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(https://www.psypost.org/first-of-its-kind-study-shows-gun-free-zones-reduce-likelihood-of-mass-shootings/) First-of-its-kind study shows gun-free zones reduce likelihood of mass shootings
Oct 2nd 2024, 10:00

A new study challenges the belief that gun-free zones attract active shooters. In the first quantitative study of its kind, published in (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(24)00164-9/fulltext) The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, researchers found that gun-free zones may actually reduce the likelihood of mass shootings. According to their findings, gun-free zones do not make establishments more vulnerable to shootings. Instead, they appear to have a preventative effect.
In recent years, mass shootings have been a distressing and recurring issue in the United States. This has sparked heated debates around gun laws and safety, with gun-free zones frequently caught in the crossfire. Gun-free zones are areas where individuals are prohibited from carrying firearms, such as schools, malls, and certain businesses. Critics argue that these zones create “soft targets” for shooters because they prevent people from defending themselves with firearms.
Despite the prominence of this argument, no quantitative studies had previously examined whether gun-free zones truly increase the risk of mass shootings. In fact, a comprehensive literature review found no empirical evidence either supporting or refuting these claims. This gap in research motivated the UC Davis team to conduct their study.
“Whenever there was popular press around a different topic related to gun violence prevention, one of the more prominent responses by gun-rights activists, often right in the comments, was to look into gun-free zones. They believe that gun-free zones were proof that places without guns were less safe. I decided to look into that to see if it was true,” said study author Paul M. Reeping, a postdoctoral fellow at the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis.
The research team conducted a case-control study, focusing on active shootings that occurred in the United States between 2014 and 2020. Active shootings, as defined in this study, refer to incidents where one or more individuals intentionally shoot at bystanders in public spaces. The study excluded shootings in schools because all schools are federally mandated gun-free zones, which would skew the comparison.
To compare gun-free zones and gun-allowing zones, the researchers created two groups of establishments: 150 locations where active shootings had occurred (the case group) and another 150 locations where no shootings had taken place (the control group). The case group was drawn from active shooting databases maintained by agencies like the FBI and the NYPD, while the control group was randomly selected from a database of U.S. businesses. Both groups were carefully matched by factors such as location, type of establishment, and year to ensure a fair comparison.
The next step involved determining whether each establishment was a gun-free zone at the time of the shooting or its equivalent timeframe in the control group. The researchers used several methods to ascertain this, including reviewing local policies, business websites, news reports, and even contacting the establishments directly.
Finally, the team analyzed the data using statistical methods to determine the odds of an active shooting occurring in a gun-free zone versus a gun-allowing zone. By pairing cases and controls, the researchers accounted for important factors like establishment type and county-level variables that might influence the likelihood of a shooting.
The study’s most striking finding was that gun-free zones were less likely to experience an active shooting than gun-allowing zones. Of the 150 shootings examined, 48% took place in gun-free zones, while 61.3% of the control locations (where shootings did not occur) were gun-free. This indicates that gun-free zones are not disproportionately targeted by shooters.
In fact, establishments that prohibited firearms were found to be 62.5% less likely to have an active shooting incident compared to places where guns were allowed. This association remained strong even after adjusting for potential confounding factors, such as the distance of the establishment to the nearest police station.
“I wasn’t expecting to find a protective effect because the sample size is small and gun-free zone enforcement can be widely variable,” Reeping told PsyPost. “Nevertheless, even with these limitations, a protective effect was still found.”
Contrary to claims that shooters deliberately target gun-free zones, the findings suggest that these areas may actually be safer from mass shootings. This could have significant implications for public policy, particularly in light of recent legal challenges to gun-free zones. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen made it more difficult to impose restrictions on carrying firearms in public, but gun-free zones remain a notable exception.
“Gun-free zones, on average, do not attract active shootings,” Reeping said. “In fact, they may be protective against active shootings. This is in line with most research that finds that more guns result in more gun crimes.”
While the findings are robust, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. Notably, the study did not include schools, despite them being frequent subjects of gun-free zone debates. Schools were excluded because they are universally gun-free by law, making it impossible to compare them to similar establishments where guns are allowed. This exclusion means the study’s findings do not apply to schools, which are often a key focus in debates about gun-free zones.
The researchers also emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these findings and explore the nuances of gun-free zone effectiveness. More research is needed to understand how other factors, like the type of gun-free zone (e.g., whether it’s a government-mandated zone or a privately imposed one) and the local context (such as neighborhood crime rates and gun ownership levels), might influence the relationship between gun-free zones and shootings.
“This is the first-ever study on gun-free zones and active shootings,” Reeping noted. “More studies are needed in order to confirm these results. I hope to publish several studies on gun-free zones. See another article related (on gun-free school zones and crimes committed with a firearm) here: (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37964181/) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37964181/.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2024.100837) Gun-free zones and active shootings in the United States: a matched case-control study,” was authored by Paul M. Reeping, Christopher N. Morrison, Ariana N. Gobaud, Sonali Rajan, Douglas J. Wiebe, and Charles C. Branas.

