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<td><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;">PsyPost – Psychology News</span></td>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/daily-soda-consumption-linked-to-cognitive-difficulties-in-teens/" 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;">Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens</a>
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<p><p>New research indicates that daily consumption of sodas and sports drinks may hinder the cognitive abilities of adolescents. A recent analysis suggests that these sugary beverages disrupt sleep patterns, which in turn leads to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making. These findings were published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415x.2025.2598554" target="_blank">Nutritional Neuroscience</a></em>.</p>
<p>The adolescent brain undergoes a period of rapid development and reorganization. This phase is characterized by changes in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for planning and impulse control. Because the brain is still maturing, it is particularly sensitive to dietary inputs and environmental factors.</p>
<p>Researchers have previously identified links between high sugar intake and various health issues. However, the specific relationship between different types of sugary drinks and mental clarity in teenagers has remained less defined. Shuo Feng, a researcher at the Department of Health Behavior at Texas A&M University, sought to clarify this connection.</p>
<p>Feng designed the study to look beyond a simple direct link between sugar and brain function. The investigation aimed to determine if sleep duration acts as a “mediator.” A mediator is a variable that explains the process through which two other variables are related. In this case, the question was whether sugary drinks cause poor sleep, which then causes cognitive trouble.</p>
<p>The study utilized data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS). This is a large-scale, national survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It monitors health behaviors contributing to the leading causes of death and disability among youth.</p>
<p>The final dataset included responses from 8,229 high school students across the United States. The survey asked students to report how often they consumed soda and sports drinks over the past week. It also asked them to estimate their average nightly sleep duration.</p>
<p>To measure cognitive difficulties, the survey included a specific question regarding mental clarity. Students were asked if physical, mental, or emotional problems caused them “serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.” Feng used statistical models to analyze the relationships between these variables while accounting for factors like age, gender, and physical activity.</p>
<p>The analysis revealed distinct patterns based on the type of beverage and the sex of the student. Daily consumption of soda showed a strong association with cognitive difficulties for both boys and girls. Compared to non-drinkers, adolescents who drank soda every day had higher odds of reporting serious trouble with memory and concentration.</p>
<p>The results for sports drinks appeared slightly different. Daily consumption of sports drinks was linked to cognitive difficulties in girls. This association was not statistically clear for boys in the same daily consumption category.</p>
<p>A major component of the findings focused on the role of sleep. The data showed that higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages correlated with fewer hours of rest. This reduction in sleep served as a pathway linking the drinks to cognitive struggles.</p>
<p>For both boys and girls, sleep duration mediated the relationship between soda intake and cognitive difficulties. This means that part of the reason soda drinkers struggle with focus is likely because they are not sleeping enough. A similar mediation effect was found regarding sports drinks.</p>
<p>The biological mechanisms behind these findings involve the brain’s chemical signaling systems. Many sugar-sweetened beverages contain caffeine. Caffeine acts as an antagonist to adenosine, a brain chemical that promotes sleepiness. By blocking adenosine receptors, caffeine increases alertness temporarily but disrupts the body’s natural drive for sleep.</p>
<p>Sugar itself also impacts the brain’s reward system. Consuming high amounts of sugar stimulates the release of dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.</p>
<p>Chronic overstimulation of this reward system during adolescence can alter gene expression in the hypothalamus. This brain region regulates various bodily functions, including sleep cycles and memory. Over time, these chemical changes may increase vulnerability to cognitive dysregulation.</p>
<p>The study also touched upon the concept of synaptic plasticity. This term refers to the brain’s ability to strengthen or weaken connections between neurons. Estrogens, particularly estradiol, play a role in enhancing this plasticity and promoting blood flow in the brain.</p>
<p>Biological differences in how males and females process these chemicals may explain the variation in results. For instance, the study notes that sex-specific mechanisms could influence how sugar affects the brain. This might shed light on why sports drinks showed a stronger negative association with cognitive function in girls than in boys.</p>
<p>The sugar content in sports drinks is generally lower than that of sodas. A typical 20-ounce sports drink contains about 34 grams of sugar. In contrast, a similar amount of soda may contain nearly double that amount.</p>
<p>This difference in sugar load might result in less stimulation of the dopamine reward system for sports drink consumers. Additionally, sports drinks are often consumed in the context of physical exercise. Exercise is known to improve metabolism and hormonal regulation.</p>
<p>Improved metabolism from exercise might help the body process unhealthy ingredients more rapidly. This could potentially buffer some of the negative effects on the brain. However, the study suggests that for girls consuming these drinks daily, the negative cognitive outcomes persist.</p>
<p>The researcher pointed out that socioeconomic factors often influence dietary choices. Marketing for sugary beverages frequently targets younger demographics. The availability of these drinks in schools and communities remains high.</p>
<p>There are limitations to this study that require consideration. The data comes from a cross-sectional survey. This means it captures a snapshot in time rather than following individuals over years.</p>
<p>Because of this design, the study cannot definitively prove that sugary drinks cause cognitive decline. It can only show that the two are statistically linked. It is possible that students with cognitive difficulties are more prone to drinking sugary beverages, rather than the other way around.</p>
<p>Another limitation is the reliance on self-reported data. Students might not accurately remember how many drinks they consumed in the past week. They might also struggle to estimate their average sleep duration precisely.</p>
<p>The measurement of cognitive difficulties relied on a single, broad question. This question combined memory, concentration, and decision-making into one category. Future research would benefit from using more granular tests to measure these specific mental functions separately.</p>
<p>The study also had to exclude a number of participants due to missing data. A sensitivity analysis showed that the final group of students was slightly older and more racially diverse than those excluded. This could potentially introduce selection bias into the final results.</p>
<p>Despite these caveats, the research offers evidence supporting public health interventions. Reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages could be a practical strategy to improve youth health. Such a reduction may lead to better sleep duration and improved academic performance.</p>
<p>Educators and health professionals might consider emphasizing sleep hygiene as part of nutritional counseling. Addressing the consumption of caffeine and sugar, particularly in the evening, could help restore natural sleep cycles. This is vital for the developing adolescent brain.</p>
<p>Future studies should aim to replicate these findings using objective measures. Wearable technology could provide more accurate data on sleep duration and quality. controlled trials could also help isolate the effects of specific ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup or caffeine.</p>
<p>The study highlights a clear intersection between diet, rest, and mental function. It suggests that what teenagers drink has consequences that extend beyond physical weight or dental health. The impact reaches into the classroom and their daily ability to process information.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415x.2025.2598554" target="_blank">The association of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption with cognitive difficulties among U.S. adolescents: a mediation effect of sleep using Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey 2021</a>,” was authored by Shuo Feng.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/a-specific-mental-strategy-appears-to-boost-relationship-problem-solving-in-a-big-way/" 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 specific mental strategy appears to boost relationship problem-solving in a big way</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 06:00</div>
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<p><p>New research published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075261424827" target="_blank">Journal of Social and Personal Relationships</a></em> provides evidence that a specific mental exercise can help couples resolve conflicts more effectively than simple positive thinking. The study indicates that a self-regulation strategy known as “mental contrasting” encourages partners to engage with the internal obstacles preventing them from solving their problems. </p>
<p>Romantic relationships inevitably involve conflict. How couples navigate these disagreements is a strong predictor of whether the relationship will last and how satisfied the partners will feel. Effective problem-solving usually involves constructive communication and emotional responsiveness, while ineffective management is characterized by defensiveness or avoidance. </p>
<p>While counseling is a traditional route for improving these skills, it can be time-consuming and expensive. As a result, psychologists have sought to identify effective, self-administered strategies that couples can use on their own to navigate difficulties.</p>
