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(https://www.psypost.org/researchers-develop-new-method-for-manipulating-belief-in-free-will-using-online-games/) Researchers develop new method for manipulating belief in free will using online games
Aug 10th 2024, 10:00

A group of researchers in Germany developed a way to use online video games to manipulate study participants’ beliefs in free will in the context of experimental studies by restricting their ability to act in a game. They believe that the new method overcomes the shortcomings of methods for manipulating free will beliefs currently used in social psychology and experimental philosophy. The paper was published in (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-023-01815-x) Psychological Research.
Philosophers and scientists have been debating for centuries whether humans and possibly other living organisms have free will. Some scientific approaches argue that human behavior is determined by a complex interplay between biological characteristics and environmental influences. In contrast, fields like law often operate on the belief that individuals can make decisions freely, regardless of their circumstances.
The question of whether free will truly exists is of profound importance. A definitive answer could reshape our understanding of human nature and the very foundations of science and society. If free will does not exist and our actions are determined solely by physical processes, it could imply that our destinies are preordained, beyond our control. In such a scenario, concepts like individual responsibility would be called into question, as holding people accountable for actions they cannot control would seem unjust.
On the other hand, if free will does exist, it would imply the presence of a force outside the laws of physics, something beyond the confines of our universe. This raises the perplexing question of how such a force could operate independently of the physical laws that govern everything else.
While science cannot currently provide a definitive answer about the existence of free will, researchers have developed various methods to study how beliefs in free will influence behavior. Traditionally, these studies have been conducted within the realms of social psychology and experimental philosophy, where researchers often attempt to manipulate beliefs by having participants read carefully crafted texts that challenge or reinforce their views on free will.
While science cannot, at this moment, answer the question about the nature of free will, scientists have developed different methods for studying individual beliefs in whether free will exists or not and how these beliefs influence behavior. Most often, this was done in the scope of social psychology and experimental philosophy. In the scope of experiments in these scientific disciplines, researchers typically try to manipulate free will beliefs by asking study participants to read carefully prepared texts (vignettes) designed to sway their belief in free will in one way or the other for research purposes.
Study author Nel Tavernier and his colleagues sought to address some of the limitations of these traditional approaches. They noted that existing methods, which typically involve reading texts or fictional scenarios designed to influence beliefs, may not be effective in altering deeply held views. The researchers argued that reading a short passage is unlikely to change someone’s beliefs about free will, especially when the scenarios presented are often far-fetched or counterfactual.
To overcome these challenges, the researchers developed a novel approach that uses online video games to create a more immersive and experiential manipulation of free will beliefs. In these games, participants experienced varying degrees of control over their actions, simulating a loss of agency similar to that found in real-life situations where choices are constrained or predetermined.
The researchers validated their approach through two studies involving a total of 599 participants. In the first study, participants were initially trained on a video game where they took on the role of a courier, using arrow keys to steer a car left or right to pick up packages. In this training game, participants had complete control over their choices—whichever direction they chose, they could pick up a package.
After the training, participants played a second, similar game, but this time their level of control was manipulated based on their assigned condition. In the “free choice” condition, the game was identical to the training game, allowing participants full control over their actions. In the “limited choice” condition, invisible walls restricted their movements, forcing them to follow a certain path. Finally, in the “no choice” condition, participants had no control over the car’s movements; no matter which keys they pressed, the car followed a predetermined route.
After playing the games, participants completed an assessment of their beliefs about how much free will they had experienced during the game. The second study followed an identical procedure, but the assessment focused on participants’ general beliefs about free will rather than their beliefs in the context of the game.
In the first study, participants in the free choice condition reported feeling that they had significantly more free will than those in the limited choice condition. However, there was little difference between the limited choice and no choice conditions in terms of how much free will participants believed they had.
In the second study, which assessed general beliefs about free will, the video games did not appear to influence participants’ overall views on the existence of free will. This suggests that while the experience of reduced agency within the game affected participants’ beliefs in that specific context, it did not translate to a broader change in their deeply held beliefs.
“Taken together, the current study shines a new light on previous research and suggest a way forward for studying belief-behavior interactions in the context of free will,” the study authors concluded.
This study introduces a novel and immersive way to explore and manipulate beliefs about free will through the use of video games. By directly engaging participants in scenarios where their sense of control is limited, the researchers were able to create a more realistic and impactful experience compared to traditional text-based methods. However, the findings also highlight the challenge of influencing deeply held beliefs, as the effects of the manipulation did not extend beyond the specific context of the game.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-023-01815-x) Manipulating free will beliefs using online video games,” was authored by Nel Tavernier, David Wisniewski, and Marcel Brass.

