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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 03:00PM
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TITLE:
Hostile sexism identified as a barrier to accepting sexual assault studies
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/hostile-sexism-identified-as-a-barrier-to-accepting-sexual-assault-studies-220595

<p>Men with hostile sexist attitudes are more likely to express skepticism about scientific research on sexual assault, according to new research published in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03616843231215373"><em>Psychology of Women Quarterly</em></a>. This finding persisted despite attempts to mitigate these attitudes through self-affirmation techniques. The study, encompassing two separate experiments, indicates a strong ideological influence in the perception of sexual assault research.</p>
<p>Previous research in this field has consistently shown that sexual assault is a significant and pervasive issue, with considerable impacts on the mental and physical health of survivors. Despite this, there&#8217;s been a notable trend of disbelief and skepticism toward such findings, often fueled by misconceptions and myths about sexual assault. Recognizing this gap between empirical evidence and public perception, researchers were motivated to explore the underlying reasons for this skepticism, particularly among men.</p>
<p>&#8220;We wondered why accounts of sexual assault were being met with skepticism, why #MeToo was being met with the defensiveness of #NotAllMen,&#8221; said study author <a href="https://www.loyola.edu/academics/psychology/faculty/full-time-faculty/betz-diana.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diana E. Betz</a>, an associate professor of psychology at Loyola University Maryland. &#8220;We questioned whether that skepticism would extend to scientific reports, where motivated skepticism had already been found in domains like climate change and COVID-19. We were also hopeful that self-affirmation could reduce that skepticism, but this was not the case.&#8221;</p>
<p>The researchers conducted two separate studies to examine how hostile sexist attitudes among men influence their skepticism towards scientific research on sexual assault, and whether self-affirmation interventions could mitigate this skepticism.</p>
<p>The first study involved 316 male participants, who were recruited through online platforms. The researchers used a specific tool known as the Hostile Sexism subscale from the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory to measure each participant&#8217;s level of hostile sexism. This scale assesses attitudes that are overtly negative towards women, with questions that gauge beliefs about women seeking to control men or interpreting innocent remarks as sexist.</p>
<p>Participants were then randomly assigned to read one of three articles. Each article presented factual, negative-valenced information about a societal issue: sexual assault, breast cancer, or alcohol abuse. The researchers carefully designed these articles to present empirical data on how each issue impacts emotional, physical health, and career prospects.</p>
<p>After reading the articles, participants rated their skepticism using a credibility scale. This scale included questions like &#8220;How skeptical were you when reading these informational bullet points?&#8221; allowing researchers to gauge the participants&#8217; level of doubt or disbelief about the information presented.</p>
<p>The results of Study 1 were revealing. While men did not exhibit more skepticism towards the sexual assault article compared to the other topics, the study found that hostile sexism was a significant predictor of skepticism specifically towards the sexual assault information. This suggests that men with higher levels of hostile sexism are more inclined to doubt scientific findings on sexual assault, a trend not observed as strongly with the other topics.</p>
<p>&#8220;Science is not interpreted the same across the board: different audiences are coming to the same scientific findings, and viewing them differently based on pre-existing worldviews,&#8221; Betz told PsyPost. &#8220;Research about sexual assault might be particularly scoffed at by those holding hostile views of women, even more so than other topics of study that chiefly concerns women.&#8221;</p>
<p>In Study 2, the researchers aimed to see if self-affirmation techniques could weaken the link between hostile sexism and skepticism. This study involved 254 male participants, who, like in Study 1, were first measured for hostile sexism.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>All participants then underwent a writing exercise. They were asked to rank nine personal values and then write a brief paragraph about either their top-ranked value (self-affirmation condition) or their seventh-ranked value (control condition). This exercise, validated in previous research, was designed to bolster their sense of self-worth and integrity.</p>
<p>Following the self-affirmation task, every participant read the same article on sexual assault used in Study 1. They then rated their skepticism towards the information in the article.</p>
<p>In line with Study 1, men&#8217;s hostile sexism was again a predictor of greater skepticism towards scientific research documenting sexual assault. Contrary to the researchers&#8217; expectations, however, the self-affirmation exercise did not significantly weaken the relationship between hostile sexism and skepticism of sexual assault information.</p>
<p>Even after self-affirming their values, men with higher levels of hostile sexism remained just as skeptical of the sexual assault research. This suggests that the skepticism rooted in hostile sexist attitudes is deeply ingrained and not easily swayed by interventions aimed at enhancing self-integrity.</p>
<p>Betz was surprised by &#8220;the fact that the self-affirmation manipulation did not break or even weaken the link between hostile sexism and skepticism of sexual assault science. I have been impressed by the disarming power of self-affirmation: in one paper, prejudiced people were more open to discussions of racism if they first got to reflect on something positive about themselves: a recent memory of their own creativity or an expression of fairness; <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-01921-001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stone et al. (2011)</a>. But in our case, it was not a useful tool for persuading skeptical audiences.&#8221;</p>
<p>While these studies offer valuable insights, they come with limitations. One of the key challenges was the potential underpowering of the studies to detect smaller, nuanced effects. This means that some subtle interactions or influences might have gone unnoticed.</p>
<p>&#8220;Overall levels of skepticism were low, as was endorsement of hostile sexism,&#8221; Betz said. &#8220;The paper does not catalogue all major drivers of defensive or skeptical reactions to sexual assault science, nor does it speak to the reactions of most men. But for those men who hold really negative and confrontational views of women, this is a first step to understanding their skepticism, which could ultimately reveal ways to break through and effectively deliver these findings.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03616843231215373">Men&#8217;s Hostile Sexism Predicts Skepticism of Sexual Assault Science</a>&#8220;, was authored by Diana E. Betz, Kelly Deegan, and Alex Gomes.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 01:00PM
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TITLE:
Study links positive maternal mental health during pregnancy to fewer psychiatric issues in children
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/study-links-positive-maternal-mental-health-during-pregnancy-to-fewer-psychiatric-issues-in-children-220603

<p>A study conducted in Finland revealed that mothers who maintained better mental health during pregnancy generally have children who experience fewer psychiatric issues later in life. The study examined positive affect, curiosity, and social support of mothers during pregnancy and their children’s psychiatric problems between 2 and 18 years of age. The study was published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423001244"><em>Development and Psychopathology</em></a>.</p>
<p>Psychological well-being is a multifaceted concept encompassing an individual&#8217;s mental and emotional state. It reflects one&#8217;s overall happiness and life satisfaction, characterized by positive emotions like happiness and gratitude. Psychological well-being involves participation in meaningful activities, sustaining supportive relationships, and possessing resilience to recover from setbacks.</p>
<p>The significance of psychological well-being is especially pronounced during pregnancy. Pregnant women undergo substantial physical changes and shifts in their social roles while transitioning to parenthood. Research consistently shows that poor maternal mental health during pregnancy, marked by symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, correlates with psychiatric issues in children, persisting through childhood and adolescence. However, most studies have concentrated on negative mental health aspects, with few exploring how positive maternal mental health influences children&#8217;s psychiatric outcomes.</p>
<p>To bridge this research gap, Anna Lähdepuro and her colleagues investigated whether positive maternal mood, curiosity, and social support during pregnancy are linked to lower psychiatric issues in children, and if these relationships vary based on the child&#8217;s gender.</p>
<p>The researchers analyzed data from the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (PREDO) study. This study involved pregnant women who attended their first ultrasound screening between the 12th and 13th week of pregnancy at ten Finnish hospitals. Initially, 4777 women were recruited, each delivering a single live child between 2006 and 2010. Due to various factors, including study demands, the final sample comprised 2636 mother-child pairs.</p>
<p>During the pregnancy, the mothers filled out bi-weekly paper questionnaires, assessing their positive affect, curiosity, depressive symptoms, and perceived social support. They also reported on their children&#8217;s psychiatric issues during two follow-up periods – early childhood (1.5 to 5 years) and late childhood (6 to 18 years).</p>
<p>The results indicated that children of younger, single mothers with lower education levels and substance use history, as well as children with lower birth weights and boys, showed higher rates of psychiatric problems during both early and late childhood.</p>
<p>Children whose mothers had higher levels of positive mental health during pregnancy – characterized by curiosity, positive mood, and social support – exhibited fewer psychiatric problems. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for various potential confounding factors. The positive impact of maternal mental health during pregnancy on children&#8217;s psychiatric health was observed irrespective of the mother&#8217;s other mental health indicators.</p>
<p>Mothers with higher positive mental health during pregnancy typically maintained these levels during their children&#8217;s childhood. Positive mental health indicators during these periods were also linked to fewer psychiatric issues in children. These relationships between maternal mental health and children&#8217;s psychiatric health were similar for both genders.</p>
<p>The authors of the study concluded, &#8220;In this prospective pregnancy cohort study, higher levels of positive maternal mental health during pregnancy were associated with lower levels of total, internalizing, and externalizing psychiatric problems in children both in early childhood and in late childhood and these associations were independent of several sociodemographic factors and of negative maternal mental health before or during pregnancy or by early childhood and late childhood.&#8221;</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>&#8220;Positive maternal mental health during pregnancy was also associated with change in total psychiatric problems in children from early childhood to late childhood: psychiatric problems increased only among children of mothers with low levels of positive mental health during pregnancy. The associations between positive maternal mental health during pregnancy and lower total psychiatric problems in children were detected among mothers with and without negative mental health before or during pregnancy.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the links between mental health of mothers and their children. However, it should be noted that analyses reported in the study do not allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be drawn from the data. Additionally, many mothers dropped out from the study during its course. This could have influenced the results.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423001244">Positive maternal mental health during pregnancy and psychiatric problems in children from early childhood to late childhood</a>”, was authored by Anna Lähdepuro, Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen, Polina Girchenko, Pia M. Villa, Kati Heinonen, Jari Lahti, Riikka Pyhälä, Hannele Laivuori, Eero Kajantie, and Katri Räikkönen.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 11:00AM
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TITLE:
New research provides an intriguing glimpse into how ketamine alters brain connectivity in depressed individuals
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-research-provides-an-intriguing-glimpse-into-how-ketamine-alters-brain-connectivity-in-depressed-individuals-220596

<p>New research published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02674-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Translational Psychiatry</a></em> sheds light on how ketamine, a drug known for its rapid antidepressant effects, specifically alters brain activity in people with treatment-resistant depression. This detailed investigation into the brain&#8217;s anterior cingulate cortex reveals that ketamine&#8217;s influence on different regions of this area correlates with notable improvements in depressive and anhedonic symptoms.</p>
<p>Ketamine, initially known as an anesthetic, has recently gained attention in the mental health community for its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in individuals who do not respond to traditional treatments. The motivation behind this study arose from the need to understand how ketamine achieves these effects. Unlike most antidepressants that take weeks to show results, ketamine can lift mood within hours, making it a potential game-changer in acute depression care. However, its exact mechanisms of action in the brain have remained largely unexplored, especially regarding treatment-resistant depression, a condition where patients do not respond to standard antidepressant therapies.</p>
<p>&#8220;Ketamine is an antidepressant with several interesting properties: it acts quickly; it seems to work in treatment-resistant cases of depression; and it seems to be effective in treating symptoms which are normally difficult to treat, such as anhedonia (a lack of sensitivity to reward),&#8221; explained study author <a href="https://laith-alexander.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laith Alexander</a>, an academic clinical fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry at King&#8217;s College London.</p>
<p>&#8220;The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is implicated in depression and in how ketamine works, but no study had explored in detail how ketamine modulates activity in the ACC and whether this modulation is important in ketamine&#8217;s therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the ACC consists of different subregions &#8211; subgenual, perigenual and dorsal &#8211; and it isn&#8217;t clear which of these subregions are important.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study involved 50 participants, comprising 29 individuals with treatment-resistant depression and 21 healthy volunteers. These individuals were part of a larger, randomized clinical trial. Participants with depression had a history of not responding to at least one adequate antidepressant trial and exhibited significant symptoms as measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, a standard tool for assessing the severity of depressive episodes. Before undergoing brain scans, all participants with depression were medication-free for at least two weeks to ensure a clear assessment of ketamine&#8217;s effects.</p>
<p>The core of the study centered around a process called resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) imaging, a type of brain scan that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. This method is particularly useful for understanding how different brain regions communicate with each other when a person is not focusing on a specific task – hence the term &#8216;resting-state.&#8217;</p>
<p>In this double-blind study, participants received an intravenous infusion of either ketamine or a saline solution (placebo) during the first session and then received the opposite treatment two weeks later. Brain scans were conducted two days following each treatment. Additionally, the research team used several scales, including the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale and the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, to measure levels of anhedonia.</p>
<p>The findings revealed that ketamine significantly improved depressive symptoms and the ability to anticipate pleasure compared to the placebo. Interestingly, ketamine&#8217;s effects varied across different areas within the anterior cingulate cortex – a part of the brain known to be involved in mood regulation.</p>
<p>For instance, changes in the functional connectivity between the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex and the right insula (a brain region involved in emotional processing) were associated with improvements in depression scores. In contrast, alterations in the connectivity of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex to other brain regions, like the ventral striatum (associated with reward processing), correlated with reductions in anhedonia.</p>
<p>&#8220;When we found that changes in subgenual ACC connectivity correlated with improvements in anhedonia symptoms, this back-translated nicely to the preclinical animal literature,&#8221; Alexander told PsyPost. &#8220;Studies in primates have shown that changes in activity of this region can induce problems in reward processing, and that ketamine can act on this region to alleviate these deficits.&#8221;</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>The researchers also found that while the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex showed the most substantial changes in response to ketamine, the connectivity of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex to the supramarginal gyrus (part of the somatosensory association cortex) was also modified. These nuanced findings highlight the complexity of depression and anhedonia and suggest that different brain regions may contribute to these conditions in diverse ways.</p>
<p>&#8220;The ACC seems to be a key region in ketamine&#8217;s antidepressant action, but specific subregions of the ACC seem to be more important in the relief of certain symptoms: for example, changes in pregenual ACC connectivity correlated with improvements in symptoms of depression whereas changes to subgenual ACC connectivity correlated with improvements in symptoms of anhedonia specifically,&#8221; Alexander explained. &#8220;By understanding how ketamine modulates connectivity of these different subregions, we may eventually be able to target specific treatments to certain groups of patients burdened by particular symptoms.&#8221;</p>
<p>Despite these promising results, the study is not without its limitations. The small sample size, particularly when exploring correlations between brain connectivity and symptom improvement, poses a challenge. &#8220;This was a small study, which needs to be replicated in a larger sample size to ensure the results are reliable,&#8221; Alexander said.</p>
<p>&#8220;This study was a good example of the importance of collaboration and open science,&#8221; the researcher added. :These data were analyzed from a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial carried out at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The collaboration between King&#8217;s College London and NIMH meant a hypothesis could be tested on pre-existing data.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02674-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preliminary evidence that ketamine alters anterior cingulate resting-state functional connectivity in depressed individuals</a>&#8220;, was authored by Laith Alexander, Peter C. T. Hawkins, Jennifer W. Evans, Mitul A. Mehta, and Carlos A. Zarate Jr.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 10:00AM
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TITLE:
The Fraud Factor
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URL:
https://ct.counseling.org/2024/01/the-fraud-factor/

<p>Imposter syndrome can hold some counselors back, which is why it’s important to learn to recognize and manage it. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ct.counseling.org/2024/01/the-fraud-factor/">The Fraud Factor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ct.counseling.org">Counseling Today</a>.</p>

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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 09:00AM
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TITLE:
People who are born poor but get rich are less sensitive to the challenges of the poor
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/people-who-are-born-poor-but-get-rich-are-less-sensitive-to-the-challenges-of-the-poor-220601