(https://www.psypost.org/dealing-with-election-anxiety-a-psychiatrist-explains-how-to-channel-your-fears-and-break-out-of-tribal-thinking/) Dealing with election anxiety? A psychiatrist explains how to channel your fears and break out of tribal thinking
Oct 2nd 2024, 08:00

Instead of excitement about the upcoming election, many of my patients and friends – regardless of political affiliation – report they’re terrified at the thought of the “other side” winning. Democrats tell me they fear Donald Trump will end our democracy; Republicans are afraid Kamala Harris will turn the United States into a socialist society without family values.
Watching the news leaves people from both parties exhausted, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/08/politics-emotions-angry-exhausted/) sad and scared about the future. Each half of the country (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/08/09/as-partisan-hostility-grows-signs-of-frustration-with-the-two-party-system/) is made to believe the other half is stupid, deeply misguided, immoral, dishonest or maliciously plotting to ruin the country they themselves love.
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=R62YyYIAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate) I am a psychiatrist who specializes in treating and researching fear and anxiety. My book, “(https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538170380/Afraid-Understanding-the-Purpose-of-Fear-and-Harnessing-the-Power-of-Anxiety) Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety,” explores the politics of fear and the role media play in modern anxieties. Scientific insights on fear can provide a helpful perspective on election anxieties and suggest some practical tips on managing politics-related worries.
Human beings are a tribal species
As humans, we have a strong tendency to form (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/evolution-explains-why-politics-tribal/) group affiliations, whether based on national, ethnic, religious, sports, school or other social connections. People care more strongly for their own group members. Researchers have found that areas of the (https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhu195) brain involved in empathy are more active when people see, for example, a member of their own college getting hurt versus someone from a rival college.
Tribal tendencies are not biologically tied to a specific racial, ethnic or national identity. Rather, all people are born with a desire to (https://openpress.usask.ca/soc112/chapter/identity-race-and-ethnicity/) seek affiliation with the familiar.
Tribalism can strengthen in the face of a perceived external threat. Danger from outside can make you both (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_3290-1) paranoid about “others” not in your group and more trusting of your tribemates and tribe leaders.
This instinct is not necessarily bad. Tribalism has helped humans survive as a species by fostering the unity necessary to fend off an invading tribe, predators or natural disasters.
Media and leaders play up tribal connections
Leaders and media know how to exploit our tribalism to circle the wagons. They can (https://theconversation.com/the-politics-of-fear-how-it-manipulates-us-to-tribalism-113815) trigger the tribal tendency in an effort to motivate people to avoid or attack the other side and keep donating, voting and watching their own side’s cable news.
For most media outlets in the U.S., like all corporations, revenue is the top priority. What matters most to them is the (https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/digital-news/) number of hours you watch, scroll and click. Science shows that emotions, especially negative ones, grab attention; fear makes people (https://buzzsumo.com/blog/most-shared-headlines-study/#section-81) stick around.
Media organizations on both sides of the political spectrum recognize that (https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-021-00046-w) negative news keeps the audience engaged. Whichever news channel you watch, when was the last time you turned away happy, energized and peaceful? More often you end up feeling the whole world is going down in flames.
During election season, these dynamics intensify as politicians seek cash and votes, and the media capitalizes on the opportunity to sell more ads.
Managing anxiety around political news
You can care about your sanity and your country at the same time. Here are some practical tips:

