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(https://www.psypost.org/ai-assisted-venting-can-boost-psychological-well-being-study-suggests/) AI-assisted venting can boost psychological well-being, study suggests
Nov 20th 2024, 08:00

As artificial intelligence becomes more intertwined with everyday life, researchers are exploring its potential to support mental health. A study published in (https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12621) Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being found that venting to an AI chatbot reduces high-intensity negative emotions like anger and frustration. However, it does not foster a sense of social support or reduce loneliness, highlighting both the promise and limits of this technology.
AI chatbots are advanced software programs designed to engage in natural, human-like conversations. Powered by sophisticated language models, these systems analyze user inputs, understand context, and generate meaningful responses. Over the years,technological improvements have enhanced chatbots’ ability to mimic human interaction.
The rationale behind the new study was to explore how effectively AI chatbots could replicate the psychological benefits of traditional venting methods like journaling or talking to a confidant. While venting has been shown to help individuals process emotions, its effectiveness often hinges on receiving validation or constructive feedback—elements human interactions typically provide.
“I have always found that talking about your frustrations with someone who listens and validates your feelings to be very comforting. However, with the increasing prevalence of loneliness across age groups, many individuals may lack access to a trusted, non-judgemental person to talk to,” said study author Meilan Hu, a psychology PhD candidate at Singapore Management University.
“Simultaneously, AI chatbots have become more advanced such that they are capable of providing human-like responses. This made me wonder, if they could serve as an alternative option for individuals to help process their emotions. After all, having an additional ‘support system’ that is available anytime and anywhere could be useful. Hence, this study served as an opportunity to explore whether AI chatbots could be a practical and effective way to reduce negative affect and improve emotional well-being.”
To compare the effectiveness of AI-assisted venting and traditional journaling, researchers recruited 150 university students in Singapore. The study employed a within-subject design, meaning all participants experienced both conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to either the AI-assisted venting or traditional journaling condition during the first session, with the conditions reversed in the second session after a one-week interval to avoid carryover effects.
In the traditional venting condition, participants were asked to write about a recent significant irritation or inconvenience in a Word document for 10 minutes. In the AI-assisted venting condition, participants described their negative experiences to an AI chatbot, designed to simulate a dynamic and empathetic conversation. Participants were instructed to interact with the chatbot as if texting a friend, engaging in back-and-forth dialogue.
After completing the venting activity in each session, participants filled out surveys assessing negative emotions, perceived stress, feelings of loneliness, and perceived social support. Attention checks were embedded in the surveys to ensure the reliability of responses.
The study found that venting to the AI chatbot reduced high and medium arousal negative emotions compared to traditional journaling. Participants reported feeling less anger and frustration after interacting with the chatbot. The researchers attributed this to the chatbot’s ability to provide real-time, personalized responses, which may have helped participants feel validated and encouraged open expression of emotions.
“Should you ever find yourself in need of a listening ear, AI chatbots may serve as a viable option,” Hu told PsyPost. “While they may not be able to replace the depth of connection you receive from human interactions, our findings still show that venting to a AI chatbots may effectively alleviate feelings like anger or fear. This makes AI chatbots a valuable tool for providing temporary emotional relief, especially in moments when you just need someone (or something) to talk to.”
However, the study revealed no significant difference between AI-assisted venting and traditional journaling in reducing low-arousal negative emotions, such as sadness. This could be because participants tended to recall high-intensity emotional experiences during the venting process, leaving low-arousal emotions less impacted.
While the AI-assisted venting was effective in managing negative emotions, it did not lead to improvements in perceived social support or reductions in loneliness. Participants likely recognized that the AI chatbot, despite its conversational abilities, was not a real person. This awareness may have diminished the sense of connection typically associated with social support from human interaction.
“I was rather surprised to find that AI chatbots did not significantly increase users’ perceived social support or decrease their feelings of loneliness,” Hu said. “This might be because users were ultimately aware that they were interacting with an inanimate entity, which may have limited their sense of emotional connection. This highlights a potential area for future research, to seek ways to make these interactions more genuine and meaningful.”
