gEA?oc=5

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.google.com/?ned=us&topic=m" rel="tag" target="_blank">Google News - Health</a></p>A Maryland high school athletic director is facing criminal charges after police say he used artificial intelligence to duplicate the voice of Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert, leading the community to believe Eiswert said racist and antisemitic things about teachers and students. The alleged motive, according to the police, turned out to be retaliation against the athletic director's boss, who had been critical of his job...</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><br /><a href="https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?action=rssHomepage" target="_blank"><img title="Brought to you by Social Psychology Network" alt="Brought to you by SocialPsychology Network" src="https://www.socialpsychology.org/images/rss-footer-large.png" border="0" width="400" height="45" /></a><br><br>
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
April 23, 2024 at 01:56PM
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TITLE:
What it’s like to be a ‘glass child’
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URL:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/23/health/glass-children-invisible-sibling-wellness/index.html

Children without special needs can feel like they are “see-through,” as though they are made of glass, in families with special needs children.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
April 23, 2024 at 01:57PM
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TITLE:
What we can learn about mental health from Elmo&apos;s viral social post
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URL:
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/health-wellness/self-improved/2024/04/23/elmo-post-prompts-mental-health-discussion/73423060007/

The beloved Sesame Street character Elmo asked how people were doing, and then things got real.
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 02:00PM
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TITLE:
Curling and the nuances of aging: A study on older Canadian women’s experiences
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/curling-and-the-nuances-of-aging-a-study-on-older-canadian-womens-experiences/

<p>A recent study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbae041" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Journals of Gerontology</a></em> sheds light on the experiences of older Canadian women in the sport of curling. The research indicates that these women use curling to manage their aging by resisting, accepting, and redefining what it means to grow older. The study&#8217;s findings suggest that curling not only serves as a physical activity but also acts as a protective measure against the impacts of aging, particularly those influenced by gender norms.</p>
<p>The aging population in Canada is growing, with projections indicating that older adults will comprise over 25% of the total population by 2068. This demographic shift brings to light various challenges, particularly for women, who often experience aging differently than men. Women tend to face more severe health challenges and often carry added responsibilities such as caregiving, which can impact their financial stability and social interactions as they age.</p>
<p>Sports participation presents a promising avenue to explore how older women navigate these complexities. Prior studies have shown that engagement in sports like volleyball, softball, and field hockey can provide significant psychosocial benefits to older women, including increased social connections and improved mental health. However, the specific experiences of older women in curling — a sport known for its inclusivity and accessibility — had not been thoroughly examined until now.</p>
<p>&#8220;The proportion of older adults in Canada is on the rise. Physical activity, which includes sport, can promote general health and well-being, while also contributing to a higher quality of life for older adults,&#8221; said study author Alia Mazhar, a PhD student at the University of Toronto.</p>
<p>&#8220;Generally, sport participation rates are low. The driving force behind this research was to study the experiences of current female curlers to see what factors drive their participation at this stage of their life.&#8221;</p>
<p>Curling is a winter sport where players slide stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area segmented into four concentric circles. It is often referred to as &#8220;chess on ice&#8221; due to its strategic nature. Teams take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones towards the target, aiming to get their stones closest to the center, while also employing tactics to block opponents or knock away their stones.</p>
<p>The study focused on semi-structured interviews with 17 Canadian women, aged 53 to 75, who are actively involved in curling. Conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these interviews aimed to capture the participants’ perspectives on how curling influences their experiences of aging. The participants, who varied in their level of competitiveness and background, shared their thoughts in a detailed manner, which were then analyzed to uncover broader themes about aging in the context of curling.</p>
<p>Many participants expressed a proactive stance against the traditional declines associated with aging, using curling as a strategic medium to maintain physical and cognitive health. The concept of &#8220;fitness&#8221; and &#8220;exercise&#8221; frequently emerged in discussions, highlighting a general belief among the participants that staying active through curling could mitigate the undesirable effects of aging. They adopted a philosophy of &#8216;use it or lose it&#8217;, emphasizing the need to stay active to preserve both physical abilities and mental acuity.</p>
<p>Despite their efforts to combat aging, the participants acknowledged and accepted that some aspects of aging are inevitable. Curling was highly regarded for its inclusivity and adaptability, making it accessible to individuals with varying physical capabilities. The sport supports modifications like stick curling and wheelchair curling, which enable continued participation despite physical limitations.</p>
<p>&#8220;Generally, older adulthood is viewed as a period of mental, social, and physical stagnation,&#8221; Mazhar told PsyPost. &#8220;Our work, and research in this field at large, shows an opposing narrative, one where this period of life is rich and vibrant. For example, our findings indicate that by virtue of participating in sport, older women were motivated to improve their physical and mental health, wanted to learn new skills and have more experiences, and create meaningful connections. This is one way of living a full life in our older years and is something we ought to aspire to.&#8221;</p>
<p>Beyond managing physical and cognitive health, curling allowed these women to reshape their perceptions of what it means to be older. They viewed aging not as a decline but as a vibrant phase of life filled with opportunities for personal growth, competition, and deepening social connections.</p>
<p>The sport provided a platform for these women to challenge the conventional narratives of aging, presenting it as a time rich with potential for new experiences and achievements. Competitive elements of curling were especially potent, enabling participants to strive for goals and enjoy victories in their category, thus fostering a sense of achievement and vitality.</p>
<p>&#8220;One of our major findings was that older women enjoy the competitive aspect of sport,&#8221; Mazhar explained. &#8220;Typically, sports for older adults have been perceived as recreational, with competition often overlooked or even discouraged. However, our work builds on previous research which challenges this assumption, indicating that older adults, in this case older women, value and enjoy the competitive element of sports. This suggests an opportunity to reframe the narrative around sports for older individuals, potentially using competition as a motivational tool to encourage their participation.&#8221;</p>
<p>As with any study, there are some limitations to consider. The sample was relatively homogenous—mostly white and well-educated, which may not represent all older Canadian women’s experiences. The study also coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially coloring participants&#8217; views on curling and social interactions.</p>
<p>Future research should aim to include a more diverse group of participants, including different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and perhaps expand the age range to capture a broader spectrum of the aging experience. Additionally, exploring the distinctions between recreational and competitive curling could yield deeper understandings of how competitive elements influence aging perceptions.</p>
<p>&#8220;This is one study and so we need more work in this area to replicate and confirm our findings,&#8221; Mazhar said.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/geronb/gbae041/7634114" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perceived Benefits of Curling in Older Canadian Women</a>,&#8221; was authored by Alia Mazhar, Shruti Patelia, and Joseph Baker.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 12:00PM
.
TITLE:
Study links conservatism to lower creativity across 28 countries
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/study-links-conservatism-to-lower-creativity-across-28-countries/