<p>The American Dream celebrates the self-made person, applauding those who rise from humble beginnings. This cultural narrative implies that people who have experienced and overcome similar challenges understand and care more about those who are still struggling. But is this true?</p>
<p>A series of studies explored perceptions of self-made wealthy individuals (the Became Rich) versus those born into wealth (the Born Rich) and how their own experiences of wealth acquisition influence their attitudes toward the poor. Contrary to lay expectations, individuals from humble origins were less sensitive to the plights of the poor. This research, conducted by Hyunjin J. Koo and colleagues, was published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221098921"><em>Social Psychological and Personality Science</em></a>.</p>
<p>Participants were recruited from online crowdsourcing platforms, including Prolific Academic and Turkprime. Studies 1a and 1b gauged the public’s perceptions of two distinct wealthy groups: the Became Rich versus the Born Rich. In Study 1a, 289 participants were presented with descriptions of these groups and asked to assess which group they believed would exhibit greater empathy and understanding towards the poor (e.g., “More likely to attribute poverty to external circumstances”). A majority perceived the Became Rich as more empathetic and understanding.</p>
<p>Study 1b, with 447 participants, replicated this experiment, but this time both groups were portrayed as equally hardworking, challenging the notion that hard work alone shaped public perceptions. Even when both groups were described as “working very hard” and having “a great work ethic’’ the Became Rich were still perceived as more empathetic, suggesting that their background of personal struggle played an important role in public perception.</p>
<p>Studies 2a and 2b, with 479 and 553 participants respectively, shifted focus to the sociopolitical attitudes of the wealthy (e.g., “In the United States, it is difficult to improve one’s socioeconomic conditions’’). Study 2a surveyed participants with household incomes over $80,000, while Study 2b targeted those earning over $142,501. Participants were categorized into Became Rich or Born Rich based on their past socioeconomic status. Contrary to public perception, the Became Rich viewed upward mobility as less challenging and displayed less empathetic attitudes towards the poor. This finding was consistent across both studies, suggesting a disconnect between public perception and the actual attitudes of the wealthy.</p>
<p>Study 3 utilized a simulation scenario to causally test these observations. In this experiment, 492 participants were randomly assigned to imagine themselves in scenarios of upward mobility or remaining stationary at a high status within a hypothetical company. They responded to measures parallel to those administered in Studies 1-2. Participants in the upward mobility condition perceived climbing the corporate ladder as less challenging and showed reduced empathy towards others struggling within the company.</p>
<p>Combined, the findings from these studies indicate that public expectations about the attitudes of wealthy individuals towards the poor are often mistaken. Studies 1a and 1b revealed that people generally perceive those who became rich to be more sympathetic to the poor than those born into wealth. However, subsequent studies contradicted this belief, showing that the Became Rich actually perceive socio-economic improvement as less difficult and exhibit less empathy and support for wealth redistribution compared to the Born Rich.</p>
<p>A limitation the researchers note is that this study focused on affluent individuals in the United States, but did not recruit multimillionaires and billionaires. Future research can consider involving the “super wealthy” due to their significant sociopolitical influence.</p>
<p>The authors conclude, “Ultimately, people’s social views are not only shaped by their current class position but also by the confluence of life forces that led them there.”</p>
<p>The research, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221098921">If I Could Do It, So Can They: Among the Rich, Those With Humbler Origins are Less Sensitive to the Difficulties of the Poor</a>”, was authored by Hyunjin J. Koo, Paul K. Piff, and Azim F. Shariff.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 05:00AM
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TITLE:
To Prepare for Psychedelic Therapy, Doctors Breathe Their Way to an Altered State
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URL:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/style/therapy-breathing-psychedelics.html

As psychedelics move from the underground to mainstream medicine, clinicians aspiring to work in the field are inducing altered states with deep breathing.
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 09, 2024 at 05:00AM
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TITLE:
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy highly effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/mdma-assisted-psychotherapy-highly-effective-in-alleviating-ptsd-symptoms-study-finds-220604

<p>A new study has found that combining the drug MDMA with psychotherapy can help people with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reduce their symptoms and improve their ability to perform everyday activities. The research, which was conducted as a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02565-4"><em>Nature Medicine</em></a>.</p>
<p>PTSD is a serious mental health condition that affects individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as violence or natural disasters. Individuals with PTSD may have nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression and difficulty functioning in daily life. Current treatments include psychotherapies (talking therapies that assist people explore their inner thoughts and feelings) in addition to medications, but they have been found to not work for all.</p>
<p>Growing evidence suggests a compound called 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (more commonly known as MDMA, ecstasy or molly) as a potential treatment. MDMA is a substance that can reduce fear as well as enhance empathy and openness with others. The research team led by Jennifer M. Mitchell from the University of California combined MDMA with psychotherapy, a practice known as MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT).</p>
<p>The study involved 104 adults recruited from the United States and Israel with moderate to severe PTSD who had not responded to previous treatments. They were randomly assigned to receive either MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) (53 participants) or placebo with therapy (51 participants). MDMA-AT consisted of three sessions of MDMA (80–120 mg) with psychotherapy, spaced about 1 month apart, plus 12 sessions of 90-minute therapy (without drug consumption). The placebo with therapy group received identical therapy sessions but instead consumed placebo pills.</p>
<p>The researchers measured the participants’ PTSD symptoms and functional impairment levels before and after the treatment, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) scale, and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), respectively. They found that MDMA-AT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment compared to placebo with therapy.</p>
<p>Mitchell and colleagues also discovered that more participants in the MDMA-AT group achieved clinically meaningful improvement &#8211; 86.5% in the MDMA-AT group compared to 69% in the placebo with therapy group. Additionally, 71.2% of participants in the MDMA-AT group were no longer clinically diagnosed with PTSD, compared with 47.6% in the PTSD group. The treatment effect of MDMA was also not influenced by disease severity, trauma type or comorbidities.</p>
<p>The researchers also found that MDMA was generally well tolerated, with no serious or life-threatening events that led to hospitalizations, disability, or deaths. The most common side effects of MDMA were muscle tightness, nausea, decreased appetite and sweating, which were mostly mild or moderate and transient. MDMA caused temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, which were expected side effects.</p>
<p>Suicidal ideation was observed in both groups, as is consistent with PTSD symptoms. However, MDMA did not increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior, or MDMA abuse or dependence.</p>
<p>Notably, the study included a diverse population of participants with moderate to severe PTSD and various trauma histories and comorbidities. “In a historic first, to our knowledge, for psychedelic treatment studies, participants who identified as ethnically or racially diverse encompassed approximately half of the study sample,” the researchers highlighted, as 26.9% of participants identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 33.7% identified as other than White.</p>
<p>Study author Mitchell emphasized the importance of this inclusivity, “due to disparities in trauma exposure, gender-diverse and transgender individuals, ethnoracial minorities, first responders, military personnel, veterans and victims of chronic sexual abuse have a disproportionately higher risk of developing PTSD. However, these diverse populations are historically underrepresented in clinical trials.”</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Some limitations are to be noted. For example, there is a lack of a comparison with other treatments for PTSD, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The study also excluded participants with high suicide risk, comorbid personality disorders and underlying cardiovascular disease, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the study was a large, rigorous and confirmatory phase 3 trial that followed FDA guidance, and MDMA-AT could be a promising new treatment for individuals with PTSD who do not respond to current therapies.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02565-4">MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial</a>”, was authored by Jennifer M. Mitchell, Marcela Ot’alora G., Bessel van der Kolk, Scott Shannon, Michael Bogenschutz, Yevgeniy Gelfand, Casey Paleos, Christopher R. Nicholas, Sylvestre Quevedo, Brooke Balliett, Scott Hamilton, Michael Mithoefer, Sarah Kleiman, Kelly Parker-Guilbert, Keren Tzarfaty, Charlotte Harrison, Alberdina de Boer, Rick Doblin, Berra Yazar-Klosinski and MAPP2 Study Collaborator Group.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 05:00PM
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TITLE:
Borderline personality disorder and maladaptive daydreaming: Interesting new findings from recent study
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/borderline-personality-disorder-and-maladaptive-daydreaming-interesting-new-findings-from-recent-study-220560

<p>A recent study, published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clinical Psychology &amp; Psychotherapy</a></em>, has found that maladaptive daydreaming is linked to self-suppression escapism and emotional dysregulation among individuals with borderline personality disorder and depression. The new findings suggest that maladaptive daydreaming serves as an avoidance-based strategy for regulating emotions and can manifest in individuals with a range of mental health conditions.</p>
<p>Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health disorder characterized by pervasive instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning. Individuals with BPD often experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. They may also struggle with maintaining stable relationships due to an intense fear of abandonment and a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships.</p>
<p>Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition characterized by excessive, vivid daydreaming that significantly interferes with daily functioning and responsibilities. Individuals with this condition often spend hours lost in intricate, highly detailed fantasies, which can provide an escape from reality but also lead to neglect of personal relationships, work, or education.</p>
<p>Although previously linked to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and BPD had not been extensively studied. Recognizing the complex emotional experiences of those with BPD — such as intense mood swings, challenges in maintaining stable relationships, and impulsive behaviors — the researchers sought to explore how these individuals might use daydreaming as a coping mechanism.</p>
<p>&#8220;We noticed there were no studies concerning whether people with borderline personality disorder also struggle with maladaptive daydreaming. As we could see possible links between the two, based on previous research, we’ve decided to investigate. If our hypothesis were true, it could be of use to clinicians who help people struggling with both BPD and maladaptive daydreaming,&#8221; said study author Anna Pyszkowska of the University of Silesia in Katowice.</p>
<p>The study included 188 participants, split into two groups: 102 individuals diagnosed with BPD and 86 with depression. The research employed several well-established psychological scales to measure various aspects of emotional experience and daydreaming.</p>
<p>The Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale assessed challenges in managing emotions, while the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale quantified the extent and nature of daydreaming behaviors. Additionally, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale helped gauge the degree of self-stigmatization participants felt about their mental health condition. The Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale and the Escapism Scale were used to understand experiences of pleasure and tendencies toward escapism, respectively. Affect, or emotional response, was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.</p>
<p>The researchers found that individuals with BPD experience higher levels of emotional dysregulation and internalized stigma than those with depression. This includes challenges in controlling impulses and being aware of one&#8217;s emotional state. Interestingly, while the rates of maladaptive daydreaming were similar in both groups, those with BPD showed a greater tendency toward escapism — both as a means of suppressing difficult emotions and as a way of expanding their experiences.</p>
<p>&#8220;People often take to heart negative comments about themselves and start believing them,&#8221; Pyszkowska told PsyPost. &#8220;As it&#8217;s not very pleasant to think about yourself, &#8216;I’m crazy,&#8217; they look for a way to escape, which in itself may lead to negative consequences for them.&#8221;</p>
<p>In terms of emotional affect, people with BPD exhibited higher negative affect compared to the depression group. This suggests a more intense experience of negative emotions like sadness or anger. The study also found significant correlations, such as between maladaptive daydreaming and self-suppression escapism, and between emotional dysregulation and internalized stigma.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>A deeper analysis using network techniques revealed distinct patterns in the way these variables interacted within each group. For instance, in BPD individuals, positive affect (feelings of happiness or satisfaction) was strongly linked to self-expansion escapism, indicating a complex relationship between positive emotions and coping strategies. On the other hand, in the depression group, there was a notable connection between negative affect and social withdrawal due to internalized stigma, highlighting different emotional coping mechanisms.</p>
<p>&#8220;There were no differences between people with depression and people with BPD in maladaptive daydreaming,&#8221; Pyszkowska said. &#8220;Yet they did differ when it came to relationships between maladaptive daydreaming and other variables. It was fascinating to see how this one phenomenon can be so differently connected to different aspects depending on a group.&#8221;</p>
<p>While the study offers significant insights, it is not without limitations. The participant group was predominantly female, raising questions about the applicability of these findings across genders. Looking ahead, the researchers suggest that future studies should incorporate both quantitative and qualitative data, such as clinical interviews, to gain a deeper understanding of specific symptoms and their relation to daydreaming in both BPD and depression.</p>
<p>&#8220;In our study, we relied on questionnaire data – further studies could provide much more new information by carrying out clinical interviews with participants,&#8221; Pyszkowska explained. &#8220;It could give us information about particular symptoms and their role in maladaptive daydreaming and internalized stigma.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cpp.2923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maladaptive daydreaming, emotional dysregulation, affect and internalized stigma in persons with borderline personality disorder and depression disorder</a>: A network analysis&#8221;, was authored by Anna Pyszkowska, Julia Celban, Ari Nowacki, and Izabela Dubiel.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 03:00PM
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TITLE:
Study finds that better writing is rewarded in the peer-review process
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/study-finds-that-better-writing-is-rewarded-in-the-peer-review-process-220577

<p>The importance of quality academic writing is emphasized across scientific disciplines, including economics. Clear and effective communication of ideas not only facilitates understanding but also shows respect for readers. The field of economics has also been pushing for better writing since the 1980s, led by scholars like Deirdre McCloskey. Her book, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-7295.1985.tb01761.x">Economical Writing</a>,” is now a standard part of economics PhD programs.</p>
<p>Despite the emphasis on writing quality, there is a lack of evidence on whether better writing yields professional rewards, such as positive evaluations from peers, journal editors, and conference committees. In this study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2023.11.016"><em>Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization</em></a>, Jan Feld and colleagues compared quality judgments of original and edited versions of academic papers, finding that writing indeed matters.</p>
<p>This research was conducted in two stages. In the first, 30 economics papers were collected from 22 PhD students at New Zealand universities. By the time of submission, students had been working on their papers for approximately eight months. Each paper was edited by two professional language editors, with one editor focusing on improving the structure of the paper and the other polishing the writing at the sentence and word level.</p>
<p>On average, the editors spent six hours per paper. In the second stage, 18 writing experts and 30 academic economists, recruited via social media posts and maillists, evaluated either the original or edited version of each paper, responding to questions pertaining to the writing quality and potential of the paper (e.g., academic publication, conference presentation).</p>
<p>Writing experts rated the edited papers higher in terms of overall writing quality, ease of finding key messages, fewer mistakes, readability, and conciseness. Economists also rated the edited papers more favorably, reporting a greater likelihood of accepting these papers for conferences and believing in their potential for publication in reputable journals.</p>
<p>The results further revealed that the positive effect of editing was more pronounced for papers that were initially poorly written, suggesting that editing can be especially beneficial for enhancing the quality of poorly written papers. Economists found edited versions of poorly written papers to be substantially better in overall quality, conference acceptance likelihood, and writing quality.</p>
<p>These findings have important implications for academic publishing, suggesting that investing time and resources in improving writing can significantly enhance the perception and reception of academic papers. The researchers concluded that effective writing is an essential skill for successful academic communication and dissemination of ideas.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2023.11.016">Writing matters</a>”, was authored by Jan Feld, Corinna Lines, and Libby Ross.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 01:00PM
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TITLE:
Positive psychology in classrooms: A beacon of hope for troubled young minds?
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/positive-psychology-in-classrooms-a-beacon-of-hope-for-troubled-young-minds-220576