The study highlights the promising role of AI-assisted venting in reducing certain types of negative emotions. However Hu noted that “the long-term benefits of AI-assisted venting remain unexplored due to the study’s short time frame. Future research should explore whether the benefits of AI-assisted venting will endure over time. That said, our findings still offer a meaningful first step in understanding how AI chatbots may be serve as a valuable tool for individuals in improving their overall emotional well-being.”
Future research could address these limitations by incorporating more diverse samples, longer interaction periods, and comparisons between AI and human support. Exploring how AI chatbots can engage in other emotional processes, such as fostering gratitude or promoting self-compassion, could also provide a more comprehensive understanding of their potential benefits.
“I would like to explore how AI chatbots can support people in other aspects of their lives, such as fostering gratitude or encouraging self-compassion,” Hu said. “Furthermore, with AI chatbots being used for more personal interactions – e.g. a virtual companion or even a romantic partner – I would want to understand the broader implications of such relationships.”
“As AI become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, I believe it is crucial to understand how these tools can be responsibly used and designed in order to maximise their benefits while minimising its potential negative impacts.”
“As AI becomes more advanced and widespread, I believe it is crucial to prioritise research that explores its implications,” Hu explained. “This may help us better understand how to use AI responsibly and design it in a way that benefits users. By doing so, we can be better prepared for a future where AI may continue to play an even bigger role in our lives.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12621) AI as your ally: The effects of AI-assisted venting on negative affect and perceived social support,” was authored by Meilan Hu, Xavier Cheng Wee Chua, Shu Fen Diong, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Nadyanna M. Majeed, and Andree Hartanto.

(https://www.psypost.org/bright-light-therapy-accelerates-treatment-response-in-nonseasonal-depression/) Bright light therapy accelerates treatment response in nonseasonal depression
Nov 20th 2024, 06:00

Bright light therapy has shown significant promise in improving remission and response rates among patients with nonseasonal depressive disorders, according to a new meta-analysis published in (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.2871) JAMA Psychiatry. The analysis found that adding bright light therapy to standard treatment resulted in better outcomes compared to standard treatment alone. Importantly, the findings suggest that bright light therapy not only improves long-term outcomes but may also accelerate the initial response to treatment.
Depression, clinically referred to as major depressive disorder, is a common and severe mental health condition that profoundly impacts how a person feels, thinks, and functions in daily life. It is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Depression affects millions globally and can lead to significant emotional, physical, and social impairments. While various treatments exist, including therapy and medication, many individuals do not experience sufficient relief from first-line treatments.
One specific subtype of depression is seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder. This condition is closely tied to changes in seasons, with symptoms typically emerging during fall or winter when daylight hours are reduced. Seasonal depression is thought to stem from disruptions in circadian rhythms and decreased sunlight exposure, which can influence mood-regulating brain chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. Treatment often includes bright light therapy, a non-invasive method that involves exposure to artificial light designed to simulate natural sunlight.
Bright light therapy works by exposing individuals to controlled amounts of intense artificial light, helping regulate the body’s internal clock and improve mood. A typical session involves sitting in front of a light box emitting 10,000 lux—a measure of light intensity—for 30 to 60 minutes each morning. This approach mimics the effects of natural sunlight, helping to stabilize mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.
Despite its success in treating seasonal depression, the effectiveness of bright light therapy for nonseasonal depression remains less well-established. While some studies suggest it may improve symptoms in general depressive disorders, inconsistencies in findings and small sample sizes have left researchers uncertain about its broader applicability.
To address these uncertainties, researchers conducted a meta-analysis to combine data from multiple studies, providing a more comprehensive and statistically robust evaluation of bright light therapy’s effectiveness for nonseasonal depression. By pooling results from diverse trials, they aimed to clarify its benefits, identify patterns in treatment response, and offer stronger evidence to guide clinical practice.
“Seasonal affective disorder lamps have long been used as a treatment option for such conditions,” said study author Artur Menegaz de Almeida, a fourth-year medical student at the Federal University of Mato Grosso. “However, despite several methodologically sound clinical trials on the subject, no robust meta-analysis has been published to support a formal recommendation for the use of bright light therapy in major depressive disorder, which is significantly more prevalent and critical than seasonal affective disorder. This gap triggered my interest in this topic.”
