Religious individuals perceived as more empathic by their close acquaintances, according to new psychology research
A new study published in the journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality has found that highly religious people tend to be perceived as more empathic compared to less religious people. “Psychological research has shown that religious people report higher levels of emotional empathy. These empirical findings are also consistent with moral prescriptions of various religions, ... (READ MORE)
 
40 days of mindfulness meditation leads to structural brain changes and improved quality of life
A study in Scientific Reports has helped reinforce our understanding of how meditation and mindfulness affect change in the structure and functioning of certain brain areas, and how these changes lead to increased wellness. In the study, fourteen university students participated in a 40-day meditation training course. None of the students had any prior training ... (READ MORE)
New psychology study finds people overestimate the intelligence of their romantic partners
People tend to overestimate their romantic partner's intelligence score, according to a recent study published in the journal Intelligence. Research consistently shows that people tend to hold inflated opinions of themselves, rating themselves as smarter than they actually are. Some evidence suggests that people are similarly biased towards their romantic partners, but little research has ... (READ MORE)
Smarter individuals engage in more prosocial behavior in daily life, study finds
Prosocial behavior was linked to intelligence by a new study published in Intelligence. It was found that highly intelligent people are more likely to behave in ways that contribute to the welfare of others due to higher levels of empathy and developed moral identity. Prosocial behavior refers to sharing, helping, cooperating, donating, and other voluntary ... (READ MORE)
Veterans and first responders report lasting personal benefits after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
While a number of pharmaco- and psychotherapies exist to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a large group of individuals, including military veterans and first responders, have demonstrated resistance to classical approaches. As a result, less traditional treatments have been explored, including the use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, better known as MDMA. A long-term follow-up qualitative study, published ... (READ MORE)
Adolescent anxiety may predict future psychiatric diagnoses and suicidal ideation
Adolescents with anxiety are at risk for future psychiatric diagnoses and suicidal ideation, according to a study published in BMC Psychiatry. Anxiety disorders, which include disorders like social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, are the most widespread mental health disorders in the western world. These disorders often make their appearances in childhood or young adulthood ... (READ MORE)
Study suggests 'robust social support is necessary' to buffer against anxiety amid coronavirus pandemic
New research from China has identified several factors that appear to be protective factors against anxiety for college students during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study has been published in the scientific journal Psychiatry Research. In December 2019, an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. A ... (READ MORE)
Extraversion and substance use are associated with forming romantic relationships in college students
A new study has uncovered several factors that predict the transition from being single to being in a relationship in college students. The findings appear in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science. “Given the increasing percentage of single and childless individuals in many Western and Asian societies, there is a need for more knowledge about factors ... (READ MORE)
Daily meditation decreases anxiety and improves cognitive functioning in new meditators after 8 weeks
Only 8 weeks of daily meditation can decrease negative mood and anxiety and improve attention, working memory, and recognition memory in non-experienced meditators. These findings come from a recent study published in Behavioural Brain Research. Meditation is a mental exercise that uses mindfulness techniques to work on attention and awareness with the goal of achieving ... (READ MORE)
New study finds receptivity to bullshit predicts the use of essential oils
People who misjudge meaningless sentences as profound statements are more likely to use essential oils and find them effective, according to new research that appears in the scientific journal PLOS One. Essential oils extracted from plants are commonly used with massages and aromatherapy. But the oils are also marketed as natural remedies for a variety ... (READ MORE)
Tinder users score higher on a measure of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy
New research provides evidence that Tinder users tend to have a “darker” personality compared to those who don’t use the dating app. The study, published in the Journal of Individual Differences, examined the so-called “Dark Triad” personality traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. “I enjoy studying topics that interest the public and many seem to ... (READ MORE)
Study finds that cheaters are hypocrites when it comes to judgements about infidelity
People who commit sexual infidelity judge other cheaters more harshly that they judge themselves, according to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. When it comes to relationship conflict, studies have found that perpetrators of conflict tend to display something called the self-serving bias. The self-serving bias describes the tendency for individuals ... (READ MORE)
Negative news evokes stronger psychophysiological reactions than positive news
A cross-national study suggests consumers around the world have stronger psychophysiological reactions to negative news when compared to positive news. The report is one of the largest of its kind and was published in PNAS. Bad news tends to dominate the headlines and one explanation involves something called the negativity bias. This term describes the ... (READ MORE)
Being overweight is associated with more frequent sexual activity in men but lower frequency in women, study finds
For men, being overweight is linked to increased odds of sexual activity. But the opposite is true for women, according to new research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. The study examined the relationships between body weight, physical activity, and sexual behavior. “So far, interest in sex and sexuality in health sciences has been ... (READ MORE)
Study of Wuhan residents uncovers some predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak
The prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in Wuhan was 7% one month after the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to a new study published in Psychiatry Research. The study also provides some new insights into predictors of PTSS during the COVID-19 outbreak. Posttraumatic stress symptoms include intrusive unwanted memories, disturbing dreams, irritable behavior, ... (READ MORE)
New study challenges the claim that 'looking sexy' is inherently disempowering for women
New research in PLOS One provides evidence that self-beautification can yield positive psychological outcomes for women in certain circumstances. In particular, the study found that women tended to feel more assertive after putting on an attractive outfit. “Whether women are empowered or disempowered by looking sexy is a major feminist question. Some people say it’s ... (READ MORE)
One week of mindfulness training can reduce paranoia
A recent study found that practicing mindfulness, even over a short period, reduces feelings of paranoia. The study, which was published in Mindfulness, also showed which particular aspect of mindfulness is the one linked to predicting levels of paranoia. Past research has found that paranoia can be more prevalent in students, which calls for investigating ... (READ MORE)
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