<p>Youth mental health has worsened significantly over the past decade, but new interventions that teach positive psychology concepts in school may help.</p>
<p>American young people are reporting <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf">historically high levels</a> of hopelessness, sadness and loneliness. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf">20% of adolescents</a> have seriously considered suicide – and suicide is the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html">second-leading cause of death for children</a> ages 10-14.</p>
<p>Perhaps even more alarming than the prevalence of youth mental health problems is the <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/research-reports/2022-state-mental-health-america-report">inaccessibility of mental health support</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-the-mental-health-crisis-in-children-and-teens-worsens-the-dire-shortage-of-mental-health-providers-is-preventing-young-people-from-getting-the-help-they-need-207476">for the many children who need it</a>. About <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/research-reports/2022-state-mental-health-america-report">60% of depressed adolescents</a> do not receive any treatment – and around <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/research-reports/2022-state-mental-health-america-report">950,000 children do not have health insurance</a> that covers mental health services.</p>
<p>One solution is to provide mental health care in schools, where kids are. This is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-020-01080-9">already happening</a>. School counselors, psychologists and social workers provide support, teach coping strategies and work with caregivers to help students overcome mental health challenges. Such vital care is essential, but clearly more help is needed.</p>
<p>Research shows that students who have a positive outlook regarding their lives <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2016.05.003">outperform other students</a> academically and emotionally. You might wonder, can positive thinking be taught?</p>
<p>I study school-based positive psychology interventions. My colleagues have found that students who’ve been <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02796015.2017.12087610">introduced to science-based ideas about happiness</a> feel more satisfied with life, experience more positive than negative emotions and have fewer emotional and behavioral problems.</p>
<h2>Science of happiness</h2>
<p>Psychologists began to study the science of happiness <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5">in the late 1990s</a>. Prior to that time, most psychology researchers studied misery.</p>
<p>Psychologist Martin Seligman was such a scientist, having pioneered the concept of “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.me.23.020172.002203">learned helplessness</a>.” But a conversation with his young daughter, in which she demanded to know why he couldn’t “<a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/martin-seligman-biography-2795527">stop being such a grouch</a>,” inspired him to <a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/the-man-who-invented-happiness-science-marty-seligman">start studying what makes people happy</a> instead.</p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5">Initial studies</a> were conceptual in nature. But before long, researchers started to identify <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111">what makes people happy</a>, the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803">benefits of happiness</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1818807">interventions to improve happiness</a>.</p>
<p>Scientists identified three main predictors of happiness – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111">genetics, life circumstances and purposeful activities</a> – and potentially others, depending on one’s culture. Of the big three, the first two are often out of an individual’s control. But science has shown that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1689421">people can adopt strategies to feel happier</a>.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Achieving a state of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Flourish/Martin-E-P-Seligman/9781439190760">flourishing</a> – or feeling good and doing good – is the goal of positive psychology interventions. It can evoke positive feelings, increase engagement with life, strengthen positive relationships, move people toward purpose and help people achieve meaningful goals.</p>
<h2>Positive psychology in schools</h2>
<p>Positive psychology is now taught in some <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14408">schools around the world</a>, including in the U.S., Australia, Denmark, Israel, New Zealand, China and South Africa. Most interventions educate students about mindfulness and positive psychology concepts such as gratitude, kindness, optimistic thinking, utilizing <a href="https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths">character strengths</a> and hope. The idea is not just to teach students about positive psychology as a school subject but help them practice the skills that research suggests will help them flourish.</p>
<p>In typical programs, students first learn positive psychology concepts, then practice using them in real life with the help of trusted adults. For example, students discuss what gratitude means to them, then practice writing down three things they are thankful for every night before bed with the help of their caregivers. After a week, students discuss with adults at school how practicing gratitude affected their level of happiness.</p>
<p>A 2020 review of 57 school-based positive psychology programs showed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14408">more than half resulted in positive outcomes</a>, including less stress, lower depression, less anxiety, fewer behavioral issues, better self-image, higher life satisfaction and stronger social functioning.</p>
<h2>‘Nice inside’</h2>
<p>One intervention currently being studied by the <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=4451">U.S. Department of Education</a> is a 10-week, small-group intervention aimed at helping middle schoolers. I coach the mental health providers implementing this program.</p>
<p>Like other programs of its kind, it teaches youth about positive concepts, including gratitude, kindness, character strengths, optimism and hope. Early findings, presented at the 2023 <a href="https://www.nasponline.org/professional-development/nasp-2024-annual-convention/convention-program">National Association of School Psychology</a> conference, show the program is being well received both by students and providers.</p>
<p>We’ve found students tend to favor activities that fit with their culture or values. For example, one student shared that performing acts of kindness was their favorite program-based activity, because it helped them spend more time with family and pets – the two most important things in their life. Another student said being able to share the strategies with their mother helped them both feel happier. This student was also proud to be able to help their family.</p>
<p>We also found that some students believed the program helped them build positive relationships with others. One student shared, “It’s really fun to see how others react when I’m being nice, such as giving a compliment,” and that doing so helped them feel “nice inside.” Another student agreed, saying making others feel good helped them feel happier.</p>
<p>Positive psychology training is only one piece of the solution for improving youth mental health. Children with severe issues need comprehensive treatment, which can include mental health counseling and medication.</p>
<p>Even though many important factors are out of a person’s control, everyone has room for growth in happiness. My colleagues and I hope teaching positive psychology in schools will become a common practice in the future.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img decoding="async" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217173/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/teaching-positive-psychology-skills-at-school-may-be-one-way-to-help-student-mental-health-and-happiness-217173">original article</a>.</em></p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 07:30AM
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TITLE:
Advances in Mind-Decoding Technologies Raise Hopes (and Worries)
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URL:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/advances-in-mind-decoding-technologies-raise-hopes-and-worries1/

<p>Devices that connect brains to computers are increasingly sophisticated. Can the nascent neurorights&nbsp;movement keep pace?</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 09:42AM
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TITLE:
Australia Bans Nazi Salute, Swastika, Other Hate Symbols in Public
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176489&url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/australia-bans-nazi-salute-swastika-amid-antisemitism/

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/world/" rel="tag" target="_blank">CBS News - World News</a></p>Australian lawmakers have banned the performance of the Nazi salute in public and outlawed the display or sale of Nazi hate symbols such as the swastika in landmark legislation that went into effect in the country Monday. The new laws also make the act of glorifying or praising acts of terrorism a criminal offense. The crime of publicly performing the Nazi salute or displaying the Nazi swastika is now punishable by up to 12 months in prison.</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 09:42AM
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TITLE:
Judges in England and Wales to Use AI in Writing Legal Opinions
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176481&url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/judges-england-wales-cautious-approval-ai-writing-legal-106185194

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Technology" rel="tag" target="_blank">ABC News - Science and Technology</a></p>England's 1,000-year-old legal system&mdash;still steeped in traditions that include wearing wigs and robes&mdash;has taken a step into the future by giving judges permission to use artificial intelligence to help produce rulings. The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary last month said AI could help write opinions but stressed it shouldn't be used for research or legal analyses because the technology can fabricate information and provide inaccurate and...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 11:00AM
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TITLE:
Alarming study links screen time in early childhood to atypical sensory processing
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/alarming-study-links-screen-time-in-early-childhood-to-atypical-sensory-processing-220571

<p>New research published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5923"><em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a> has found a troubling association between early exposure to screens and sensory processing challenges in children. The study, one of the first of its kind, suggests that excessive exposure to digital media in the formative years might influence how children perceive and respond to their surroundings.</p>
<p>In recent years, with the advent of various digital devices, young children are increasingly exposed to screens at an early age. This is a significant shift from past generations and has raised concerns among researchers and healthcare professionals about its potential impact on child development.</p>
<p>Sensory processing is crucial as it involves the integration of sensory information (like sight, sound, touch) by the brain to form appropriate responses. Proper sensory processing is vital for everyday functioning and well-being. There are concerns that excessive screen time might adversely affect this process.</p>
<p>Moreover, studies in neuroplasticity – the brain&#8217;s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience – indicate that changes in sensory experiences can lead to alterations in brain connectivity. These changes might influence behavior, potentially leading to maladaptive behaviors.</p>
<p>To investigate these concerns, lead author Karen Heffler (an associate professor of Psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine) and her colleagues utilized data from the National Children’s Study, which was designed to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on child health and development in the United States.</p>
<p>Participants in this study were enrolled at birth and observed between 2011 and 2014. For the current analysis, researchers focused on children whose caregivers had completed the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, a validated tool to assess sensory processing in young children. This resulted in a sample size of 1,471 children, with an almost equal gender distribution.</p>
<p>The Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile measures how children respond to sensory experiences in their environment, categorizing their responses into four primary patterns based on a well-established model of sensory processing. These patterns include low registration (not noticing sensory stimuli), sensation seeking (actively seeking sensory stimuli), sensory sensitivity (being easily irritated by sensory stimuli), and sensation avoiding (actively avoiding sensory stimuli).</p>
<p>Researchers measured screen exposure using caregiver-reported data at three key developmental stages: 12, 18, and 24 months of age. When the children were 12 months old, caregivers were asked a simple yes-or-no question about whether their child watched TV or DVDs. As the children grew older, at 18 and 24 months, the questions became more detailed. Caregivers were asked to estimate the average number of hours per day their child spent watching TV and/or DVDs over the past 30 days.</p>
<p>They analyzed the data using multinomial regression analyses, adjusting for a range of factors including child age, birth prematurity, household income, and caregiver education. The aim was to unravel the relationship between screen exposure and sensory processing outcomes.</p>
<p>The findings revealed some striking associations. For instance, children who watched television or videos at 12 months had twice the risk of being in the high category for low registration compared with those who did not. As the children aged, greater screen exposure at 18 months was linked to more frequent low registration and sensation avoiding, a pattern where children actively try to limit sensory exposure. By 24 months, higher screen time was linked to more frequent sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding behaviors.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>These results are significant as they add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that early screen exposure could have developmental implications. Sensory processing plays a crucial role in children&#8217;s learning and daily functioning. Atypical sensory processing is notably prevalent in developmental disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study&#8217;s findings imply that excessive screen time might exacerbate or contribute to these sensory processing challenges.</p>
<p>&#8220;This association could have important implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is much more prevalent in these populations,&#8221; Heffler said in a news release. &#8220;Repetitive behavior, such as that seen in autism spectrum disorder, is highly correlated with atypical sensory processing. Future work may determine whether early life screen time could fuel the sensory brain hyperconnectivity seen in autism spectrum disorders, such as heightened brain responses to sensory stimulation.&#8221;</p>
<p>The American Academy of Pediatrics <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162591/60503/Media-and-Young-Minds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">advises against</a> screen time for babies under 18-24 months, except for live video chats, which might offer interactional benefits. For children aged 2 to 5, the recommendation is to limit screen time to no more than one hour per day. Despite these guidelines, a <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2725040" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 research letter in <em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a> revealed a startling trend: as of 2014, U.S. children aged 2 and under were averaging 3 hours and 3 minutes a day of screen time, a significant increase from the 1 hour and 19 minutes average in 1997.</p>
<p>“Parent training and education are key to minimizing, or hopefully even avoiding, screen time in children younger than two years,” said senior author David Bennett, a professor of Psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine.</p>
<p>However, the new study does have its limitations. One key constraint is its observational nature, which means it can indicate associations but not establish causality. This means that while there is a connection between screen time and sensory processing issues, we cannot conclusively say that one causes the other. Additionally, the reliance on caregiver reports for screen exposure and sensory processing measures might introduce biases. Caregivers&#8217; perceptions and recollections could affect the accuracy of the data.</p>
<p>Another limitation is the potential for selection bias, as the study only included children whose parents completed the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile. Furthermore, the assessments of screen exposure were based on single-item caregiver reports, which might not fully capture the depth and nuances of children&#8217;s screen exposure. Future research is necessary to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving the association between early-life screen time and atypical sensory processing.</p>
<p>&#8220;This study is unique in prospectively finding early-life digital media exposure to be associated with later atypical sensory processing across multiple sensory domains. These findings are particularly important, as behavioral and developmental problems which can be challenging for young children and their families are significantly associated with children’s sensory profiles,&#8221; the researchers concluded.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5923">Early-Life Digital Media Experiences and Development of Atypical Sensory Processing</a>&#8220;, was authored by Karen Frankel Heffler, Binod Acharya, Keshab Subedi, and David S. Bennett.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 09:00AM
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TITLE:
2024 National Poetry Contest for Social Workers Accepting Submissions
.
URL:
https://www.socialworker.com/extras/creative-work/2024-national-poetry-contest-for-social-workers-submissions/

The University of Iowa 2024 National Poetry Contest for Social Workers is accepting submissions. Submit your poem by February 17, 2024.
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 09:00AM
.
TITLE:
New research identifies iron dysregulation in schizophrenia patients
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-research-identifies-iron-dysregulation-in-schizophrenia-patients-220573

<p>A study of brain tissue of deceased individuals who suffered from schizophrenia found elevated levels of iron. On the other hand, levels of ferritin were reduced. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in an inactive form and releases it into the body when needed, helping to regulate iron levels and prevent iron toxicity. The study was published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-01979-3"><em>Molecular Psychiatry</em></a>.</p>
<p>Schizophrenia is a complex, severe mental disorder characterized by symptoms that impact an individual&#8217;s thinking, emotions, and behavior. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Those with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing nonexistent things, and delusions, which are strongly held yet false beliefs resistant to reason or contrary evidence. These symptoms can lead to disorganized thinking, hindering individuals from communicating logically, following a conversation, or completing tasks coherently.</p>
<p>Negative symptoms, including social withdrawal, diminished emotions, reduced motivation, and impaired ability to initiate and sustain activities, often result in significant social and occupational dysfunction. While there is no cure for schizophrenia, treatment usually involves a combination of antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and support services. These treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve the individual&#8217;s quality of life.</p>
<p>However, these treatments do not effectively address the most debilitating symptoms of the disease, such as emotional blunting, lack of will, and impairments in social and cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia experience a rapid loss of brain gray matter in the first few years after the onset of the disease, coinciding with the development of cognitive deficits. Neuroimaging studies and molecular markers suggest that individuals with schizophrenia experience accelerated brain aging, likely contributing to increased dementia rates later in life.</p>
<p>Study author Amit Lotan and his colleagues hypothesized that alterations in brain iron levels might contribute to the adverse cognitive changes observed in schizophrenia. Typically, iron is stored in an inactive form within the protein ferritin in neurons and glia cells, and is released when needed for processes such as energy production and myelin synthesis. However, previous studies indicated that individuals with cognitive decline often have elevated brain iron levels, suggesting that a disruption in iron level regulation could be involved in cognitive decline. The study authors proposed that a similar mechanism might be at play in schizophrenia.</p>
<p>The researchers analyzed and compared prefrontal cortex tissue samples from deceased individuals who had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and from healthy individuals matched for demographic characteristics. These samples were sourced from the New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Center (NSW-BTRC), Victorian Brain Bank Network (VBBN), and National Institute of Mental Health Human Brain Collection Core (NIMH-HBCC) in Australia. They specifically assessed iron and ferritin levels in the brain tissue.</p>
<p>The results showed that individuals with schizophrenia had higher iron levels but lower ferritin levels in the examined brain tissue. This suggests a disruption in iron availability in key brain areas responsible for reasoning and planning in individuals with schizophrenia. The disparity in iron levels was most pronounced between the brains of younger individuals with schizophrenia and age-matched healthy controls.</p>
<p>“In the current study, we found that iron levels in the PFC [prefrontal cortex region of the brain] are elevated in schizophrenia compared to age-matched controls. Ferritin, which stores iron in a redox-inactive form, is paradoxically decreased in individuals with the disorder. Among schizophrenia cases, we observed a loss of age-dependent iron accumulation that characterized control individuals [iron levels in the brain normally gradually increase with age], in that iron levels were already high in cortices of young adults with schizophrenia. Accordingly, the difference in iron between groups was largest among young adults, with high iron levels conferring a major risk for being diagnosed with disease in this age group,&#8221; the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study highlights an important link between schizophrenia and iron biology. However, it also acknowledges limitations, notably its focus on the prefrontal cortex. Iron levels can vary significantly across different brain regions, and it remains unclear whether these changes are present in other areas of the brain beyond the prefrontal cortex.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-01979-3">Perturbed iron biology in the prefrontal cortex of people with schizophrenia</a>”, was authored by Amit Lotan, Sandra Luza, Carlos M. Opazo, Scott Ayton, Darius J. R. Lane, Serafino Mancuso, Avril Pereira, Suresh Sundram, Cynthia Shannon Weickert, Chad Bousman, Christos Pantelis, Ian P. Everall, and Ashley I. Bush.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 07:00AM
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TITLE:
Partisan narcissism linked to lower integrity among politicians, study shows
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/partisan-narcissism-linked-to-lower-integrity-among-politicians-study-shows-220563