The researchers analyzed data from 11 randomized controlled trials involving 858 patients, a substantial sample size compared to previous studies. These trials compared the outcomes of patients receiving bright light therapy alongside standard treatments—such as antidepressants—with those receiving standard treatments alone or placebo interventions, such as exposure to dim red light.
The intervention typically involved exposure to a fluorescent light box emitting 10,000 lux of white light for 30 to 60 minutes daily. In some cases, lower light intensities, such as 5,000 lux, were used. All studies included in the meta-analysis assessed remission and response rates as primary outcomes, while secondary outcomes included changes in depression severity measured by scales like the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Researchers also performed subgroup analyses to explore whether follow-up duration influenced the therapy’s effectiveness.
The analysis found that bright light therapy improved both remission and response rates in patients with nonseasonal depression. Among participants receiving bright light therapy, the remission rate—defined as the complete alleviation of depressive symptoms—was 40.7%, compared to just 23.5% in control groups.
Similarly, the response rate, which measures a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms, was 60.4% in the bright light therapy group versus 38.6% in controls. These results suggest that bright light therapy offers substantial benefits when added to standard treatments.
“Readers should understand that adjunctive treatment with bright light can enhance the response to pharmacological therapy and contribute to symptom remission,” Menegaz de Almeida told PsyPost. “Bright light therapy lamps are beneficial not only for winter depression but also for non-seasonal depression. The first step for readers should be to consult their doctors for guidance.”
Subgroup analyses provided additional insights into the timing of these improvements. Patients treated with bright light therapy showed faster symptom relief within the first four weeks of treatment. In studies with shorter follow-up periods, remission rates were 27.4% in the bright light therapy group, compared to 9.2% in controls.
This early response was sustained and even amplified in studies with longer follow-up periods, where remission rates rose to 46.6% for bright light therapy compared to 29.1% for controls. These findings suggest that bright light therapy not only enhances long-term outcomes but may also accelerate the initial response to treatment.
“The following finding was surprising: through a subgroup analysis, we found that bright light therapy was similarly effective when administered for 1 week and 6 weeks, suggesting that its effects may emerge rapidly,” Menegaz de Almeida said.
To ensure the reliability of their findings, the researchers used stringent selection criteria and excluded studies that lacked control groups, were not published in English, or did not report sufficient data on relevant outcomes. But as with all research, there are some limitations to consider. For instance, not all trials included detailed information on the severity of depressive symptoms, which may have introduced variability in the outcomes.
Most studies focused on outpatient settings, and one outlier trial involving adolescents with severe depression in an inpatient setting showed less clear benefits. High rates of participant dropout in some trials, particularly among inpatient populations, may also limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study highlights the need for further research to address unanswered questions about bright light therapy’s effectiveness. Future trials could explore its benefits for specific subtypes of depression, such as bipolar versus unipolar depression, and include larger and more diverse samples. Additionally, studies incorporating imaging techniques may help clarify the underlying mechanisms by which bright light therapy affects mood and brain function.
Longer-term follow-up studies are also needed to determine whether the benefits of bright light therapy are sustained over time and how seasonal variations in natural light exposure might influence outcomes. Finally, exploring the optimal timing, duration, and intensity of bright light therapy could help refine its application as an adjunctive treatment.
“In the future, my main goal is to delve deeper into clinical research in these fields, thus contributing important findings to the body of evidence and advancing medical practice,” Menegaz de Almeida said. “I would like to add that, in my view, the main barrier to the widespread use of bright light therapy for major depressive disorder is the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.”
The study, “(https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2824482) Bright Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” was authored by Artur Menegaz de Almeida, Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes, Maria Eduarda Cavalcanti Souza, Jorge Henrique Cavalcanti Orestes Cardoso, Fernanda Tamashiro, Celso Miranda, Lilianne Fernandes, Michele Kreuz, and Francinny Alves Kelly.

(https://www.psypost.org/how-do-genes-shape-our-brains-study-of-70000-people-reveals-new-links-to-adhd-and-parkinsons/) How do genes shape our brains? Study of 70,000 people reveals new links to ADHD and Parkinson’s
Nov 19th 2024, 16:00

The human brain is a marvel of complexity. It contains specialised and interconnected structures controlling our thoughts, personality and behaviour.