(https://www.psypost.org/romantic-attraction-and-evolution-new-study-pinpoints-key-traits-in-mate-selection/) Romantic attraction and evolution: New study pinpoints key traits in mate selection
Aug 10th 2024, 08:00

New research provides evidence that our choices in mates are deeply rooted in evolutionary principles. The study found that men tend to prioritize physical attractiveness and health in their partners, indicators of fertility, while women value traits like intelligence, emotional stability, and earning potential, which signal the ability to provide material support. However, these preferences are also shaped by factors such as education, religious beliefs, political views, and personality traits.
The findings appear in the journal (https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/ebs0000362) Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences.
Previous research has extensively documented the differences in what men and women look for in a mate, largely attributing these differences to sexual selection theory. According to this theory, men and women have evolved to prioritize different traits in their partners based on the different roles they play in reproduction and the strategies that would have maximized their reproductive success over evolutionary time.
For men, reproductive success often depended on finding a partner who could successfully bear and raise healthy offspring. Because of this, men have evolved to be particularly attuned to signs of fertility in potential mates. On the other hand, women have faced different challenges in ensuring their reproductive success. Pregnancy and child-rearing require substantial resources and protection, so women have evolved to seek partners who can provide these resources, which would increase the chances that her children would survive and thrive.
Sexual selection theory “is at the heart of evolutionary psychology,” explained study author (https://adrianfurnham.com/) Adrian Furnham, a professor of psychology at the Norwegian Business School. “I know from public speaking how interested people are in such issues as the psychology of attractiveness, mate choices, and relationships. Finding an ‘ideal mate’ has very important long-term consequences.”
However, much of the existing literature has focused on younger populations (e.g., college students), often overlooking older adults whose mate preferences may evolve with age and experience. Moreover, while the influence of demographic factors like age, sex, and education on mate preferences has been well-documented, there has been less exploration of how personality traits influence these preferences.
The new study involved 288 adult participants, consisting of 145 women and 143 men, ranging in age from 19 to 69 years, with an average age of 46. The participants were primarily from Western countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa, with a smaller proportion from other regions like India and Germany. All participants were fluent in English.
The researchers employed a survey method, where participants were asked to rate 21 different qualities in a potential long-term romantic partner on a scale from 0 (not at all desirable) to 10 (extremely desirable). These qualities included factors related to physical attractiveness, personality, socioeconomic status, and values.
The participants also completed a personality assessment using the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), which measures traits like conscientiousness, emotional stability, curiosity, risk tolerance, and competitiveness. Additionally, participants provided information about their religious beliefs, political views, and optimism.
The study’s findings largely confirmed what evolutionary psychology has long suggested: men and women have different priorities when it comes to selecting a mate. Men rated physical attractiveness, health, and sexual desirability significantly higher than women did. These traits are often associated with fertility and reproductive value, which aligns with the idea that men are evolutionarily driven to seek out cues of fertility in their partners.
On the other hand, women placed a higher value on traits like intelligence, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and earning potential—qualities that suggest a partner’s ability to provide and care for a family. Interestingly, while traditional theories suggest that women should also place a high value on a partner’s wealth, the study found no significant sex difference in the importance of wealth, which may reflect changing social norms and economic realities.
“We replicated the well-established findings about sex differences but looked in addition at personality and other individual differences as they relate to mate choice,” Furnham said.
Beyond these sex differences, the study also highlighted the importance of personality traits in shaping mate preferences. The researchers found evidence supporting the idea of positive assortative mating, where individuals prefer partners who share similar characteristics.
For example, participants who scored high on conscientiousness were more likely to value the same trait in a partner. Similarly, those who were curious and open-minded tended to seek partners who were also imaginative and curious. This suggests that people are not just looking for partners who complement their weaknesses but are also drawn to those who share similar strengths and qualities.
However, not all personality traits had a strong influence on mate preferences. For instance, there was no significant correlation between a participant’s emotional stability and their preference for emotional stability in a partner. This could indicate that while some personality traits are important in choosing a mate, others might be less critical, or that other factors such as life experience or past relationships might shape these preferences in ways that were not captured in the study.
The study also shed light on how ideological factors like religion and political beliefs influence mate selection. More religious participants placed a higher emphasis on finding a partner who shared their religious beliefs, which suggests that ideological compatibility plays a crucial role in relationship success. Similarly, participants with strong political views were more likely to consider a partner’s political alignment as important. This finding highlights that, in addition to biological and personality factors, shared values and beliefs are vital in forming long-lasting relationships.
Furnham noted that the key traits related to mate desirability could be grouped into five broad categories: social background, physical fitness, mental fitness, ideology, and sociability.
However, while this study provides valuable insights into mate preferences, it is not without limitations. One significant limitation is the sample, which was primarily composed of middle-aged adults from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries. This raises questions about the generalizability of the findings to other cultural contexts.
Additionally, the study did not explore how individuals might prioritize or trade off different mate qualities. For example, would someone willing to trade off physical attractiveness for higher intelligence or shared religious beliefs? Understanding these trade-offs could provide deeper insights into the decision-making processes involved in mate selection.
Regarding future research, Furnham explained hopes to to further investigate the “personality correlates of all sorts of behaviors from mate choice, happiness, to work success. Personality traits have long-term and profound consequences.”
“I love doing research and have long been fascinated by the claims of evolutionary psychology,” he added.
The study, “(https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-97059-001) Sex, Personality, and Mate Preferences,” was authored by Adrian Furnham and Stephen Cuppello.

