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(https://www.psypost.org/women-with-higher-self-acceptance-are-less-prone-to-problematic-pornography-use/) Women with higher self-acceptance are less prone to problematic pornography use
Mar 11th 2025, 10:00

Recent longitudinal research has found that women with higher levels of self-acceptance are less prone to problematic pornography use. Additionally, women who use pornography more frequently tend to experience greater difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behaviors. The findings have been published in (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108459) Computers in Human Behavior.
Problematic pornography use refers to compulsive or excessive consumption of pornography that negatively impacts a person’s daily life, relationships, and mental well-being. It is associated with a loss of control, where individuals continue using pornography despite wanting to stop. Problematic pornography use can lead to distress, guilt, and interference with work, social activities, and romantic relationships.
Some researchers link it to behavioral addictions, as it shares similarities with compulsive gambling and substance use disorders. Stress, difficulties in emotional regulation, and underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression can contribute to the development of problematic pornography use habits. Over time, excessive pornography use may alter brain reward pathways, reinforcing compulsive behavior.
Study author Ke Yu and her colleagues note that most research on pornography use has been conducted on men, making it difficult to generalize those findings to women. To address this gap, they conducted a study examining whether pornography use frequency, difficulties in goal-directed behavior, and self-acceptance could predict perceived problematic online pornography use a year later.
The researchers hypothesized that individuals who use pornography more frequently would have greater difficulty engaging in goal-directed behaviors and lower self-acceptance. Additionally, they expected that self-acceptance would moderate the relationship between pornography use frequency and perceived problematic pornography use. The distinction between pornography use frequency and problematic use lies in the fact that frequency refers to how often someone consumes pornography, while problematic use involves compulsive behavior, loss of control, and negative consequences in daily life.
The study participants consisted of 559 female Chinese university students from Sichuan, China, with an average age of approximately 20 years.
Participants completed two online surveys one year apart. The surveys included assessments of perceived problematic online pornography use (using the Cyber-Pornography Use Inventory), pornography use frequency (e.g., “Approximately how often have you viewed pornography [e.g., magazine, Internet, video] in the past 30 days?”), difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behaviors (measured by the Shortened Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale), and self-acceptance (assessed with the Self-Acceptance Questionnaire). The first survey included all these assessments, while the second survey, conducted a year later, measured only perceived problematic online pornography use.
The results indicated that women who exhibited higher levels of problematic pornography use at the start of the study were more likely to show elevated problematic use one year later. At both time points, greater problematic pornography use was associated with higher pornography use frequency, lower self-acceptance, and greater difficulty in engaging in goal-directed behaviors.
Further analysis revealed that self-acceptance moderated the relationship between problematic pornography use and pornography use frequency. Problematic pornography use was linked to how often these women used pornography only if their self-acceptance levels were average or lower. Among women with above-average self-acceptance, pornography use frequency was not associated with problematic pornography use.
“Our findings advance knowledge of the complex underlying psychological mechanisms of perceived problematic online pornography use by providing evidence of both the direct and/or moderated roles of pornography use frequency, difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior, and self-acceptance in these mechanisms,” the study authors concluded.
The study contributes to the scientific understanding of psychological underpinnings of pornography use. However, it should be noted that the study was exclusively based on self-reports while dealing with a topic that carries significant social stigma. Because of this, it is possible that reporting bias might have impacted the results.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108459) Self-regulation deficiencies and perceived problematic online pornography use among young Chinese women: The role of self-acceptance,” was authored by Ke Yu, Anise M.S. Wu, Chun Feng, Wen Zhao, and Guoguo Zuo.

(https://www.psypost.org/scientists-find-alarming-storm-in-your-brain-caused-by-air-pollution/) Scientists find alarming “storm in your brain” caused by air pollution
Mar 11th 2025, 08:00

Breathing polluted air, whether from city smog or wildfire smoke, is known to harm the lungs and heart. Now, new research sheds light on how these airborne toxins negatively impact the brain, potentially contributing to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and autism. Scientists have discovered a process by which harmful substances can disrupt the normal function of brain cells, hindering their ability to connect and communicate, ultimately leading to cell damage. Their findings have been published in (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418179122) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous research had already established a link between air pollution and conditions like asthma and heart disease. Epidemiological studies, which look at patterns of disease in populations, had also suggested that exposure to air pollution could increase the risk of developing brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind this connection remained unclear. Scientists wanted to understand exactly how breathing in polluted air could translate into harm within the brain. They aimed to uncover the specific chemical reactions that might be involved in this process, hoping to identify potential targets for future treatments and preventative measures.