The size and shape of our brains also play a crucial role in cognitive functions and mental health. For example, a slightly smaller hippocampus, the structure responsible for regulation of memory and emotion, is (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3733566/) commonly seen in depression. In dementia, atrophy of the hippocampus (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/) is correlated with memory loss and cognitive decline.
Despite these insights, we have only scratched the surface of understanding the brain and its connection to mental health.
In collaboration with scientists around the world, we have conducted the world’s largest genetic study of the volume of regional structures of the brain. This study is now (http://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01951-z) published in Nature Genetics.
We discovered hundreds of genetic variants that influence the size of structures such as the amygdala (the “processing centre” for emotions), the hippocampus and the thalamus (involved in movement and sensory signals).
We uncovered their potential overlap with genes known to influence the risk of certain developmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.
More than 70,000 brains
To understand how the brain connects to mental health, scientists like ourselves engage in large-scale scientific studies that span the globe.
These studies, which involve thousands of volunteers, are the bedrock of modern biomedical research. They help us discover genes associated with brain size and mental health conditions. In turn, this can improve diagnostic precision and even pave the way for (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/personalised-medicine-and-genetics) personalised medicine, which uses a person’s genetic test results to tailor treatments.
We screened the DNA and closely examined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from more than 70,000 people across 19 countries. We wanted to find out if there are specific genetic variants influencing differences in brain size between individuals.
What we found was stunning. Some of these genes seem to act early in life, and many genes also increase the risk for conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease.
What did we find out?
Brain-related disorders are common, with an estimated 40% of Australians experiencing a mental health disorder in (https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release) their lifetime.
Our genetic findings reveal that larger regional brain volumes (the size of specific parts of the brain) are associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. In comparison, smaller regional brain volumes are statistically linked with a higher risk of ADHD.
These insights suggest that genetic influences on brain size are fundamental to understanding the origins of mental health disorders. And understanding these genetic links is crucial. It shows how our genes can influence brain development and the risk of mental health conditions.
By investigating shared genetic causes, we could one day develop treatments that address multiple conditions simultaneously, providing more effective support for individuals with various conditions. This is especially important in mental health, where it is common for someone to experience more than one disorder at the same time.
Our study also revealed that genetic effects on brain structure are consistent across people from both European and non-European ancestry. This suggests that certain genetic factors have stuck around throughout human evolution.
Bridging the gaps
Our research also lays the groundwork for using genetic data to develop statistical models that predict disease risk based on a person’s genetic profile.
These advancements could lead to population screening, identifying those at higher risk for specific mental health disorders. Early intervention could then help prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.
In the future, our goal is to bridge the gaps between genetics, neuroscience, and medicine. This integration will help scientists answer critical questions about how genetic influences on brain structure affect behaviour and disease outcomes.
Understanding the genetics of brain structure and mental health susceptibility can help us better prevent, diagnose and treat these conditions.
The concept of the “human brain” first appeared in (https://qbi.uq.edu.au/understanding-brain-brief-history) ancient Greece around 335 BCE. The philosopher Aristotle described it as a radiator that prevented the heart from overheating. While we now know Aristotle was wrong, the complexities of the brain and its links to mental health remain largely mysterious even today.
As we continue to unlock the genetic secrets of the brain, we move closer to unravelling these mysteries. This type of research has the potential to transform our understanding and treatment of mental health.
 
This article is republished from (https://theconversation.com) The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the (https://theconversation.com/how-do-genes-shape-the-structures-in-our-brains-we-studied-70-000-people-and-found-new-links-to-adhd-and-parkinsons-231824) original article.

(https://www.psypost.org/assortative-mating-confirmed-couples-align-in-physical-attractiveness/) Assortative mating confirmed: Couples align in physical attractiveness
Nov 19th 2024, 14:00

A recent study published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886924001909) Personality and Individual Differences suggests that people are generally accurate in assessing their own physical attractiveness, and romantic partners often align in terms of attractiveness. By applying advanced statistical methods to reanalyze older data, researchers found that romantic couples tend to match each other in physical attractiveness, supporting the idea that people “date within their league.”