<p>“Almost every couple faces problems sooner or later. Sadly, most couples, especially those whose satisfaction is not (yet) critically affected, are unlikely participate in couple interventions programs due to the substantial time and money investment required. That’s why we wanted to test whether a brief, scalable, and self-guided exercise can have meaningful impact on couples’ problem-solving behavior,” said study author Henrik Jöhnk, a research associate at Zeppelin University.</p>
<p>The researchers focused on a strategy called mental contrasting. This technique is distinct from positive thinking, or “indulging.” When people indulge, they imagine a desired future without considering the reality that stands in the way. In mental contrasting, an individual identifies a wish and the best outcome of fulfilling that wish, but then immediately reflects on the main inner obstacle—such as an emotion, habit, or belief—that prevents them from realizing that future.</p>
<p>Prior studies have shown that mental contrasting helps individuals regulate their behavior by creating a strong mental link between the desired future and the obstacle that must be overcome. The researchers in this study wanted to determine if this internal cognitive process could translate into better interpersonal communication between two partners.</p>
<p>The study involved 105 mixed-gender couples living in Germany. The participants ranged in age from 19 to 60, with an average age of roughly 27 years. Most were in committed relationships, with an average duration of three and a half years. The study was conducted remotely using video conferencing software.</p>
<p>To begin the experiment, both partners in a couple independently listed topics that caused disagreements in their relationship. They then came together to agree on one specific problem they wanted to solve. Once a problem was selected, the partners separated into different virtual rooms to complete the experimental task.</p>
<p>The couples were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the mental contrasting condition, each partner was asked to imagine the most positive aspect of resolving their chosen problem. Following this, they were asked to identify and imagine their main inner obstacle that was holding them back from resolving it. In the indulging condition, participants also imagined the most positive aspect of the resolution, but instead of focusing on an obstacle, they were asked to imagine a second positive aspect. This condition mimicked standard positive thinking or daydreaming.</p>
<p>After these individual mental exercises, the partners rejoined in the same physical room and were recorded having a ten-minute discussion about their problem via Zoom. Researchers later coded these interactions, looking for specific behaviors. They measured “self-disclosure,” which is the act of revealing personal feelings, attitudes, and needs. They also measured “solution suggestions,” counting how often partners proposed specific ways to fix the problem. Two weeks after the experiment, the couples completed a follow-up survey to report on whether they had made progress in resolving the conflict.</p>
<p>The results showed that mental contrasting had a measurable impact on how couples interacted and how successful they were at solving their problems. Regarding the long-term outcome, couples who used mental contrasting reported greater problem resolution two weeks later compared to those who used indulging. This benefit was specifically observed for problems that the partners perceived as highly important. When the issue was of low importance, the type of mental exercise made less of a difference.</p>
<p>“For a brief, self-guided exercise, the effects are surprisingly strong,” Jöhnk told PsyPost. “In particular, couples who are still relatively satisfied may benefit from trying mental contrasting in order to identify new ways forward. At the same time, these effects should not be seen as comparable to those of established couple therapies, which typically involve multiple sessions over months or years. Mental contrasting is best understood as a tool and a complement—not an alternative—to existing interventions.”</p>
<p>The video analysis revealed that the intervention changed the behavior of men and women in distinct ways. Men in the mental contrasting condition engaged in significantly more self-disclosure than men in the indulging condition. Specifically, they were more likely to verbalize their feelings and explain the attitudes driving their behavior. In the indulging condition, men showed typical patterns of disclosing less than women. However, in the mental contrasting condition, men’s level of self-disclosure rose to match that of the women.</p>
<p>This suggests that reflecting on internal obstacles helped men overcome barriers to vulnerability. By recognizing that an emotion like anger or insecurity was the obstacle, they became more likely to express that emotion to their partner. This is significant because self-disclosure is a key component of intimacy and helps partners understand the root causes of a conflict.</p>
<p>Women responded to the intervention differently. Women in the mental contrasting condition suggested fewer solutions than those in the indulging group. This reduction in solution suggestions was particularly evident when the problem was rated as important. While offering fewer solutions might sound negative, the researchers interpret this as a positive shift toward quality over quantity.</p>
<p>“What surprised me most was that mental contrasting didn’t increase the number of solutions people suggested for their problems,” Jöhnk said. “Instead, it appeared to slow the process down: people (especially women in our study) were less likely to offer quick or premature fixes, which may actually support effective problem-solving.”</p>
<p>In many conflicts, rushing to offer solutions can be a way to bypass necessary emotional processing. By suggesting fewer solutions, the women may have been more selective and thoughtful, avoiding premature fixes that would not address the underlying issue. The data showed that in the mental contrasting condition, participants were more likely to suggest a solution immediately after engaging in self-disclosure, implying that the solutions offered were more grounded in the reality of their feelings.</p>
<p>The study provides evidence that focusing on obstacles, rather than ignoring them, fosters a more realistic and grounded approach to relationship maintenance. Indulging in positive fantasies can sometimes drain the energy needed for action or lead to disappointment when reality does not match the fantasy. Mental contrasting appears to mobilize individuals to tackle the hard work required for resolving serious issues.</p>
<p>“To resolve relationship problems, it’s not enough to just hope things will get better,” Jöhnk explained. “Our research shows that people benefit from also facing their own inner obstacles like anger, fear, or insecurity that often get in the way of constructive conversations and actual change. ”</p>
<p>But there are some limitations to this study. The sample consisted largely of young, educated couples who were relatively satisfied with their relationships. The dynamics of problem-solving might look very different in couples who are highly distressed or on the brink of separation. In those cases, the problems might be perceived as insurmountable, and mental contrasting might lead to disengagement rather than engagement.</p>
<p>Additionally, the study relied on a specific experimental setup using Zoom. While this allowed the researchers to observe couples in their own homes, the presence of a recording device and the structured nature of the task might have influenced behavior. The researchers also only analyzed verbal communication. Non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language, play a massive role in conflict and were not part of the behavioral coding.</p>
<p>“We are still at in the middle of investigating the role of mental contrasting in romantic relationships, but this line of research is now expanding, supported by funding from the German Research Foundation,” Jöhnk noted. “A next step is to examine whether and how mental contrasting may benefit highly distressed couples, whose problems are often difficult or even impossible to fully resolve. In particular, we aim to study how mental contrasting shapes the way couples think about and engage with their problems when quick solutions are unlikely.”</p>
<p>“Readers who are curious to learn more about mental contrasting can visit <a href="https://woopmylife.org" target="_blank">https://woopmylife.org</a>, which offers free, evidence-based resources on mental contrasting and WOOP, a practical self-regulation strategy based on this research. For a deeper introduction, I also recommend <em>Rethinking Positive Thinking</em> by Gabriele Oettingen, who supervised this project and holds senior professorships at both New York University and Zeppelin University.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075261424827" target="_blank">Mental contrasting and problem-solving in romantic relationships: A dyadic behavioral observation study</a>,” was authored by Henrik Jöhnk, Gabriele Oettingen, Kay Brauer, and A. Timur Sevincer.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/psychology-professor-challenges-the-idea-that-dating-is-a-marketplace/" 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;">Psychology professor challenges the idea that dating is a marketplace</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 22:00</div>
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<p><p><em><strong>PsyPost’s PodWatch highlights interesting clips from recent podcasts related to psychology and neuroscience.</strong></em></p>
<p>On Saturday, February 7, the Modern Wisdom podcast, hosted by Chris Williamson, released episode 1056 featuring Dr. Paul Eastwick, a psychology professor who specializes in attraction and close relationships. The episode explores whether traditional evolutionary theories about dating are accurate in the modern world.</p>
<p>At roughly the 30-minute mark, Dr. Eastwick challenges the popular idea that dating operates like a marketplace where everyone has an objective “mate value.” He argues that viewing people as a number, such as a “seven” or a “ten,” fails to account for human history. Instead of seeking the absolute highest status partner, humans evolved to prioritize compatibility and interdependence. This shift occurred because human children are born relatively helpless and require an immense amount of care to survive.</p>