Resist the tribalism trap. Remember that when terrified of the other side, your (https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025048802629) primitive instincts take over, leaving your critical thinking skills behind. It is impossible for the political leaders and media you identify with to always be right and the other side to always be wrong. Exercise some skepticism, especially when a message encourages fear.
Reduce exposure and choose what you consume. Cable news in the U.S. focuses on a few subjects and floods you with unending dramatic political analysis and punditry. Five more hours of news consumption will not add to what you learned in the first hour, but it will (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/08/politics-emotions-angry-exhausted/) add to your emotional exhaustion. My patients who limit media exposure to an hour of their favorite news show feel much better and are still informed. If you can read rather than watch, (https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-your-family-from-horrific-news-images-and-still-stay-informed-181818) do so. Be informed, not overwhelmed.
Balance your news intake. Don’t get stuck in the limited world view of what your tribe showcases. Tune in to neutral sources, and different views, in your news diet. The boring news sources are often the less emotionally exhausting.
Stay open to the positive. When you’re scared, your (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.12.014) attention follows, focusing on stimuli relevant to what scares you. This is an evolutionary function that tries to keep you safe by zeroing in on danger. Short-circuit that instinct by intentionally redirecting your attention to positive news. Check out stories about science, health, arts, sports and community service.
Experience the real world. What you see shapes what you believe, and that (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/202009/how-your-thinking-creates-your-reality) guides your emotions. Break out of any negative news bubble you’re trapped in and engage with the real world. Visit your neighbors and nature. Balance your emotions by engaging with the largely safe and respectful real world.
Defy the trap of division. Reject demonization of others. Political beliefs are only one part of any American’s identity. Make an effort to identify common ground outside politics. You can go to the gym, share a meal, talk about art and science, or do yard work with people who hold different political views.
Keep up your routines. It is important to maintain the normal life routines, hobbies and social interactions that keep you happy and balanced. Remember that (https://theconversation.com/the-exercise-pill-how-exercise-keeps-your-brain-healthy-and-protects-it-against-depression-and-anxiety-155848) exercise is a great anxiety treatment.
Channel the energy. You can succumb to horror, depression or hate – or you can transform that energy into positive political activism, productive conversations and making an effort to learn the facts. Rather than be terrified, choose to be politically passionate.

Remember, this election cycle will pass. Use this time as an opportunity to expand your political knowledge. Be excited about your side, do what you can to support it, go vote. Don’t be afraid.
 
This article is republished from (https://theconversation.com) The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the (https://theconversation.com/dealing-with-election-anxiety-a-psychiatrist-explains-how-to-channel-your-fears-and-break-out-of-tribal-thinking-235623) original article.

(https://www.psypost.org/belief-in-white-replacement-conspiracy-linked-to-anti-social-traits-and-violence-risk/) Belief in “White Replacement” conspiracy linked to anti-social traits and violence risk
Oct 2nd 2024, 06:00