Previous research has shown that people often choose partners with similar levels of attractiveness—a phenomenon known as assortative mating. However, these studies typically relied on simple correlations that could not capture the complex dynamics within couples. Additionally, much of this research used univariate methods, which examine relationships between two variables at a time, overlooking the interconnected influences between self-perceptions, partner perceptions, and third-party evaluations.
One major contribution to this field was Feingold’s 1988 meta-analysis, which synthesized findings on physical attractiveness among romantic couples. Feingold’s work showed that self-reported and third-party-assessed attractiveness were moderately correlated and that couples exhibited significant similarities in their physical appeal. However, this research predated the development of more sophisticated statistical techniques, such as multivariate meta-analysis and dyadic data analysis, which allow for a more nuanced understanding of how variables interact within couples.
The original dataset included 1,295 opposite-sex couples from 27 studies, most of whom were White, from the United States, and predominantly university students. This dataset featured self-reported ratings of participants’ own attractiveness, as well as third-party evaluations of their physical appeal.
The researchers reanalyzed six key correlations reported in the original meta-analysis, focusing on self-reported and third-party-rated attractiveness for both men and women. They examined “actor effects” (how individuals’ self-rated attractiveness aligned with their third-party-rated attractiveness) and “partner effects” (how one partner’s self-rated attractiveness related to their partner’s third-party-rated attractiveness). Additionally, they explored how relationship characteristics, such as duration and commitment level, moderated these effects.
The findings revealed that self-reported ratings of attractiveness positively correlated with third-party evaluations, indicating that people generally have a good sense of how others perceive their physical appeal. This alignment was observed for both men and women, suggesting that accuracy in self-perception is not significantly influenced by gender.
The study also provided robust evidence for assortative mating, confirming the tendency for romantic partners to be similar in physical attractiveness. Couples showed significant alignment in their attractiveness levels, whether measured through self-reports or third-party evaluations. More physically attractive individuals were more likely to have partners who were also rated as attractive by independent observers.
Interestingly, relationship duration emerged as a factor influencing these dynamics. Couples who had been together for longer periods exhibited stronger correlations between self-reported and observed attractiveness. This could mean that as relationships develop, individuals’ self-perceptions become more attuned to external feedback, including their partner’s perspective. Alternatively, longer relationships might reflect a selection process in which couples with similar levels of attractiveness are more likely to stay together, leading to greater alignment over time.
While the study offers compelling insights, several limitations should be acknowledged. First, the data primarily came from White, heterosexual couples in the United States, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations and relationship types. Future studies should include more diverse samples in terms of ethnicity, cultural background, and sexual orientation.
Second, the data were drawn from studies conducted several decades ago, raising questions about whether perceptions of attractiveness and partner selection have shifted with the advent of online dating and social media. These platforms may significantly influence how people evaluate their own and others’ attractiveness.
Finally, while the study demonstrated that couples’ attractiveness tends to align, it did not explore potential consequences of mismatched attractiveness, such as relationship satisfaction or stability. Future research could examine how disparities in attractiveness influence dynamics such as jealousy, partner objectification, or long-term relationship success.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112730) Dyadic secondary meta-analysis: Attractiveness in mixed-sex couples,” was authored by Gregory D. Webster, Zhongchi Li, Soo Yeon Park, Elizabeth A. Mahar, Val Wongsomboon, and Lindsey M. Rodriguez.

(https://www.psypost.org/brain-circuitry-changes-linked-to-therapeutic-success-in-depression-treatment/) Brain circuitry changes linked to therapeutic success in depression treatment
Nov 19th 2024, 12:00

Can therapy rewire the brain? For individuals struggling with both depression and obesity, a new Stanford Medicine study says yes—when the therapy is the right fit. Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy focused on problem-solving reduced depression symptoms in a third of participants and altered their brain activity in ways that could predict longer-term benefits.The findings have been published in (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adh3172) Science Translational Medicine.
Depression affects millions of people worldwide and becomes particularly challenging to treat when paired with obesity, a condition that complicates recovery and worsens outcomes. Previous research has suggested that brain regions associated with cognitive control—areas responsible for regulating emotions and behaviors—might influence how individuals respond to therapy.