<p>In a recent study spanning 28 diverse nations, researchers have uncovered a modest but notable correlation: individuals with conservative views tend to display lower levels of creativity. Published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/00220221241238321"><em>Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology</em></a>, this large-scale investigation also highlights that individual differences greatly overshadow country-level differences in predicting creative capabilities.</p>
<p>Previous studies have predominantly focused on the traits and cognitive styles that boost creativity, such as openness to experience, flexibility, and novelty-seeking. In contrast, conservative thinking, which emphasizes order, tradition, and predictability, has been suggested to potentially inhibit creative processes. This hypothesis is grounded in the idea that creativity often requires breaking away from established norms and thinking &#8220;outside the box,&#8221; qualities that might be less pronounced in conservative individuals.</p>
<p>However, earlier studies exploring this relationship were mostly confined to Western, industrialized countries, thus limiting the generalizability of their findings. These studies also rarely considered the impact of environmental factors, which could influence both societal values and individual behavior.</p>
<p>To bridge the gap left by previous research, the current study was designed to include a broader international sample, including countries that are often underrepresented in psychological research. The researchers aimed to assess whether the previously observed patterns between conservatism and creativity would hold true in a more diverse set of environments, particularly considering different levels of economic development and cultural backgrounds.</p>
<p>The study involved 8,186 participants from 37 countries, though the analysis was ultimately conducted with 6,865 participants from 28 countries after excluding data from several countries due to unreliable measures. The excluded data came from countries where either the psychometric properties of the conservatism measure were not satisfactory, or cultural restrictions prevented the collection of full data on key measures.</p>
<p>To assess creativity, the researchers used the Test for Creative Thinking &#8211; Drawing Production (TCT-DP), which is deemed &#8220;culturally fair.&#8221; Participants are given a partially completed drawing that includes abstract shapes and lines. They are instructed to add to this drawing in any way they see fit, with no specific guidelines regarding what to draw. The completed drawings were evaluated based on 13 criteria, which include aspects such as the elaboration of ideas, originality, the complexity of connections, thematic unity, and the breaking of conventional boundaries.</p>
<p>To assess conservativism, the participants responded to statements about various social and political issues such as the death penalty, multiculturalism, stiffer jail terms, gay rights, and religious authority.</p>
<p>The researchers observed a negative correlation between conservatism and creativity at the individual level. This indicates that individuals who hold more conservative values are likely to exhibit lower levels of creativity compared to those with less conservative views. The relationship, though statistically significant, was characterized as weak, indicating that while conservatism might influence creativity, it is not the sole or most dominant predictor of creative capabilities.</p>
<p>Higher education levels were positively correlated with creativity, whereas older age was associated with lower creativity. These findings align with existing literature suggesting that education enhances cognitive flexibility and innovative thinking, while certain cognitive aspects of creativity might decline with age.</p>