<p>New research suggests the type of identity that politicians embrace is related to their professional skills, integrity, and commitment to their party. The study, conducted among members of Iceland&#8217;s Left-Green Movement, revealed that politicians who identify strongly with their party exhibit better political skills and greater dedication to their party, whereas those exhibiting partisan narcissism – an inflated belief in their party&#8217;s superiority – tend to show lower integrity and a greater likelihood of switching political allegiances. The findings appear in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.13009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Journal of Applied Social Psychology</a></em>.</p>
<p>The research team embarked on this study to explore an area often overlooked in political psychology: how the internal identities of politicians, specifically their sense of belonging to a political party, affect their behavior and attitudes. Politicians&#8217; behaviors are crucial in shaping public policy and governance, yet understanding the psychological underpinnings of these behaviors has not been a focal point of research.</p>
<p>The researchers aimed to distinguish between &#8216;partisan narcissism&#8217; – a belief in one&#8217;s political party as exceptional and entitled to special status – and &#8216;partisan identification&#8217; – a more balanced and positive sense of belonging and pride in one&#8217;s party.</p>
<p>&#8220;I have been fascinated by how our identities shape the way we feel, think and behave. Political party identities have been of a particular interest,&#8221; said study author Bjarki Gronfeldt, an assistant professor at Bifröst University who conducted the research while a PhD student at the University of Kent.</p>
<p>&#8220;In my research, I have examined how collective narcissism, a belief in the greatness of one’s social group that is underappreciated by others, contrasts with group identification, feeling part of the group and evaluating it positively. In the political party context, these types of identities are referred to as partisan narcissism and partisan identification.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;The organizational psychology literature established a long time ago that the way we identify with our organisations or workplaces can influence our conduct and performance at work,&#8221; Gronfeldt explained. &#8220;This got me wondering if parallel processes were at play among politicians and begged the question: Do political party identities relate with different outcomes in politicians’ work?&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;In other words, is it possible that partisan identification and partisan narcissism This question had not been addressed yet, since politicians as a group of research participants are notoriously difficult to recruit. I made this my masters project and one part of my PhD thesis.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study was conducted between November 2017 and February 2018, involving 214 active members and candidates of the Left-Green Movement, a prominent left-wing political party in Iceland. The participants, averaging 48.53 years in age and including a slight majority of female members. This was significant because politicians and political candidates are often hard to reach for academic studies.</p>
<p>The researchers employed a range of measures to assess the psychological constructs of interest. To gauge partisan narcissism, they used a modified version of the Collective Narcissism Scale, adapting it to the political context of the Left-Green Movement (e.g., “I insist upon the Left-Greens getting the respect they are due”). Partisan identification was measured using the Social Identification Scale, focusing on self-perceived ties with the party (e.g., “I have a lot in common with other members of the Left-Greens”).</p>
<p>The researchers also assessed political skill using the Political Skill Inventory, adapted for the political nature of the participants’ work. Additionally, they measured integrity by reverse coding a politicking scale from the Political Performance Questionnaire and assessed party dedication through questions about intentions to leave the party, history of switching political parties, and hours volunteered for party activities.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Participants who showed higher partisan identification were found to possess better political skills, such as the ability to effectively navigate the political landscape and build networks. They were also more dedicated to their party, evident in their volunteering efforts and lower intentions to leave the party. On the other hand, those exhibiting partisan narcissism tended towards behaviors that undermine political integrity, including deceit and politicking. Interestingly, partisan narcissism was linked to a history of switching political parties, suggesting a lesser degree of loyalty or commitment.</p>
<p>This suggests that while a strong, positive identification with one&#8217;s party is linked to a politician&#8217;s skills and dedication, an inflated, narcissistic belief in the party&#8217;s superiority is associated with lower integrity and less stable political affiliations.</p>
<p>&#8220;There is more to partisanship than bias,&#8221; Gronfeldt told PsyPost. &#8220;In my study, politicians with stronger levels of partisan identification reported higher levels of political skill and integrity in their political work and dedication to their party by volunteering in its grassroots activities and intending to stay with the party.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Meanwhile, partisan narcissism was associated with lower integrity in one&#8217;s political role, meaning those high in partisan narcissism reported more inclination to engage in secrecy, deception, and political bloodsport (behavior also known as politicking). Further, politicians high in partisan narcissism were more likely to have switched parties in the past. Thus, partisan narcissism was associated with more malevolent behaviors many find stereotypical of politicians, while the same does not apply to partisan identification.&#8221;</p>
<p>Despite these significant findings, the study had its limitations. The sample was specific to a left-wing party in Iceland, which might limit the generalizability of the findings to other political contexts and ideologies. Moreover, the cross-sectional nature of the study means that causal relationships between the variables cannot be definitively established. The study also relied on self-reported data, which can be subject to bias.</p>
<p>&#8220;There is still a lot to be done in this field,&#8221; Gronfeldt said. &#8220;For example, some very interesting research is coming out about the role of dark personalities (Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy( both among voters and politicians. I would be very interested in seeing how partisan narcissism relates with these.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jasp.13009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Party people: Differentiating the associations of partisan identification and partisan narcissism with political skill, integrity, and party dedication</a>&#8220;, was authored by Bjarki Gronfeldt, Aleksandra Cislak, Madeleine Wyatt, and Aleksandra Cichocka.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 08, 2024 at 06:00AM
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TITLE:
Fascinating study reveals how Trump’s moral rhetoric diverges from common Republican language
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/fascinating-study-reveals-how-trumps-moral-rhetoric-diverges-from-common-republican-language-220582

<p>In a recent study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad189" rel="noopener" target="_blank">PNAS Nexus</a></em>, researchers uncovered a stark divide in the moral language used by U.S. political candidates during the 2016 and 2020 presidential primaries. The findings also shed light on a notable divergence in Donald Trump&#8217;s use of fairness language in 2016 compared to typical Republican rhetoric, setting him apart from other candidates in his party.</p>
<p>Historically, effective use of moral language – focusing on notions of right and wrong – has been a powerful tool in political persuasion and advocacy, as observed by Aristotle. In recent political eras, characterized by heightened moral and emotional discourse, this form of rhetoric has become increasingly prevalent.</p>
<p>However, there remained a significant gap in understanding precisely how this moral rhetoric shapes the electoral landscape. The researchers were particularly interested in whether the use of different moral values in rhetoric by opposing political candidates entrenched voters in their existing views, thereby exacerbating political polarization, a key concern in contemporary politics.</p>
<p>To explore these questions, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of tweets published by presidential candidates during the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential primaries. This period was chosen for its rich and diverse political discourse, providing ample data for analysis.</p>
<p>The study involved collecting 139,412 tweets from 39 campaigns, including 24 Democratic and 15 Republican, through Twitter&#8217;s Academic application programming interfaces, a platform for querying Twitter data. The researchers focused on candidates who participated in at least two official primary debates, ensuring that the rhetoric analyzed was from significant political figures.</p>
<p>The tweets were cleaned of any non-textual elements like emojis and hashtags, and standard language processing techniques were applied to them. The researchers used a tool called the Moral Foundations Dictionary (MFD) 2.0 to identify and categorize moral language. This dictionary categorizes words into five moral foundations: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity. It helped in quantifying the use of moral language by different candidates.</p>
<p>Using this dictionary, the team constructed two types of networks. One network connected candidates by the mutual use of moral words, while the other compared the similarity in moral language use between candidates. These analyses allowed the researchers to map out how candidates&#8217; moral word choices positioned them in the rhetorical landscape of their political community.</p>
<p>&#8220;To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to combine natural language processing and network analysis to map the dynamics of moral rhetoric in online discourse,&#8221; the researchers wrote.</p>
<p>There was a clear divergence in the moral language used by Democratic and Republican candidates. Democrats tended to focus more on language related to care and fairness, while Republicans leaned more towards loyalty, authority, and sanctity. This trend was consistent across both election cycles, suggesting entrenched moral-rhetorical norms within each party.</p>
<p>Additionally, within each party, candidates used their favored moral foundations in highly similar ways, indicating a strong sense of unity in moral rhetoric. For example, Democratic candidates consistently used similar language when talking about care and fairness, a pattern also observed among Republicans with loyalty and authority.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>In a key discovery, the researchers also identified instances where candidates deviated from their party’s typical moral rhetoric and used language more commonly associated with the opposing party. For example, Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primary used a significantly larger amount of fairness language compared to other Republican candidates. This was an unusual strategy within the Republican field.</p>
<p>However, Trump&#8217;s use of fairness language did not align him closer to Democratic candidates, who typically emphasize this moral foundation. Instead, it seemed to create a unique rhetorical space for him. He deviated from both Republican and Democratic norms by using fairness language in a way that was distinct to his campaign, setting him apart within the political discourse. For example, while Trump employed fairness language such as &#8220;biased,&#8221; &#8220;dishonest,&#8221; and &#8220;unfair,&#8221; Democrats employed fairness language such as &#8220;rights,&#8221; &#8220;justice,&#8221; and &#8220;equality.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Donald Trump’s status as a political outsider in 2016 corresponded with meaningful differences in his moral-rhetorical style vis-à-vis other candidates, making him a moral-rhetorical outsider as well. His unique use of negatively valanced fairness language pushed him far to the periphery of moral-rhetorical space, away from his own party and the opposition,&#8221; the researchers wrote.</p>
<p>Additionally, the study highlighted the strategic use of moral language. For example, Democrats Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg managed to use language associated with Republican values while maintaining central positions in the Democratic rhetorical network. This was achieved by balancing their use of these moral foundations with typical Democratic moral language.</p>
<p>For instance, Biden&#8217;s framing of the 2020 election as a &#8220;battle for the soul of the nation&#8221; invoked the sanctity foundation, while still resonating with Democratic values. Similarly, Buttigieg’s emphasis on creating a sense of &#8220;belonging&#8221; tapped into the loyalty foundation in a manner that was still palatable to Democratic voters. This nuanced use of moral language allowed them to maintain central positions within the Democratic rhetorical space.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/6/pgad189/7192494" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mapping moral language on US presidential primary campaigns reveals rhetorical networks of political division and unity</a>&#8220;, was authored by Kobi Hackenburg, William J. Brady, and Manos Tsakiris.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 09:47AM
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TITLE:
Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Being an Early Riser
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176470&url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240104121825.htm

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">Science Daily - Top Health</a></p>New research indicates that the eating disorder anorexia nervosa is associated with being an early riser, unlike many other disorders that tend to be evening-based, such as depression, binge eating disorder, and schizophrenia. The study, published in JAMA Network Open and led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital, also revealed a link between anorexia nervosa and insomnia risk.</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 09:47AM
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TITLE:
Major Christian Denominations Fracturing Over Same-Sex Unions
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176476&url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-01-07/how-to-deal-with-same-sex-unions-its-a-question-fracturing-major-christian-denominations

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a></p>Catholics around the world are sharply divided by the Vatican's permission to bless same-sex couples. Supporters of LGBTQ inclusion welcome the move, whereas some conservative bishops assail the new policy as a betrayal of the church doctrine. This debate coincides with debates in two other major Christian denominations&mdash;the global Anglican Communion and the United Methodist Church&mdash;that are also fracturing over differences in LGBTQ-related...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 09:47AM
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TITLE:
Anti-Racists Slam Blackface Use in Spain's Epiphany Parades
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176472&url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-01-06/anti-racists-slam-blackface-use-in-spains-epiphany-parades

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a></p>Anti-racism activists in Spain have called for a ban on the use of blackface seen in many of the country's Epiphany celebrations. In parades, actors portraying the kings, or Magi, often appear in blackface because early Christian texts describe one of the kings, Balthazar, as African, and Renaissance paintings often depict him as Black. A 2021 government study found that 60% of people of African descent in Spain did not feel Spanish due to...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 05:00PM
.
TITLE:
Social media use linked to inflammation levels, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/social-media-use-linked-to-inflammation-levels-study-finds-220550

<p>In a newly published study from the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2023.05.010"><em>Brain, Behavior, and Immunity</em></a>, researchers have uncovered a surprising connection: Individuals with higher levels of inflammation, as evidenced by a marker known as C-reactive protein, tend to use social media more frequently.</p>
<p>Historically, inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions, ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis. On a psychological level, prior research has suggested that systemic inflammation might influence behavior — particularly social affiliations, which makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint. When our ancestors faced infections, they might have been compelled to seek out social connections to increase their chances of survival. However, in today&#8217;s digitized world, social media platforms serve as a significant outlet for these affiliations.</p>
<p>For researchers David Lee, Tao Jiang, Jennifer Crocker, and Baldwin Way the relationship between inflammation and our modern-day social interactions held more to unpack. Drawing on recent evidence, the present research posited that higher inflammation levels might be associated with increased social media usage. This is based on the theory that inflammation can enhance motivations to seek out social connections — in a modern context, this is done namely through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.</p>
<p>To investigate this theory, the researchers conducted three studies with a combined total of 524 undergraduate students from three different Canadian universities. These students provided blood samples to measure C-reactive protein levels, an established indicator of systemic inflammation. They also filled out questionnaires about their social media habits, capturing details such as the frequency, type, and duration of their usage. This approach allowed the scientists to gauge if there was a direct link between inflammation markers and online social behavior.</p>
<p>Even after adjusting for potential confounding variables such as gender, personality traits, and depressive symptoms, a clear pattern emerged: students with higher C-reactive protein levels reported more frequent and prolonged social media use. In other words, participants with more inflammation were seemingly drawn more towards social media, perhaps as a modern-day method to fulfill their intrinsic social affiliation needs.</p>
<p>“The present study found that systemic inflammation is associated with more social media use among middle-aged adults and college students,” the researchers stated. “The study of inflammation and social behaviors on social media presents an intriguing opportunity to understand the social effects of inflammation in daily life.”</p>
<p>These findings shed light on a previously unrecognized link between our physiological state and our digital behaviors. The present research highlights a potential biopsychosocial antecedent to social media use. As we continue to understand the factors that influence our online habits, the role of internal biological cues might become an increasingly important area of study.</p>
<p>Like all research, this study must be viewed with an objective lens by acknowledging limitations. While the relationship between inflammation and social media use was identified, the study was correlational and does not necessarily prove that inflammation directly causes increased social media usage. Additionally, the research combined results from three individual studies, each with its own unique methodology and sample. This raises challenges in making direct comparisons. The study also broadly measured social media use, without diving into specific behaviors on individual platforms which might offer more nuanced insights.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159123001289">Can inflammation predict social media use? Linking a biological marker of systemic inflammation with social media use among college students and middle-aged adults</a>&#8220;, was authored by David Lee from the University of Buffalo, as well as Tao Jiang from Northwestern University and Jennifer Crocker and Baldwin Way from Ohio State University.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 03:00PM
.
TITLE:
Meditation shows promising results for enhancing awareness, connection, and insight in older adults
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/meditation-shows-promising-results-for-enhancing-awareness-connection-and-insight-in-older-adults-220535