A recent study published in (https://doi.org/10.1080/21565503.2024.2342834) Politics, Groups, and Identities has found that up to one-third of Americans believe in the “White Replacement” conspiracy theory. The study provides evidence that these beliefs are linked to personality traits such as anti-social tendencies, authoritarianism, and negative views toward immigrants, minorities, women, and the political establishment. Surprisingly, however, partisanship and ideology did not significantly predict belief in this conspiracy theory, suggesting that these views transcend typical political divides.
The White Replacement conspiracy theory, often referred to as “White Genocide,” has gained attention in recent years due to its promotion by media figures and political leaders, as well as its association with acts of mass violence. Proponents claim that white people are being systematically replaced by people of color, particularly through immigration policies that favor non-white populations. This idea has been cited as a motivation for multiple violent attacks, including the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Despite the seriousness of this conspiracy theory, previous research has largely focused on more general attitudes toward immigration, racial resentment, or white identity. Less attention has been paid to understanding who subscribes to White Replacement beliefs and what motivates them. The current study aimed to address this gap by investigating the prevalence of these beliefs, the psychological and political factors that predict them, and their links to political behavior and intentions.
“There have been numerous mass shootings tied to these beliefs. Numerous media personalities, such as Tucker Carlson, have expressed these beliefs,” said study author Joseph Uscinski, a professor of political science at the University of Miami and co-author of (https://amzn.to/4gHL7Oi) Conspiracy Theories: A Primer.
The researchers surveyed a representative sample of 2,001 Americans in 2022. This sample was designed to reflect the U.S. population in terms of sex, age, race, education, and income. To measure belief in the White Replacement conspiracy, participants responded to three key statements. These included statements such as, “Powerful politicians and corporate leaders are trying to replace white people in the U.S. with cheaper foreign laborers” and “In the last 20 years, the government has deliberately discriminated against white Americans through its immigration policies.”
In addition to assessing belief in White Replacement, the survey measured a range of psychological traits. Social and political attitudes were also collected. The researchers further assessed participants’ political affiliations, trust in government, and interest in traditional and fringe media sources. The goal was to examine how psychological factors, social views, and political attitudes intersected with belief in the White Replacement conspiracy theory.
Finally, participants were asked about their intentions and behaviors related to political participation. These questions ranged from normative activities, like voting or running for office, to nonnormative behaviors, such as engaging in violence or sharing false information online.
The study found that belief in the White Replacement conspiracy theory was more prevalent than might have been expected. Around one-third of participants agreed with statements suggesting that white people are being intentionally replaced by people of color through the actions of powerful elites. This belief was not confined to any particular racial or ethnic group; both white and non-white respondents expressed similar levels of agreement with these ideas.
The survey also revealed several key psychological and social factors that were associated with belief in the conspiracy theory. People who believed in White Replacement were more likely to score higher on measures of anti-social personality traits, such as narcissism, psychopathy, and a desire for chaos. They were also more likely to express authoritarian views, including a preference for strict social hierarchies and distrust of those outside their group. In terms of social attitudes, believers in White Replacement exhibited stronger negative views toward immigrants, minorities, and women, and expressed higher levels of racial resentment and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Individuals who consumed more fringe media, such as far-right websites and social media platforms, were more likely to believe in the conspiracy. However, mainstream media consumption did not significantly impact belief in White Replacement, suggesting that exposure to these ideas may be more concentrated in specific online communities.
Interestingly, the study found that partisanship and political ideology were not strong predictors of belief in the White Replacement conspiracy. While conservatives and Republicans were slightly more likely to hold these views, the differences were not as pronounced as expected. Instead, the most significant predictors were psychological traits and anti-establishment sentiments. This suggests that belief in the White Replacement conspiracy may be less about traditional left-right politics and more about broader feelings of distrust and alienation from the political system.
The researchers also found that belief in the White Replacement conspiracy was associated with a range of nonnormative political behaviors. People who subscribed to this conspiracy theory were more likely to report engaging in political violence or expressing a willingness to do so. They were also more likely to share false information online, engage in political arguments, and express interest in running for office or participating in protests. These findings raise concerns about the potential for belief in this conspiracy theory to translate into real-world actions, including violence.
“Many people believe that white people are being systematically replaced in the United States and in Europe,” Uscinski told PsyPost. “Some of the people who hold these beliefs share a set of personality traits that are conducive to violence and nonnormative behaviors.”
While the study identifies correlations between White Replacement beliefs and psychological traits, it cannot establish direct causal relationships. The reliance on self-reported data also introduces the possibility of bias, as participants may underreport socially undesirable behaviors, such as political violence. Future research could benefit from employing experimental designs or longitudinal studies to better understand the development of these beliefs over time and their potential to inspire action.
“The study of these beliefs is only beginning and researchers are still trying to find the best ways to measure them,” Uscinski noted. “The hope is that we can better understand why violence is tied to these beliefs and then hopefully prevent that violence.”
The study, “(https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21565503.2024.2342834) Belief in White Replacement,” was authored by Casey Klofstad, Olyvia Christley, Amanda Diekman, Sandra Kübler, Adam Enders, John Funchion, Shane Littrell, Manohar Murthi, Kamal Premaratne, Michelle Seelig, Daniel Verdear, Stefan Wuchty, Hugo Drochon, and Joseph Uscinski.

(https://www.psypost.org/over-80-of-inpatients-with-alcohol-use-disorder-report-persistent-pain/) Over 80% of inpatients with alcohol use disorder report persistent pain
Oct 1st 2024, 18:00