(https://www.psypost.org/mediterranean-diet-vs-western-diet-how-what-you-eat-could-affect-your-stress-levels/) Mediterranean diet vs. Western diet: How what you eat could affect your stress levels
Aug 10th 2024, 06:00

Could what you eat change how stressed you feel? A new study from Binghamton University, State University of New York, suggests that it might. Researchers found that following a Mediterranean diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats—may help lower your perceived stress levels, while consuming a traditional Western diet, high in processed foods and sugars, may have the opposite effect. This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that what we eat affects not just our physical health, but our mental well-being too.
The research has been published in (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02601060241263375) Nutrition and Health.
The study, led by Lina Begdache, an associate professor of health and wellness studies, aimed to explore the connection between diet and perceived stress. Perceived stress refers to how much stress an individual feels they are under, regardless of the actual stressors in their life. Begdache and her team wanted to know whether different dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean and Western diets, influence this perception of stress.
Previous research has established links between the Mediterranean diet and improvements in mental and physical health. However, little is known about how this diet might influence perceived stress—how much stress someone feels they can handle. On the other hand, most studies on diet and stress have focused on how stress affects dietary choices, leaving a gap in understanding the reverse relationship: how diet might affect stress.
To investigate this, Begdache and her colleagues conducted a large-scale survey involving 1,591 participants. The participants, mainly college students from various universities, were asked about their dietary habits and their levels of perceived stress. The survey included questions about the frequency of consuming specific food groups that are characteristic of either the Mediterranean or Western diets. Additionally, participants answered questions from the Perceived Stress Scale, which measures how much stress they feel in their lives, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, which assesses mental distress.
The research team used a machine learning model to analyze the data, looking for correlations between the types of foods participants ate and their reported levels of stress and mental distress. This approach allowed them to identify patterns in how different dietary habits were associated with stress perceptions.
Participants who followed a Mediterranean diet reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress. Specifically, the study found that consuming foods like leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and fish — all staples of the Mediterranean diet — was associated with lower stress levels. These foods are rich in nutrients that support brain health, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help regulate neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain that influence mood and stress responses.
Conversely, the study found that participants who consumed a Western diet, characterized by high intake of processed foods, sugars, and high-glycemic index foods like white bread and sweets, reported higher levels of perceived stress and mental distress. Foods like fast food, sugary snacks, and caffeinated beverages were particularly associated with higher stress levels. These findings suggest that the Western diet may exacerbate stress by promoting inflammation and disrupting the balance of hormones that regulate stress.
“Stress is recognized to be a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet lowers mental distress,” Begdache said. “Thus, one element of the puzzle may be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a decrease in the negative components of perceived stress and an improvement in its positive attributes.”
Interestingly, the study also found that some components of the Western diet, such as meat and dairy products, were not as strongly associated with increased stress levels as other Western dietary components like fast food and sugary snacks. In fact, certain animal proteins showed a slight negative association with stress, which the researchers suggest could be due to their content of nutrients like tyrosine, a precursor to the mood-regulating neurotransmitter dopamine.
While the findings are compelling, the study has some limitations. One of the main limitations is its cross-sectional design, which means the researchers only observed participants’ dietary habits and stress levels at a single point in time. This design makes it difficult to determine causality—whether the Mediterranean diet actually causes lower stress levels or whether people who are less stressed are more likely to eat a Mediterranean diet. Longitudinal studies, which follow participants over time, would be needed to establish a clearer cause-and-effect relationship.
Another limitation is the reliance on self-reported data. Participants may not have accurately recalled or reported their dietary habits, which could introduce bias into the results. Additionally, while the sample size was large, it was primarily composed of college students, a group that may not represent the general population. Future research should aim to include a more diverse sample to see if the findings hold true across different age groups and backgrounds.
Finally, the study opens up new questions for future research. For example, what specific components of the Mediterranean diet are most effective at reducing stress? Are there particular nutrients or combinations of foods that have the greatest impact? Additionally, research could explore the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between diet and stress, such as the role of inflammation and gut health in influencing mental well-being.
“Most foods comprising the Mediterranean diet are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents,” the researchers concluded. “They also consist of nutrients that are building blocks for neurotransmitters that regulate mood and stress. On the other hand, the Western diet lacks these nutrients and includes a higher ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats, which fuel inflammation. Consuming processed, high-sugar food and caffeine has also been associated with higher levels of cortisol, which adds to the stress response. Overall, the results of the study pave the way for future research on the effects of dietary patterns and their association with different components of stress response and mental distress.”
The study, “(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02601060241263375) Effects of Mediterranean and Western dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress,” was authored by Ushima Chowdhury, Sabrina Bubis, Katerina Nagorny, Megan Welch, Lexis Rosenberg, and Lina Begdache.