<p>New research published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294753" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PLOS One</a></em> suggests that meditation may enhance certain aspects of psychological well-being in older adults. The study, which is the longest randomized meditation trial to date, suggests that specific meditation practices can improve awareness and insight, although the impact on overall psychological well-being is more nuanced.</p>
<p>The study stemmed from a growing awareness of the challenges faced by an ageing population in today’s rapidly evolving society. Researchers were particularly interested in exploring non-pharmacological methods to enhance mental health among older adults. This interest was fueled by the increasing complexity of societal challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancements, which have imposed unique pressures on this demographic.</p>
<p>The study aimed to examine whether meditation could be a viable approach to support the psychological well-being of older individuals, who are often more vulnerable to mental health issues due to various age-related changes and societal factors.</p>
<p>&#8220;As the global population ages, it is increasingly crucial to understand how we can support older adults in maintaining and deepening their psychological wellbeing. In our study, we tested whether long-term meditation training can enhance important dimensions of wellbeing,&#8221; said study author <a href="https://www.marcoschlosser.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marco Schlosser</a>, a research fellow at the Division of Psychiatry at University College London.</p>
<p>Conducted by the European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020-funded Medit-Ageing (Silver Santé Study) research group, the study 137 healthy French-speaking individuals aged 65 to 84. The participants were divided into three groups: a meditation group, an English language training group (serving as an active comparison), and a no-intervention control group.</p>
<p>The meditation group underwent an 18-month program consisting of weekly group sessions, daily home practice, and a retreat day. The program included a nine-month mindfulness module followed by a nine-month loving-kindness and compassion module. Similarly, the English language training group received instruction matching the format and duration of the meditation training but focused on improving language skills.</p>
<p>The researchers used several measures to evaluate the impact of these interventions. The Psychological Well-being Scale was employed to assess six dimensions of well-being: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. Additionally, the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life psychological subscale was used to gauge aspects like positive feelings, self-esteem, and the absence of negative feelings. To specifically measure the effects of meditation, the researchers developed composite scores based on meditation-based well-being dimensions of awareness, connection, and insight.</p>
<p>The findings revealed a complex picture. Meditation training outperformed the English training and no-intervention groups in terms of meditation-specific well-being dimensions.</p>
<p>&#8220;Awareness describes an undistracted and intimate attentiveness to one&#8217;s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, which can support a sense of calm and deep satisfaction,&#8221; Schlosser explained. &#8220;Connection captures feelings such as respect, gratitude, and kinship that can support more positive relationships with others. Insight refers to a self-knowledge and understanding of how thoughts and feelings participate in shaping our perception – and how to transform unhelpful patterns of thought relating to ourselves and the world.&#8221;</p>
<p>However, there were no significant changes observed in the overall Psychological Well-being Scale scores across the three groups.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>&#8220;The benefits of meditation training to an established measure of psychological quality of life were not superior to English language training, while neither intervention significantly impacted another widely used measure of psychological wellbeing,&#8221; Schlosser told PsyPost. &#8220;This may be because these two established measures do not cover the qualities and depth of human flourishing that can potentially be cultivated by longer-term meditation training, so benefits to awareness, connection and insight are missed.&#8221;</p>
<p>One of the intriguing aspects of the study was the differential impact of the two meditation modules. The initial 9-month mindfulness module did not significantly increase any meditation-based well-being dimensions. In contrast, the subsequent loving-kindness and compassion module led to significant improvements. This suggests that the type of meditation practice and its duration can have varying impacts on psychological health.</p>
<p>The study, however, had its limitations. The participant group was relatively homogeneous, mostly comprising well-educated, healthy individuals from a specific geographic location, which may limit the applicability of the findings to a broader population. The reliance on self-reported data could also introduce biases. Additionally, the study did not include follow-up data to assess long-term effects post-intervention.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0294753" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An 18-month meditation training selectively improves psychological well-being in older adults: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial</a>&#8220;, was authored by Marco Schlosser, Olga M. Klimecki, Fabienne Collette, Julie Gonneaud, Matthias Kliegel, Natalie L. Marchant, Gaël Chételat, Antoine Lutz, and the Medit-Ageing Research Group.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 01:00PM
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TITLE:
Gray matter thickness may be reduced in specific brain areas after SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/gray-matter-thickness-may-be-reduced-in-specific-brain-areas-after-sars-cov-2-omicron-infection-220548

<p>A neuroimaging study conducted in China on men who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus infection revealed a reduction in gray matter thickness in the left precuneus and right lateral occipital regions of the brain. Furthermore, the ratio of the right hippocampus volume to the intracranial volume diminished following the Omicron infection. These alterations correlated with changes in specific psychological characteristics. These changes were associated with changes in certain psychological characteristics. The study was published in <a href="https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.45626"><em>JAMA Network Open</em></a>.</p>
<p>The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, a mutation of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19, was first identified in November 2021. It is distinguished by a significant number of mutations, especially in the spike protein which binds to human cells. These mutations have raised concerns regarding its increased transmissibility, potential resistance to vaccines, and alterations in the severity of the disease compared to earlier virus strains.</p>
<p>Research on infections caused by various coronavirus variants, including Omicron, suggests that they often result in persistent symptoms. These symptoms, which can last over 90 days post-recovery, may include dizziness, headaches, disturbances in smell and taste, as well as neuropsychiatric issues like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and cognitive function decline. Moreover, during the acute phase of the infection, many individuals experience neurological symptoms leading to potential brain neural tissue damage.</p>
<p>Study author Yanyao Du and his colleagues wanted to investigate the changes to gray matter and volumes of specific neural structures in the brains of male patients after a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. Gray matter is a key component of the central nervous system, found in the brain and spinal cord, distinguished by its darker color compared to white matter due to its high density of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. The researchers were also interested in identifying links between these neural changes and various psychological symptoms of these individuals.</p>
<p>The study involved 61 men with pre-existing functional magnetic resonance imaging scan data before contracting the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus. These men had undergone neuroimaging as part of a health screening in August-September 2022 and were later infected with the Omicron variant in January 2023. They revisited the clinic for additional magnetic resonance imaging during the infection period and completed psychological assessments, with 17 participating in follow-up assessments in April 2023. The average age of the participants was 43 years.</p>
<p>After the first and second neuroimaging examinations, the participants completed assessments for depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), sleep problems (Insomnia Severity Index), and emotional self-efficacy (Regulatory Self-Efficacy Scale). After the second neuroimaging, they underwent five different cognitive tests and reported their clinical symptoms. Three months post-infection, they reported their clinical symptoms again.</p>
<p>Results showed that one aspect of emotional self-efficacy – despondency-distress was lower after the infection, while the severity of anxiety symptoms increased. Despondency-distress refers to a state of extreme sadness and emotional suffering. The most frequent symptoms reported during the infection were fever, slowed reaction speed, cough, and shortness of breath. Participants also reported decreased appetite.</p>
<p>Compared to pre-infection conditions, there was a decrease in gray matter thickness in the left precuneus and right lateral occipital regions of the brain post Omicron infection. Additionally, the ratio of the right hippocampus volume to the total brain volume also decreased. Participants who experienced high temperatures during the infection showed a reduction in grooves in the right inferior parietal region compared to those who did not.</p>
<p>The thickness of gray matter in the left precuneus region of the brain tended to be lower in individuals with more severe anxiety symptoms. The ratio of the right hippocampus to the total volume of the brain was higher in individuals who scored better on one of the cognitive tests (the Word Fluency Test).</p>
<p>“In this cohort study of 61 male patients with Omicron infection, the gray matter thickness in the left precuneus and right lateral occipital region and the ratio of the right hippocampus volume to the total intracranial volume were significantly reduced in the acute phase [of the infection]. Gray matter thickness and subcortical nuclear volume injury were significantly associated with anxiety and cognitive function,&#8221; the study authors concluded.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>The study makes an important contribution to the scientific understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection on brain health. However, it also has limitations that need to be taken into account. Notably, all the participants were men. Results in women might not be the same. Additionally, there was only one follow-up neuroimaging, conducted during the infection.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.45626">Gray Matter Thickness and Subcortical Nuclear Volume in Men After SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection</a>”, was authored by Yanyao Du, Wei Zhao, Sihong Huang, Chuxin Huang, Chang Li, Yanjing Chen, Yijie Huang, Longtao Yang, Cong Li, Huiting Zhang, Hu Guo, and Jun Liu.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 11:00AM
.
TITLE:
Men on vegan diets perceived as less masculine, highlighting gender stereotypes in diet choices
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/men-on-vegan-diets-perceived-as-less-masculine-highlighting-gender-stereotypes-in-diet-choices-220537

<p>A recent study uncovered significant gender stereotypes and societal perceptions associated with vegetarian and vegan diets. The study, which comprised both a quantitative survey and qualitative focus groups, reveals that men on vegan diets are often perceived as lacking in masculinity and that both men and women experience various social challenges due to their dietary choices. The findings have been published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-023-01420-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sex Roles</a>.</em></p>
<p>Vegetarianism is a dietary practice that typically excludes meat, poultry, and fish. Vegetarians do not consume these animal flesh products but may include other animal-derived products in their diet. Veganism, on the other hand, is more than just a diet; it&#8217;s often considered a lifestyle choice that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, whether for food, clothing, or any other purpose. In terms of diet, this means vegans avoid all animal products.</p>
<p>The term &#8220;vegn&#8221; has arisen as a shorthand notation used to refer to both vegetarians and vegans. This term is helpful in contexts where the distinction between vegetarianism and veganism isn&#8217;t necessary for the discussion or where the information applies to both groups.</p>
<p>With eating being a social activity, the choices we make about our diet do not exist in a vacuum but are influenced by societal norms and expectations. The study aimed to explore how being vegan or vegetarian is perceived in society, particularly in the context of gender stereotypes and romantic relationships.</p>
<p>&#8220;We were interested in this topic because many theoretical works link meat to masculinity, and we were interested in seeing how much a person&#8217;s perception, especially of men, really depends on what kind of diet they are on. We wanted to translate theoretical considerations into quantitative and qualitative observations on the perception of men on a vegan/vegetarian diet in society,&#8221; said study author Dominika Adamczyk, a researcher at the University of Warsaw.</p>
<p>In the first part of the study, researchers engaged 1,048 Polish residents through an online survey. The sample was representative of the Polish population in terms of sex, age, education, and place of residence. This included a small percentage of participants who identified as vegetarian (3.4%) or vegan (1.3%).</p>
<p>Participants in the study were asked a series of questions to gauge their attitudes towards people on vegetarian and vegan diets. The survey explored perceptions of empathy, sensitivity, physical strength, and the capability for hard work in relation to these diets. Additionally, participants were asked to imagine their romantic partner switching to a vegetarian diet and to describe their reactions to this hypothetical scenario.</p>
<p>A significant portion of the participants believed that a vegetarian diet was unsuitable for men, associating meat-eating with masculinity. Furthermore, the study found that more men than women believed that meat dishes taste better and are healthier. This reflects a broader societal belief that links meat consumption with traditional male characteristics.</p>
<p>In terms of romantic relationships, women were generally more accepting of a partner adopting a vegetarian diet, while men viewed such changes more negatively, potentially fearing changes in their own diets and lifestyle.</p>
<p>The second part of the study took a qualitative approach, involving 36 participants in six focus groups. These groups were segregated by gender and diet type, including vegetarians for ethical reasons, vegetarians for health reasons, and vegans. The participants, all of whom were over 18 and had been following their diet for more than six months, discussed their experiences and perceptions related to their diet.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>This part of the study illuminated the personal experiences of vegetarians and vegans, revealing common stereotypes and social challenges. Participants reported being perceived as trendy or fashionable for their diet choices, sometimes dismissed as merely following a modern fad rather than making a conscious ethical or health choice. This view extends to an association with urban hipsters and left-wing political ideologies, suggesting that a vegn diet is often seen as part of a broader lifestyle or political statement.</p>
<p>A more specific set of stereotypes was identified by male participants. They felt that male vegns are often viewed as physically weak, less masculine, or even gay. Interestingly, some women participants believed there was a degree of truth to these stereotypes. This indicates that female vegns are sometimes influenced by broader societal stereotypes that equate meat-eating with masculinity.</p>
<p>&#8220;What surprised us most was that negative thinking about male vegans (that they are unmanly and weak) is also present among female vegans,&#8221; Adamczyk said. &#8220;The female vegans themselves were surprised that they have such stereotypical thinking, after all, on a rational level they know that a vegan diet is not related to a person&#8217;s masculinity. I think this observation further underscores how strong the connection between meat eating and masculinity is.&#8221;</p>
<p>The attitudes of friends and family towards individuals following a vegn diet was also noted as another social challenge. Participants frequently encountered a lack of understanding and acceptance from their social circles. This ranged from concerns about their health and well-being to outright ridicule or attempts to trick them into eating meat.</p>
<p>Contrary to what might be expected, the participants did not report significant challenges in forming or maintaining romantic relationships due to their diet. Instead, an interesting pattern emerged: while women often initiated a vegn diet independently, men typically became vegn influenced by their female partners.</p>
<p>In relationships where one partner was vegn, it was common for the other partner to gradually adapt their diet, often for practical reasons such as convenience in meal preparation. Men in the study typically reported that their female partners were instrumental in their decision to adopt a veg*n diet, whether through direct influence or by providing information that led them to reconsider their eating habits.</p>
<p>&#8220;The main finding of our study is that eating meat is part of how masculinity is performed,&#8221; Adamczyk said. &#8220;The perceptions of vegan and vegetarian men are associated with negative stereotypes about their lack of masculinity, and vegan men themselves experience exclusion as a result.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;In a situation where it is men who are mainly affected by a fear of failing to conform to traditional gender roles and for whom this can be a barrier to switching to vegetarianism, it is worth being aware of one&#8217;s own beliefs that influence both the perceptions of those on the diets in question and one&#8217;s own food choices.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-023-01420-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gender, Masculinity, and the Perception of Vegetarians and Vegans: A Mixed-Methods Investigation</a>&#8220;, was authored by Dominika Adamczyk, Klaudia Modlińska, Dominika Maison, and Wojciech Pisula.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 09:00AM
.
TITLE:
New review suggests that with age, wisdom does not always come
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-review-suggests-that-with-age-wisdom-does-not-always-come-220543

<p>The concept of wisdom, often associated with aging, has been the subject of considerable debate in psychological research. In an overview published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101742"><em>Current Opinion in Psychology</em></a>, Judith Glück discusses how wisdom is related to aging, concluding that wisdom does not always accompany the journey into old age.</p>
<p>Wisdom is a multifaceted construct that encompasses aspects of cognition, personality, and development. Cognitive-focused models view wise thinking as an awareness of uncertainty and the consideration of diverse perspectives. Sternberg’s (2019) <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108568272.009">balance theory</a>, for instance, emphasizes balancing divergent interests and outcomes for a common good. Personality-focused models highlight characteristics like curiosity, questioning one’s beliefs, compassion, and self-transcendence. Developmental models propose that wisdom develops from life experiences, influenced by individual openness, intelligence, creativity, life experience, mentorship, and specific experiential contexts.</p>
<p>Despite the common assumption that wisdom comes with age, empirical evidence is mixed. Cognitive-focused measures like the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.55.1.122">Berlin Wisdom Paradigm</a> show a positive relationship between wisdom and age in young adulthood, but a plateau or decline in older age. Other measures find linear positive relationships or U-shaped curves. Personality-focused measures, like the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027503025003004">Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale</a>, often indicate a negative correlation, particularly in the cognitive dimension. These findings suggest that different components of wisdom have distinct age trajectories.</p>
<p>Wisdom has been shown to be a valuable resource in navigating life challenges across all phases of adulthood, but especially in older age. Wisdom helps in dealing with hardship and serves as a buffer against the negative effects of stressful experiences. Wise individuals generally report greater well-being, but not all people who report high well-being are necessarily wise.</p>
<p>Similar to the limitations facing most psychological research, most wisdom research has recruited Western samples. Importantly, there is a growing body of work exploring wisdom in non-Western contexts. Cultural, social, religious, and socioeconomic factors shape conceptions of wisdom, with some aspects being universal, such as concern for others, and others being more culturally specific.</p>
<p>The relationship between wisdom and age is complex. Individual trajectories of wisdom development vary based on experiences, contexts, and personal and interpersonal resources. Glück suggests that future research focuses on developing wisdom interventions across life phases, studying wisdom in different cultures, and devising ecologically valid measures of wisdom. With the current global challenges humans face, fostering wisdom is crucial.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101742">Wisdom and aging</a>”, was authored by Judith Glück.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 07, 2024 at 07:00AM
.
TITLE:
Autistic adults show unique neural responses to self-images, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/autistic-adults-show-unique-neural-responses-to-self-images-study-finds-220536