<p>To support this, Eastwick points to physical changes in human evolution, such as the reduction in size of male canine teeth. This physical shift suggests a move away from aggression and toward “male parental investment,” where fathers play an active role in child-rearing. In the ancient past, being a supportive and cooperative partner was often more effective for survival than simply being the strongest or most dominant hunter.</p>
<p>The conversation then shifts to highlight the difference between “stated preferences” and “revealed preferences.” Stated preferences are the traits people say they want when asked, such as men requesting youth or women requesting wealth. However, revealed preferences are what people actually choose during interactions like speed dating. Eastwick’s research shows that when people meet face-to-face, gender differences often disappear, and both sexes weigh traits like ambition and attractiveness similarly.</p>
<p>This distinction explains why online dating can be so frustrating for many users. Dating apps encourage users to filter potential partners based on rigid demographic “boxes” like height or education level. This prevents people from meeting in person, where subjective chemistry and personality often override those initial checklists. The researcher suggests that loneliness is often a result of screening people out before a real human connection can form.</p>
<p>Eastwick also addresses fears regarding changing gender roles, specifically the rise in women’s education and income levels. Contrary to some cultural narratives, current data indicates that relationships where the woman is more educated than the man are not at higher risk of divorce. The “crisis” of men needing to improve their status may be exaggerated by the lack of in-person socialization.</p>
<p>You can listen to the full interview <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psg48P39HpI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-use-machine-learning-to-control-specific-brain-circuits/" 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;">Scientists use machine learning to control specific brain circuits</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 20:00</div>
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<p><p>A team of researchers in Japan has developed an artificial intelligence tool called YORU that can identify specific animal behaviors in real time and immediately interact with the animals’ brain circuits. This open-source software, described in a study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adw2109" target="_blank">Science Advances</a></em>, allows biologists to study social interactions with greater speed and precision than previously possible. By treating complex actions as distinct visual objects, the system enables computers to “watch” behaviors like courtship or food sharing and respond within milliseconds.</p>
<p>Biologists have struggled for years to automate the analysis of how animals interact. Social behaviors such as courtship or aggression involve dynamic movements where individuals often touch or obscure one another from the camera’s view. Previous software solutions typically relied on a method called pose estimation. This technique tracks specific body points like a joint, a knee, or a wing tip across many video frames to calculate movement.</p>
<p>These older methods often fail when animals get too close to one another. When two insects overlap, the computer frequently loses track of which leg belongs to which individual. This confusion makes it difficult to trigger experiments at the exact moment a behavior occurs. To solve this, a team including Hayato M. Yamanouchi and Ryosuke F. Takeuchi sought a different approach. They worked under the guidance of senior author Azusa Kamikouchi at Nagoya University.</p>
<p>The group aimed to build a system capable of “closed-loop” feedback. This term refers to an experimental setup where a computer watches an animal and instantly creates a stimulus in response. For example, a computer might turn on a light the moment a fly extends its wing. Achieving this requires software that processes video data faster than the animal moves.</p>
<p>The researchers built their system using a deep learning algorithm known as object detection. Unlike pose estimation, this method analyzes the entire shape of an animal in a single video frame. The team named their software YORU. This acronym stands for Your Optimal Recognition Utility.</p>
<p>YORU identifies a specific action as a distinct “behavior object.” The software recognizes the visual pattern of two ants sharing food or a male fly vibrating its wing. This approach allows the computer to classify social interactions even when the animals are touching. By viewing the behavior as a unified object rather than a collection of points, the system bypasses the confusion caused by overlapping limbs.</p>
<p>The team tested YORU on several different species to verify its versatility. They recorded videos of fruit flies courting, ants engaging in mouth-to-mouth food transfer—a behavior known as trophallaxis—and zebrafish orienting toward one another. The system achieved detection accuracy rates ranging from roughly 90 to 98 percent compared to human observation.</p>
<p>The software also proved effective at analyzing brain activity in mice. The researchers placed mice on a treadmill within a virtual reality setup. YORU accurately identified behaviors such as running, grooming, and whisker movements. The system matched these physical actions with simultaneous recordings of neural activity in the mouse cortex. This confirmed that the AI could reliably link visible movements to the invisible firing of neurons.</p>
<p>The most advanced test involved a technique called optogenetics. This method allows scientists to switch specific neurons on or off using light. The team genetically modified male fruit flies so that the neurons responsible for their courtship song would be silenced by green light. These neurons are known as pIP10 descending neurons.</p>
<p>YORU watched the flies in real time. When the system detected a male extending his wing to sing, it triggered a green light within milliseconds. The male fly immediately stopped his courtship song. This interruption caused a decrease in mating success that was statistically significant.</p>
<p>Hayato M. Yamanouchi, co-first author from Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Science, highlighted the difference in their approach. He noted, “Instead of tracking body points over time, YORU recognizes entire behaviors from their appearance in a single video frame. It spotted behaviors in flies, ants, and zebrafish with 90-98% accuracy and ran 30% faster than competing tools.”</p>
<p>The researchers then took the experiment a step further by using a projector. They wanted to manipulate only one animal in a pair without affecting the other. They genetically modified female flies to have light-sensitive hearing neurons. Specifically, they targeted neurons in the Johnston’s organ, which is the fly’s equivalent of an ear.</p>
<p>When the male fly extended his wing, YORU calculated the female’s exact position. The system then projected a small circle of light onto her thorax. This light silenced her hearing neurons exactly when the male tried to sing. The female ignored the male’s advances because she could not hear him.</p>
<p>This experiment confirmed the software’s ability to target individuals in a group. Azusa Kamikouchi explained the significance of this precision. “We can silence fly courtship neurons the instant YORU detects wing extension. In a separate experiment, we used targeted light that followed individual flies and blocked just one fly’s hearing neurons while others moved freely nearby.”</p>
<p>The speed of the system was a primary focus for the researchers. They benchmarked YORU against SLEAP, a popular pose-estimation tool. YORU exhibited a mean latency—the delay between seeing an action and reacting to it—of approximately 31 milliseconds. This was roughly 30 percent faster than the alternative method. Such speed is necessary for studying neural circuits, which operate on extremely fast timescales.</p>
<p>The system is also designed to be user-friendly for biologists who may not be experts in computer programming. It includes a graphical user interface that allows researchers to label behaviors and train the AI without writing code. The team has made the software open-source, allowing laboratories worldwide to download and adapt it for their own specific animal models.</p>
<p>While the system offers speed and precision, it relies on the appearance of behavior in a single frame. This design means YORU cannot easily identify behaviors that depend on a sequence of events over time. For example, distinguishing between the beginning and end of a foraging run might require additional analysis. The software excels at spotting “states” of being rather than complex narratives.</p>
<p>The current version also does not automatically track the identity of individual animals over long periods. If two animals look identical and swap places, the software might not distinguish between them without supplementary tools. Researchers may need to combine YORU with other tracking software for studies requiring long-term individual histories.</p>
<p>Hardware limitations present another challenge for the projector-based system. Fast-moving animals might exit the illuminated area before the light pulses if the projector has a slight delay. Future updates could incorporate predictive algorithms to anticipate where an animal will be millisecond by millisecond.</p>
<p>Despite these limitations, YORU represents a new way to interrogate the brain. By allowing computers to recognize social behaviors as they happen, scientists can now ask questions about how the brain navigates the complex social world. The ability to turn specific senses on and off during social exchanges opens new avenues for understanding the neural basis of communication.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adw2109" target="_blank">YORU: Animal behavior detection with object-based approach for real-time closed-loop feedback</a>,” was authored by Hayato M. Yamanouchi, Ryosuke F. Takeuchi, Naoya Chiba, Koichi Hashimoto, Takashi Shimizu, Fumitaka Osakada, Ryoya Tanaka, and Azusa Kamikouchi.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/one-holiday-sees-a-massive-spike-in-emergency-contraception-sales-and-it-isnt-valentines-day/" 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;">One holiday sees a massive spike in emergency contraception sales, and it isn’t Valentine’s Day</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 18:00</div>