(https://www.psypost.org/do-you-have-nomophobia-take-this-questionnaire-to-find-out/) Do you have nomophobia? Take this test to find out
Aug 9th 2024, 20:00

In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become indispensable companions. From checking emails to connecting with friends on social media, these devices are integral to our daily routines. But what happens when you can’t find your phone or its battery dies? If the thought fills you with anxiety, you might be experiencing nomophobia. ((https://www.psypost.org/#take-the-test) You can complete the Nomophobia Questionnaire below.)
Understanding Nomophobia
Nomophobia, short for “no mobile phone phobia,” describes the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone or being unable to use it. This term first emerged in a 2008 study commissioned by the UK Post Office, revealing that over 50% of participants felt anxious when they couldn’t use their phones. As smartphones have become more embedded in our daily lives, the prevalence of nomophobia has increased, particularly among younger adults and heavy smartphone users​.
Symptoms and Impact
Nomophobia manifests through various symptoms, including anxiety, distress, and obsessive checking of your phone. People with this phobia often feel a compulsion to keep their phones close by at all times, ensuring they never miss a call, message, or social media update. This behavior can lead to significant stress and interfere with daily life and social interactions.
Why It Happens
Several factors contribute to nomophobia:

Communication: The fear of being unable to contact or be contacted by others.
Connectedness: The anxiety of losing touch with one’s online presence and social networks.
Information Access: The discomfort of being unable to retrieve or access information instantly.
Convenience: The stress of giving up the numerous conveniences that smartphones provide​.

The Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q)
To better understand and measure nomophobia, (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563215001806) researchers have developed the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). This tool helps identify the severity of nomophobia by assessing various dimensions of smartphone dependence.
How the NMP-Q Works
The NMP-Q consists of 20 statements that respondents rate on a 7-point Likert scale, from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” These statements cover four main dimensions:

Not Being Able to Communicate: Fear related to losing instant communication abilities.
Losing Connectedness: Anxiety about being disconnected from social and online networks.
Not Being Able to Access Information: Discomfort from not having immediate access to information.
Giving Up Convenience: Stress over losing the practical benefits of smartphone use​.

Respondents’ scores range from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating a greater level of nomophobia. A score above 60 suggests moderate to severe nomophobia, indicating significant anxiety related to being without a mobile phone​.
(https://www.psypost.org/do-you-have-nomophobia-take-this-questionnaire-to-find-out/#take-the-test) Take the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q)

Nomophobia Questionnaire

 I would feel uncomfortable without constant access to information through my smartphone.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

I would be annoyed if I could not look information up on my smartphone when I wanted to do so.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

Being unable to get the news (e.g., happenings, weather, etc.) on my smartphone would make me nervous.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

I would be annoyed if I could not use my smartphone and/or its capabilities when I wanted to do so.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