A new study published in the journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.03.013) Alcohol highlights the significant link between chronic pain and alcohol use disorder, with a particular focus on individuals seeking treatment for their condition. The research found that over 80% of people undergoing inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder reported experiencing frequent pain, a prevalence that was much lower in individuals with alcohol use disorder who were not seeking treatment. Additionally, the study identified key factors—such as childhood abuse—that are associated with higher levels of pain in this population.
Alcohol use disorder affects millions of adults in the United States, with serious public health and economic implications. At the same time, chronic pain is an even more widespread issue, affecting over 50 million Americans. Previous research has shown that chronic pain and problematic alcohol use are closely connected. For example, some people use alcohol to cope with pain, but over time, heavy drinking can worsen pain and lead to more alcohol dependence.
Given the severity and complexity of both alcohol use disorder and chronic pain, researchers wanted to better understand how these two conditions interact, particularly in individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. These individuals often experience more severe symptoms and complications than those who do not seek treatment, but pain in this group has not been thoroughly studied. The new study aimed to explore the prevalence and severity of pain in different groups of people with alcohol use disorder and identify risk factors that might influence their experience of pain.
The study investigated the relationship between pain and alcohol use disorder by examining a large, diverse sample of individuals across a spectrum of alcohol use. Participants were recruited as part of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Natural History Protocol, which comprehensively evaluates individuals for a wide range of clinical and behavioral characteristics.
This sample included 1,101 participants who were categorized into three groups: individuals with alcohol use disorder receiving inpatient treatment (369 participants), individuals with alcohol use disorder not seeking treatment (161 participants), and individuals without alcohol use disorder (571 participants).
Pain was measured using the Whole Body Pain Scale, a self-report questionnaire that asks individuals to rate the amount of time they experience pain during their waking hours over the past seven days. For the inpatient group, pain assessments were taken at several points during their 30-day stay: on days 2, 8, 16, and 23. This repeated measurement allowed the researchers to track changes in pain during treatment.
Participants also provided information on key risk factors, including their demographic background, history of childhood trauma, current stress levels, and psychiatric comorbidities like post-traumatic stress disorder. Other alcohol-related measures were collected, such as the number of years of heavy drinking and the severity of alcohol cravings.
The findings showed a high prevalence of pain among individuals seeking inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder. More than 80% of this group reported experiencing pain, and they spent about 30% of their waking hours in pain. In contrast, 56% of individuals with alcohol use disorder not seeking treatment reported pain, and they spent about 15% of their waking hours in pain.
For individuals without alcohol use disorder, 47% reported pain, and they experienced it for just 7.6% of their waking hours. These results suggest that the severity of alcohol use disorder and its associated complications, such as withdrawal, play a role in the high prevalence of pain among treatment-seeking individuals.
Several risk factors were associated with higher levels of pain. One of the strongest predictors was a history of childhood abuse, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Participants who had experienced childhood abuse reported significantly more pain, particularly if they also had a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Other factors linked to increased pain included the number of years participants had engaged in heavy drinking and the intensity of their alcohol cravings. Interestingly, while previous research has often found that women report more pain than men, this study did not find significant gender differences in pain levels across any of the three groups.
While the inpatient group did experience a slight reduction in pain during their stay—especially in the first week as their withdrawal symptoms were managed—pain levels remained high throughout their treatment. Even by the end of the treatment program, more than 60% of individuals still reported daily pain, indicating that pain can persist beyond the acute withdrawal phase into the longer-term recovery process. This was true even for individuals who received pain medications during their treatment.
The study’s results emphasize the complexity of pain in individuals with alcohol use disorder, particularly those seeking treatment. It suggests that long-term alcohol use, childhood trauma, mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol cravings all contribute to a higher pain burden. Despite treatment efforts to manage both alcohol dependence and pain, many individuals continue to experience significant pain, highlighting the need for more effective pain management strategies in this population.
The study, “(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0741832924000582) Pain in alcohol use disorder: Evaluating effects of childhood trauma, perceived stress, and psychological comorbidity,” was authored by M.L. Schwandt, V.A. Ramchandani, J. Upadhyay, C. Ramsden, N. Diazgranados, and D. Goldman.

(https://www.psypost.org/descendants-of-slaveholders-in-congress-have-3-9-million-higher-net-worth-on-average/) Descendants of slaveholders in Congress have $3.9 million higher net worth on average
Oct 1st 2024, 16:00