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<p><p>Research published in the <em><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077437" target="_blank">BMJ</a></em> has revealed that retail sales of emergency contraception rise sharply after the New Year holiday in the United States. The holiday was found to be linked to a surge in demand for emergency contraception, suggesting higher rates of unprotected sex compared with other times of the year—even more than Valentine’s Day.</p>
<p>Unprotected sex has long been recognised as a public health concern due to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Previous research shows that alcohol use, increased social activity, and limited access to contraception can all influence whether people practice safe sex. These factors tend to fluctuate throughout the year, and certain holidays may bring them together. Emergency contraception, which can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, offers researchers a way to indirectly measure when these risks may be higher.</p>
<p>Brandon Wagner (Texas Tech University) and Kelly Cleland (American Society for Emergency Contraception) sought to investigate if New Year’s Eve—a holiday commonly associated with parties, alcohol consumption, and romantic expectations—was followed by an increase in emergency contraception sales. They also wanted to compare this with other holidays that might share similar features, such as Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day.</p>
<p>To investigate, the team analysed weekly sales data for over-the-counter emergency contraception pills (levonorgestrel) across the United States from 2016 to 2022. The dataset covered 362 weeks of sales from traditional “brick and mortar” retailers, including grocery stores, drug stores, and mass merchandisers. Using statistical models, they compared sales in weeks following holidays with sales during non-holiday weeks.</p>
<p>The results showed a clear pattern. In the week after the New Year holiday, sales of emergency contraception rose by about 0.63 additional units per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–44). Based on US population estimates, this equated to roughly 41,000 extra units sold in the first week of 2022 alone compared with what would hypothetically occur without the holiday.</p>
<p>While other holidays also showed increases, none matched the New Year. Sales rose after Valentine’s Day, but only about half as much as after the New Year holiday. Smaller increases followed St. Patrick’s Day and Independence Day. By contrast, holidays not typically associated with heightened sexual activity or alcohol consumption—such as Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day—showed no significant change in emergency contraception sales.</p>
<p>The researchers say the spike after the New Year likely reflects a combination of factors: more sexual activity, lower contraception vigilance due to alcohol consumption, increased risk of sexual assault, and limited access to contraceptives due to holiday retail closures. Together, these conditions may make New Year’s Eve uniquely associated with unprotected sex.</p>
<p>“More than ever, emergency contraception is a critically important option for people in the US, particularly those living in regions with bans or severe restrictions on abortion. Although this annual spike in sales might seem humorous, it is indicative of unmet contraceptive need that calls for further attention,” Wagner and Cleland noted.</p>
<p>However, the study has important limitations. Sales data do not necessarily reflect actual use of emergency contraception, and the figures exclude purchases made online, in independent pharmacies, or through clinics. The findings also apply only to the United States, meaning patterns could differ in countries with different healthcare systems or cultural practices.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077437">Retail demand for emergency contraception in United States following New Year holiday: time series study</a>,” was authored by Brandon Wagner and Kelly Cleland.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/religiosity-may-protect-against-depression-and-stress-by-fostering-gratitude-and-social-support/" 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;">Religiosity may protect against depression and stress by fostering gratitude and social support</a>
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<p><p>An analysis of data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study found that religiosity may protect against depression and stress by fostering feelings of gratitude and social support. The research was published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.120851"><em>Journal of Affective Disorders</em></a>.</p>
<p>Religiosity refers to the extent to which individuals hold religious beliefs, engage in religious practices, and integrate religion into their daily lives. It encompasses beliefs, behaviors (such as prayer or worship attendance), personal commitment, and identification with a religious community.</p>
<p>A substantial body of research shows that religiosity is positively associated with psychological outcomes, such as higher life satisfaction and greater subjective well-being. Longitudinal and cross-cultural evidence indicates that these associations are modest but robust across different populations and cultural contexts.</p>
<p>In psychology and public health, religiosity tends to be viewed as a potential protective factor for mental health. One key reason for this is that religious involvement can help individuals cope with stressful life events and derive meaning from adversity. According to some models of stress and coping, religiosity may influence well-being by shaping how stressors are appraised and managed. Rather than exerting a direct effect, religiosity appears to provide psychological and social coping resources.</p>
<p>Study authors Ethan D. Lantz and Danielle K. Nadorff sought to explore the mechanisms through which religiosity affects psychological well-being. They hypothesized that higher levels of religiosity would be associated with higher levels of gratitude and social support. In turn, individuals experiencing stronger feelings of gratitude and better social support would tend to report better psychological well-being—defined as lower depressive symptoms and perceived stress, and higher life satisfaction.</p>
<p>The authors analyzed data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. MIDUS is a large, long-running national research program that examines how psychological, social, behavioral, and biological factors influence health and well-being as people age.</p>
<p>Specifically, the researchers used data from 1,052 participants in the MIDUS 2 dataset, collected between 2004 and 2006, and 625 participants from the MIDUS Refresher dataset, collected between 2011 and 2014. The average age of participants was 55 years in the MIDUS 2 dataset and approximately 52 years in the MIDUS Refresher. Females made up 55% and 51% of the participants in the two datasets, respectively.</p>
<p>The authors utilized data on participants’ religiosity (collected using the MIDUS Religiosity Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale), gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), and social support (Support and Strain from Partners, Family, and Friends scale).</p>
<p>They tested a statistical model proposing that religiosity leads to higher feelings of gratitude and greater social support. In turn, the model proposed that these resources would lead to improved psychological well-being. The results confirmed a “full mediation” model across both datasets. This indicates that the relationship between religiosity and well-being was fully explained by the presence of gratitude and social support.</p>
<p>“Religiosity may confer protection against affective distress by fostering key psychological and social coping resources. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of interventions designed to cultivate gratitude and strengthen social support networks as a strategy to improve well-being and reduce symptoms of affective disorders,” the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the psychological correlates of religiosity. However, it should be noted that the cross-sectional design of this specific analysis does not allow for causal inferences to be derived from the results.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.120851">An attitude of gratitude: How psychological and social resources mediate the protective effect of religiosity on depressive symptoms</a>,” was authored by Ethan D. Lantz and Danielle K. Nadorff.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/virtual-parenting-games-may-boost-desire-for-real-children-study-finds/" 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;">Virtual parenting games may boost desire for real children, study finds</a>
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<p><p>Declining birth rates present a demographic challenge for nations across the globe, particularly in East Asia. A new study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1743080" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a></em> suggests that playing life simulation video games may influence a player’s desire to have children in the real world. The research indicates that the emotional bonds formed with virtual characters can serve as a psychological pathway to shaping reproductive attitudes.</p>
<p>Societies such as China are currently experiencing a transition marked by persistently low fertility rates. Young adults aged 18 to 35 often report a reluctance to marry and bear children. This hesitation is frequently attributed to high economic costs associated with housing and education. It is also linked to a phenomenon researchers call “risk consciousness.” This mindset involves anxiety regarding the potential loss of personal freedom and the financial burdens of parenthood.</p>
<p>In this environment, digital entertainment has become a primary venue for social interaction and relaxation. Some scholars have argued that online activities might replace real-world relationships. This substitution could theoretically weaken the motivation to start a family. However, other researchers contend that specific types of games might offer a different outcome.</p>
<p>The researchers leading this study are Yuan Qi of Anhui Normal University and Gao Jie of Nanjing University. They collaborated with colleagues to investigate the psychological impact of life simulation games. They focused specifically on a popular game titled Chinese Parents. This game allows players to simulate the experience of raising a child from birth to adulthood. It incorporates culturally specific elements such as academic pressure and intergenerational expectations.</p>