This study aimed to determine whether a therapy specifically designed to engage these brain circuits could lead to sustained improvements in depression symptoms, particularly in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The researchers also investigated whether early changes in brain activity could predict long-term therapeutic success, paving the way for more personalized treatment strategies.
The study, conducted between 2015 and 2018, was part of the larger I-CARE trial. It included 108 adults with moderate to severe depression and obesity. Participants were required to meet certain criteria: a body mass index of 30 or higher (27 for Asian participants) and a score of 10 or more on a standard depression questionnaire, indicating moderate or greater severity of depression.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental I-CARE intervention or standard care. The I-CARE program combined structured cognitive behavioral therapy with a focus on problem-solving for depression and a video-based lifestyle intervention to address obesity. This approach included a mix of in-person sessions and self-guided materials aimed at improving both psychological and physical health. The standard care group received routine medical management, including a wireless activity tracker, but did not receive the additional therapeutic components.
To evaluate the interventions, participants underwent functional MRI scans at five intervals over two years. These scans measured activity in the cognitive control circuit—a network of brain regions involved in regulating emotions and behaviors. During each scan, participants completed a Go-NoGo task, a cognitive exercise requiring them to inhibit certain responses. Depression symptoms and problem-solving ability were also assessed at baseline, two months, six months, 12 months, and 24 months using validated questionnaires.
The researchers focused on the first two months of therapy, during which participants concentrated specifically on depression. This period was critical for identifying early neural changes that could predict long-term outcomes. Advanced statistical models were employed to analyze relationships between brain activity changes, problem-solving improvements, and reductions in depression symptoms.
Approximately one-third of participants in the I-CARE group experienced significant reductions in depression symptoms. These improvements, along with gains in problem-solving ability, were sustained over two years, highlighting the potential for lasting benefits from tailored cognitive behavioral therapy. 
Participants in the I-CARE group exhibited reductions in activity within the cognitive control circuit, particularly in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes. These changes were associated with improved problem-solving skills. Interestingly, this neural adaptation appeared to reflect greater efficiency in how the brain processed cognitive tasks, suggesting that therapy helped participants manage mental resources more effectively.
Changes in brain activity observed after just two months of therapy predicted longer-term benefits. Participants who showed early neural adaptations were more likely to experience sustained improvements in problem-solving ability and reductions in depression symptoms over the 24-month study period.
Despite these promising findings, the study had several limitations. The sample consisted primarily of college-educated, non-Hispanic white women, limiting the generalizability of the results to more diverse populations. Additionally, while the study focused on cognitive control, depression is a heterogeneous condition involving diverse symptoms and brain mechanisms. Future research could explore whether similar approaches might benefit other subtypes of depression.
Attrition was another challenge, with fewer participants completing assessments at later time points. This natural drop-off restricts the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the stability of long-term effects. Furthermore, while the Go-NoGo task effectively engaged cognitive control, it addressed only a specific type of mental processing. Future studies should consider a broader range of cognitive and emotional functions affected by therapy.
Despite these limitations, the findings represent a significant step toward tailoring treatments for individuals. Future studies could expand to more diverse populations and investigate how other therapies or combinations of interventions influence brain activity. Ultimately, integrating brain imaging into clinical practice could help match patients with therapies most likely to benefit them, advancing precision psychiatry.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adh3172) Adaptive cognitive control circuit changes associated with problem-solving ability and depression symptom outcomes over 24 months,” was authored by Xue Zhang, Adam Pines, Patrick Stetz, Andrea N. Goldstein-Piekarski, Lan Xiao, Nan Lv, Leonardo Tozzi, Philip W. Lavori, Mark B. Snowden, Elizabeth M. Venditti, Joshua M. Smyth, Trisha Suppes, Olusola Ajilore, Jun Ma, and Leanne M. Williams.

(https://www.psypost.org/mindful-gratitude-practices-reduce-prejudice-studies-find/) Mindful-gratitude practices reduce prejudice, studies find
Nov 19th 2024, 10:00

Recent research in Poland found that a six-week mobile app-supported training in mindful-gratitude practice decreased prejudice (anti-Semitism, sexism, homophobia, anti-immigrant sentiments) and its link with collective narcissism. A single 10-minute session of mindful-gratitude practice did not produce this effect. The research was published in (https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976231220902) Psychological Science.