<p>In a new study published in <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010945223002897" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cortex</a></em>, researchers have discovered that autistic adults exhibit a diminished neural response to their own faces compared to neurotypical adults, suggesting unique differences in self-referential processing. This research, using advanced brain imaging techniques, also indicates that these differences are specific to facial recognition and do not extend to how names are processed.</p>
<p>Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. People with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping or rocking, and often have intense interests in specific topics.</p>
<p>Past research has consistently shown that humans generally have a strong bias towards processing information related to themselves. This self-bias is believed to be crucial for social interactions and building accurate models of the social environment. Intriguingly, autistic individuals were found in previous studies to show potential differences in this self-referential processing.</p>
<p>Given the importance of faces and names in social interactions and their high relevance to oneself, understanding how these are processed differently in autism could provide key insights into the social challenges faced by autistic individuals.</p>
<p>&#8220;It has been becoming increasingly clear that there are differences in how individuals with autism process self-related information, and this may be linked to their social and communication difficulties,&#8221; explained study author <a href="https://annabelnijhof.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annabel Nijhof</a>, a researcher at Ghent University. &#8220;With a relatively new EEG analysis technique, we could investigate potential brain differences in the response to one’s own name and own face in little more than a minute, between adults with and without autism.&#8221;</p>
<p>To delve into this, researchers recruited a total of 58 adults – 31 with an autism diagnosis and 27 neurotypical individuals. However, due to various reasons such as inability to provide the necessary images for the face task, attention check failures, and technical issues, the final participant count was adjusted to 20 autistic and 24 neurotypical individuals for the face task, and 27 autistic and 25 neurotypical individuals for the name task.</p>
<p>The researchers employed a sophisticated brain imaging technique known as Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation with Electroencephalography (FPVS-EEG). This method involves presenting stimuli – in this case, faces and names – at rapid, periodic frequencies, allowing for the measurement of neural responses with a high degree of accuracy.</p>
<p>Participants were shown images of their own faces, faces of a close acquaintance, and faces of strangers, as well as their own name, the name of a close acquaintance, and unfamiliar names. The key was to measure the participants&#8217; brain responses to these different stimuli and compare the patterns between autistic and neurotypical individuals.</p>
<p>In the task involving face recognition, neurotypical adults exhibited a stronger response to their own face compared to faces of acquaintances and strangers. However, autistic adults showed a reduced specific response to their own face, suggesting a unique difference in self-face recognition. This effect was not observed in the task involving name recognition, where both autistic and neurotypical adults showed similar patterns of neural response, primarily exhibiting familiarity effects (stronger responses to familiar names compared to stranger names).</p>
<p>These results imply that the diminished self-specific neural response in autistic individuals is particularly tied to facial recognition, and not to the processing of self-related information in general. This distinction is crucial as it sheds light on the nuanced ways in which social processing might be different for autistic individuals.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>&#8220;Adults with autism showed a comparable neural response when seeing their own face and that of someone close to them, whereas adults without autism show stronger responses to seeing their own face (a ‘self-bias’),&#8221; Nijhof told PsyPost. &#8220;Contrarily, neither adults with nor without autism show differences in the neural response to their own or a close other’s name. Thus, there do appear to be self-specific differences in autism, but not across all domains of information processing.&#8221;</p>
<p>However, the study is not without its limitations. While the study’s sample size was consistent with similar studies in this field, a more extensive participant base in future research could provide even more robust findings. This research opens the door to further exploration into how autistic individuals process various types of self-related information, which could have significant implications for developing tailored approaches in education and therapy.</p>
<p>It is also possible that the distinct neural response to one&#8217;s own name, compared to other names, might not be immediately apparent but emerge at later stages of cognitive processing. &#8220;Because we wanted to design an experiment that was very quick (it took less than 8 minutes per person to test them on all conditions), we may not have been able to pick up on (differences in) slower, more effortful and in-depth brain responses to seeing your own face or name,&#8221; Nijhof explained.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.023">Differences in Own-Face but not Own-Name Discrimination between Autistic and Neurotypical Adults: A Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation-EEG Study</a>&#8220;, was authored by Annabel D. Nijhof, Caroline Catmur, Rebecca Brewer, Michel-Pierre Coll, Jan R. Wiersema, and Geoffrey Bird.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 06, 2024 at 03:00PM
.
TITLE:
Microplastics in drinking water affect behavior and immunity in mice, study reveals
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/microplastics-in-drinking-water-affect-behavior-and-immunity-in-mice-study-reveals-220525

<p>A study published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512308" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Journal of Molecular Sciences</a></em> has uncovered startling effects of microplastics on mice, revealing significant behavioral changes and immune responses in both young and old subjects. This research expands our understanding of how these environmental pollutants might be affecting mammals — potentially including humans.</p>
<p>Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, have been a growing concern for environmentalists and health professionals alike. Found in everything from water bodies to human tissues, these particles have become a symbol of modern pollution. Previous studies have primarily focused on the harmful effects of these particles on marine life — shown to cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and decreased cell vitality. However, their impact on mammals, especially on a cognitive and biological level, has remained largely unexplored.</p>
<p>The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island, aimed to bridge this gap in knowledge. With microplastics being a constant in the environment and already proven harmful to marine organisms, the team sought to understand if similar detrimental effects could be observed in mammals. They specifically chose to explore how these particles could influence the behavior and immune responses in mice, providing insights that could have wider implications for other mammals, including humans.</p>
<p>To test their hypotheses, the researchers conducted an experiment using female C57BL/6J, or “black 6”, mice, divided into young and old groups of 40 each. These mice were exposed to various concentrations of polystyrene microplastics in their drinking water for three weeks. This method of exposure was selected to closely mimic how humans might encounter these particles in everyday life. The team used a series of behavioral assays, such as open-field and light-dark preference tests, coupled with tissue analyses, to evaluate the impact of microplastics.</p>
<p>Mice exposed to microplastics showed increased movement and rearing activity, particularly more pronounced in older mice. This suggested that the particles had a significant effect on their behavior. Additionally, changes were observed in immune marker expression in the liver and brain. In older mice, these changes were more robust, indicating a stronger immune response. Perhaps most alarmingly, microplastics were detected in various tissues, including the brain — revealing their capability to cross protective barriers like the blood-brain barrier.</p>
<p>In other words, this study showed that mice, after being exposed to tiny plastic particles for a short time, began to act differently, with older mice showing more noticeable changes — hinting at a possible effect on their brain and nervous system. This may suggest that our everyday contact with microplastics might also affect our brain health and immune systems, as humans.</p>
<p>However, the focus on female mice alone in the study may limit the extent to which these findings can be generalized across genders. Also, the study used a specific type of microplastic, which means the results may not apply to all microplastics. Furthermore, the experiment&#8217;s timeframe of three weeks does not reflect the potential long-term exposure humans might experience. Lastly, while the behavioral changes in mice were statistically significant, translating these findings to predict similar effects in humans requires caution due to differences in biology between species.</p>
<p>While the study sheds light on the potential impacts of microplastics on mammalian health, further research is needed to fully understand the extent and nature of these effects, especially in humans.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/12308" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acute Exposure to Microplastics Induced Changes in Behavior and Inflammation in Young and Old Mice</a>&#8220;, was authored by Lauren Gaspar, Sydney Bartman, Giuseppe Coppotelli, and Jaime Ross — all from the University of Rhode Island.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

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DATE:
January 06, 2024 at 01:00PM
.
TITLE:
Children deny that God can change fundamental moral principles, study finds
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/children-deny-that-god-can-change-fundamental-moral-principles-study-finds-220522

<p>A study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101393"><em>Cognitive Development</em></a> explored children’s understanding of morality and divine power, delving into how young minds perceive God’s ability to alter moral norms.</p>
<p>Researchers Madeline Reinecke and Larisa Solomon anchored their investigation in four research areas, including the cognitive science of religion, authority independence, intuitive metaethics, and the psychology of possibility.</p>
<p>The cognitive science of religion suggests that children’s views of God and possibility are shaped by religious teachings. As they grow, children learn that God is omnipotent and the source of all moral authority. This learning could lead them to believe that God has the power to change even the fundamental aspects of morality.</p>
<p>However, the concept of authority independence challenges this idea. It posits that despite religious teachings, children might see certain moral norms as unchangeable, even by a supreme being like God. Previous studies have shown that children can differentiate moral norms from religious norms, viewing the former as independent of any authority figure, including God.</p>
<p>Intuitive metaethics deals with people’s innate perceptions about the nature of morality. Studies have shown that both adults and children often view moral propositions as objective truths, rather than subjective opinions. The perception of morality as an objective fact might influence beliefs about the possibility of changing moral norms.</p>
<p>The psychology of possibility examines how people conceptualize possibilities, including those that involve morality. Interestingly, immoral actions are often initially represented as impossible by both children and adults. This intertwinement of morality and possibility could impact their views on the changeability of moral norms.</p>
<p>The present study was conducted online via live Zoom video conferences. A total of 129 children, with an average age of 6.52 years, were recruited. In a within-subjects design, each child responded to six counterbalanced vignettes featuring widely shared morals (i.e., <em>“This person thinks that it is okay to stomp on someone’s foot really hard. This person thinks that it is not okay to stomp on someone’s foot really hard. Which person do you agree with more?”</em>), controversial morals (i.e., <em>“This person thinks that it is okay to steal food to feed someone who is hungry. This person thinks that it is not okay to steal food to feed someone who is hungry. Which person do you agree with more?”</em>), or physical content (i.e., <em>“This person thinks that germs are smaller than people’s houses. This person thinks that germs are bigger than people’s houses. Which person do you agree with more?”</em>).</p>
<p>Children indicated which character in the vignette they agreed with and their certainty about that character’s judgment. They also judged whether God could make the opposite of their choice true, followed by a second certainty judgment. Participants’ responses were then coded to create a continuous measure of their confidence in God’s ability to change or to not change a proposition.</p>
<p>Emerging at age 4, children consistently denied that God could alter fundamental moral norms, such as turning morally wrong actions into morally right ones. This belief persisted across different age groups, indicating that from an early age, children view certain moral norms as unchangeable, even by a supreme being like God. Interestingly, while children’s beliefs about the immutability of moral norms remained stable, their views on physical phenomena shifted with age; older children increasingly believed that God could alter physical realities.</p>
<p>These findings challenge the assumption that religious socialization leads children to believe that an all powerful God would be capable of changing any aspect of reality, including morality. Instead, the study found that even within a cultural context where belief in a higher power is prevalent, children maintained that certain moral principles were beyond even God’s ability to change. This suggests a deeper, perhaps innate, understanding of morality as a domain distinct from other norms, that is resistant to change and rooted in widely shared human consensus.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101393">Children deny that God could change morality</a>”, was authored by Madeline G. Reinecke and Larisa Heiphetz Solomon.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 06, 2024 at 09:00AM
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TITLE:
Autistic job candidates receive better ratings when interviewers are aware of their diagnosis
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/autistic-job-candidates-receive-better-ratings-when-interviewers-are-aware-of-their-diagnosis-220520

<p>A study in the United Kingdom examined how people rated the performance of a candidate in a mock employment interview. Those who were told that the candidate was diagnosed with autism gave the candidate higher ratings compared to those who did not have this information. The study was published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231203739"><em>Autism</em></a>.</p>
<p>Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder that negatively affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It presents a wide range of challenges among those affected. Symptoms of autism usually appear in early childhood. They include difficulties in understanding social cues, repetitive behaviors, and highly focused interests or activities.</p>
<p>The severity and combination of symptoms can vary greatly, with some individuals requiring significant support in their daily lives, while others are able to live independently. In addition to the challenges, individuals with autism may possess unique strengths, such as exceptional memory, detailed observation skills, and expertise in specific areas of interest.</p>
<p>However, due to the unique behavioral characteristics of autistic individuals, they often face significant challenges in securing meaningful employment. In the UK, individuals with autism represent the most underemployed disability group. Studies have shown that navigating interview questions is a key challenge for them. Autistic individuals typically struggle with grasping the implicit expectations of interviewers, and their atypical emotional expressions, eye contact, and gestures can contribute to negative first impressions formed by interviewers.</p>
<p>Study author Jade Eloise Norris and his colleagues wanted to examine whether ratings autistic individuals receive on job interviews might be affected by whether the person rating them is aware of their diagnosis. They conducted a study comparing the ratings given to individuals with autism in mock job interviews under three different conditions: when raters were unaware of the diagnosis, when they were informed of the diagnosis, and when they were both informed of the diagnosis and provided additional information about it.</p>
<p>The study involved three groups of participants. Each group watched videos of mock job interviews featuring a candidate with autism and assessed the candidate&#8217;s performance. In a previous study, 36 participants viewed the videos without knowing the interviewees&#8217; diagnoses. For the current study, the researchers recruited 98 raters: 48 knew about the autism diagnosis, and 50 were both informed of the diagnosis and received additional information about the disorder.</p>
<p>The results showed that raters who were aware of the interviewees’ autism diagnosis gave them higher ratings across all evaluated characteristics compared to those who were unaware. The presence of additional information about autism did not significantly alter the ratings. Raters informed of the interviewees&#8217; autism diagnosis perceived them as more confident, motivated, knowledgeable, conscientious, competent, intelligent, good communicators, likeable, and easier to work with compared to ratings from those unaware of the diagnosis.</p>
<p>&#8220;Results demonstrated that candidates were perceived more favorably when raters were provided with their diagnostic label prior to watching the video, compared to no label. Providing further information about the diagnosis did not additionally improve perceptions over and above provision of the label alone,&#8221; the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the factors of perception of autistic individuals’ traits in job interview settings. However, it also has limitations that need to be taken into account. Most notably, data on ratings when raters were not aware of the diagnosis came from a previous study, while ratings in situations when raters were aware of the diagnosis came from this one. It is possible that the observed difference in ratings is at least partly due to some unaccounted procedural difference between studies. Studies applying random assignment into rater groups might not produce equal results.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231203739">Disclosing an autism diagnosis improves ratings of candidate performance in employment interviews</a>”, was authored by Jade Eloise Norris, Rachel Prosser, Anna Remington, Laura Crane, and Katie Maras.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 06, 2024 at 07:00AM
.
TITLE:
Study links certain fatty acids in blood to decreased Alzheimer’s risk
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/study-links-certain-fatty-acids-in-blood-to-decreased-alzheimers-risk-220516