Running out of battery in my smartphone would scare me.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I were to run out of credits or hit my monthly data limit, I would panic.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have a data signal or could not connect to Wi-Fi, then I would constantly check to see if I had a  signal or could find a Wi-Fi network.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I could not use my smartphone, I would be afraid of getting stranded somewhere.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I could not check my smartphone for a while, I would feel a desire to check it.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me,  I would be worried because my family and/or friends could not reach me.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would feel anxious because I could not instantly communicate with my family and/or friends.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me,  I would feel nervous because I would not be able to receive text messages and calls.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would be anxious because I could not keep in touch with my family and/or friends.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me,  I would feel anxious because my constant connection to my family and friends would be broken.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would be nervous because I could not know if someone had tried to get a hold of me.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would be uncomfortable because I could not stay up-to-date with social media and online networks.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would feel awkward because I could not check my notifications for updates from my connections and  online networks.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me, I would feel anxious because I could not check my email messages.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have my smartphone with me,  I would feel weird because I would not know what to do.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

If I did not have a data signal or could not connect to Wi-Fi, then I would constantly check to see if I had a  signal or could find a Wi-Fi network.
*

 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
 Slightly Disagree
 Neutral
 Slightly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Agree

Submit

 
The information provided in this article, including the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), is for educational and informational purposes only. The NMP-Q is a self-reported measure developed by researchers Caglar Yildirim and Ana-Paula Correia to assess the severity of nomophobia, and while it has been validated through academic research, it is not intended to diagnose any mental health conditions.
If you find that your responses indicate a high level of nomophobia, or if you experience significant anxiety and distress related to smartphone use, we recommend consulting with a qualified mental health professional. Self-assessments like the NMP-Q can provide valuable insights into your behaviors and feelings, but they cannot replace professional evaluation and advice.

(https://www.psypost.org/increased-masculinity-linked-to-reduced-distress-in-gay-men-via-heightened-mindfulness/) Increased masculinity linked to reduced distress in gay men via heightened mindfulness
Aug 9th 2024, 18:00

New research has found that increased masculinity is linked to reduced mental distress among gay men in China. The findings, published in the (https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2024.2360739) International Journal of Sexual Health, highlight the significant role that mindfulness plays in this relationship.
Unlike their heterosexual counterparts, gay men often encounter a variety of social and psychological adversities, including suppression, prejudice, and rejection due to their sexual orientation. These negative experiences can lead to heightened levels of internalized negativity and mental distress, manifesting as stress, anxiety, and depression. The researchers aimed to identify protective factors that could help gay men navigate and mitigate these adversities, thereby improving their mental health outcomes.
One concept that has been extensively studied in relation to mental health is masculinity. Previous research has indicated that masculinity can play a crucial role in mental health by helping to maintain gender conformity. For gay men, adhering to traditional masculine norms can sometimes shield them from the adverse effects of societal prejudice and rejection.
However, the specific mechanisms through which masculinity influences mental health, particularly in gay men, had not been thoroughly explored. This gap in knowledge prompted the researchers to investigate whether mindfulness, a trait known to enhance psychological well-being, could serve as a mediator in this relationship.
Mindfulness, which involves attending to the present moment non-judgmentally and purposefully, has been shown to offer protective benefits for mental health. It can help individuals manage negative emotions and stress more effectively. Given the documented benefits of mindfulness-based interventions and practices, the researchers hypothesized that trait mindfulness might play a mediating role between masculinity and mental distress among gay men.
To investigate the relationship between masculinity, mindfulness, and mental distress among gay men, the researchers conducted a study involving 237 Chinese gay men recruited through various social media platforms. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire hosted on the WENJUANXING platform. After excluding invalid responses, data from 210 participants were analyzed. These participants ranged in age from under 18 to over 50, and came from more than 50 cities.
The researchers found that masculinity was positively correlated with overall mindfulness and negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression. This suggests that more masculine gay men tend to be more mindful and experience lower levels of mental distress.
Importantly, the researchers found that mindfulness mediated the relationship between masculinity and mental distress. This means that the more masculine gay men were, the more mindful they tended to be, which in turn reduced their levels of mental distress.
Further analysis of the sub-dimensions of mindfulness revealed that two specific components, “describing” and “acting with awareness,” had significant mediation effects. These findings indicate that the ability to articulate one’s feelings and to remain focused on the present moment are crucial in reducing mental distress for more masculine gay men.
Additionally, the study established a significant correlation between being analytical (a key component of masculinity) and the ability to describe one’s feelings (a key component of mindfulness). This correlation suggests that more analytical gay men are better at articulating their internal experiences, which may help them cope better with negative emotions.
Interestingly, the study also found that the sub-dimension of non-reactivity, which measures a non-judgmental response to inner experiences, was positively correlated with mental distress. This suggests that higher non-reactivity might not always be beneficial for mental health in this context and highlights the complexity of how different facets of mindfulness interact with mental health.
The study provides insight into the relationships between masculinity, mindfulness, and mental distress among gay men. However, there are some limitations to consider. It only included Chinese gay men, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other cultural contexts. Additionally, the study’s cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causality. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies and a more diverse sample to enhance the understanding of these relationships across different cultures and over time.
The study, “(https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19317611.2024.2360739) How Does Masculinity Play a Protective Role for Gay Men? The Mediation Effect of Mindfulness Between Gender Role and Mental Distress,” was authored by Haoqian Li, Yangyang Yang, Yiwen Li, and Yimeng Zeng.