The research team focused on a chemical process known as S-nitrosylation. This process occurs when a molecule related to nitric oxide attaches to sulfur atoms within proteins, changing how those proteins work. The scientists suspected that this process, which can be triggered by inflammation, aging, and exposure to toxins, might be a key factor in disrupting brain cell function.
Neuroscientist (https://www.scripps.edu/faculty/lipton/) Stuart Lipton first discovered S-nitrosylation over two decades ago and had previously linked this reaction to various neurodegenerative diseases. He theorized that pollution-induced S-nitrosylation could interfere with proteins necessary for maintaining healthy brain function. To test this idea, his team focused on the protein CRTC1, which helps regulate genes critical for memory and learning.
“Epidemiologists have shown that air pollution from wildfires, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke releases small particulate material and nitric oxide-related molecules (PM2.5/NOx), which can contribute to the development of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and autism,” explained Lipton, the Step Family Foundation Endowed Chair at Scripps Research and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California.
“Our group discovered the redox chemical reaction that underlies these events, termed protein S-nitrosylation, putting a nitrogen and oxygen onto a sulfur molecule in the amino acid cysteine, a building block of proteins. The abbreviation for the reaction is SNO – and there is a ‘SNO-storm in your brain’ due to air pollution. S-Nitrosylation of CRTC1 is one of those events, and it causally produced memory loss.”
Initially, the team examined brain cells grown in the laboratory to see if S-nitrosylation was happening to a protein called CRTC1. This protein is known to be important for brain cells to form new connections, a process essential for learning and memory. They exposed these cells to a molecule that causes S-nitrosylation and found that CRTC1 was indeed affected. They also observed this same effect in brain tissue from mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting this process was relevant to the condition.
To understand exactly how S-nitrosylation impacted CRTC1, the scientists engineered a special version of the protein that could not undergo this chemical change. They then compared the behavior of normal CRTC1 with this modified version in both laboratory-grown cells and in living mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. They used human nerve cells derived from stem cells of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to further validate their findings in a human context.
The researchers discovered that S-nitrosylation of CRTC1 prevents it from properly interacting with another important protein in the brain called CREB. CREB is a key regulator of genes that are vital for brain cell connections, memory formation, and cell survival. In a healthy brain, CRTC1 and CREB work together to switch on these important genes. However, when CRTC1 is altered by S-nitrosylation, this partnership is disrupted.
The team found that S-nitrosylation doesn’t stop CRTC1 from moving to the cell nucleus, which is where it needs to be to interact with CREB. Instead, the chemical change directly interferes with CRTC1’s ability to bind to CREB once it’s in the nucleus. This blockage prevents the activation of genes necessary for maintaining healthy brain cell connections and supporting memory.
Importantly, when the scientists used the modified version of CRTC1 that could not be S-nitrosylated, they observed a partial reversal of memory problems in Alzheimer’s mouse models. Similarly, in human nerve cells grown from stem cells of Alzheimer’s patients, preventing S-nitrosylation of CRTC1 improved nerve cell function and survival. This suggests that blocking S-nitrosylation of CRTC1 could be a potential way to treat or prevent some of the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and possibly other related conditions.
Looking ahead, this research opens up new avenues for developing treatments for brain diseases linked to environmental factors. The discovery that blocking S-nitrosylation of CRTC1 can improve brain function suggests that targeting this chemical process could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Scientists could explore the development of drugs that specifically prevent S-nitrosylation or reverse its effects, potentially offering new ways to protect the brain from the harmful impacts of air pollution, pesticides, processed meats, and other environmental toxins.
“We are developing drugs to combat this,” Lipton said.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2418179122) S-Nitrosylation of CRTC1 in Alzheimer’s disease impairs CREB-dependent gene expression induced by neuronal activity,” was authored by Xu Zhang, Roman Vlkolinsky, Chongyang Wu, Nima Dolatabadi, Henry Scott, Olga Prikhodko, Andrew Zhang, Mayra Blanco, Nhi Lang, Juan Piña-Crespo, Tomohiro Nakamura , Marisa Roberto, and Stuart A. Lipton.

(https://www.psypost.org/chronic-unmet-psychological-needs-are-linked-to-stronger-conspiracy-beliefs/) Chronic unmet psychological needs are linked to stronger conspiracy beliefs
Mar 11th 2025, 06:00

A new study published in the (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672241292841) Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin has found that the connection between our basic psychological needs and belief in conspiracy theories is not static, but can shift over time within individuals. Researchers found that changes in feelings of control and belongingness showed a relationship with later changes in conspiracy beliefs, suggesting a dynamic link between these factors.
Conspiracy theories have long been a subject of psychological interest, as they can influence political behavior, health choices, and even acts of violence. Researchers have suggested that conspiracy beliefs may arise when individuals experience threats to their psychological well-being.
However, previous research on this topic has mostly relied on cross-sectional data, meaning it only captured a single moment in time. This makes it difficult to determine whether unmet psychological needs lead people to believe in conspiracy theories or whether conspiracy beliefs, in turn, affect psychological well-being. To address this gap, the researchers examined these relationships over multiple years, allowing them to track how psychological needs and conspiracy beliefs evolve over time.
“With conspiracy belief receiving increasing research attention, a key question is what makes people believe in conspiracy theories. Karen Douglas and colleagues proposed that conspiracy belief can be triggered when specific needs (existential, epistemic, social) are unfulfilled. Our study aimed to test whether fluctuations in basic psychological needs predict conspiracy belief over time and whether conspiracy belief, in turn, affects needs such as control or belonging,” said study author Elianne Albath, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Basel.
The new study used data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study, a large-scale, long-term survey that tracks social attitudes among adults. The researchers focused on four psychological needs: control, belonging, self-esteem, and meaning in life. Participants completed annual surveys from 2019 to 2022, rating their satisfaction with these psychological needs and their agreement with a statement reflecting conspiracy belief. The researchers applied a statistical method that separated long-term personality traits from temporary shifts in feelings, allowing them to determine how changes in psychological need satisfaction predicted changes in conspiracy belief over time.
The results revealed two key patterns. First, people who generally felt less satisfied in their psychological needs—particularly in their sense of control and belonging—were more likely to hold conspiracy beliefs across all four years of the study. This suggests that individuals with consistently lower well-being in these areas are more prone to believing that powerful groups are hiding the truth from the public.
Second, the study examined temporary shifts within individuals. It found that when people experienced a decrease in their sense of control or belonging, they were slightly more likely to report increased conspiracy belief the following year. This supports the idea that conspiracy beliefs may serve as a coping mechanism when people feel powerless or socially excluded.
“Our findings suggest that chronic unmet psychological needs are linked to stronger conspiracy beliefs,” Albath told PsyPost. “Further, people with lower belonging or control were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories in the following assessment. This supports the idea that conspiracy beliefs may serve as a way to restore control or make sense of the world by attributing events to powerful bad actors.”
However, the study also found an unexpected result: people who experienced a temporary increase in meaning in life were also more likely to report stronger conspiracy beliefs a year later. This contradicts the common assumption that only unmet needs contribute to conspiracy belief and suggests that some people may find a sense of purpose in believing that they are uncovering hidden truths.
“We expected that lower need satisfaction would predict higher conspiracy belief, but surprisingly, meaning in life showed a positive association—those with higher meaning in life were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories in the following year,” Albath said. “This challenges the assumption that only unmet psychological needs drive conspiracy beliefs and opens up new research questions.”
The study did not find a strong relationship between self-esteem and conspiracy belief. Although people with lower overall self-esteem tended to report higher conspiracy beliefs, temporary changes in self-esteem did not predict shifts in conspiracy belief over time. This suggests that self-esteem may be less central to the development of conspiracy beliefs than the other psychological needs.
As with all research, there are some caveats to consider. “First, while we used longitudinal data, the study remains observational, so we cannot establish definitive causal effects,” Albath explained. “Second, the sample is from New Zealand, which may limit generalizability to other cultural contexts. Third, because we analyzed annual data, the observed relationships may look different over shorter timeframes, such as weeks or months.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672241292841) Does Lower Psychological Need Satisfaction Foster Conspiracy Belief? Longitudinal Effects Over 3 Years in New Zealand,” was authored by Elianne A. Albath, Rainer Greifeneder, Karen M. Douglas, Aleksandra Cichocka, Mathew D. Marques, Marc S. Wilson, John R. Kerr, Chris G. Sibley, and Danny Osborne

(https://www.psypost.org/erotic-webcam-viewers-experience-conflicting-emotions-and-ethical-tensions/) Erotic webcam viewers experience conflicting emotions and ethical tensions
Mar 10th 2025, 14:00

A new study exploring viewer experiences on erotic webcam sites reveals complex, often contradictory emotions among users, highlighting both positive and negative aspects for viewers and performers. The research analyzed responses from more than a thousand webcam viewers, discovering that while many find personal empowerment and emotional connection through these platforms, others experience addiction, guilt, and financial exploitation. The findings also show widespread concern about potential exploitation and mental health risks facing performers.
The research was published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563225000214) Computers in Human Behavior.
Erotic webcam platforms, which allow real-time interaction between live broadcasters and viewers, have rapidly grown in popularity, becoming a significant part of modern sexual entertainment. Researchers Xtine Milrod and Martin Monto aimed to understand why people use these platforms, what they seek from their interactions with performers, and how their use affects their moods and emotions. Their work sought to uncover viewers’ genuine feelings, in their own words, about experiences that are typically hidden from public view and not fully captured in traditional surveys.
To carry out their study, Milrod and Monto collaborated with Chaturbate, one of the most prominent erotic webcam platforms. Over a 45-day period in 2022, viewers on the platform were invited to participate anonymously in an online survey. Of the more than 10,000 who completed the survey, 1,225 individuals chose to write additional, open-ended comments about their personal experiences and feelings regarding webcam viewing. The researchers then systematically analyzed these written statements to identify common themes and patterns.
The analysis uncovered four primary themes, divided into two opposing pairs: positive and negative experiences for viewers, and positive and negative perceptions of webcam performers’ experiences. Viewers who shared positive experiences described webcams as beneficial for several reasons. For some, webcams provided important sexual knowledge and emotional connections that might otherwise be difficult to obtain in person.
Individuals dealing with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions like anxiety, autism, and depression found webcam sites offered an emotionally rewarding space where they could comfortably express sexuality without fear of judgment. For instance, some viewers with physical disabilities or severe social anxiety described webcam platforms as their sole avenue for intimate connection.
Respondents also emphasized the positive impact webcams could have on emotional well-being and mental health. For many, engaging with performers created a sense of genuine friendship and emotional connection, despite acknowledging that these relationships were primarily transactional. Some viewers reported forming meaningful, long-lasting relationships or even marriages with webcam performers they had initially met online.
However, the study also documented significant negative aspects. A notable proportion of respondents expressed feelings of addiction, guilt, and shame associated with webcam viewing. Many users reported feeling trapped in compulsive viewing habits that they described as damaging to their emotional and financial health. Addiction emerged as a prominent concern, often linked to isolation, loneliness, and difficulty maintaining offline relationships. For example, some viewers described a sense of helplessness, being unable to quit despite severe consequences, including mounting debt and deteriorating mental health.
Financial exploitation was another commonly reported negative aspect of webcam use. Many viewers highlighted concerns about being manipulated into excessive spending, with several describing severe financial setbacks caused by their webcam habits. Comments revealed feelings of frustration and anger towards platforms that profited from users’ loneliness and vulnerability without providing support or resources to help mitigate harm.
Regarding performers, many viewers expressed positive attitudes, particularly valuing webcam platforms as safer work environments compared to physical sex work. Viewers appreciated that platforms offered a lower risk of physical harm, sexual assault, or disease transmission compared to traditional sex work. Many also recognized the economic opportunities available for performers in poorer countries, providing them with relatively higher income levels compared to local alternatives.
Nonetheless, viewers also raised significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding potential exploitation of performers by webcam studios and the platforms themselves. Concerns were often directed toward specific regions, particularly Colombia, where viewers reported allegations of severe financial exploitation, coercive practices, and poor working conditions in webcam studios.
Viewers expressed discomfort with reports of studios taking large percentages of performers’ earnings, imposing unfair fines, and exploiting vulnerable individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Some viewers even expressed suspicion that platforms allowed, or at least failed to adequately prevent, exploitation, trafficking, or coercion, despite company policies explicitly forbidding such practices.
Additionally, respondents voiced worries about the potential negative effects webcam work might have on performers’ mental health. Viewers called for improved support resources from the platforms, including better access to mental health services and clearer warnings about emotional risks associated with webcam work. They expressed particular concern about the mental well-being of young female performers who may face psychological consequences from the pressures inherent in this type of labor.
The study provides a nuanced view into a hidden digital world, highlighting that erotic webcam use offers significant benefits for some but can also create meaningful problems for others. Because the study drew primarily from heterosexual male respondents who participated voluntarily, the results do not fully capture experiences of women or sexual minorities. Additionally, the analysis was limited to viewer comments and did not include direct input from webcam performers themselves. Future studies could expand to include diverse demographic groups, and explore performers’ own perspectives and experiences more deeply.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2025.108574) The dialectics of sextech: A content analysis of the perception and emotion statements of erotic webcam viewers,” was published online on January 27, 2025.

(https://www.psypost.org/scientists-issue-dire-warning-microplastic-accumulation-in-human-brains-escalating/) Scientists issue dire warning: Microplastic accumulation in human brains escalating
Mar 10th 2025, 13:05

A new study published in (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1) Nature Medicine has revealed the presence of microplastics – tiny fragments of degraded plastic – in human brain tissue. While previous research has identified microplastics in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and placenta, this study suggests that the brain may be especially vulnerable to these tiny synthetic particles. The findings raise pressing questions about the potential effects of plastic buildup on brain health, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases.
The amount of microplastics and nanoplastics in our environment has grown exponentially over the last 50 years. These tiny plastic particles, ranging in size from microscopic to the width of a pencil eraser, are now found everywhere – in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil where our food grows. While it is known that these particles are making their way into the human body, lodging in organs like the liver, kidneys, and even the placenta, the extent of their accumulation and their potential for harm are not fully understood.
Although some studies in cells and animals have shown negative effects, those studies often used amounts of microplastics much higher than what humans are typically exposed to. A real understanding of the issue requires knowing how much plastic is actually accumulating in different human tissues. Until recently, we lacked reliable methods for measuring these tiny particles, particularly the smallest ones (nanoplastics), in human tissues.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences, led by toxicologist Matthew Campen, developed a new way to detect and measure microplastics in human tissue. They previously used this method to examine placentas and testes. In this new study, they applied the technique to human brain tissue.
The brain tissue samples came from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, which keeps tissue from autopsies for several years. The researchers compared older tissue samples (from around 2016) with more recent samples (from 2024). All the brain tissue analyzed was from the frontal cortex, the area of the brain located behind the forehead.
To measure the microplastics, the researchers first chemically dissolved the tissue. This created a liquid mixture. They then spun this mixture at very high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge. This process separated out any undissolved materials, including plastics, into a small pellet. Next, they heated this pellet to a very high temperature (600 degrees Celsius), a process that breaks down the plastic.
As the plastics burned, they released gases. The researchers then used a sophisticated instrument called a mass spectrometer to identify the specific types of plastic based on the gases released. This allowed them to determine both the quantity and type of plastic present in the original brain tissue. The team could identify 12 different polymers. In addition to this chemical analysis, the researchers also used powerful microscopes, including a transmission electron microscope, to directly visualize the plastic particles in the tissue.
The researchers found surprisingly high levels of microplastics in the brain tissue. The concentration of plastics in the brain was much greater than that found in the liver or kidney samples. It was also higher than levels previously reported in placentas and testes. The median amount of total plastics for 2024 brain samples was 4917 micrograms per gram, and for 2016 samples, it was 3345 micrograms per gram. For comparison, the 2024 liver and kidney samples were 433 and 404 micrograms per gram, respectively.
Even more concerning was the finding that the amount of plastic in the brain was increasing over time. Brain tissue samples from 2024 had significantly higher levels of microplastics than samples from 2016, representing an approximate 50% increase in just eight years. The predominant type of plastic found in the brain was polyethylene, a common plastic used in packaging, bottles, and cups.
Using electron microscopy, the researchers were able to see very small, sharp-edged plastic particles, some as small as 200 nanometers in size (which is only slightly larger than some viruses). These tiny particles are small enough to potentially cross the protective barrier that normally separates the bloodstream from the brain, although the exact mechanism by which these plastics are entering the brain is still unknown.
To look at trends over a longer time period, the researchers also analyzed brain tissue samples from the eastern United States, dating back as far as 1997. These older samples showed lower levels of microplastics, supporting the idea that plastic accumulation in the brain is increasing over time.
Another striking finding was that brain tissue from individuals who had been diagnosed with dementia contained significantly higher levels of microplastics – up to 10 times more – than brain tissue from people without dementia. While the study does not establish a direct causal link between plastic accumulation and neurodegenerative diseases, it raises important questions. The researchers speculate that microplastics could contribute to neurological conditions by obstructing blood flow, interfering with neural connections, or triggering inflammation in the brain.
“We start thinking that maybe these plastics obstruct blood flow in capillaries,” Campen said. “There’s the potential that these nanomaterials interfere with the connections between axons in the brain. They could also be a seed for aggregation of proteins involved in dementia. We just don’t know.”
He believes that food, especially meat, is the primary source of microplastics entering the body, as commercial meat production tends to accumulate plastic particles within the food chain.
“The way we irrigate fields with plastic-contaminated water, we postulate that the plastics build up there,” Campen said. “We feed those crops to our livestock. We take the manure and put it back on the field, so there may be a sort of feed-forward biomagnification.”
How to Avoid Microplastics and Future Research Directions
A separate commentary on the study, published in (https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020.xml?body=FullText) Brain Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings and the urgent need for further investigation. The commentary noted that while the presence of microplastics in the human brain is concerning, scientists still do not fully understand their impact on brain function. It is unclear whether microplastics actively contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or whether people with dementia accumulate more plastic simply because their brains are less able to clear it.
“The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming,” said Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry, the lead author of the commentary. “This rise mirrors the exponential increase we’re seeing in environmental microplastic levels.”
“It is important for the public to be aware of the increasing amounts of microplastics in the environment and uptake into our bodies. We should also understand the methods available to help reduce microplastic intake while research continues seeking methods to their removal from our bodies, which continues to be scarce in evidence.”
Animal studies have suggested that microplastics could affect brain health. Experiments on fish have shown that exposure to nanoplastics impairs swimming ability and hunting behavior. In mice, prolonged exposure to microplastics led to memory deficits, inflammation, and reduced levels of key proteins involved in brain function. While these studies indicate potential risks, more research is needed to determine whether similar effects occur in humans.
The commentary also highlighted the increasing presence of microplastics in food and water. People who drink bottled water, for example, ingest significantly more microplastics than those who consume tap water. Heating food in plastic containers has been shown to release billions of plastic particles into food, raising concerns about dietary exposure. Other sources of microplastic ingestion include seafood, processed foods, and even tea bags, which can release millions of tiny plastic particles when steeped in hot water.
“Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined,” said Brandon Luu, an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto. “Switching to tap water could reduce this exposure by almost 90%, making it one of the simplest ways to cut down on microplastic intake.”
“Heating food in plastic containers—especially in the microwave—can release substantial amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics,” he explains. “Avoiding plastic food storage and using glass or stainless steel alternatives is a small but meaningful step in limiting exposure.”
Efforts to reduce microplastic exposure may help limit their accumulation in the body, but it is unclear whether this would lead to a reduction in brain plastic levels over time. The commentary suggested that more studies should focus on potential methods of eliminating microplastics from the body. Some research has indicated that plastic-related chemicals like bisphenol A can be excreted through sweat, raising the possibility that exercise or sauna use could aid in microplastic removal. However, no direct evidence currently exists to confirm whether the human body can effectively clear accumulated microplastics.
The commentary concludes by emphasizing the need for more research to establish safe exposure limits for microplastics and to understand the long-term health consequences of exposure. Large-scale studies in humans are needed to determine the relationship between microplastic exposure and the development of chronic diseases. Improved methods for measuring microplastics in living humans are also essential for tracking accumulation and assessing the effectiveness of strategies to reduce exposure. It is also important to research ways to remove plastics from the body.
“We need more research to wrap our heads around microplastics—rather than wrapping our brains in them—since this could be one of the biggest environmental storms most people never saw coming,” remarked David Puder, host of the Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast.
The study, “(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1) Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains,” was authored by Alexander J. Nihart, Marcus A. Garcia, Eliane El Hayek, Rui Liu, Marian Olewine, Josiah D. Kingston, Eliseo F. Castillo, Rama R. Gullapalli, Tamara Howard, Barry Bleske, Justin Scott, Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella, Jessica M. Gross, Michael Spilde, Natalie L. Adolphi, Daniel F. Gallego, Heather S. Jarrell, Gabrielle Dvorscak, Maria E. Zuluaga-Ruiz, Andrew B. West, and Matthew J. Campen.
The commentary, “(https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020.xml) Human microplastic removal: what does the evidence tell us?,” was authored by Nicholas Fabiano, Brandon Luu, and David Puder.