<p>The team sought to understand if the virtual experience of raising a digital child could translate into a real-world desire for parenthood. To do this, they relied on two primary psychological concepts. The first is attachment theory, which typically describes the bonds between humans. The second is the concept of parasocial relationships.</p>
<p>Parasocial relationships refer to one-sided psychological connections that media users form with characters. While the user knows the character is fictional, the feelings of friendship, empathy, or affection feel real. The researchers hypothesized that these virtual bonds might act as a buffer against real-world anxieties. They proposed an “Emotional Compensation Hypothesis.” This hypothesis suggests that the safety of a virtual environment allows young people to experience the emotional rewards of parenting without the immediate financial or social risks.</p>
<p>To test their model, the researchers conducted a survey of 612 gamers who played Chinese Parents. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 35 years old. This age bracket represents the primary demographic for marriage and childbearing decisions. The group was recruited from online gaming communities and university campuses in China.</p>
<p>The survey utilized a statistical approach known as Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. This method allows scientists to identify complex relationships between different variables. The researchers measured several specific psychological factors.</p>
<p>The first factor was game concentration. This refers to the depth of immersion a player feels. It is a state of flow where the player becomes absorbed in the virtual world. The second factor was identification friendship. This measures the degree to which a player views the virtual character as a friend or an extension of themselves.</p>
<p>The researchers then looked at parasocial relationships, which they divided into two distinct categories. The first category is parasocial cognition. This involves thinking about the character’s motivations and understanding their perspective intellectually. The second category is parasocial emotions. This involves feeling empathy, warmth, and affection toward the character. Finally, the researchers measured fertility desire, which is the self-reported intention to have children in the real world.</p>
<p>The analysis revealed a specific psychological pathway. The researchers found that game concentration did not directly change a player’s desire to have children. Simply being immersed in the game was not enough to alter real-world life planning.</p>
<p>Instead, the results showed that immersion acted as a catalyst for other feelings. High levels of concentration led players to develop a sense of identification friendship with their virtual characters. Players began to see these digital figures as distinct social entities worthy of care.</p>
<p>This sense of friendship then triggered the critical component of the model: parasocial emotions. Players reported feeling genuine empathy and support for their virtual children. The data showed that these emotional connections were the bridge to real-world attitudes. When players formed strong emotional attachments to their in-game characters, they reported a higher desire to have children in real life.</p>
<p>The researchers found that the emotional pathway was the only successful route to influencing fertility desire. The study examined a cognitive pathway, where players intellectually analyzed the character’s situation. The results for this path were not statistically significant regarding the final outcome. Understanding the logic of the character did not correlate with a desire for parenthood. Only the emotional experience of caring for the character had an association with real-world reproductive goals.</p>
<p>The findings support the researchers’ “Emotional Compensation Hypothesis.” In a high-pressure society, simulation games provide a low-stakes environment. Players can satisfy their innate need for caregiving and intimacy through the game. Rather than replacing the desire for real children, this virtual fulfillment appears to keep the positive idea of parenthood alive. The game functions as a “secure base.” It allows individuals to practice the emotions of parenting without the fear of real-world consequences.</p>
<p>There are several limitations to this study that contextualize the findings. The research used a cross-sectional design. This means the data represents a snapshot in time. It shows a correlation between playing the game and wanting children, but it cannot definitively prove that playing the game caused the desire. It is possible that people who already want children are more likely to play parenting simulation games.</p>
<p>The data relied on self-reported questionnaires. This method depends on the honesty and self-awareness of the participants. Additionally, the study focused on a specific game within a specific cultural context. Chinese Parents is deeply rooted in Chinese social norms. The results might not apply to gamers in other countries or players of different genres of simulation games.</p>
<p>The researchers suggest that future studies should employ longitudinal designs. Tracking players over a long period would help determine if these virtual desires translate into actual decisions to have children years later. They also recommend expanding the research to include different cultural backgrounds.</p>
<p>Future investigations could also explore the potential of using such games as psychological tools. If these simulations can provide a safe space for emotional expression, they might help individuals with anxiety regarding family planning. The study opens a conversation about how digital experiences in the modern age intersect with fundamental biological and social motivations.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1743080" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From virtual attachments to real-world fertility desires: emotional pathways in game character attachment and parasocial relationships</a>,” was authored by Yuan Qi, Gao Jie, Du Yun, and Ding Yi Zhuo.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/donald-trump-is-fueling-a-surprising-shift-in-gun-culture-new-research-suggests/" 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;">Donald Trump is fueling a surprising shift in gun culture, new research suggests</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 13:30</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40621-026-00654-9"><em>Injury Epidemiology</em></a> provides evidence that the 2024 United States presidential election prompted specific groups of Americans to change their behaviors regarding firearms. The findings suggest that individuals who feel threatened by the policies of the current administration, specifically Black adults and those with liberal political views, are reporting stronger urges to carry weapons and keep them easily accessible. This research highlights a potential shift in gun culture where decision-making is increasingly driven by political anxiety and a desire for protection.</p>
<p>Social scientists have previously observed that firearm purchasing patterns often fluctuate in response to major societal events, such as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic or periods of civil unrest. However, there has been less research into how specific election results influence not just the buying of guns, but also daily habits like carrying a weapon or how it is stored within the home.</p>
<p>To understand these dynamics better, a team led by Michael Anestis from <a href="https://gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center</a> at Rutgers University sought to track these changes directly. The researchers aimed to determine if the intense rhetoric surrounding the 2024 election altered firearm safety practices among different demographics.</p>
<p>The researchers surveyed a nationally representative group of adults at two different points in time to capture a “before and after” snapshot. The first survey included 1,530 participants and took place between October 22 and November 3, 2024, immediately preceding the election. The team then followed up with 1,359 of the same individuals between January 7 and January 22, 2025. By maintaining the same group of participants, the scientists could directly compare intentions expressed before the election with reported behaviors and urges felt in the weeks following the results.</p>
<p>The data indicated that identifying as Black was associated with a increase in the urge to carry firearms specifically because of the election results. Black participants were also more likely than White participants to express an intention to purchase a firearm in the coming year or to remain undecided, rather than rejecting the idea of ownership. This aligns with broader trends suggesting that the demographics of gun ownership are diversifying.</p>
<p>Similarly, participants who identified with liberal political beliefs reported a stronger urge to carry firearms outside the home as a direct result of the election outcome. The study found that as political views became more liberal, individuals were over two times more likely to change their storage practices to make guns more quickly accessible. This suggests that for some, the perceived need for immediate defense has overridden standard safety recommendations regarding secure storage.</p>
<p>The researchers also examined how participants viewed the stability of the country. Those who perceived a serious threat to American democracy were more likely to store their guns in a way that allowed for quicker access. Individuals who expressed support for political violence showed a complex pattern. They were more likely to intend to buy guns but reported a decreased urge to carry them. This might imply that those who support such violence feel more secure in the current political environment, reducing their perceived need for constant protection outside the home.</p>
<p>Anestis, the executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center and lead researcher, noted that the motivation for these changes is clear but potentially perilous.</p>
<p>“These findings highlight that communities that feel directly threatened by the policies and actions of the second Trump administration are reporting a greater drive to purchase firearms, carry them outside their home, and store them in a way that allows quick access and that these urges are a direct result of the presidential election,” Anestis said. “It may be that individuals feel that the government will not protect them or – worse yet – represents a direct threat to their safety, so they are trying to prepare themselves for self-defense.”</p>