<p>In a significant stride towards understanding Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, researchers have discovered that higher levels of certain fatty acids in the blood are associated with a lower risk of brain changes typical of the disease. This finding, published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glad248" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Journals of Gerontology: Series A</a></em>, could pave the way for more effective early detection and management strategies for Alzheimer&#8217;s, a condition that affects millions worldwide.</p>
<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects older adults, leading to memory loss, impaired reasoning, and changes in personality and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, forming plaques that disrupt cell function. Despite extensive research, Alzheimer&#8217;s remains incurable, and its exact cause is still not fully understood, making early detection and management strategies critical.</p>
<p>&#8220;The incidence of dementia is increasing over time, impacting the persons affected, as well as their families and loved ones,&#8221; said study author Natasha A. Grande de França. &#8220;An earlier and more accurate diagnosis can help to prolong the quality of life; however, the diagnosis of dementia is still plenty biased and hard to do. For this reason, we were interested in finding blood biomarkers that could be used to help clinicians in the diagnosis of dementia, especially Alzheimer&#8217;s disease (the most common dementia).&#8221;</p>
<p>To carry out the study, the researchers employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing baseline measurements from a larger ongoing study named COGFRAIL. This study involved 317 older adults, aged 70 and above, who exhibited mild cognitive impairment but not severe dementia. The participants were chosen based on specific cognitive scores and were either prefrail or frail, meaning they showed signs of physical decline but were not entirely dependent on others for daily living.</p>
<p>The study excluded individuals with severe psychological conditions or high dependency on others for basic activities. The final sample included a total of 177 individuals.</p>
<p>França and her colleagues employed several measures to gather data. They used positron emission tomography (PET) scans to measure the levels of amyloid-beta, a protein that forms clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer&#8217;s, in various brain regions. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed for various nutrients, including different types of fatty acids, vitamins, and an amino acid called homocysteine. The analysis of fatty acids was particularly comprehensive, examining their composition in red blood cell membranes.</p>
<p>Over half of the participants (57.6%) were identified as having high amyloid-beta levels in their brains. The researchers found that higher concentrations of a fatty acid called clupanodonic acid were consistently associated with lower amyloid-beta load in the brain. This association was observed in almost all regions of the brain, except for the thalamus.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was expecting that if any association would be significant, that would arise from the fatty acids omega-3 EPA and DHA,&#8221; França told PsyPost. &#8220;However, a more consistent result was observed with a metabolite of EPA, the clupanodonic acid. This suggests we should expand the look and the research to less well-known fatty acids, in particular the metabolites of the EPA and DHA as potential more precise biomarkers.&#8221;</p>
<p>Furthermore, the study noted that linoleic acid showed a positive association with amyloid-beta load, while mead acid and adrenic acid were negatively associated, though less consistently than clupanodonic acid. Interestingly, the study did not find any significant associations between amyloid-beta load and blood vitamins or homocysteine, a common amino acid in the blood.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our study found potential blood biomarkers to be used in the diagnosis of dementias associated with the aggregation of amyloid-beta in the brain &#8211; a peptide associated with the development of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease,&#8221; França told PsyPost. &#8220;However, this is just the first step that needs to be confirmed with other studies in other populations.&#8221;</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Like all scientific research, this study comes with its limitations. The cross-sectional nature of the research means that it can&#8217;t definitively establish cause and effect. Additionally, the sample consisted of older adults who were either prefrail or frail, which may not represent the broader population.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our study has a cross-sectional design and was conducted with a very specific population (older adults with a light degree of cognitive impairment and who were at least pre-frail). So, some questions I can list include: has the association between clupanodonic acid and amyloid-beta happened by chance? Is this association true in populations in different conditions? What is the timing? &#8211; when does it start and when does it finish?&#8221; França explained.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article-abstract/79/1/glad248/7330065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associations Between Blood Nutritional Biomarkers and Cerebral Amyloid-β: Insights From the COGFRAIL Cohort Study</a>&#8220;, was authored by Natasha A. Grande de França, Gustavo Díaz, Laetitia Lengelé, Gaëlle Soriano, Sylvie Caspar-Bauguil, Laure Saint-Aubert, Pierre Payoux, Laure Rouch, Bruno Vellas, Philipe de Souto Barreto, and Sandrine Sourdet.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 06, 2024 at 05:00AM
.
TITLE:
New psychology research connects narcissism to grudge holding
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-psychology-research-connects-narcissism-to-grudge-holding-220527

<p>New research has found a link between narcissism and holding a grudge. The findings indicate that people who exhibit vulnerable narcissism tend to hold onto feelings of hurt longer, especially if they also display traits of grandiose narcissism. This understanding sheds new light on the emotional complexities of grudge holding in interpersonal relationships. The research was published in <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224545.2023.2286587">The Journal of Social Psychology</a>.</em></p>
<p>This research was motivated by a gap in understanding about how people respond to interpersonal conflicts and transgressions. While previous studies have focused on forgiveness and revenge in such situations, there has been a lack of understanding about the act of holding a grudge. The researchers aimed to fill this gap by exploring how different forms of narcissism – particularly vulnerable and grandiose narcissism – influence our tendency to harbor grudges after interpersonal transgressions.</p>
<p>Vulnerable narcissism is characterized by internal feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, hypersensitivity to criticism, and covert needs for validation, often manifesting in passive-aggressive behaviors and a sense of victimization. Conversely, grandiose narcissism is marked by overt expressions of self-importance, high confidence, a desire for attention and admiration, and dominant social behaviors.</p>
<p>While vulnerable narcissists internally struggle with self-esteem and are emotionally distressed by perceived slights, grandiose narcissists display an inflated sense of their abilities and accomplishments, often externalizing blame and maintaining an unbothered front in the face of criticism or failure.</p>
<p>&#8220;People experience interpersonal transgressions and find ways to manage them, often through holding a grudge, seeking revenge, and forgiving,&#8221; said study author <a href="https://jysophieli.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jingyuan (Sophie) Li</a>, a PhD candidate in the Social &amp; Personality Psychology program at York University in Toronto.</p>
<p>&#8220;My interest is largely in grudge-holding because we believe that it is common and important but understudied. At this point, we believe that grudge-holding has a self-protective role in the social motivation process. Some other work from our social motivation lab (Struthers et al., 2019, JEPA) shows that grudges are held when we have low social power and face ongoing threats of future transgressions.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Unlike forgiving, which can sometimes lead to repeated transgression if the offender does not suffer any consequence for their wrongdoings, or revenge, which might bring counter revenge, making things worse, holding a grudge can let people stay on guard without escalating the conflicts. Narcissism caught my attention because people with these traits handle interpersonal relationships in complex ways. They feel good about themselves, but their positive images can also be fragile. Those with vulnerable narcissism should be motivated to protect themselves and might harbor more grudges.&#8221;</p>
<p>In the first study, researchers focused on a group of 121 undergraduate psychology students. They used a detailed questionnaire, the Brief-Pathological Narcissism Inventory, to measure the students’ levels of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism. Participants were asked to recall and describe a personal experience where they felt wronged by someone in the past six months. The Grudge Aspect Measure was then used to assess their grudge-holding tendencies, focusing on disdain for the transgressor, emotional persistence of the grudge, and perceived longevity of their negative feelings.</p>
<p>The results were intriguing. There were no clear links found between either form of narcissism and the aspects of grudge holding. However, a significant interaction was observed between vulnerable and grandiose narcissism in relation to emotional persistence. Specifically, participants who scored high in vulnerable narcissism reported stronger feelings of emotional persistence, especially if they also scored high in grandiose narcissism.</p>
<p>Building on the findings of the first study, the second study expanded the scope to include 118 adults from the general community. This sample allowed for a more representative understanding of the findings. The same methods were employed to assess narcissism and grudge holding, with an additional measure to gauge participants&#8217; rumination – their tendency to continuously think about the transgression.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>In this study, a clear relationship was found between vulnerable narcissism and two aspects of grudge holding: emotional persistence and perceived longevity of negative feelings. Interestingly, those with higher levels of grandiose narcissism also tended to view the transgressor with disdain.</p>
<p>Most notably, the second study found that rumination played a mediating role in the relationship between narcissism and grudge holding. This suggests that the more individuals ruminate about the transgression, the stronger the impact of their narcissistic traits on their grudge-holding behavior.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our research found that people who are sensitive or insecure but also think highly of themselves (vulnerable and grandiose narcissism) tend to hold onto grudges more because they ruminate about the transgression they experienced,&#8221; Li told PsyPost. &#8220;Basically, if someone has a big ego but is also easily hurt, they are more likely to hold a grudge when they can’t stop thinking about how they’ve been wronged.&#8221;</p>
<p>While these studies provide valuable insights, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations. The reliance on nonexperimental methods means that causation cannot be definitively established. The researchers suggest more controlled experimental studies to further investigate these relationships.</p>
<p>&#8220;One limitation of our study is that we can’t say that narcissistic traits cause grudge-holding; we only know they’re associated,&#8221; Li explained. &#8220;Also, we didn’t explore how these traits are associated with other responses like forgiveness or revenge. As noted above, previous work from our lab suggests that less powerful people are more prone to hold grudges rather than seek revenge. Future research investigating the role of social power would be important to determine whether vulnerable narcissism is related to feeling powerless and if that influences the motivation to hold a grudge over seeking revenge.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2023.2286587">The association between victims’ vulnerable and grandiose narcissism and grudge holding</a>&#8220;, was authored by Jingyuan Li, C. Ward Struthers, Dmytro O. Rebrov, Ariel Shoikhedbrod, and Joshua R. Guilfoyle.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 03:40AM
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TITLE:
Potent Psychedelic Drug Reduces PTSD, Clinical Trial Finds
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176461&url=https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiMmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5hdHVyZS5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvZDQxNTg2LTAyNC0wMDAxMi160gEA?oc=5

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.google.com/?ned=us&topic=m" rel="tag" target="_blank">Google News - Health</a></p>Psychedelic drugs such as MDMA and psilocybin have promised to revolutionize psychiatric treatments. Now, a study of military veterans published today in Nature Medicine suggests that a potent psychedelic drug called ibogaine could be effective in treating traumatic brain injuries. One month after ibogaine treatment, veterans reported that conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were reduced by more than 80%, on...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 03:39AM
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TITLE:
Study Links Bipolar Disorder to Early Death
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URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176456&url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240104210122.htm

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">Science Daily - Top Health</a></p>Having bipolar disorder&mdash;a mental illness that can cause both manic and depressed moods&mdash;makes life more challenging. It also comes with a higher risk of dying early. Now, a study has estimated just how large that risk is. In the research, people with bipolar disorder were 4-6 times more likely to die prematurely than people without it. By contrast, people who had smoked were about twice as likely to die prematurely than those who had never smoked.</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 03:00PM
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TITLE:
New research highlights impact of fathers’ conflict resolution on kids’ socioemotional growth
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-research-highlights-impact-of-fathers-conflict-resolution-on-kids-socioemotional-growth-220509

<p>A recent study suggests that the way fathers handle marital conflict can significantly affect their children&#8217;s socioemotional development. The findings, published in the <em><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/fam0001102" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Journal of Family Psychology</a></em>, have important implications for families. They highlight that while conflicts in relationships are common, how they are managed can significantly influence not just the couple&#8217;s relationship but also their children&#8217;s emotional and social wellbeing.</p>
<p>Grounded in the Family Systems Theory, the researchers aimed to better understand how marital conflicts, specifically the frequency and nature of these conflicts, might spill over to influence children’s socioemotional skills. This is a critical area of development, encompassing the ability to understand, express, and regulate emotions, which is particularly vital during the early years of childhood.</p>
<p>&#8220;Conflict can be common in families. Given that marital conflict can have adverse effects on both family dynamics and child development, I aim to explore strategies and factors that can buffer against such negative influences in order to help families in achieving healthier developmental outcomes,&#8221; said study author <a href="https://hdfs.illinois.edu/directory/qiujieg2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qiujie Gong</a>, a graduate student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.</p>
<p>The study utilized data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, a national study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, which follows children&#8217;s experiences from infancy to kindergarten. Focusing on the third wave of data, when the children were in their preschool years, the study included a significant sample size of 3,955 families. This phase was chosen due to the importance of socioemotional skills as a key developmental task for children at this age.</p>
<p>Participants in the study were resident fathers who were married, with the study excluding families with twins to avoid dependent observations. The fathers in the study were diverse in age and racial background, with ages ranging from 20 to 78 and racial identities including White, Asian, Hispanic, Black or African American, and more.</p>
<p>To gauge the frequency of marital conflict, fathers were asked about their disagreements on various topics (like chores, money, and parenting). The study also measured children&#8217;s socioemotional development through a 24-item scale reported by mothers. This scale included questions about both positive and negative aspects of children&#8217;s socioemotional behavior (such as the ability to interact socially and manage emotions). Additionally, the study assessed father involvement, warmth, parenting stress, and the frequency of constructive conflict resolution.</p>
<p>The researchers found that fathers who reported frequent marital conflicts tended to have lower involvement and warmth in their parenting, along with higher parenting stress. These factors, in turn, were negatively associated with their children&#8217;s socioemotional skills. Interestingly, father involvement did not significantly mediate this relationship, suggesting that the quality of parenting, rather than the quantity of time spent with children, is more affected by marital conflicts.</p>
<p>A key finding of the study is the role of constructive conflict resolution. When fathers engaged in constructive conflict resolution frequently, the negative effects of marital conflict on their parenting and, subsequently, on their children&#8217;s socioemotional skills were lessened.</p>
<p>In other words, fathers who employed constructive methods to resolve marital conflicts, such as calm discussion and compromise, seemed to soften the negative impact of these conflicts on their children. Fathers who used constructive conflict resolution also showed higher involvement and warmth in their parenting.</p>
<p>&#8220;More important than the occurrence of conflict is how people manage it,&#8221; Gong told PsyPost. &#8220;If parents could adopt more constructive conflict resolution strategies, this could significantly alleviate the detrimental effects of interparental conflict on their children&#8217;s development.&#8221;</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Surprisingly, the study found a positive association between marital conflict and father involvement when fathers reported higher levels of constructive conflict resolution. This suggests that fathers may be compensating for the distress caused by marital conflict by becoming more involved with their children.</p>
<p>&#8220;Based on prior research, I was expecting that higher frequency of marital conflict would be linked to lower father involvement,&#8221; Gong said. &#8220;However, in this study, we found a positive association between marital conflict and father involvement when fathers reported higher levels of constructive conflict resolution. This is surprising to us.</p>
<p>&#8220;One potential explanation is that more constructive conflict resolution approaches facilitate fathers&#8217; engagement with marital conflict in a way that enhances their involvement with children. It can also be explained by the compensatory theory, suggesting that when fathers responded to marital conflict more constructively, they may &#8216;compensate&#8217; (Belsky et al., 1991) for the distress of marital conflict through more involvement with their children. However, more research is necessary to better understand the association.&#8221;</p>
<p>But the study, like all research, includes some limitations. Its cross-sectional design means it cannot firmly establish causality or long-term patterns.</p>
<p>&#8220;Due to inconsistencies in measurement and the availability of data for each construct across multiple waves in our dataset, this study was limited to a cross-sectional design using only one wave of data,&#8221; Gong explained. &#8220;Consequently, we advise caution against drawing causal conclusions from this study. Future research could benefit from employing a longitudinal design that includes multiple data waves, which would provide a deeper understanding of the associations under study. Additionally, while this study focused solely on fathers, including mothers in future studies could offer a more comprehensive insight into the impact of marital conflict on family dynamics.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-74276-001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fathers’ Marital Conflict and Children’s Socioemotional Skills: A Moderated- Mediation Model of Conflict Resolution and Parenting</a>&#8220;, was authored by Qiujie Gong, Karen Z. Kramer, and Kelly M. Tu.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 02:30PM
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TITLE:
The Strange and Beautiful Science Of Our Lives
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URL:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/the-strange-and-beautiful-science-of-our-lives/

<p>&nbsp;Nell Greenfieldboyce discusses her new book&nbsp;<em data-stringify-type="italic">Transient and Strange,&nbsp;</em>the intimacy of the essays and the science that inspired them.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 01:00PM
.
TITLE:
New “stealthing” study: Dark psychological traits linked to covertly removing condom during sex
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/new-stealthing-study-dark-psychological-traits-linked-to-covertly-removing-condom-during-sex-220507