<p>The strength of the relationship between conservatism and creativity also varied across different countries. However, in none of the countries did conservatism positively correlate with creativity, reinforcing the general trend of a negative association.</p>
<p>Importantly, the researchers found that the majority of variance in creativity (over 92%) was attributable to individual differences rather than differences between countries. This highlights the significance of personal characteristics over cultural or national backgrounds in determining an individual&#8217;s creative potential. The findings held even after controlling for education, economic situation, sex, age, parasite stress, and vulnerability to infection.</p>
<p>&#8220;We observed significant but weak negative associations between individual-level creativity and individual-level conservatism. The study addressed a clear gap in the field of creativity psychology, which has mainly focused on American and, to a lesser extent, Chinese samples, but largely neglected other nations,&#8221; the researchers concluded.</p>
<p>&#8220;We show that when an international sample is considered, demographics, prevalence of parasitic disease, and ideologies account only for a small share of the variance in creativity. Individual differences remain far more influential than does country-level variance in predicting creativity.&#8221;</p>
<p>However, the cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences. Thus, it remains unclear whether conservatism restricts creativity or if less creative individuals tend to adopt more conservative views. Additionally, the use of the TCT-DP may not capture all dimensions of creativity, suggesting that future research could benefit from incorporating a wider array of creative measures.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220221241238321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conservatism Negatively Predicts Creativity: A Study Across 28 Countries</a>,&#8221; was authored by Agata Groyecka-Bernard, Piotr Sorokowski, Maciej Karwowski, S. Craig Roberts, Toivo Aavik, Grace Akello, Charlotte Alm, Naumana Amjad, Kelly Asao, Chiemezie S. Atama, Derya Atamtürk Duyar, Richard Ayebare, Carlota Batres, Aicha Bensafia, Anna Bertoni, Boris Bizumic, Mahmoud Boussena, David M. Buss, Marina Butovskaya, Seda Can, Antonin Carrier, Hakan Cetinkaya, Daniel Conroy-Beam, Marco Antonio Correa Varella, Ilona Croy, Rosa María Cueto, Marta Czerwonka, Marcin Czub, Silvia Donato, Daria Dronova, Seda Dural, Izzet Duyar, Berna Ertugrul, Agustín Espinosa, Carla Sofia Esteves, Tomasz Frackowiak, Aleksandra Gajda, Marta Galewska-Kustra, Jorge Contreras Graduño, Farida Guemaz, Ivana Hromatko, Chin-Ming Hui, Iskra Herak, Raffaella Iafrate, Jas Laile Jaafar, Dorota M. Jankowska, Feng Jiang, Konstantinos Kafetsios, Tina Kavčič, Nicolas O. Kervyn, Nils C. Köbis, Izabela Lebuda, Georgina R. Lennard, Ernesto León, Torun Lindholm, Mohammad Madallh Alhabahba, Zoi Manesi, Sarah L. McKerchar, Girishwar Misra, Conal Monaghan, Emanuel C. Mora, Alba Moya-Garófano, Bojan Musil, Jean Carlos Natividade, George Nizharadze, Elisabeth Oberzaucher, Anna Oleszkiewicz, Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee, Ike E. Onyishi, Baris Özener, Farid Pazhoohi, Mariia Perun, Annette Pisanski, Katarzyna Pisanski, Edna Lúcia Tinoco Ponciano, Camelia Popa, Pavol Prokop, Muhammad Rizwan, Svjetlana Salkičević, Susanne Schmehl, Oksana Senyk, Shivantika Sharad, Franco Simonetti, Meri Tadinac, Karina Ugalde González, Olha Uhryn, Christin-Melanie Vauclair, Diego Vega, Ewa Weremczuk-Marczyńska, Dwi Ajeng Widarini, Gyesook Yoo, Maja Zupančič, Afifa Anjum, Anam Shahid, and Agnieszka Sorokowska.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 26, 2024 at 10:00AM
.
TITLE:
Childhood cognitive ability is not associated with depression in adulthood
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/childhood-cognitive-ability-is-not-associated-with-depression-in-adulthood/