<p>These findings appear to align with recent press reports describing a surge in firearm interest among groups not historically associated with gun culture. An <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5607064/guns-liberals-trump-administration-people-of-color-lgbtq-fear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NPR report</a> from late 2025 featured accounts from individuals like “Charles,” a doctor who began training with a handgun due to fears for his family’s safety under the Trump administration.</p>
<p>A story from <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gun-trainers-nationwide-say-women-liberals-are-taking-interest-classes-rcna258195" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC News</a> published earlier this week highlighted a sharp rise in requests for firearm training from women and people of color. Trainers across the country, including organizations like the Liberal Gun Club and Grassroots Defense, have reported that their classes are fully booked. This heightened interest often correlates with specific fears regarding federal law enforcement.</p>
<p>For example, recent news coverage mentions the high-profile shooting of Alex Pretti, a concealed carry permit holder in Minneapolis, by federal agents. Reports indicate that such incidents have stoked fears about constitutional rights violations. Both the academic study and these journalistic accounts paint a picture of defensive gun ownership rising among those who feel politically marginalized.</p>
<p>While the study provides evidence of shifting behaviors, there are limitations to consider. The number of people who actually purchased a gun during the short window between the two surveys was low, which limits the ability of the researchers to draw broad statistical conclusions about immediate purchasing habits.</p>
<p>Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data. This means the results depend on participants answering honestly about sensitive topics like weapon storage and their willingness to use force. Future research will need to examine whether these shifts in behavior result in long-term changes in injury rates or accidental shootings.</p>
<p>“Ultimately, it seems that groups less typically associated with firearm ownership – Black adults and those with liberal political beliefs, for instance – are feeling unsafe in the current environment and trying to find ways to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Anestis said.</p>
<p>However, he cautioned that the method of protection chosen could lead to unintended consequences.</p>
<p>“Although those beliefs are rooted in a drive for safety, firearm acquisition, carrying, and unsecure storage are all associated with the risk for suicide and unintentional injury, so I fear that the current environment is actually increasing the risk of harm,” he said. “Indeed, recent events in Minneapolis make me nervous that the environment fostered by the federal government is putting the safety of Americans in peril.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40621-026-00654-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Changes in firearm intentions and behaviors after the 2024 United States presidential election</a>,” was authored by Michael D. Anestis, Allison E. Bond, Kimberly C. Burke, Sultan Altikriti, and Daniel C. Semenza.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/this-mental-trait-predicts-individual-differences-in-kissing-preferences/" 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;">This mental trait predicts individual differences in kissing preferences</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 12:30</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2025.2608188" target="_blank">Sexual and Relationship Therapy</a></em> provides evidence that a person’s tendency to engage in sexual fantasy influences what they prioritize in a romantic kiss. The findings suggest that the mental act of imagining intimate scenarios is strongly linked to placing a higher value on physical arousal and contact during kissing. This research helps explain the psychological connection between cognitive states and physical intimacy.</p>
<p>From an evolutionary perspective, researchers have proposed three main reasons for romantic kissing. The first is “mate assessment,” which means kissing helps individuals subconsciously judge a potential partner’s health and genetic compatibility. The second is “pair bonding,” where kissing serves to maintain an emotional connection and commitment between partners in a long-term relationship.</p>
<p>The third proposed function is the “arousal hypothesis.” This theory suggests that the primary biological purpose of kissing is to initiate sexual arousal and prepare the body for intercourse. While this seems intuitive, previous scientific attempts to prove this hypothesis have failed to find a strong link. Past data did not show that kissing consistently acts as a catalyst for sexual arousal.</p>
<p>The researchers behind the current study argued that these previous attempts were looking at the problem too narrowly. Earlier work focused almost exclusively on the physical sensation of kissing, such as the sensitivity of the lips or the exchange of saliva. This approach largely ignored the mental and emotional state of the person doing the kissing. The researchers hypothesized that the physical act of kissing might not be arousing on its own without a specific cognitive component. They proposed that sexual fantasy serves as this missing link.</p>
<p>“People have tested three separate hypotheses to explain why we engage in romantic kissing as a species,” said study author Christopher D. Watkins, a senior lecturer in psychology at Abertay University. “At the time there had been no evidence supporting the arousal hypothesis for kissing – that kissing may act as an important catalyst for sex. This may be because these studies focussed on the sensation of kissing as the catalyst, when psychological explanations are also important (e.g., the mental motives for kissing which in turn makes intimacy feel pleasurable/desirable).”</p>
<p>To test this idea, the researchers designed an online study to measure the relationship between fantasy proneness and kissing preferences. They recruited a sample of 412 adults, primarily from the United Kingdom and Italy. After removing participants who did not complete all sections or meet the age requirements, the final analysis focused on 212 individuals. This group was diverse in terms of relationship status, with about half of the participants reporting that they were in a long-term relationship.</p>
<p>Participants completed a series of standardized questionnaires. The first was the “Good Kiss Questionnaire,” which asks individuals to rate the importance of various factors when deciding if someone is a good kisser. These factors included sensory details like the taste of the partner’s lips, the pleasantness of their breath, and the “wetness” of the kiss. The questionnaire also included items related to “contact and arousal,” asking how important physical touching and the feeling of sexual excitement were to the experience.</p>
<p>The scientists also administered the “Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire.” They specifically focused on the “intimacy” subscale, which measures how often a person engages in daytime fantasies about romantic interactions with a partner. This measure was distinct from fantasies that occur during sexual acts or while dreaming. It focused on the mental habit of imagining intimacy during everyday life.</p>
<p>To ensure their results were precise, the researchers included control measures. They measured “general creative experiences” to assess whether a person was simply imaginative in general. This allowed the scientists to determine if the results were driven specifically by sexual fantasy rather than just a vivid imagination. They also measured general sexual desire to see if the effects were independent of a person’s overall sex drive.</p>
<p>The results supported the researchers’ primary prediction. The analysis showed a positive correlation between daytime intimate fantasy and the importance placed on arousal and contact in a good kiss. Individuals who reported a higher tendency to fantasize about intimacy were much more likely to define a “good kiss” as one that includes high levels of physical contact and sexual arousal.</p>
<p>“Your tendency to think and fantasise about intimacy during the day is related to the qualities you associate with a good-quality kiss,” Watkins told PsyPost. “Specifically, the importance we attach to contact and arousal while kissing. As such, our mental preoccupations could facilitate arousal when in close contact with an intimate partner – explaining personal differences in how we approach partners during intimate encounters.”</p>
<p>This relationship held true even after the researchers statistically controlled for other variables. The link between fantasy and kissing preferences remained significant regardless of the participant’s general creativity levels. This suggests that the connection is specific to sexual and romantic cognition, not just a byproduct of having a creative mind.</p>
<p>Additionally, the finding was independent of general sexual desire. While people with higher sex drives did generally value arousal more, the specific habit of fantasizing contributed to this preference over and above general desire. This implies that the mental act of simulating intimacy creates a specific psychological context. This context appears to shape what a person expects and desires from the physical act of kissing.</p>
<p>The study also yielded secondary findings regarding kissing styles. The researchers looked at “reproductive potential,” which they measured by asking participants about their history of sexual partners relative to their peers. This is often used in evolutionary psychology as a proxy for mating strategy. The data showed that individuals with a history of more sexual partners placed greater importance on “technique” in a good kiss. Specifically, they valued synchronization, or whether the partner’s kissing style matched their own.</p>
<p>“One unplanned relationship found in the data was between the importance people placed on technique (e.g., synchronicity) in a good kiss and the extent to which people reported tending to have sex with different people across their relationship history (compared to average peer behavior),” Watkins said. “This may suggest that people who seek sexual variety also seek some form of similarity in partners while intimate (kissing style). This was a small effect though that we would like others to examine/replicate independently in their own studies.”</p>