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Case Western Reserve University has found a link between the slaveholding history of some United States legislators’ ancestors and their current wealth. Lawmakers whose ancestors enslaved 16 or more people were shown to have a net worth that is, on average, $3.9 million higher than that of their peers. These findings, published in the journal (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0308351) PLOS ONE, offer insight into the lasting economic effects of slavery in the United States.
The idea that slavery’s impacts extend far beyond the 19th century and continue to shape social and economic conditions today is a topic of much debate. Previous studies have looked at the effects of slavery at a broad, community level, showing, for instance, that regions where slavery was more common tend to have higher levels of inequality today.
However, few studies have looked at the intergenerational effects of slavery at an individual level. In other words, how does having an ancestor who owned enslaved people affect the wealth of an individual today?
The researchers behind the new study sought to answer that question by focusing on a particular group for which both ancestry and financial data are publicly available: members of the United States Congress. The wealth of politicians, particularly those in Congress, is well documented thanks to required financial disclosures.
In recent years, investigative journalists from Reuters identified 100 members of Congress who are descendants of slaveholders. Using this unique dataset, the researchers aimed to investigate whether the financial advantages of slaveholding have persisted into the present day.
To conduct the study, the researchers gathered information on the ancestry, demographic characteristics, and financial situation of members of the 117th United States Congress, which was seated in April 2021. This sample included all 535 legislators (435 from the House of Representatives and 100 from the Senate). They specifically focused on identifying which members had ancestors who enslaved people, as documented by Reuters, and cross-referenced this with the lawmakers’ financial reports.
The study’s core variable was the net worth of each legislator, which was calculated based on the publicly available assets and liabilities they reported. Net worth is the value of a person’s total assets minus their total debts. Legislators report their finances within a certain range (for example, $1,000 to $15,000 for a particular asset), and the researchers used the midpoint of these ranges to estimate each legislator’s overall net worth.
The researchers compared the net worth of legislators with and without slaveholder ancestors. They divided legislators with slaveholder ancestry into different groups based on the number of people enslaved by their ancestors, with the largest group consisting of those whose ancestors enslaved 16 or more people. The researchers then used statistical methods to control for other factors that could influence wealth, such as age, race, gender, and education, allowing them to isolate the potential influence of slaveholder ancestry.
The results revealed a significant relationship between slaveholder ancestry and current wealth among members of Congress. On average, legislators whose ancestors enslaved 16 or more individuals had a net worth $3.9 million higher than legislators whose ancestors did not enslave anyone. This relationship held true even after controlling for factors like age, race, gender, ethnicity, and education level, meaning the difference in wealth cannot simply be attributed to these factors.
Interestingly, the study also found that this effect was particularly pronounced among White legislators. Among White lawmakers, those whose ancestors enslaved 16 or more people had a net worth about $3.4 million higher than those whose ancestors were not slaveholders. This finding suggests that, for White members of Congress, the economic benefits of slaveholding may have been passed down through generations.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research showing that wealth, once accumulated, tends to persist across generations. Wealthy families can pass on their advantages through inheritance, educational opportunities, and access to elite social networks. These advantages often allow descendants of wealthy individuals—including those who gained their wealth through slavery—to maintain or even grow their financial status over time.
“Our research highlights the enduring impact of slavery on wealth accumulation,” said lead author Neil K. R. Sehgal, a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania. “By examining legislators, we can see how historical advantages translate into significant economic benefits that persist across generations.”
“While our study focuses on a specific group, it raises important questions about the broader societal impacts of historical injustices,” said co-author Ashwini R. Sehgal, professor of
medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “Efforts to address economic inequality must consider these deep-rooted historical factors.”
While the study provides evidence of a link between slaveholder ancestry and wealth among members of Congress, it also has several important limitations. First, the study focused on a very specific group: legislators in Congress. Members of Congress tend to be wealthier than the general population, and it is possible that the patterns observed in this study do not apply to the broader public. The researchers themselves caution against assuming that the findings can be generalized to all Americans.
Another limitation of the study is its reliance on publicly available financial disclosures, which may not provide a complete picture of each legislator’s true wealth. For example, certain types of assets, such as personal residences or retirement accounts, are not always included in these disclosures. Additionally, the ranges within which assets and liabilities are reported can make it difficult to calculate net worth with precision.
The study also leaves some unanswered questions about the exact mechanisms by which slaveholder ancestry might influence present-day wealth. While it is clear that having a slaveholding ancestor is correlated with higher wealth, the study cannot definitively prove that this is because of the legacy of slavery. There are many possible ways in which the economic advantages of slaveholding could have been passed down through generations, from inherited wealth to social connections, but more research is needed to fully understand these processes.
“It is also important to note that we are not assigning blame to any Congressperson for the actions of their ancestors,” said Ashwini Sehgal. “Our aim is to highlight the long-term impacts of historical injustices and to inform efforts to reduce economic disparities.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308351) Slaveholder ancestry and current net worth of members of the United States Congress,” was published August 21, 2024.

(https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-may-offer-fast-and-lasting-antidepressant-benefits-by-enhancing-brain-plasticity/) Psilocybin may offer fast and lasting antidepressant benefits by enhancing brain plasticity
Oct 1st 2024, 14:00