<p>An Australian study revealed that individuals displaying more pronounced Dark Triad personality traits – specifically, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – exhibited greater arousal from stealthing, which is the covert and non-consensual removal of a condom during sexual activity. The study found that psychopathy and narcissism were significant predictors of the intention to engage in such behavior. The study was published in <a href="https://www.doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2282440"><em>Psychology &amp; Sexuality</em></a>.</p>
<p>Stealthing refers to the covert and non-consensual act of removing a condom during sexual intercourse without one’s partner&#8217;s knowledge or consent. This act is considered a violation of trust and consent in sexual encounters because it exposes the other partner to risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies without their awareness.</p>
<p>Although stealthing can be performed by individuals of both genders, research primarily examines it in the context of male partners removing the condom during heterosexual or homosexual intercourse. Studies suggest that this behavior is more prevalent among individuals under 30 years of age. Although the term &#8220;stealthing&#8221; is relatively new, the practice has a long history, previously known by terms such as “gift giving,” “protection deception,” or “stealth breeding,” especially prevalent in the gay community.</p>
<p>Study author Timothy Cousins and his colleagues wanted to explore the links between stealthing behaviors and the Dark Triad of personality traits. Previous studies indicated that individuals with pronounced Dark Triad traits are more likely to engage in physical and sexual acts of violence and other deviant acts. As stealthing implies a breach of trust, these researchers believed that it might also be associated with these traits. Additionally, they wanted to explore possible links between Dark Triad personality traits and condom-use resistance tactics in general.</p>
<p>The Dark Triad encompasses three personality traits: narcissism, characterized by an exaggerated self-importance and lack of empathy; Machiavellianism, defined by manipulation, cunning, and exploitation for personal benefit; and psychopathy, which includes a lack of empathy, impulsiveness, and disregard for societal norms. Collectively, these traits represent a spectrum of manipulative, antisocial, and narcissistic tendencies to varying degrees in individuals, often leading to adverse outcomes in personal relationships, workplaces, and societal interactions.</p>
<p>The authors conducted an online survey with 221 participants, recruited through social media and Amazon’s MTurk. Participants from MTurk received $1 for their participation. There were no geographical limitations for participation, but respondents were required to be individuals with a penis, aged 18 or older, who had engaged in sexual intercourse in the past six months and had used a condom at least once.</p>
<p>In the scope of the survey, participants provided demographic data and information on their alcohol use, forensic and sexual history. They completed assessments of Dark Triad personality traits (the Short Dark Triad) and resistance to condom use (the Condom Use Resistance Perpetration).</p>
<p>The survey included descriptions of three different stealthing scenarios, such as removing a condom during sex without the partner&#8217;s knowledge or continuing intercourse without a condom after unintentional removal without informing the partner. Participants were asked to report their level of arousal by these scenarios, whether they had engaged in such activities, and their likelihood of engaging in such scenarios in the future.</p>
<p>Results showed that individuals with more pronounced psychopathy and those with a higher number of sexual partners tended to have lower condom-use self-efficacy. In other words, these individuals saw themselves as somewhat less able to correctly and consistently use condoms during sexual activity, compared to individuals with lower psychopathy levels and fewer sexual partners. Individuals with more pronounced psychopathy tended to report having more sexual partners and being more prone to binge drinking (of alcohol).</p>
<p>Individuals who reported that they would be aroused by one or more stealthing scenarios tended to have higher condom-use resistance, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. These characteristics tended to also be more pronounced in individuals who reported engaging in stealthing activities. Additional statistical analyses showed that whether a person would engage in stealthing or not could be predicted very well based on psychopathy, narcissism and condom-use resistance.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>“The present study found that there were associations between all DTP [Dark Triad Personality] traits and all types of condom-use resistance. Individuals who were aroused by stealthing scenarios and reported a behavioral history of stealthing scored significantly higher on all DTP traits compared to those who were not aroused or did not report a behavioural history of stealthing. Furthermore, psychopathy and narcissism were significant predictors of a person’s intention to engage in stealthing behaviour,&#8221; the study authors conclude.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the links between personality and stealthing. However, the study was based on self-reports about stealthing behaviors, which leaves room for bias. Studies based on reports about stealthing behaviors of partners might not yield equal results.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://www.doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2282440">Investigating the Relationship Between Non-consensual Condom Removal and the Dark Triad of Personality</a>”, was authored by Timothy Cousins, Andrew Allena, and Jonathan Mason.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 11:00AM
.
TITLE:
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder might be more common than thought
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URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/hallucinogen-persisting-perception-disorder-might-be-more-common-than-thought-220495

<p>A new study provides evidence that the lingering effects of hallucinogenic drugs, known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), are more common among users than previously understood. The study, which focused on two types of HPPD, found that while the more severe form is relatively rare, a milder form affects a significant portion of hallucinogen users. The findings have been published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2023.2287081" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Journal of Psychoactive Drugs</a>.</em></p>
<p>The study was motivated by a desire to understand the prevalence and impact of HPPD, a condition characterized by persistent visual disturbances reminiscent of the effects of hallucinogenic drugs, even after cessation of drug use. Researchers aimed to explore the nature of HPPD, which is broadly categorized into two types. Type I includes brief, often pleasant visual experiences, while Type II involves prolonged and distressing symptoms that can impede daily functioning.</p>
<p>The study also sought to investigate the neurological basis of HPPD, its correlation with personality traits like neuroticism, and its connection to various hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic drugs.</p>
<p>&#8220;We felt that HPPD could be an under-recognised and under-reported phenomenon and wanted to collect some data on how common it was in users of psychedelic and non-psychedelic drugs,&#8221; said study author James Stone, a professor of psychiatry at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.</p>
<p>To gather data, the researchers posted advertisements on Reddit, targeting subreddits where discussions about drug use were prevalent. The study recruited participants who were over 18 and had a history of hallucinogen use. The initial pool of respondents totaled 802, but after applying strict criteria for attention and completeness of responses, the final sample consisted of 415 individuals.</p>
<p>Participants were asked to fill out a consent form and a questionnaire assessing their neuroticism using a standardized tool known as Goldberg’s Big Five Inventory. The questionnaire also inquired about their drug use history, including types of drugs, dosages, and frequency. To understand their experience of HPPD, questions were asked about the nature, intensity, and duration of their visual hallucinations. The survey also probed into other psychological disorders they might have and their habits regarding drug testing.</p>
<p>About 39.7% of the participants fell into the category of Type I HPPD, experiencing milder symptoms, while 4.3% were categorized as having Type II HPPD, indicating more severe and intrusive symptoms. The most commonly reported symptom was false perceptions of movement.</p>
<p>&#8220;The more severe type of HPPD (type II) appears to occur in around 4-5% of hallucinogen users, while fleeting and non-intrusive hallucinogenic experiences following hallucinogen use are more common,&#8221; Stone said. &#8220;We were surprised that such a large proportion of respondents (over 40%) reported at least some HPPD symptoms.&#8221;</p>
<p>Interestingly, only four participants reported having received a formal diagnosis of HPPD, highlighting a potential gap in clinical recognition of the disorder.</p>
<p>In terms of psychological traits, the study found no significant difference in neuroticism across the two types of HPPD. However, the prevalence of anxiety-related symptoms was notably higher in individuals with Type II HPPD. This group was also more likely to report additional psychological issues like obsessive thoughts, paranoia, and panic attacks. The study further revealed that the use of certain drugs, notably 25I-NBOMe, dextromethorphan, nitrous oxide, and benzodiazepines, was more common among those with Type II HPPD.</p><div class="addrop-wrap" data-id="64749"><p style="text-align: center;">
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<p>Despite these insights, the study faced several limitations. Firstly, the high rate of incomplete questionnaires reduced the overall data pool. Secondly, the use of Reddit for recruitment might have introduced a bias towards users with extreme experiences of drug use. Additionally, the reliance on self-report questionnaires raises questions about the accuracy of the reported experiences and symptoms.</p>
<p>&#8220;This was a small online questionnaire study,&#8221; Stone explained. &#8220;We were not able to formally diagnose respondents – only to classify their symptoms as more or less likely to be type I or type II HPPD. It is potentially affected by selection bias as we surveyed users of Reddit only (although excluding specific HPPD subreddits), and participation in the study was voluntary.&#8221;</p>
<p>Looking to the future, researchers suggest a need for larger sample sizes to mitigate the high attrition rates. They also emphasize the importance of developing more precise diagnostic criteria for HPPD, tailored to differentiate between its subtypes. This would not only aid in better clinical recognition and treatment of HPPD but also allow for more accurate research into the psychobiology of the disorder.</p>
<p>The study, &#8220;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791072.2023.2287081" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder with Trait Neuroticism and Mental Health Symptoms</a>&#8220;, was authored by Morgan Hadley, Alicia Halliday, and James M. Stone.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 10:37AM
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TITLE:
From the President: The Land on Which We Stand
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URL:
https://ct.counseling.org/2024/01/from-the-president-the-land-on-which-we-stand/

<p>Land acknowledgments are an opportunity to offer healing through honoring lived experiences, understanding the impact of colonization and balancing mourning with celebration of life.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ct.counseling.org/2024/01/from-the-president-the-land-on-which-we-stand/">From the President: The Land on Which We Stand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ct.counseling.org">Counseling Today</a>.</p>

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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 10:00AM
.
TITLE:
Psychology Hacks for Resisting Trash Talk
.
URL:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychology-hacks-for-resisting-trash-talk/

<p>A new book explores the science of trash talk&mdash;and why some people are more immune to it than others</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

.
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 09:00AM
.
TITLE:
Is psychotherapy merely an open-label placebo?
.
URL:
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/is-psychotherapy-merely-an-open-label-placebo-220502

<p>A chapter published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780197645444.003.0018"><em>Placebo Effects Through the Lens of Translational Research</em></a> explores the possibility of open-label placebos as a psychotherapy and how psychotherapy might benefit from its use.</p>
<p>Placebos, known for their wide-ranging forms and impacts, are a complex and multifaceted concept in medical and psychological treatments. Traditionally perceived as inert substances used in pharmacological trials, placebos have evolved to encompass various forms such as pills, sprays, surgeries, and even exercise or wine. Their effects are not limited to any specific medical condition; they are observed in chronic and acute pain, insomnia, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia, among other disorders.</p>
<p>Jens Gaab argues that this extensive range makes it challenging to definitively categorize any treatment as devoid of placebo effects. The definition of placebo is complicated by the fact that it can induce specific physiological effects, active treatments can function as placebos, and a placebo can still be considered as such even without any observable effect. The difficulty arises when trying to extend this concept to non-pharmacological treatments like psychotherapy, which inherently involves psychological effects.</p>
<p>The interplay between psychotherapy and placebo is particularly intricate. Historical references highlight the longstanding association between psychotherapy and placebo-like concepts. The debate over psychotherapy’s efficacy, often showing marginal benefits over control conditions, underscores the challenge in differentiating specific treatment effects from placebo responses. Notably, certain therapies initially designed as control conditions in clinical trials have later been recognized as effective treatments in their own right.</p>
<p>The mechanisms underlying placebos and psychotherapy, such as expectancy effects and the therapeutic alliance, further blur the distinction. Both interventions have been described as “meaning” interventions, suggesting a commonality. This leads to the question of whether psychotherapy is essentially a sophisticated form of placebo, or whether it possesses unique therapeutic mechanisms.</p>
<p>To address this, an “ethical” definition of placebo is proposed, emphasizing the deceptive administration of a treatment consisting solely of incidental treatment constituents. This perspective allows for a treatment to be categorized as a placebo based on the intent and context of its administration, rather than its physical properties or effects. This definition also implies that openly administered placebos, which are transparent about their nature, would not qualify as placebos but rather as legitimate therapeutic interventions.</p>
<p>Openly administered placebos challenge traditional views of placebos by demonstrating efficacy even when their placebo nature is disclosed. In the context of psychotherapy, this approach would align with the principles of informed consent and patient autonomy. However, there is a noticeable reluctance within the psychotherapy community to fully embrace this openness, particularly when it comes to disclosing the mechanisms of action of therapeutic interventions.</p>
<p>While psychotherapy is not inherently a placebo, it could function as one in certain contexts, especially when the therapeutic factors are not fully disclosed or are deceptive. The ethical application of psychotherapy aligns closely with the principles of openly administered placebos, emphasizing transparency and patient empowerment. Gaab argues that this approach could enhance the ethical standing of psychotherapy and optimize its therapeutic potential.</p>
<p>The chapter, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780197645444.003.0018">Why psychotherapy is an open-label placebo and open-label placebos are psychotherapy</a>”, was authored by Jens Gaab.</p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 06:00AM
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TITLE:
This Powerful Psychedelic Could Help Relieve Traumatic Brain Injury
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URL:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ibogaine-shows-success-in-treating-ptsd/

<p>In combat veterans, a single dose of ibogaine also improved symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety</p>

<p></p>
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psychbot , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 12:08AM
.
TITLE:
Character.ai: Young People Turning to AI Therapist Bots
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176444&url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67872693?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/" rel="tag" target="_blank">BBC News - Technology</a></p>Harry Potter, Elon Musk, Beyonc&eacute;, and Vladimir Putin. These are just some of the artificial intelligence (AI) personas you can talk to on Character.ai&mdash;a popular platform where anyone can create chatbots based on fictional or real people. And one bot has been more in demand than those above, called Psychologist. A total of 78 million messages, including 18 million since November, have been shared with the bot since it was created just over a...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 12:08AM
.
TITLE:
Even in Midlife, Disrupted Sleep Tied to Memory, Thinking Problems Later on
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176421&url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240104002759.htm

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">Science Daily - Top Health</a></p>People who have more disrupted sleep in their 30s and 40s may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems a decade later, according to new research published in the January 3, 2024, online issue of Neurology, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study doesn't prove that sleep quality causes cognitive decline&mdash;it only shows an association. &quot;The quality rather than the quantity of sleep matters most for cognitive health,&quot;...</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 12:07AM
.
TITLE:
U.S. "Not Seeing Acts of Genocide" in Gaza, State Department Says
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176409&url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-01-03/us-not-seeing-acts-of-genocide-in-gaza-state-dept-says

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/" rel="tag" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a></p>The U.S. has not observed acts in Gaza that constitute genocide, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Wednesday, after South Africa launched genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice over Israel's military operation in the Palestinian enclave. &quot;That is a determination by the State Department,&quot; Miller said at a news briefing. He added that he did not have an assessment on whether war crimes have been committed.</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 11:26AM
.
TITLE:
Data From 2022 California Traffic Stops Show Pervasive Racial Profiling
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176411&url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/report-data-2022-california-traffic-stops-shows-pervasive-106086040

<div><p>Source: <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US" rel="tag" target="_blank">ABC News - US News</a></p>Black people accounted for nearly 13% of traffic stops in California in 2022, far above their 5% share of the state's population, according to a report released Wednesday under a law designed to address racial profiling of motorists and pedestrians by police. The annual report, compiled by California's Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board, for the first time included data from all law enforcement agencies in the state.</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 , 7 months ago to psychology

Psychology News Robot
DATE:
January 05, 2024 at 11:51AM
.
TITLE:
How Psychologists Are Using Tech to Meet Huge Demand for Therapy
.
URL:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=rss_feed&id=176347&url=https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/01/trends-pathways-access-mental-health-care

<div><p>Source: <a href="http://www.apa.org/monitor/" rel="tag" target="_blank">APA Monitor</a></p>Ninety percent of the U.S. public think there is a mental health crisis in America, with half of young adults and one-third of all adults reporting that they have felt anxious either always or often in the past year, according to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN. To meet the overwhelming demand for treatment, some psychologists are turning to &quot;digital therapeutics,&quot; and others are &quot;giving psychology away&quot; without charge.</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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