Collective narcissism is a form of narcissism in which individuals hold an inflated belief in the superiority and exceptionalism of their own social group, whether defined by nationality, ethnicity, religion, or another shared identity. They also believe that the greatness of their group is insufficiently recognized by others. Unlike personal narcissism, which focuses on individual self-importance, collective narcissism centers on group identity and seeks validation and admiration from outsiders for the group as a whole.
This exaggerated sense of group importance, characteristic of collective narcissism, tends to lead to hypersensitivity to perceived threats or criticism against the group. In this way, it fuels defensive and antagonistic behaviors. Studies have found a strong link between collective narcissism and prejudice. In other words, people with high levels of collective narcissism are more likely to display hostility, distrust, and prejudice toward other groups, particularly those they perceive as challenging or undermining their own group.
Study author Agnieszka Golec de Zavala sought to explore whether mindful-gratitude practice can reduce prejudice, particularly in individuals with high levels of collective narcissism. Mindful-gratitude practices involve intentionally focusing on and appreciating the positive aspects of life in the present moment, enhancing emotional well-being and fostering a greater sense of contentment and resilience. The research team conducted two studies.
Study 1 was a pilot experiment in which the researchers compared the effects of mindful-gratitude practice and mindful-attention practice on reducing prejudice, using a control condition for comparison. The study included 569 Polish adults, aged 18 to 76 years, of whom 313 were women.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: mindful-attention practice (10 minutes of directing attention to physical sensations in the body, moving gradually from feet to head), mindful-gratitude practice (similar to mindful-attention but with the additional instruction to express gratitude towards each body part), or a control condition where participants listened to a description of human anatomy from a high school textbook. After the procedure, participants completed assessments of collective narcissism (using the five-item Collective Narcissism Scale) and anti-Semitism (five items previously used in research). Before starting the study, participants also completed assessments of collective narcissism, individual narcissism, in-group identification, and trait mindfulness.
Study 2 included 219 Polish adults recruited via social media and university mailing lists. The participants’ average age was 27 years, ranging from 18 to 62, and 168 were women. At the start of the study, participants provided demographic information, reported their experience with mindfulness and meditation, and completed assessments of collective narcissism, sexism (using the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory), homophobia (three items), anti-immigrant sentiment toward Ukrainians (e.g., “Poland should increase help to Ukrainian immigrants”), and intergroup threat (e.g., “Ukrainian immigrants violate trust”).
Participants were then divided into three groups and instructed to install a mobile app to deliver the intervention. The mindful-gratitude group was instructed to use the app for daily practice over six weeks, dedicating 30 minutes each morning in a quiet, undisturbed space. The second group practiced mindful-attention, while the third group served as a waitlist control group and did not receive any intervention.
Results from the first study showed that neither mindful-gratitude nor mindful-attention practices reduced anti-Semitism across participants. However, mindful-gratitude practice did weaken the association between collective narcissism and anti-Semitism.
Results from the second study demonstrated that mindful-gratitude practice significantly reduced prejudice (all assessed forms collectively) after six weeks of training. Additionally, while the link between collective narcissism and prejudice was positive or near zero in the control group, it became negative in the group that practiced mindful-gratitude.
“Prejudice does not appear to subside and may increase. A timely issue is how to reduce it among individuals who are highly prejudiced. We found a way: through mobile-app supported mindful-gratitude practice. In two studies, this practice attenuated prejudice (anti-Semitism, sexism, homophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment) among collective narcissists,” the study authors concluded.
The study sheds light on the effects of mindful-gratitude practice on prejudice. However, it is worth noting that participants in the second study were volunteers who self-selected for a mindfulness intervention. It remains to be seen whether similar results would occur among individuals less inclined to engage in such an intervention.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976231220902) Mindful-Gratitude Practice Reduces Prejudice at High Levels of Collective Narcissism,” was authored by Agnieszka Golec de Zavala, Oliver Keenan, Matthias Ziegler, Magdalena Mazurkiewicz, Maria Nalberczak-Skóra, Pawel Ciesielski, Julia E. Wahl, and Constantine Sedikides.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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