A recent study published in the (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811241249436) Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain “magic” mushrooms, could provide rapid and sustained antidepressant effects by promoting brain plasticity. The research shows that a single dose of psilocybin not only alleviated depression-like behaviors in mice but also improved structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes were particularly evident in areas related to mood regulation.
Major depressive disorder is a debilitating mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, conventional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are not effective for everyone. Up to one-third of patients do not experience sufficient relief from their symptoms. Moreover, traditional treatments can take several weeks or even months to take effect, leaving individuals in a prolonged state of distress. These limitations highlight the need for faster and more reliable treatment options.
In recent years, interest has grown in the use of psychedelic compounds, such as psilocybin, for treating depression. Early clinical research has indicated that psilocybin may offer rapid antidepressant effects that last for extended periods, sometimes up to a year, without significant side effects.
However, while human studies have been promising, there has been limited research on how psilocybin works in animal models of depression, particularly concerning its effects on brain plasticity. Brain plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt by forming new connections between neurons, a process thought to be crucial for recovery from depression.
In this study, the research team aimed to explore how psilocybin influences neuroplasticity in mice, especially after prolonged exposure to stress, which mirrors some characteristics of depression in humans. The researchers divided the mice into two groups: one exposed to chronic stress via corticosterone, a hormone associated with the body’s stress response, and one that was not. Corticosterone is widely used in research to induce symptoms in mice that resemble depression in humans, such as reduced motivation and loss of interest in rewarding activities, akin to the anhedonia and lethargy experienced by individuals with depression.
To assess psilocybin’s effects, the researchers administered the compound at different doses and evaluated the mice using several well-established behavioral tests. The forced swim test, a common measure of depression-like behavior in animals, was used to gauge the mice’s willingness to keep swimming. Mice that give up swimming more quickly are considered to display depressive behavior. The team also used the sucrose preference test, where a reduced preference for a sweetened drink signals anhedonia, and the novelty-suppressed feeding test, which measures anxiety-like behavior by tracking how long a mouse hesitates before eating in a new environment.
In addition to behavioral assessments, the researchers investigated the biological impact of psilocybin on the brain, focusing on two critical regions: the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, both of which are vital for mood regulation and memory processing. They examined structural changes in neurons, such as dendritic branching and spine density—key indicators of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections. They also measured the levels of proteins involved in synaptic function, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), both of which play important roles in promoting neural growth and connectivity.
The findings showed that even a single dose of psilocybin produced rapid and long-lasting antidepressant-like effects in the mice. Behavioral improvements were observed as early as 12 hours after administration and persisted for up to a week. This sustained response suggests that psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits may extend well beyond its immediate effects, making it a potentially powerful treatment for depression.
Moreover, psilocybin helped counteract the negative effects of chronic stress exposure. Mice that had been given corticosterone displayed significantly reduced neuroplasticity in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as evidenced by fewer dendritic branches and lower dendritic spine density. However, psilocybin reversed these changes, increasing both dendritic branching and spine density in these regions. This indicates that the drug helped restore the brain’s ability to form and maintain neural connections, a function that is often impaired in depression.
Further analysis revealed that psilocybin enhanced the production of important synaptic proteins and activated the BDNF-mTOR signaling pathway, which is crucial for both neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptogenesis (the creation of new synaptic connections between neurons). This activation suggests that psilocybin may help the brain repair itself after prolonged periods of stress, supporting the idea that it could be useful for addressing the underlying biological damage associated with depression.
In addition to improving neuroplasticity, psilocybin also promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampus, as shown by an increase in cells expressing doublecortin (DCX), a marker for the formation of new neurons. This is a particularly encouraging finding because decreased hippocampal neurogenesis is strongly linked to depression. By promoting the growth of new neurons, psilocybin may help address one of the key biological processes disrupted in depressive disorders, offering a potential pathway for recovery.
These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which psilocybin could act as an effective treatment for depression, providing rapid relief while also promoting long-term changes that help the brain rebuild and adapt after stress or trauma.
While the findings of this study are promising, it is important to acknowledge several limitations. First, the study was conducted on mice, which means that its results may not fully translate to humans. Mice are often used in early-stage research because their biological systems share many similarities with humans, but human clinical trials will be necessary to confirm these effects.
Additionally, although psilocybin appeared to have a favorable safety profile in this study, its long-term effects on brain function and potential side effects, particularly at higher doses, need further exploration. Psychedelics can have powerful psychological effects, and while psilocybin shows great promise as a treatment for depression, more work is needed to establish its safety and efficacy for widespread clinical use.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811241249436) Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity and induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in mice,” was authored by Xiangting Zhao, Yingjie Du, Yishan Yao, Wei Dai, Yongyu Yin, Guyan Wang, Yunfeng Li, and Liming Zhang.