<p>A meta-analysis of studies examining links between cognitive ability and depression symptoms found no association between cognitive ability in childhood and depression in adulthood. The association was absent even after looking at different ages of assessment and in both genders. The research was published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.059"><em>Journal of Affective Disorders</em></a>.</p>
<p>Cognitive abilities are the mental skills that one needs to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex. These abilities encompass a range of mental processes related to the manipulation of information, such as perception, memory, logic and reasoning, and attention.</p>
<p>Memory, both short-term and long-term, plays a crucial role in cognitive abilities, as it helps store and retrieve information when needed. Logical reasoning and problem-solving depend on the ability to analyze information, generate connections, and make decisions based on the data available. Additionally, cognitive abilities are crucial for language understanding and expression, enabling complex communication and learning processes.</p>
<p>Individuals with good cognitive abilities tend to perform better in various domains of life. Some authors believe that cognitive ability can even be treated as an overall measure of how well the body is functioning. In support of this, large longitudinal studies report that individuals with lower cognitive abilities are more likely to die prematurely or contract various diseases. These findings have led researchers to investigate whether a correlation exists between cognitive ability in childhood and depression in adulthood.</p>
<p>Study author Emily L. Ball and her colleagues wanted to integrate findings of such studies. They focused on the links between childhood cognitive ability and depressive symptoms in adulthood. These authors reasoned that depression often starts in early adulthood, but is rarely detected in childhood. If we consider cognitive ability a measure of overall functioning of the body, it is possible that depression or precursors of depression in childhood might manifest themselves as lower cognitive abilities.</p>
<p>The researchers searched scientific databases including EMBASE (OVID), MEDLINE (OVID), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Science Citation Index, and Social Sciences Citation Index for studies on childhood cognition and depression. They also reviewed studies cited by the papers they found. Their search strategy focused on three key themes: childhood cognition, depression, and study type, employing a set of terms related to these themes.</p>
<p>In the end, their search yielded 18 scientific articles, which included data from 19 different groups of study participants, totaling 84,407 individuals. Depending on the group, between 44% and 100% of participants were female. Of these groups, nine were from the U.S., five from the U.K., two from New Zealand, and one each from Australia, Canada, and Spain. All groups were from higher-income countries.</p>
<p>The cognitive abilities of the study participants were assessed at ages ranging from 4 to 18 years, using various neurocognitive tests. The average age for the assessment of depression symptoms in these studies ranged from 18 to 84 years. Very few studies assessed depression symptoms after the age of 60.</p>
<p>The meta-analysis of these studies revealed no association between cognitive ability in childhood and depressive symptoms in adulthood. This absence of correlation held even when considering different ages of assessment and across both genders.</p>
<p>“In conclusion, this systematic review did not find an association between childhood cognitive ability and risk of depression in adulthood. Rather, it highlighted mixed findings of the existing literature, and emphasized the challenges in controlling for potential confounders when understanding key risk factors for depression across the life course,&#8221; the study authors conclude.</p>
<p>The study makes an important contribution to the scientific understanding of the relationship between depression and cognitive abilities. However, it should be noted that the vast majority of studies included in this meta-analysis came from the U.S. and the U.K, and that all the other data also came from high-income countries. Results might not be the same in non-Western cultures and lower-income countries.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.059">Cognitive ability in early life and risk of depression in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis,</a>” was authored by Emily L. Ball, Laura Morillo, Elizabeth Poyner, Andrew M. McIntosh, and Matthew H. Iveson.</p>

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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 04:15PM
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TITLE:
RNA modification is responsible for the disruption of mitochondrial protein synthesis in Alzheimer's disease
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425161529.htm

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients resulting in a reduction of the supply of energy to the brain.
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Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
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psychbot , 4 months ago to psychology

DATE:
April 25, 2024 at 01:14PM
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TITLE:
How electric vehicle drivers can escape range anxiety
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URL:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425131402.htm

Two of the biggest challenges faced by new and potential electric vehicle (EV) drivers are range anxiety and speed of charging, but these shouldn't have to be challenges at all. Researchers discovered that a change in refueling mindset, rather than improving the size or performance of the battery, could be the answer to these concerns.
.
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
.
NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot
.
Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
.
EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
http://subscribe-article-digests.clinicians-exchange.org
.
READ ONLINE: http://read-the-rss-mega-archive.clinicians-exchange.org
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...
.
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist