<table style="border:1px solid #adadad; background-color: #F3F1EC; color: #666666; padding:8px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; line-height:16px; margin-bottom:6px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;">PsyPost – Psychology News Daily Digest (Unofficial)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="font:13px Helvetica, sans-serif; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; background-color:#fff; padding:8px; margin-bottom:6px; border:1px solid #adadad;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/eight-reasons-why-adhd-diagnoses-are-increasing/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Eight reasons why ADHD diagnoses are increasing</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Dec 31st 2024, 16:00</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#494949;text-align:justify;font-size:13px;">
<p><p>For a long time it was assumed that somewhere between <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/epdf/10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.942">5 and 6%</a> of children have <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/">attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder</a> (ADHD). But the rates, in practice, are often higher. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put the prevalence at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html">11.4% in children in 2022</a>.</p>
<p>The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare reports that in 2022 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls received an ADHD diagnosis, which is <a href="https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/om-socialstyrelsen/pressrum/press/fortsatt-kraftig-okning-av-adhd-diagnoser/">50% more than in 2019</a>. And the board forecast that the rates will eventually plateau at 15% for boys and 11% for girls.</p>
<p>So, what might be the reasons behind the startling rise? Here are eight possible causes, many of which overlap and interact with each other.</p>
<h2>1. Multiple diagnoses made in the same person</h2>
<p>Previously, doctors were recommended by diagnostic manuals and trained to limit diagnoses in an individual to the most prominent one, and not to make certain combinations of diagnoses at all – for example, autism and ADHD. Today, it is recommended and common practice in the <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm">mental health sector</a> to make as many diagnoses needed to meaningfully describe and cover the symptoms and challenges of a person.</p>
<h2>2. Increased knowledge and awareness by professionals</h2>
<p>Today, there is a new generation of professionals working in services with higher awareness and knowledge of ADHD. This has led to earlier detection and to ADHD being diagnosed in groups that were previously neglected, <a href="https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9">particularly girls and women</a> – but also in <a href="https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9">adults, generally</a></p>
<h2>3. Reduced stigma</h2>
<p>In many societies, ADHD is far <a href="https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.13696">less stigmatised than previously</a>. Doctors have fewer doubts about making the diagnosis, and those receiving it feel less stigmatised. For more and more people, ADHD has fewer negative connotations and is becoming a natural part of people’s identities .</p>
<h2>4. Modern society places higher demands on cognitive skills</h2>
<p>ADHD is not a disease but a malfunctioning composition of cognitive traits that exist on more functional levels even in the general population, such as <a href="https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.13589">“attention control” (concentration) and organisational and self-regulation skills</a>. Modern societies are fast and complex, placing high demands on these cognitive traits. So people with lower than average skills in these key cognitive areas begin struggling to cope with everyday demands and might receive an ADHD diagnosis.</p>
<h2>5. Higher expectations on health and performance</h2>
<p>People’s expectations of their own and others’ performance and health are rising. The so-called “social baseline” of average health and <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-trends-defining-the-1-point-8-trillion-dollar-global-wellness-market-in-2024">performance is higher today</a>. Therefore, people may express concerns about their own and others’ functioning earlier and more often, and may presume that ADHD could be an explanation.</p>
<h2>6. Changes in schools have led to more students struggling</h2>
<p>Schools have gone through substantial changes in how they teach, such as digitisation and introducing more project- and group-based learning, as well as <a href="https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/sjcapp-2021-002">much more self-guided education</a>.</p>
<p>These changes have led to a less clear learning environment, including increased demands on students’ motivation and their cognitive skills, factors that can make it harder for students with even just a few traits of ADHD to succeed. It has also caused schools to refer more students whom they suspect of having <a href="https://childmind.org/article/schools-driving-adhd-diagnoses/">ADHD for assessment</a>.</p>
<h2>7. Policymakers prioritise assessment</h2>
<p>Politicians in many countries have tried to address the rising diagnosis rates predominantly by making diagnostic assessments <a href="https://skr.se/skr/halsasjukvard/utvecklingavverksamhet/psykiskhalsa/grupperpsykiskhalsa/barnochungapsykiskhalsa.46756.html">more accessible</a> so that people don’t have to wait a long time to receive a diagnosis.</p>
<p>While this is understandable, it fuels the number of diagnoses made and does not focus on avoiding diagnoses, such as by improving how children are taught, improving workplaces to make them more neurodivergent friendly, and offering support without requiring that a person have a diagnosis.</p>
<h2>8. Diagnosis guarantees access to support and resources</h2>
<p>In most societies, services are constructed as such that only a clinical diagnosis guarantees access to support and resources. It is often the only way for people and their families to get support.</p>
<p>Generally, not a lot is done for people without a diagnosis as service providers do not get reimbursed and are therefore less obliged to take action. So people in need of support are more likely to actively seek a diagnosis. And professionals are more inclined to assist them by giving a diagnosis, even if the person doesn’t quite meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD – a phenomenon called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9365059/">“diagnostic upgrading”</a>.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img decoding="async" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/242458/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1"><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eight-reasons-why-adhd-diagnoses-are-increasing-242458">original article</a>.</em></p></p>
</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; text-align: center; color: #666666; padding:4px; margin-bottom:2px;"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="font:13px Helvetica, sans-serif; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; background-color:#fff; padding:8px; margin-bottom:6px; border:1px solid #adadad;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/the-15-most-popular-psychology-and-neuroscience-studies-in-2024/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">The 15 most popular psychology and neuroscience studies in 2024</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Dec 31st 2024, 15:00</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#494949;text-align:justify;font-size:13px;">
<p><p>Below is a curated list of PsyPost’s most popular psychology and neuroscience studies from 2024, showcasing groundbreaking research and fascinating insights that have captivated readers throughout the year.</p>
<p>Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about what makes us tick, these 15 must-read studies offer valuable knowledge and engaging discoveries you won’t want to miss.</p>
<div class="jeg_postblock_12 jeg_postblock jeg_module_hook jeg_pagination_disable jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_225684_0_67749b379478d " data-unique="jnews_module_225684_0_67749b379478d">
<div class="jeg_block_container">
<div class="jeg_posts jeg_load_more_flag"><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-video">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/people-with-dark-personalities-feel-more-satisfied-in-romantic-relationships-with-partners-who-also-exhibit-similar-dark-traits/" aria-label="Read article: People with dark personalities feel more satisfied in romantic relationships with partners who also exhibit similar dark traits"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="People with dark personalities feel more satisfied in romantic relationships with partners who also exhibit similar dark traits" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/evil-couple-together-in-dark-room.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/social/dark-triad-personality/">Dark Triad</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/people-with-dark-personalities-feel-more-satisfied-in-romantic-relationships-with-partners-who-also-exhibit-similar-dark-traits/">People with dark personalities feel more satisfied in romantic relationships with partners who also exhibit similar dark traits</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/people-with-dark-personalities-feel-more-satisfied-in-romantic-relationships-with-partners-who-also-exhibit-similar-dark-traits/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> August 6, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>A study published in the Journal of Personality found that individuals with Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) are more satisfied in their romantic relationships when their partners possess similar traits, suggesting a mutual understanding and compatibility in their dark characteristics.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/people-with-dark-personalities-feel-more-satisfied-in-romantic-relationships-with-partners-who-also-exhibit-similar-dark-traits/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/does-having-children-make-you-happier-heres-what-the-research-suggests/" aria-label="Read article: Does having children make you happier? Here’s what the research suggests"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Physical touch during early life appears to play a key role in moral development, according to new research" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mother-hugging-young-toddler-daughter-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/parenting/">Parenting</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/does-having-children-make-you-happier-heres-what-the-research-suggests/">Does having children make you happier? Here’s what the research suggests</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/does-having-children-make-you-happier-heres-what-the-research-suggests/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> January 10, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>The prevailing belief in many parts of the world is that having children is key to happiness – and that people who don’t have children are unfulfilled in their lives. But is this really the case? The answer to this question is both simple and complex.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/does-having-children-make-you-happier-heres-what-the-research-suggests/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-video">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/the-psychology-of-sugar-dating-new-research-dives-deep-into-the-realities-of-sugar-arrangements/" aria-label="Read article: The psychology of sugar dating: New research dives deep into the realities of sugar arrangements"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="The psychology of sugar dating: New research dives deep into the realities of sugar arrangements" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/sugar-baby-with-her-sugar-daddy-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/relationships-sexual-health/dating/">Dating</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/the-psychology-of-sugar-dating-new-research-dives-deep-into-the-realities-of-sugar-arrangements/">The psychology of sugar dating: New research dives deep into the realities of sugar arrangements</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/the-psychology-of-sugar-dating-new-research-dives-deep-into-the-realities-of-sugar-arrangements/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> February 5, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>New research highlights the complexity of sugar dating, blending elements of transactional sex and traditional romantic relationships. The findings shed light on the motivations, benefits, concerns, and nuanced power dynamics between sugar babies and their benefactors.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/the-psychology-of-sugar-dating-new-research-dives-deep-into-the-realities-of-sugar-arrangements/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-is-linked-to-a-lower-likelihood-of-experiencing-subjective-cognitive-decline/" aria-label="Read article: Cannabis use is linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing subjective cognitive decline"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Cannabis use is linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing subjective cognitive decline" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cannabis-brain-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/drugs/marijuana-research/">Cannabis</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-is-linked-to-a-lower-likelihood-of-experiencing-subjective-cognitive-decline/">Cannabis use is linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing subjective cognitive decline</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-is-linked-to-a-lower-likelihood-of-experiencing-subjective-cognitive-decline/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> April 5, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>Non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with reduced odds of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among U.S. adults aged 45 and older, according to new research.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-is-linked-to-a-lower-likelihood-of-experiencing-subjective-cognitive-decline/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-surprising-factor-can-predict-dementia-up-to-12-years-in-advance-study-finds/" aria-label="Read article: A surprising factor can predict dementia up to 12 years in advance, study finds"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="A surprising factor can predict dementia up to 12 years in advance, study finds" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/old-man-eyes-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/dementia/">Dementia</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-surprising-factor-can-predict-dementia-up-to-12-years-in-advance-study-finds/">A surprising factor can predict dementia up to 12 years in advance, study finds</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-surprising-factor-can-predict-dementia-up-to-12-years-in-advance-study-finds/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> May 5, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>A study involving 8,623 individuals found that reduced visual sensitivity, detectable via eye tests, can predict dementia 12 years before diagnosis.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-surprising-factor-can-predict-dementia-up-to-12-years-in-advance-study-finds/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-particular-smell-might-play-an-important-role-in-alzheimers-treatment/" aria-label="Read article: A particular smell might play an important role in Alzheimer’s treatment"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Muscle contractions release chemical signals that promote brain network development" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/close-up-of-a-human-brain-with-the-focus-on-an-astrocyte-cell-amidst-a-sea-of-neurons.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/dementia/alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's Disease</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-particular-smell-might-play-an-important-role-in-alzheimers-treatment/">A particular smell might play an important role in Alzheimer’s treatment</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-particular-smell-might-play-an-important-role-in-alzheimers-treatment/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 18, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>New research suggests menthol inhalation may improve cognitive abilities in mice with Alzheimer’s by regulating the immune system and reducing brain inflammation, offering a potential new avenue for treating this debilitating disease.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-particular-smell-might-play-an-important-role-in-alzheimers-treatment/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-have-discovered-a-previously-unknown-function-of-blinking/" aria-label="Read article: Scientists have discovered a previously unknown function of blinking"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Pupil response can reveal the depths of depression" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/eyes-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/cognition/">Cognitive Science</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-have-discovered-a-previously-unknown-function-of-blinking/">Scientists have discovered a previously unknown function of blinking</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-have-discovered-a-previously-unknown-function-of-blinking/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 22, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>Blinking enhances visual processing by introducing beneficial luminance changes, helping the brain reformat visual information, according to new research. The findings indicate that blinks improve visual acuity beyond merely keeping the eyes moist.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-have-discovered-a-previously-unknown-function-of-blinking/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/anendophasia-scientists-examine-the-cognitive-impact-of-life-without-an-inner-voice/" aria-label="Read article: Anendophasia: Scientists uncover the weird cognitive impact of life without an inner voice"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Anendophasia: Scientists uncover the weird cognitive impact of life without an inner voice" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/brain-inner-voice-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/cognition/">Cognitive Science</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/anendophasia-scientists-examine-the-cognitive-impact-of-life-without-an-inner-voice/">Anendophasia: Scientists uncover the weird cognitive impact of life without an inner voice</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/anendophasia-scientists-examine-the-cognitive-impact-of-life-without-an-inner-voice/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 27, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>A recent study found that individuals without an inner voice struggle more with verbal memory and rhyme recognition tasks but show no significant differences in task-switching or visual discrimination compared to those with an inner voice.