(https://www.psypost.org/researchers-use-smartphone-app-to-predict-bipolar-disorder-symptoms-with-71-accuracy/) Researchers use smartphone app to predict bipolar disorder symptoms with 71% accuracy
Oct 1st 2024, 12:00

Researchers in Poland have developed a novel method to assess the severity of manic and depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder based on features of their speech. Using a smartphone app, the team collected voice data and analyzed its characteristics to predict mood states with an accuracy rate of around 71%. The study was published in (https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13735) Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from emotional highs, known as mania or hypomania, to emotional lows, or depression. During manic phases, individuals may feel excessively energetic, euphoric, or irritable. In contrast, depressive episodes often involve feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. These mood swings can severely impact a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to sleep, concentrate, and carry out daily activities.
It is estimated that between 0.3% and 3.5% of the global population will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, existing medications for the disorder are not always highly effective. Approximately 22% of individuals with bipolar disorder who regularly take prescribed medications experience a relapse in any given year. Each new episode tends to worsen the course of the illness, making early detection of symptom changes critical. Timely intervention could potentially prevent a full-blown episode, improving the overall management of the disorder and reducing the long-term impact on patients’ lives.
Recognizing this need, study lead author Katarzyna Kaczmarek-Majer and her colleagues sought to determine whether the severity of manic and depressive symptoms could be predicted using features of speech. Their aim was twofold: to identify speech characteristics most closely correlated with these mood states and to develop a statistical model that could predict the severity of symptoms based on those characteristics.
The study involved 51 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, with an average age of 36 years. Of the participants, 28 were female. The researchers recruited patients from two bipolar disorder treatment centers: the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (IPiN) in Warsaw and the Medical University of Poznan, both located in Poland.
Participants installed a smartphone application called the BDmon app, which continuously ran in the background. The app automatically activated whenever the participant made or received a phone call, recording the first five minutes of each conversation. During these calls, the app collected various speech parameters—such as pitch, loudness, and speech rate—and analyzed them in real time. To ensure privacy, the app deleted the recording after analyzing the speech characteristics, storing only the extracted features. This ensured that no actual conversation content was saved, preserving the participants’ confidentiality.
Participants used the app for an average of 208 days. At the same time, psychiatrists regularly assessed the severity of their manic and depressive symptoms using two well-established clinical tools: the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale. These assessments took place every three months, providing a comprehensive understanding of each participant’s mental state over time.
The results revealed significant correlations between certain speech features and the severity of bipolar symptoms, with marked differences between males and females. In men with more severe depressive symptoms, several speech changes were observed: they tended to speak more quietly and with less energy, their speech was more slurred, their voice was smoother (less rough and irregular), and they often made longer phone calls, during which they spoke for longer periods. These features reflect the slowed, low-energy communication style often seen in severe depression, where speech tends to become more monotonous and effortful.
For women, however, the study found no significant correlations between speech characteristics and overall depression severity. The only exception was in cases of psychomotor retardation—a condition in which physical and mental processes slow down markedly. In women with this symptom, louder speech with more irregularities in voice intensity was observed. This suggests that speech features might reflect certain specific depressive symptoms in women, but the connection between speech and depression is less consistent compared to men.
In cases of mania, speech patterns were also distinct between genders. Men with severe manic symptoms spoke louder and more energetically, with rougher voices, more variability in voice intensity, and a sharper tone. Their speech was faster and clearer, a hallmark of the rapid, pressured speech often seen during manic episodes.
Women, in contrast, exhibited opposite speech patterns when experiencing severe mania: they tended to speak more quietly and with less energy, using a lower-pitched voice. Their speech was also slower, more slurred, and their voices were less rough and irregular. These findings highlight a pronounced gender difference in how mania affects speech patterns, with men and women showing almost opposite characteristics in their vocal expression during manic phases.
Using these speech patterns, the researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the severity of manic and depressive symptoms. The model was able to predict mood states with approximately 71% accuracy. This success suggests that voice analysis could be a powerful tool for monitoring patients with bipolar disorder, helping healthcare providers identify when a patient might be transitioning into a manic or depressive episode. Such predictions could prompt timely interventions, potentially preventing a full episode and improving the patient’s overall treatment outcome.
“Speech analysis provides physiological markers of affective symptoms in BD [bipolar disorder] and acoustic features extracted from speech are effective in predicting BD phases. This could personalize monitoring and care for BD patients, helping to decide whether a specialist should be consulted,” the study authors concluded.
The study makes a valuable contribution to developing novel and unobtrusive ways to assess the severity of mental health disorders. However, it remains unclear whether, and how, the use of medications would affect the results. The authors also note that patients with manic symptoms tended to turn off their phones or uninstall the app, leading to missing data that might have influenced the findings.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13735) Acoustic features from speech as markers of depressive and manic symptoms in bipolar disorder: A prospective study,” was authored by Katarzyna Kaczmarek-Majer, Monika Dominiak, Anna Z. Antosik, Olgierd Hryniewicz, Olga Kaminska, Karol Opara, Jan Owsinski, Weronika Radziszewska, Małgorzata Sochacka, and Łukasz Swięcicki.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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