<p>As with all research, there are some limitations. The research used a cross-sectional design, meaning it captured data from participants at a single point in time. As a result, the researchers cannot prove that fantasizing causes a change in kissing preferences. It is largely possible that the relationship works in the reverse direction, or that a third factor influences both.</p>
<p>The sample was also heavily skewed toward Western cultures, specifically the UK and Italy. Romantic kissing is not a universal human behavior and is observed in less than half of known cultures. Consequently, these findings may not apply to cultures where kissing is not a standard part of romantic or sexual rituals. </p>
<p>Future research could address these issues by using longitudinal designs. Scientists could follow couples over time to see how the relationship between fantasy and physical intimacy evolves. This would help clarify whether increasing intimate fantasy can lead to a more revitalized physical connection. </p>
<p>“We are looking to develop our testing instruments to explore other experiences related to kissing, and expand our studies on this topic – for example, by establishing clear cause and effect between our thoughts/fantasies and later kissing behaviors or other behaviors reported during close contact with romantic partners,” Watkins said.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2025.2608188" target="_blank">Proclivity for sexual fantasy accounts for differences in the perceived components of a ‘good kiss’</a>,” was authored by Milena V. Rota and Christopher D. Watkins.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/strong-adhd-symptoms-may-boost-creative-problem-solving-through-sudden-insight/" 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;">Strong ADHD symptoms may boost creative problem-solving through sudden insight</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 11:30</div>
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<p><p>New research suggests that the distinctive cognitive traits associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, may provide a specific advantage in how people tackle creative challenges. A study conducted by psychologists found that individuals reporting high levels of ADHD symptoms are more likely to solve problems through sudden bursts of insight rather than through methodical analysis. </p>
<p>These findings indicate that while ADHD is often defined by its deficits, the condition may also facilitate a unique style of thinking that bypasses conscious logic to reach a solution. The results were published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2026.113660" target="_blank">Personality and Individual Differences</a></em>.</p>
<p>Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition typically characterized by difficulty maintaining focus, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. These symptoms are often viewed through the lens of executive function deficits. Executive function refers to the brain’s management system. It acts like an air traffic controller that directs attention, filters out distractions, and keeps mental processes organized.</p>
<p>When this system works efficiently, a person can focus on a specific task and block out irrelevant information. However, researchers have long hypothesized that a “leaky” attention filter might have a hidden upside. If the brain does not filter out irrelevant information efficiently, it may allow remote ideas and associations to enter conscious awareness. This broader associative net could theoretically help a person connect seemingly unrelated concepts.</p>
<p>To test this theory, a team of researchers led by Hannah Maisano and Christine Chesebrough, along with senior author John Kounios, designed an experiment to measure problem-solving styles. Maisano is a doctoral student at Drexel University, and Chesebrough is a researcher at the Feinstein Institutes for Biomedical Research. They collaborated with Fengqing Zhang and Brian Daly of Drexel University and Mark Beeman of Northwestern University.</p>
<p>The researchers recruited 299 undergraduate students to participate in an online study. The team did not limit the study to individuals with a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, they asked all participants to complete the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. This is a standard survey used to measure the frequency and severity of symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity. This approach allowed the scientists to examine the effects of these traits across a full spectrum of severity.</p>
<p>The core of the experiment involved a test known as the Compound Remote Associates task. Psychologists frequently use this task to measure convergent thinking, which is the ability to find a single correct answer to a problem. In this test, participants view three words that appear unrelated. Their goal is to find a fourth word that creates a familiar compound word or phrase with each of the three.</p>
<p>For example, a participant might see the words “pine,” “crab,” and “sauce.” The correct answer is “apple,” which forms “pineapple,” “crabapple,” and “applesauce.” The participants attempted to solve sixty of these puzzles.</p>
<p>After each successful solution, the participants reported how they arrived at the answer. They had to choose between two distinct cognitive styles. The first style is analysis. This involves a deliberate, step-by-step search for the answer. It is a conscious and slow process. The second style is insight. This is often described as an “Aha!” moment. It occurs when the solution pops into awareness suddenly and surprisingly, often after the person has stopped actively trying to force a result.</p>
<p>The data revealed a distinct pattern in how different groups approached the puzzles. Participants who reported the highest levels of ADHD symptoms relied heavily on insight. They were statistically significantly more likely to solve the problems through sudden realization than through step-by-step logic.</p>
<p>In contrast, the participants with the lowest levels of ADHD symptoms displayed a different profile. This group used a balance of both insight and analysis to find the answers. They did not favor one method overwhelmingly over the other.</p>
<p>“We found that individuals reporting the strongest ADHD symptoms relied significantly more on insight to solve problems,” said Maisano. “They appear to favor unconscious, associative processing that can produce sudden creative breakthroughs.”</p>
<p>The researchers also analyzed the total number of problems solved correctly by each group. This analysis produced an unexpected U-shaped curve. The group with the highest symptoms and the group with the lowest symptoms both performed very well. They solved the most puzzles overall. However, the participants in the middle of the spectrum performed the worst.</p>
<p>This U-shaped result suggests that high and low levels of executive control lead to success through different routes. People with high executive control can effectively use analytical strategies. They can systematically test words until they find a match. People with low executive control, such as those with high ADHD symptoms, struggle with that systematic approach. However, their tendency toward unfocused thought allows their brains to stumble upon the answer unconsciously.</p>
<p>The individuals in the middle appear to be at a disadvantage in this specific context. They may not have enough executive control to be highly effective at analysis. Simultaneously, they may have too much control to allow their minds to wander freely enough for frequent insight.</p>
<p>Kounios explains the implication of this finding. “Our results show that having strong ADHD symptoms can mean being a better creative problem-solver than most people, that is, than people who have low to moderate ADHD symptoms.”</p>
<p>The study aligns with the concept of dual-process theories of thought. Psychologists often distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 processing. Type 1 processing is fast, automatic, and unconscious. It is the engine behind intuitive insight. Type 2 processing is slow, effortful, and conscious. It drives analytical reasoning.</p>
<p>ADHD symptoms are generally associated with a weakness in Type 2 processing. The effort required to maintain focus and manipulate information in working memory is often impaired. The researchers argue that this deficit in Type 2 processing forces—or perhaps allows—individuals with ADHD symptoms to rely on Type 1 processing.</p>
<p>This reliance on Type 1 processing is not merely a compensation strategy. It appears to be a robust pathway to solution in its own right. The high-symptom group did not just fail to analyze; they succeeded through insight. The regression analyses performed by the team showed that as ADHD symptoms increased, the probability of using analysis dropped, while the probability of using insight rose.</p>
<p>“Being both very high or very low in executive control can be beneficial for creative problem-solving, but you get to the right answer in different ways,” said Chesebrough.</p>
<p>Kounios and his colleagues emphasize that these findings challenge the traditional view of ADHD as purely a disorder of deficits. While the condition certainly presents challenges in environments that require rigid focus and organization, it offers advantages in situations that demand creative connections.</p>
<p>The study does have limitations. It relied on a sample of university students rather than a broader slice of the general population. Additionally, the study used self-reported symptoms rather than clinical diagnoses confirmed by a physician. It is possible that other undiagnosed conditions could have influenced the results.</p>
<p>The researchers also note that they excluded participants who reported poor sleep or substance use, as these factors can impair cognitive performance. Future research will need to replicate these findings with larger groups and formally diagnosed clinical populations to confirm the robustness of the U-shaped performance curve.</p>
<p>Despite these caveats, the research offers a new perspective on neurodiversity in the context of problem-solving. It suggests that the cognitive profile associated with ADHD is not simply a broken version of “normal” cognition. Instead, it represents a different functional organization of the brain. This organization favors spontaneous processing over deliberate control.</p>
<p>Understanding this strength could help educators and employers create environments that harness the natural abilities of individuals with ADHD. Rather than forcing these individuals to adopt analytical strategies that do not fit their cognitive style, it may be more effective to encourage their intuitive approaches.</p>