(https://www.psypost.org/mitochondrial-dysfunction-linked-to-early-aging-in-children-of-alcohol-abusing-parents/) Mitochondrial dysfunction linked to early aging in children of alcohol-abusing parents
Aug 9th 2024, 16:00

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders are at an increased risk of early aging and related health problems, a recent study from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has found. The research reveals that parents who abuse alcohol can pass on symptoms of early aging to their offspring, such as high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia, which can manifest in their children’s forties. THe findings have been published in the journal (http://dx.doi.org/10.14336/AD.2024.0722) Aging and Disease.
The study, led by Michael Golding, a professor in VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, aimed to explore the causes behind the early aging and disease susceptibility in children of alcohol-abusing parents. Scientists had long observed that children from these environments were more prone to sickness and had behavioral problems, but the underlying reasons remained unclear.
Golding and his team discovered that the dysfunction in mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells, was a key factor. This mitochondrial dysfunction, inherited from parents with alcohol use disorders, leads to early signs of age-related diseases in the offspring. The study’s findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial health and suggest that improving it through exercise and increased intake of certain vitamins could potentially delay these inherited dysfunctions.
The researchers utilized a mouse model to simulate the effects of parental alcohol use on offspring. Male and female mice were exposed to either a control treatment (water) or a 10% ethanol solution to mimic alcohol consumption. The exposure began when the mice reached adulthood and continued for several weeks. Females were exposed to alcohol both before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy.
The researchers then compared the offspring from different groups: control (no alcohol exposure), maternal exposure (only mothers drank alcohol), paternal exposure (only fathers drank alcohol), and dual exposure (both parents drank alcohol).
Males were exposed to alcohol for six weeks, corresponding to one full spermatogenic cycle, to ensure that any potential epigenetic changes in their sperm would be present during mating. Females were exposed to alcohol starting ten days before breeding and continuing until gestational day ten, at which point all treatments were ceased.
The offspring were then monitored for various markers of aging and mitochondrial function at different stages of their lives, culminating in a detailed analysis at 300 days old (equivalent to middle age in mice).
The researchers discovered evidence that parental alcohol consumption leads to early aging and mitochondrial dysfunction in their offspring. One of the most striking findings was the increase in cellular senescence in the brains and livers of the offspring. Cellular senescence is a state where cells cease to divide and accumulate damage, contributing to aging and age-related diseases. The study found elevated levels of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and increased expression of genes like p21 and p16Ink4a in the brains of the offspring, indicating accelerated aging.
“Senescence is a key marker of aging, especially in the brain, where it leads to cognitive dysfunction and memory problems,” Golding said. “Scientists have known for a long time that heavy alcohol use can cause early onset of senescence in adults.”
In the liver, male offspring showed significant markers of early liver disease, such as increased fat accumulation and fibrosis. These effects were most pronounced in offspring from the dual exposure group, where both parents had consumed alcohol, suggesting an additive effect of maternal and paternal alcohol use. Additionally, the offspring exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers and signs of liver damage, such as increased alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, even though they had never consumed alcohol themselves.
“We also see fat increase in the liver, which creates scar tissue,” Golding said. “It’s especially common in male offspring. In fact, if both parents have an issue with alcohol abuse, it can have a compounded effect on male offspring, making them even more likely to get liver disease.”
Furthermore, the study highlighted mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in the early aging process observed in these offspring. Mitochondrial health was assessed by examining the ratio of long to short isoforms of OPA1, a protein involved in mitochondrial dynamics. The offspring of alcohol-exposed parents, particularly those from the dual exposure group, showed a shift towards the short isoform of OPA1, indicating mitochondrial stress. This mitochondrial dysfunction was accompanied by a decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio and reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins, which are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing oxidative stress.
“Now we know that they’re inheriting dysfunction in their mitochondria as a result of their parents’ substance abuse,” Golding said. “The dysfunction causes these individuals to show early signs of age-related disease when they’re still considered young.”
The study’s findings suggest that parental alcohol use can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on the health and aging of their offspring. The results emphasize the importance of considering both maternal and paternal health before conception.
“Parental health pre-conception — both parents’ overall health before pregnancy — is critical for the health of offspring,” he explained. “The more you can do as a prospective parent to get into a healthy mindset and a healthy lifestyle, the more significant effects you’ll have on the health of your kid both right at birth and even into their 20s and 40s.”
The study, “(https://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2024.0722) Parental Alcohol Exposures Associate with Lasting Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Accelerated Aging in a Mouse Model,” was authored by Alison Basel, Sanat S. Bhadsavle, Katherine Z. Scaturro, Grace K. Parkey, Matthew N. Gaytan, Jai J. Patel, Kara N. Thomas, and Michael C. Golding.