(https://www.psypost.org/video-calls-and-self-perception-new-research-examines-zoom-dysmorphia-in-students/) Video calls and self-perception: New research examines “Zoom dysmorphia” in students
Mar 10th 2025, 12:00

With the rise of video conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students became hyper-aware of their appearance on screen, leading to a phenomenon known as Zoom dysmorphia. A new study finds that students with higher self-efficacy are less affected by this issue, while those with greater dysmorphic concern experience it more intensely.
As the pandemic forced education to shift online, students were exposed to their own reflections on-screen for extended periods. This constant self-viewing led many to fixate on perceived imperfections, an experience that has been termed Zoom dysmorphia. The phenomenon shares similarities with body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition characterized by obsessive concerns about physical appearance. Some individuals reported feeling uncomfortable or dissatisfied with how they looked on camera, sometimes leading to an increased interest in cosmetic procedures.
Although previous research has examined the psychological effects of prolonged video conferencing, little was known about how individual traits, such as self-efficacy and dysmorphic concern, might contribute to Zoom dysmorphia. Self-efficacy influences how people perceive and respond to challenges, including negative self-image.
Meanwhile, dysmorphic concern is associated with excessive preoccupation with minor or imagined physical flaws, making it a potential risk factor for Zoom dysmorphia. The researchers aimed to determine whether students with greater self-efficacy were less affected by Zoom dysmorphia and whether those with higher dysmorphic concern were more vulnerable to it.
The study was conducted at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in Iran, focusing on undergraduate students who had spent at least one year in online education during the pandemic. A total of 250 students were invited to participate, and 179 completed the study. The researchers used three questionnaires to measure Zoom dysmorphia, self-efficacy, and dysmorphic concern.
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Metacognition Questionnaire (BDDMC-Q) was used to assess Zoom dysmorphia. This tool measured factors such as metacognitive control strategies, beliefs about appearance, and behaviors aimed at managing appearance-related distress. The General Self-Efficacy Scale measured students’ confidence in their ability to handle challenges. Lastly, the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire assessed the extent to which students were preoccupied with their physical appearance.
The results indicated that medical students experienced moderate levels of Zoom dysmorphia, with an average score of 65.93 on the BDDMC-Q scale. Self-efficacy was also moderate, while dysmorphic concern was relatively low compared to clinical thresholds for body dysmorphic disorder.
Dysmorphic concern showed a strong positive correlation with Zoom dysmorphia, meaning that students who were more worried about their appearance were more likely to experience distress related to video conferencing. Specifically, the researchers found that for every increase in dysmorphic concern, Zoom dysmorphia scores increased significantly.
Self-efficacy, on the other hand, had a reducing effect on Zoom dysmorphia. Students with higher self-efficacy were less likely to report negative feelings about their appearance during video calls. However, the effect of self-efficacy was weaker compared to that of dysmorphic concern. The researchers also found that self-efficacy moderated the relationship between dysmorphic concern and Zoom dysmorphia. In other words, students who had higher self-efficacy were less affected by their concerns about appearance, suggesting that confidence in one’s abilities can act as a psychological buffer against Zoom dysmorphia.
Interestingly, gender and field of study were not significantly associated with Zoom dysmorphia. This finding contrasts with some previous research suggesting that women tend to report greater body image concerns than men. However, in the context of video conferencing, the focus is primarily on facial appearance rather than body shape, which may explain why gender differences were not observed. Additionally, medical students—who are trained to critically evaluate health and appearance—may approach their self-image differently than students in other disciplines.
There are some limitations to note. The sample consisted only of medical students from one university, which limits the generalizability of the findings to students from other disciplines or cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported questionnaires, which can be influenced by individual perceptions and biases.
Another limitation is that the study was cross-sectional, meaning it captured data at a single point in time. Future research could use longitudinal designs to track changes in Zoom dysmorphia over time and examine whether increased exposure to video conferencing leads to worsening or improvement in self-perception. Future studies could also explore other psychological factors that may influence Zoom dysmorphia, such as social anxiety, self-esteem, and perfectionism.
The study, “(https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-024-06300-6) Zoom dysmorphia in medical students: the role of dysmorphic concern and self-efficacy in online environments amidst COVID-19 pandemic,” was authored by by Leili Mosalanejad, Zahra Karimian, Reyhaneh Ayaz, Sara Maghsodzadeh, and Mina Sefidfard.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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