<p>“Understanding these strengths could help people harness their natural problem-solving style in school, work and everyday life,” said Kounios.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2026.113660" target="_blank">ADHD symptom magnitude predicts creative problem-solving performance and insight versus analysis solving modes</a>,” was authored by Hannah Maisano, Christine Chesebrough, Fengqing Zhang, Brian Daly, Mark Beeman, and John Kounios.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/who-lives-a-good-single-life-new-data-highlights-the-role-of-autonomy-and-attachment/" 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;">Who lives a good single life? New data highlights the role of autonomy and attachment</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 14th 2026, 10:15</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.70053" target="_blank">Personal Relationships</a></em> suggests that single people who feel their basic psychological needs are met tend to experience higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. The findings indicate that beyond these universal needs, having a secure attachment style and viewing singlehood as a personal choice rather than a result of external barriers are significant predictors of a satisfying single life.</p>
<p>The number of single adults has increased significantly in recent years, prompting psychologists to investigate what factors contribute to a high quality of life for this demographic. Historically, relationship research has focused heavily on the dynamics of couples, often treating singlehood merely as a transitional stage or a deficit. When researchers did study singles, they typically categorized them simply as those who chose to be single versus those who did not. This binary perspective fails to capture the complexity of the single experience. </p>
<p>The researchers behind the new study sought to understand the specific psychological characteristics that explain why some individuals thrive in singlehood while others struggle. By examining factors ranging from broad human needs to specific attitudes about relationships, the team aimed to clarify the internal and external forces that shape single well-being.</p>
<p>“Much of the research on single people has focused on deficits—that singles are less happy or lonely to partnered people,” said study author Jeewon Oh, an assistant professor at Syracuse University.</p>
<p>“We wanted to ask instead: When do single people thrive? We wanted to identify what actually predicts a good single life from understanding their individual differences. We know that people need to feel autonomous, competent, and related to others to flourish, but it wasn’t clear whether relationship-specific factors like attachment style or reasons for being single play an important role beyond satisfying these more basic needs.”</p>
<p>To investigate these questions, the scientists conducted two separate analyses. The first sample consisted of 445 adults recruited through Qualtrics Panels. These participants were older, with an average age of approximately 53 years, and were long-term singles who had been without a partner for an average of 20 years. This demographic provided a window into the experiences of those who have navigated singlehood for a significant portion of their adulthood.</p>
<p>The second sample was gathered to see if the findings would hold true for a different age group. This group included 545 undergraduate students from a university in the northeastern United States. These participants were much younger, with an average age of roughly 19 years. By using two distinct samples, the researchers hoped to distinguish between findings that might be unique to a specific life stage and those that apply to singles more generally.</p>
<p>The researchers used a series of surveys to assess several psychological constructs. First, they measured the satisfaction of basic psychological needs based on Self-Determination Theory. This theory posits that three core needs are essential for human well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy refers to a sense of volition and control over one’s own life choices. Competence involves feeling capable and effective in one’s activities. Relatedness is the feeling of being connected to and cared for by others.</p>
<p>In addition to basic needs, the study assessed attachment orientation. Attachment theory describes how people relate to close others, often based on early life experiences. The researchers looked at two dimensions: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety is characterized by a fear of rejection and a strong need for reassurance. Attachment avoidance involves a discomfort with intimacy and a preference for emotional distance.</p>
<p>The team also measured sociosexuality and reasons for being single. Sociosexuality refers to an individual’s openness to uncommitted sexual experiences, including their desires, attitudes, and behaviors regarding casual sex. For the reasons for being single, participants rated their agreement with statements categorized into domains such as valuing freedom, perceiving personal constraints, or feeling a lack of courtship ability.</p>
<p>The most consistent finding across both samples was the importance of basic psychological need satisfaction. Single individuals who felt their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness were being met reported significantly higher life satisfaction and satisfaction with their relationship status. They also reported fewer symptoms of depression. </p>
<p>This suggests that the foundation of a good life for singles is largely the same as it is for everyone else. It relies on feeling in control of one’s life, feeling capable, and having meaningful social connections, which for singles are often found in friendships and family rather than romantic partnerships.</p>
<p>Attachment style also emerged as a significant predictor of well-being. The data showed that higher levels of attachment anxiety were associated with more depressive symptoms. In the combined analysis of both samples, attachment anxiety also predicted lower satisfaction with singlehood. People with high attachment anxiety often crave intimacy and fear abandonment. This orientation may make singlehood particularly challenging, as the lack of a romantic partner might act as a constant source of distress.</p>
<p>The study found that the specific reasons a person attributes to their singlehood matter for their mental health. Participants who viewed their singlehood as a means to maintain their freedom and independence reported higher levels of satisfaction. These individuals appeared to be single because they valued the autonomy it provided. </p>
<p>In contrast, those who felt they were single due to constraints experienced worse outcomes. Constraints included factors such as lingering feelings for a past partner, a fear of being hurt, or perceived personal deficits. Viewing singlehood as a forced circumstance rather than a choice was linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms.</p>
<p>The researchers examined whether sociosexuality would predict well-being, hypothesizing that singles who are open to casual sex might enjoy singlehood more. However, the results indicated that sociosexuality did not provide additional explanatory power once basic needs and attachment were taken into account. While the desire for uncommitted sex was correlated with some outcomes in isolation, it was not a primary driver of well-being in the comprehensive models.</p>
<p>These findings suggest that a “sense of choice” is a multi-layered concept. It is not just about a simple decision to be single or not. Instead, it is reflected in how much autonomy a person feels generally, whether their attachment style allows them to feel secure without a partner, and whether they interpret their single status as an alignment with their values.</p>
<p>“The most important takeaway is that single people’s well-being consistently depends on having their basic psychological needs met—feeling autonomous, competent, and connected to others,” Oh told PsyPost. “However, beyond that, it also matters whether someone has an anxious attachment style, and whether they feel like they are single because it fits their values (vs. due to constraints). These individual differences are aligned with having a sense of choice over being single, which may be one key to a satisfying singlehood.”</p>
<p>The study has some limitations. The research relied on self-reported data collected at a single point in time. This cross-sectional design means that scientists cannot determine the direction of cause and effect. For example, it is possible that people who are already depressed are more likely to perceive their singlehood as a result of constraints, rather than the constraints causing the depression.</p>
<p>The demographic composition of the samples also limits generalizability. The participants were predominantly White and, in the older sample, mostly women. The experience of singlehood can vary greatly depending on gender, race, cultural background, and sexual orientation. The researchers noted that future studies should aim to include more diverse groups to see if these psychological patterns hold true across different populations.</p>
<p>Another limitation involved the measurement of reasons for being single. The scale used to assess these reasons had some statistical weaknesses, which suggests that the specific categories of “freedom” and “constraints” might need further refinement in future research. Despite this, the general pattern—that voluntary reasons link to happiness and involuntary reasons link to distress—aligns with previous scientific literature.</p>
<p>Future research could benefit from following single people over time. A longitudinal approach would allow scientists to observe how changes in need satisfaction or attachment security influence feelings about singlehood as people age. It would also be valuable to explore how other personality traits, such as extraversion or neuroticism, interact with these factors to shape the single experience.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.70053" target="_blank">Who Lives a Good Single Life? >From Basic Need Satisfaction to Attachment, Sociosexuality, and Reasons for Being Single</a>,” was authored by Jeewon Oh, Arina Stoianova, Tara Marie Bello, and Ashley De La Cruz.</p></p>
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<p><strong>Forwarded by:<br />
Michael Reeder LCPC<br />
Baltimore, MD</strong></p>
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