(https://www.psypost.org/problematic-pornography-use-linked-to-negative-body-image-in-men/) Problematic pornography use linked to negative body image in men
Aug 9th 2024, 14:00

A recent study sheds light on how problematic pornography use may contribute to negative body image through the mechanism of social comparison. The study, published in the (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02887-5) Archives of Sexual Behavior, reveals that men who experience difficulties controlling their pornography consumption are more likely to engage in social comparisons with the idealized male bodies they see, which in turn can lead to dissatisfaction with their own bodies.
While the impact of social media on body image has been extensively researched, particularly in women, the effects of pornography on men’s body image have received far less attention. This study was designed to fill that gap, exploring how pornography use relates to men’s perceptions of their bodies.
The researchers aimed to investigate whether problematic pornography use—characterized by an inability to control consumption despite negative consequences—could lead to increased social comparison and, subsequently, to a more negative body image. Given the pervasiveness of pornography and the often unrealistic body standards it portrays, the study sought to determine whether these effects are more pronounced among men who find their pornography use problematic.
The study involved 726 men aged 18 to 68, with an average age of 32.5 years. The sample was diverse, including a significant proportion of sexual minority men—about one-third of the participants identified as gay, bisexual, or another non-heterosexual orientation.
Participants were asked to complete a series of questionnaires measuring various aspects of their pornography use, body image, and social comparison tendencies. The frequency of pornography use was assessed by asking how often they had viewed pornography in the past six months, with responses ranging from “never” to “almost every day.” Problematic pornography use was measured using the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale, which gauges the degree of distress and life interference caused by pornography consumption.
Body image was evaluated using the Male Body Attitudes Scale, a tool that measures men’s satisfaction with various aspects of their bodies. Social comparison was assessed using a scale that asks how often participants compare their appearance to others they perceive as more attractive. The researchers also measured perceived realism of pornography, asking participants to what extent they believe the bodies they see in pornography are representative of real life.
The frequency of pornography use alone was not significantly related to either social comparison or body image dissatisfaction. In other words, just watching a lot of pornography did not necessarily make men feel worse about their bodies.
However, for those who reported problematic pornography use, the picture was different. Men who struggled to control their pornography consumption were more likely to engage in upward social comparisons, meaning they compared themselves to others they perceived as better looking. These comparisons, in turn, were strongly associated with negative body image.
The findings suggest that men who had difficulty managing their pornography use tended to feel worse about their own bodies because they compared themselves unfavorably to the idealized images they saw on screen.
The study also revealed important differences between heterosexual and sexual minority men. Sexual minority men reported higher levels of problematic pornography use, more frequent social comparisons, and greater body dissatisfaction than their heterosexual counterparts. Although the mechanism — problematic pornography use leading to social comparison, which then affects body image — was consistent across both groups, the impact appeared to be more pronounced among sexual minority men. This finding aligns with other research suggesting that sexual minority men face additional pressures regarding body image, possibly due to internalized societal standards or stigma within their communities.
A key limitation to consider is the cross-sectional design of the study, which means that the data was collected at a single point in time. This design prevents the researchers from drawing definitive conclusions about cause and effect.
For example, while problematic pornography use was associated with negative body image, it is unclear whether the pornography use led to the body dissatisfaction, or whether men who were already dissatisfied with their bodies were more likely to develop problematic pornography habits. Longitudinal or experimental studies, which track participants over time or manipulate variables to observe causal effects, would be needed to clarify these relationships.
Additionally, the study’s measures of body image dissatisfaction did not include specific questions about distortions commonly portrayed in pornography, such as those related to penis size. Future research could benefit from more detailed measures that capture these specific concerns.
“This study provides support for the associations of problematic pornography use, and body image, via social body comparison with and without controlling for psychological distress,” the researchers concluded. “Some differences were found between heterosexual and sexual minority men, with sexual minority men reporting significantly higher levels of pornography use frequency, problematic pornography use, perceived realism in pornography, social body comparison, negative body image, and more psychological distress than did heterosexual men.”
“Among heterosexual and sexual minority men, problematic pornography use was positively related to social body comparison, which, in turn, was positively related to negative body image. Body image and social body comparison should be addressed in therapy for problematic pornography use, and differences between heterosexual men and sexual minority men should be taken into account.”
The study, “(https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-024-02887-5) The Associations of Pornography Use and Body Image Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Men,” was authored by Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, Beáta Bőthe, and Zohar Spivak-Lavi.