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/anendophasia-scientists-examine-the-cognitive-impact-of-life-without-an-inner-voice/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-common-dietary-supplement-can-reduce-aggression-by-up-to-28/" aria-label="Read article: A common dietary supplement can reduce aggression by up to 28%"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="A common dietary supplement can reduce aggression by up to 28%" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/fish-oil-omega-3-pill-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/">Mental Health</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-common-dietary-supplement-can-reduce-aggression-by-up-to-28/">A common dietary supplement can reduce aggression by up to 28%</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-common-dietary-supplement-can-reduce-aggression-by-up-to-28/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 29, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>New research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce aggression by up to 30%, highlighting the potential of nutritional interventions in managing aggression across diverse populations and settings.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-common-dietary-supplement-can-reduce-aggression-by-up-to-28/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-uncover-extraordinary-impact-of-high-fat-diet-on-anxiety-via-gut-brain-axis/" aria-label="Read article: Scientists uncover “extraordinary” impact of high-fat diet on anxiety via gut-brain axis"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Scientists uncover “extraordinary” impact of high-fat diet on anxiety via gut-brain axis" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gut-bacteria-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/anxiety-research-news/">Anxiety</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-uncover-extraordinary-impact-of-high-fat-diet-on-anxiety-via-gut-brain-axis/">Scientists uncover “extraordinary” impact of high-fat diet on anxiety via gut-brain axis</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-uncover-extraordinary-impact-of-high-fat-diet-on-anxiety-via-gut-brain-axis/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> July 10, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>A recent study found that a high-fat diet disrupts gut bacteria, alters brain chemistry, and increases anxiety-like behavior in rats, highlighting the complex gut-brain connection and the mental health impacts of dietary choices.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-uncover-extraordinary-impact-of-high-fat-diet-on-anxiety-via-gut-brain-axis/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/emophilia-is-a-distinct-psychological-trait-and-linked-to-infidelity/" aria-label="Read article: Emophilia is a distinct psychological trait and linked to infidelity"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Emophilia is a distinct psychological trait and linked to infidelity" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/happy-romantic-couple-in-love-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/relationships-sexual-health/infidelity-and-cheating/">Infidelity</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/emophilia-is-a-distinct-psychological-trait-and-linked-to-infidelity/">Emophilia is a distinct psychological trait and linked to infidelity</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/emophilia-is-a-distinct-psychological-trait-and-linked-to-infidelity/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> July 19, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>A recent study found that emophilia is a distinct psychological trait, not heavily correlated with other personality traits, and is linked to a higher number of romantic relationships and instances of infidelity.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/emophilia-is-a-distinct-psychological-trait-and-linked-to-infidelity/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-glue-that-holds-memory-together-in-fascinating-neuroscience-breakthrough/" aria-label="Read article: Scientists discover “glue” that holds memory together in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Scientists discover “glue” that holds memory together in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/neurons-3-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/cognition/memory/">Memory</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-glue-that-holds-memory-together-in-fascinating-neuroscience-breakthrough/">Scientists discover “glue” that holds memory together in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-glue-that-holds-memory-together-in-fascinating-neuroscience-breakthrough/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> October 22, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>Scientists found that the molecule KIBRA helps stabilize memory by binding to PKMζ, an enzyme that strengthens brain connections, allowing memories to last for years despite the constant turnover of proteins in the brain.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-glue-that-holds-memory-together-in-fascinating-neuroscience-breakthrough/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/caffeines-impact-on-brains-mesolimbic-dopaminergic-pathway-could-reduce-alcohols-addictive-effects/" aria-label="Read article: Caffeine’s impact on brain’s mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway could reduce alcohol’s addictive effects"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Neuroscientists gain a deeper understanding of how LSD affects molecular brain activity" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/neuron-synapses-in-brain-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/drugs/alcohol/">Alcohol</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/caffeines-impact-on-brains-mesolimbic-dopaminergic-pathway-could-reduce-alcohols-addictive-effects/">Caffeine’s impact on brain’s mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway could reduce alcohol’s addictive effects</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/caffeines-impact-on-brains-mesolimbic-dopaminergic-pathway-could-reduce-alcohols-addictive-effects/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> November 14, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>Researchers found that caffeine blocks alcohol’s ability to increase dopamine in brain reward areas, potentially reducing alcohol's rewarding effects. This suggests caffeine could play a role in preventing or treating alcohol addiction.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/caffeines-impact-on-brains-mesolimbic-dopaminergic-pathway-could-reduce-alcohols-addictive-effects/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/genetic-analysis-reveals-role-of-melatonin-in-adhd-symptom-severity/" aria-label="Read article: Genetic analysis reveals role of melatonin in ADHD symptom severity"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Genetic analysis reveals role of melatonin in ADHD symptom severity" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DNA-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/adhd/">ADHD</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/genetic-analysis-reveals-role-of-melatonin-in-adhd-symptom-severity/">Genetic analysis reveals role of melatonin in ADHD symptom severity</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/genetic-analysis-reveals-role-of-melatonin-in-adhd-symptom-severity/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> November 15, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>New insights into the relationship between sleep and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children suggest that melatonin, a key hormone in sleep regulation, might play an important role in managing symptoms.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/genetic-analysis-reveals-role-of-melatonin-in-adhd-symptom-severity/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_card format-standard">
<div class="jeg_inner_post">
<div class="jeg_thumb">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/lonely-individuals-tend-to-think-and-talk-in-an-unusual-way-study-finds/" aria-label="Read article: Lonely individuals tend to think and talk in an unusual way, study finds"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-500 "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1140" height="570" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Lonely individuals tend to think and talk in an unusual way, study finds" data-src="https://www.psypost.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unhappy-lonely-man-drinking-1140x570.jpg" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700"></div></a>
</div>
<div class="jeg_postblock_content">
<div class="jeg_post_category">
<span>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/neuroimaging/">Neuroimaging</a>
</span>
</div>
<h3 class="jeg_post_title">
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/lonely-individuals-tend-to-think-and-talk-in-an-unusual-way-study-finds/">Lonely individuals tend to think and talk in an unusual way, study finds</a>
</h3>
<div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/lonely-individuals-tend-to-think-and-talk-in-an-unusual-way-study-finds/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> November 24, 2024</a></div></div>
<div class="jeg_post_excerpt">
<p>Lonely individuals show atypical neural and linguistic responses to celebrities, diverging from group norms. Their unique perceptions reflect a lack of shared reality, reinforcing feelings of isolation and highlighting deviations in social cognition linked to loneliness.</p>
<a href="https://www.psypost.org/lonely-individuals-tend-to-think-and-talk-in-an-unusual-way-study-finds/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article></div>
<div class="module-overlay">
<div class="preloader_type preloader_dot">
<div class="module-preloader jeg_preloader dot">
<span></span><span></span><span></span>
</div>
<div class="module-preloader jeg_preloader circle">
<div class="jnews_preloader_circle_outer">
<div class="jnews_preloader_circle_inner"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="module-preloader jeg_preloader square">
<div class="jeg_square">
<div class="jeg_square_inner"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jeg_block_navigation">
<div class="navigation_overlay"><div class="module-preloader jeg_preloader"><span></span><span></span><span></span></div></div>
</div>
</div></p>
</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; text-align: center; color: #666666; padding:4px; margin-bottom:2px;"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="font:13px Helvetica, sans-serif; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; background-color:#fff; padding:8px; margin-bottom:6px; border:1px solid #adadad;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-common-antibiotic-might-have-a-slight-positive-effect-on-learning/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">A common antibiotic might have a slight positive effect on learning</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Dec 31st 2024, 14:00</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#494949;text-align:justify;font-size:13px;">
<p><p>An experiment on healthy young adults found that a single 200 mg oral dose of the antibiotic doxycycline slightly improved declarative learning and memory consolidation. It also very slightly reduced motor learning while improving long-term motor memory. The paper was published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.006"><em>European Neuropsychopharmacology</em></a>.</p>
<p>Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline class, commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It is effective against a wide range of conditions, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and certain types of acne.</p>
<p>Doxycycline is also used to treat and prevent malaria, as well as infections caused by tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. This medication is usually taken orally and is generally well-tolerated, though it can cause side effects such as nausea, photosensitivity, and gastrointestinal discomfort.</p>
<p>More recently, tetracyclines like doxycycline and minocycline have been studied for their potential neuroprotective effects as treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the gradual loss of neuronal function or death, which ultimately results in cognitive decline.</p>
<p>Study author Jelena M. Wehrli and her colleagues sought to explore whether a single oral dose of doxycycline negatively affects declarative memory consolidation. Declarative memory is a type of long-term memory that involves the conscious recall of facts, events, and knowledge, such as remembering names, dates, or specific experiences. The researchers reanalyzed data from three experiments investigating the effects of doxycycline on fear memory consolidation and reconsolidation.</p>
<p>The study participants, whose data came from the three experiments, were 261 healthy young adults recruited from the general population. They were all fluent in German and aged between 18 and 40 years, with a mean age of approximately 24 years.</p>
<p>Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a dose of doxycycline (Vibramycin®, 200 mg) or an identical placebo (mannitol). They were not informed whether they received doxycycline or the placebo. The 200 mg dose is the smallest amount recommended by the manufacturer. The participants completed three study visits in total, though the data analyzed in this study came from only two of these visits.</p>
<p>On the day of the treatment, participants first took their assigned capsule. Three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half hours later, they completed a series of neuropsychological tests, including tests of declarative verbal and visual memory, procedural motor skill learning, and sustained attention. Seven days later, during another study visit, their delayed recall of the materials learned during the earlier cognitive test battery was assessed.</p>
<p>The results showed no detrimental effects of doxycycline on declarative memory. Instead, a single dose of doxycycline slightly improved declarative learning and memory consolidation. The treatment very slightly reduced motor learning but subtly strengthened long-term motor memory.</p>
<p>“These results suggest that doxycycline can improve declarative learning and memory without having long term negative effects on other cognitive domains in healthy humans. Our results give hope to further investigate doxycycline in neuroprotective treatment applications,” the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study contributes to the scientific understanding of doxycycline’s effects on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. However, the observed effects were very weak and were noted only in the context of cognitive tests. Additionally, the participants were young individuals; the effects on older populations might differ.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.006">Forget me not: The effect of doxycycline on human declarative memory,</a>” was authored by Jelena M Wehrli, Yanfang Xia, Laura Meister, Sarrina Tursunova, Birgit Kleim, Dominik R Bach, and Boris B Quednow.</p></p>
</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; text-align: center; color: #666666; padding:4px; margin-bottom:2px;"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="font:13px Helvetica, sans-serif; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; background-color:#fff; padding:8px; margin-bottom:6px; border:1px solid #adadad;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/yet-another-study-disputes-link-between-conservatism-and-negativity-bias/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Yet another study disputes link between conservatism and negativity bias</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Dec 31st 2024, 12:00</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#494949;text-align:justify;font-size:13px;">
<p><p>A recent study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13056"><em>Political Psychology</em></a> challenges a popular theory: that heightened sensitivity to negative stimuli, known as negativity bias, drives people toward socially conservative political ideologies. While prior research suggested a strong link between physiological responses to threats and conservative attitudes, the new study presents limited evidence to support that claim.</p>
<p>The study was motivated by influential research proposing that psychological traits, such as heightened negativity bias, shape political ideology. Conservatives, it was argued, are more sensitive to negative stimuli, which predisposes them to favor policies emphasizing stability and protection. These claims were supported by correlations between self-reported negativity bias and social conservatism, as well as physiological responses to threatening or disgusting stimuli.</p>
<p>However, several replication studies <a href="https://www.psypost.org/replication-studies-fail-to-find-evidence-that-conservatives-have-stronger-physiological-responses-to-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">failed to reproduce</a> these findings, prompting the researchers to reconsider the relationship between negativity bias and ideology. This study aimed to explore whether conscious (self-reported) and unconscious (physiological) measures of negativity bias are truly aligned, and if they collectively or independently predict social conservatism.</p>
<p>“In 2020, we published a study in <em>Nature Human Behaviour</em> showing there is no direct link between right-wing ideology and threat sensitivity measured with physiological responses to threatening (negative) images. In the new study, we explored possible links between right-wing ideology and sensitivity to threats. These followed from the failed replication and were our ‘best ideas’ at the time and we preregistered them as such,” explained study author <a href="http://www.bertbakker.com/">Bert N. Bakker</a>, an associate professor for good research practices at the University of Amsterdam and co-director of <a href="https://www.hotpolitics.eu/">The Hot Politics Lab</a>.</p>
<p>To test these hypotheses, the researchers conducted two preregistered laboratory studies—one in the United States and one in the Netherlands—and followed them with a larger, registered report-style replication study.</p>
<p>For the laboratory studies, researchers recruited participants from local communities near universities, resulting in samples of 71 participants in the United States and 172 in the Netherlands. Participants first completed surveys measuring demographic variables, political attitudes, and personality traits. Social conservatism was assessed using 15 policy-related items designed to capture a spectrum of socially conservative to liberal viewpoints.</p>
<p>To measure implicit social conservatism, Bakker and his colleagues used the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This task required participants to categorize words related to liberal or conservative ideologies alongside positive or negative valences. For instance, participants matched words like “open borders” or “traditional” with either positive or negative descriptors. Faster reaction times in associating conservative words with positive descriptors, or liberal words with negative ones, indicated an implicit preference for conservatism.</p>
<p>Negativity bias was assessed using an image-viewing task. Participants were shown a series of images categorized as negative (e.g., threatening or disgusting), neutral, or positive. After viewing each image, they rated their emotional arousal using a standardized scale. Simultaneously, their physiological responses were measured through electrodermal activity, which records changes in skin conductance as an indicator of arousal. This dual approach captured both conscious (self-reported) and unconscious (physiological) reactions to emotionally charged stimuli.</p>
<p>As expected, researchers found a positive correlation between self-reported (explicit) social conservatism and implicit conservatism. This alignment suggests that participants’ conscious political attitudes often corresponded with their unconscious biases.</p>
<p>However, the hypothesized relationship between negativity bias and social conservatism was not strongly supported. Physiological measures of negativity bias showed no significant correlation with either explicit or implicit social conservatism, challenging the idea that unconscious sensitivity to negative stimuli directly predicts conservative political attitudes.</p>
<p>Self-reported measures of negativity bias yielded slightly different results. Participants who reported higher levels of arousal in response to negative images showed a weak positive association with self-reported social conservatism. However, this relationship was inconsistent, reaching statistical significance in the United States sample but not in the Netherlands sample during the laboratory studies.</p>
<p>This variability suggests that the relationship may depend on contextual factors such as cultural or societal influences, or it may reflect sample-specific differences rather than a robust, generalizable pattern. The effect sizes were small, further suggesting that even if self-reported negativity bias is related to conservatism, its influence is limited.</p>
<p>To confirm these findings, Bakker and his colleagues conducted a larger-scale replication study with over 1,000 participants each from the United States and the Netherlands. Participants completed similar tasks online, including surveys, an IAT, and an image-viewing task. The online format increased the diversity of the sample, allowing for a more robust test of the hypotheses. The larger sample sizes also improved the statistical power to detect subtle relationships between variables.</p>
<p>Despite the expanded scope, the replication study provided no clear evidence that sensitivity to negative stimuli plays a role in shaping ideological differences. “These findings suggest that negativity bias likely isn’t the key to understanding why conservatives and liberals differ,” Bakker told PsyPost. “This calls for a reevaluation of the relationship between emotion, psychology, and ideology in political psychology.”</p>
<p>The researchers followed a practice known as preregistration, where they publicly documented their study design, hypotheses, and analysis plan before collecting data. This approach, often carried out on platforms like the Open Science Framework, promotes transparency and helps prevent selective reporting or “cherry-picking” results.</p>
<p>“I think the study shows that preregistration is useful: we preregistered our ideas, and most were not confirmed,” Bakker explained.</p>
<p>The theory that conservatives are universally more sensitive to negative information than liberals has faced increasing scrutiny as new research reveals a more nuanced picture. In <a href="https://www.psypost.org/international-study-fails-to-find-consistent-relationships-between-conservatism-and-threat-sensitivity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a study using two laboratory games</a>, conservatives displayed greater caution and negativity bias in a survival-themed task, while liberals exhibited these traits in a financially threatening scenario, suggesting that both groups are sensitive to negative stimuli but in different domains.</p>
<p>Similarly, <a href="https://www.psypost.org/new-study-suggests-conservatives-are-no-more-fearful-or-threat-sensitive-than-liberals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another study</a> found that while conservatives were more concerned about violent conflict in general, liberals expressed greater concern about economic threats, challenging the notion of a universal link between threat and ideology.</p>
<p>“Political Psychology research by my team and others has now shown that there is not much reason to think that there is a systematic link between ideology and threat sensitivity,” Bakker said. “I think that is important to know. Yet, I also think that political psychology might need to turn to other explanations for understanding ideological differences.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13056">Being of one mind: Does alignment in physiological responses and subjective experiences shape political ideology?</a>“, was authored by Kevin Arceneaux, Bert N. Bakker, and Gijs Schumacher.</p></p>
</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; text-align: center; color: #666666; padding:4px; margin-bottom:2px;"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="font:13px Helvetica, sans-serif; border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; -webkit-border-radius:4px; background-color:#fff; padding:8px; margin-bottom:6px; border:1px solid #adadad;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/early-screen-time-not-a-cause-of-autism-study-concludes/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Early screen time not a cause of autism, study concludes</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Dec 31st 2024, 10:00</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#494949;text-align:justify;font-size:13px;">
<p><p>A new study published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2825501"><em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a> investigated whether screen time in early childhood increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in life. While initial analyses suggested a positive association between early screen time and ASD, the researchers found this link disappeared after accounting for socioeconomic factors.</p>
<p>ASD is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes information. It is called a “spectrum” because it encompasses a wide range of abilities and challenges, varying greatly from person to person. Some individuals with autism may have difficulty with speech and understanding social cues, while others may excel in specific skills like memory or pattern recognition. Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, and while its exact causes are not fully understood, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute.</p>
<p>The researchers conducted the study to explore whether behaviors like early screen time exposure could influence the development of ASD. Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive and social development, making it important to understand how environmental factors might shape these processes. Screen time, as a modifiable behavior, has become a growing concern due to its dramatic increase in recent decades.</p>
<p>“A substantial proportion of my research is focused on the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in autism. This study focuses on understanding potential links between early screen time and the risk of ASD because screen time exposure during early childhood is a modifiable behavior. Exploring its impact on ASD risk could provide critical insights for early intervention strategies and policy development,” said study author <a href="https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-daniel-lin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ping-I (Daniel) Lin</a>, an adjunct associate professor at the University of New South Wales and an associate professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.</p>
<p>The study used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, a large cohort dataset that tracks the development of children over time. The sample included 5,107 children, with a weighted population size of 243,046, to ensure the findings could be generalized. Screen time exposure was measured at two years of age based on weekly hours spent watching television, videos, or internet-based programs. At 12 years of age, parent-reported ASD diagnoses were recorded.</p>
<p>The researchers employed advanced statistical methods to analyze the data. Initially, they used multivariable logistic regression to examine whether early screen time was associated with ASD diagnosis while controlling for factors such as sex, family income, and maternal education. They then applied an instrumental variable method to isolate the potential influence of screen time from other confounding variables. This method allowed them to determine whether the association between screen time and ASD was causal or merely correlated due to shared socioeconomic factors.</p>
<p>The results initially showed a significant association between greater screen time at two years of age and an increased risk of ASD at 12 years. Specifically, children who had more than 14 hours of weekly screen time were nearly 1.8 times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis compared to children with less screen exposure.</p>
<p>However, when the instrumental variable method was applied, the association disappeared. The analysis revealed that socioeconomic factors, particularly family income and maternal education, influenced both screen time exposure and ASD risk, suggesting that these factors, rather than screen time itself, accounted for the observed relationship.</p>
<p>“It was surprising that the association between early screen time and ASD risk disappeared when socioeconomic factors like family income and maternal education were accounted for as instrumental variables,” Lin told PsyPost. “These instrumental variables can be used to reduce selection bias when we evaluate the association between screen time and ASD risk, so the association results are more robust. This highlights the complexity of ASD risk factors and the potential role of broader social determinants.”</p>
<p>The study’s authors emphasized that while their findings suggest no causal relationship between early screen time and ASD, the results have important implications for clinical practice and policy. Clinicians could consider asking about screen time as part of a broader developmental assessment, as this behavior might indicate families in need of additional resources or support. Addressing underlying socioeconomic factors could help mitigate developmental risks more effectively than focusing solely on limiting screen time.</p>
<p>“The main takeaway is that while early screen time is associated with ASD in initial analyses, this association was not found to be causal when controlling for socioeconomic factors,” Lin explained. “Instead, screen time may serve as a marker for identifying families who could benefit from additional support, rather than being a direct risk factor for ASD.”</p>
<p>Despite its robust methods, the study has limitations. The reliance on parent-reported ASD diagnoses introduces the potential for misclassification, although prior research has shown strong stability in these reports over time. Additionally, the instrumental variable approach, while powerful, depends on the assumption that the chosen socioeconomic factors influence ASD risk only through their effect on screen time. Unmeasured variables or residual confounding may still play a role, and the study cannot rule out all alternative explanations.</p>
<p>“The long-term goals are to better understand modifiable early-life exposures that contribute to ASD risk and to identify social and environmental factors that could mitigate developmental risks, thereby informing targeted interventions and support strategies,” Lin said. “Specifically, optimizing ASD support may need to factor in socioeconomic factors such as racial disparities and health inequalities will be one of my long-term goals for this line of research.”</p>
<p>“Clinicians should consider asking about screen time during early childhood as part of broader developmental assessments. This behavior may signify the need of additional resources to address underlying socioeconomic challenges that could influence child development.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.4432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Screen Time Before 2 Years of Age and Risk of Autism at 12 Years of Age</a>,” was authored by Ping-I. Lin, Weng Tong Wu, and Yue-Liang Leon Guo.</p></p>
</div>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; text-align: center; color: #666666; padding:4px; margin-bottom:2px;"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Forwarded by:<br />
Michael Reeder LCPC<br />
Baltimore, MD</strong></p>
<p><strong>This information is taken from free public RSS feeds published by each organization for the purpose of public distribution. Readers are linked back to the article content on each organization's website. This email is an unaffiliated unofficial redistribution of this freely provided content from the publishers. </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><s><small><a href="#" style="color:#ffffff;"><a href="https://blogtrottr.com/unsubscribe/565/DY9DKf">unsubscribe from this feed</a></a></small></s></p>