(https://www.psypost.org/listening-to-music-could-enhance-some-aspects-of-ketamine-therapy-for-depression/) Listening to music could enhance some aspects of ketamine therapy for depression
Aug 9th 2024, 12:00

A study conducted in Switzerland on individuals with treatment-resistant depression suggests that these patients might better tolerate intranasal esketamine or racemic ketamine therapy when they listen to music during treatment. The study found that patients who listened to music experienced lower anxiety and slightly reduced blood pressure. The research was published in (https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1327598) Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems, impairing one’s ability to function in daily life. Depression is typically treated with a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. However, a significant percentage of individuals with depression do not experience symptom relief with these treatments.
When an individual does not respond adequately to standard antidepressant treatments after trying at least two different medications, they are considered to have treatment-resistant depression. Researchers are actively exploring new treatment options for this challenging condition, and one promising option is ketamine, particularly its S(+) molecular configuration variant, known as esketamine.
Esketamine is primarily used for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects in treating treatment-resistant depression. It is usually administered as a nasal spray. However, the effective dose can vary widely among individuals. While some patients experience a reduction in depressive symptoms with relatively small doses, others require much higher doses. Another similar but less expensive medication is racemic ketamine, which contains two molecular variants of ketamine: esketamine (S(+) ketamine) and R(+) ketamine. The authors of this study used the term (es)ketamine to refer to both types of medication.
Study author Johannes Hauser and his colleagues note that patients receiving (es)ketamine nasal spray therapy sometimes report side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, headache, dissociation (a disruption or discontinuity in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body representation, motor control, and behavior), anxiety, restlessness, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. The researchers sought to determine whether these side effects might be less severe if patients listened to music during treatment.
The researchers collected data from 494 sessions of (es)ketamine nasal spray administration involving 37 patients with depression in Basel, Switzerland. During each session, patients received up to four administrations of (es)ketamine spray, with a five-minute interval between each. In some sessions, patients listened to music, while in others they did not. Patients could choose to listen to their own music using headphones if they wished. The average age of the participants was 47 years, and 65% were female.
Before starting the therapy, patients completed an assessment of depression (BDI-II) and had their blood pressure measured. After receiving (es)ketamine, participants underwent multiple blood pressure measurements over an 80-minute period, completed an assessment of dissociative symptoms (DSS-IV), and a physician rated their depressive symptoms using the clinician-rated Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.
Results showed that patients listened to music during 52% of sessions, with 46% of patients listening to music in more than half of their sessions. The music was most often instrumental and relaxing. Patients who listened to music received slightly higher doses of the medication, which the study authors interpreted as better tolerance for higher doses. These individuals also had slightly lower blood pressure after medication administration (137.9 mmHg vs. 140.3 mmHg), lower anxiety scores, and lower scores on one item from the dissociative symptoms assessment.
“Listening to music during intranasal (es)ketamine therapy appears to be linked to reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure, stable or increased dissociation levels, and improved tolerance for higher doses. These findings could potentially contribute to the optimization of (es)ketamine therapy, both in terms of treatment efficacy and managing side effects,” the study authors concluded.
While the study provides some insight into the relationship between listening to music and the experience of (es)ketamine nasal administration, it is important to note that patients decided for themselves whether to listen to music. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the observed differences were directly caused by the music, if individuals with certain characteristics were more likely to listen to music, or if patients chose to listen to music when they were less anxious.
The paper ,“(https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1327598) Listening to music during intranasal (es)ketamine therapy in patients with treatment-resistant depression correlates with better tolerability and reduced anxiety,” was authored by Johannes Hauser, Jan Sarlon, Timur Liwinski, Annette B. Brühl, and Undine E. Lang.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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