Search

This article discusses a study on the use of a digital format for testing pareidolias, which are visual perceptual deficits where ambiguous shapes take on meaningful appearances. The study compared the results of paper-based and digital testing approaches on healthy controls and patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy body disease, and Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that the illusionary phenomenon of pareidolia is consistent across both paper and digital modalities of testing, and that perceptual constancy is maintained across patient groups. The study also found that pareidolic misperceptions can be stabilized on a digital format, demonstrating a practical way of testing pareidolias on smartphones without compromising the functionality of the test. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by National Sun Yat-Sen University in Taiwan examined the ability of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot to generate abstracts for academic psychiatric articles. The researchers compared the quality and correctness of the AI-generated abstracts with human-written abstracts. They found that while the AI-generated abstracts had relatively low similarity and plagiarism rates, the accuracy of the conclusions was only 70%. The study concluded that while AI language models have potential for summarizing information in clinical psychiatry, caution is needed regarding their accuracy. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Verona in Italy discusses the potential contributions of psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI) and psychology of reasoning and decision-making (PRDM) to nursing science. The article suggests that integrating PNEI and PRDM into nursing theory can improve healthcare decision-making by reducing cognitive biases and medical errors. PNEI explains the relationships between biological systems and the psyche, while PRDM emphasizes the importance of context and connections in problem-solving. The research concludes that a theoretical renewal is necessary to enhance nursing reasoning and priority identification. [Extracted from the article]

The European Association of Psychology and Law (EAPL) has released a white paper containing science-based recommendations for conducting investigative interviews with children in legal settings. The paper, authored by 34 experts from across Europe, provides ten key recommendations to improve the validity, reliability, and child-friendliness of forensic interviews. The aim is to support policy-makers and practitioners in developing evidence-based and child-sensitive investigative practices. The recommendations are also available in an easy-to-read policy brief produced in collaboration with HEUNI, the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control. [Extracted from the article]

A new paper published in the American Psychologist journal explores the role of social media in shaping rapidly changing social norms around gender and sexuality in America. The authors argue that social media has allowed for the emergence of diverse narratives and identities, challenging traditional paradigms and promoting authenticity. They highlight the positive impact of social media in providing resources and support for individuals exploring their gender and sexuality. However, they also acknowledge the existence of regressive narratives that spread through social media, promoting transphobia, homophobia, and misogyny. The authors recommend that psychologists ground their work in people's lived experiences, approach emerging identities with affirmation, and recognize the fluid and nonlinear nature of social change. They emphasize the importance of integrating new perspectives into education, communities, and families to support young people and prevent isolation. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Indian Institute for Technology in Goa, India discusses a study on the influence of retracted papers on the quality of psychology journals. The study used bibliometric parameters to analyze the relationship between the number of retracted papers and journal evaluation indicators. The results showed a positive correlation between the number of retractions and impact factor, h-index, total citation counts, and Journal Citation Reports (JCR). However, there was a minimal correlation with the Scimago Journal Ranking (SJR) and Journal Impact Factor (IF). The researchers concluded that journal publishers should implement retraction policies to enhance their reputation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Shanghai University in China explored the effects of different reading styles on the mental health and quality of life of college students. The study found that paper text reading and audio reading were effective in reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality, while electronic text reading and video reading were less effective. Additionally, the study showed that positive psychology literature reading interventions significantly improved college students' quality of life scores. These findings provide suggestions for college students to choose appropriate reading styles and demonstrate the effectiveness of positive psychology reading on mental health. The research has important implications for promoting mental health and improving the quality of life among college students. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Changsha Normal University in China analyzes the research published in the World Journal of Psychiatry in 2023. The study focuses on mapping the knowledge domains represented in the articles and identifies key topics such as depression, mental health, anxiety, schizophrenia, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019. The research highlights the contributions of authors from China, the United Kingdom, United States, and Turkey, with the American Psychiatric Association being the most cited reference. The report suggests the need for further exploration of digital interventions and artificial intelligence in the field of psychiatry. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Oxford Brookes University explores the concept of "Avenger Philanthropy," which refers to individuals making monetary donations to nonprofit organizations in order to showcase their moral values and sense of humor. The paper identifies seven distinct characteristics of this phenomenon and highlights the importance of public expression of personal values through social media. The research emphasizes the emotional motivations behind this giving behavior, including moral outrage and humor. The study contributes to the existing literature on gift giving and has implications for future research and nonprofit practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom discusses the ethical implications of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) for psychiatric illness. The author argues that an externalist understanding of mental disorder highlights the role of social barriers and injustices in sustaining the suffering associated with psychiatric illness. In response, another scholar suggests that the issue of psychiatric MAiD should be informed by pragmatic politics rather than philosophy. The author clarifies that their paper does not advocate for denying psychiatric MAiD to those in distress, but rather emphasizes the social and ethical responsibilities of the state and clinicians in addressing the barriers and injustices that contribute to psychiatric illness. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in the Journal of Medical Ethics. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Taipei Medical University discusses the importance of sharing computer code in psychology experiments. The researchers conducted a survey of 400 psychology papers published between 2016 and 2021 to determine the extent to which researchers are sharing stimulus presentation code. They found that only 8.4% of papers shared this type of code, compared to higher percentages for analysis code and data sharing. The study suggests that stimulus presentation code sharing lags behind other forms of code and data sharing, potentially due to less emphasis on such code in open-science discussions and journal policies. The researchers also highlight the need for improved documentation to maximize code utility. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge explores the benefits of nature to people from various disciplines. The study found that there is a wide range of approaches, methods, and terminologies used in research on this topic, which can make it challenging to integrate and share findings. The researchers propose four key terms for nature that could be used across disciplines to improve searchability and understanding. The study highlights the importance of considering diverse contributions from different disciplines in understanding the benefits of nature to people. [Extracted from the article]

A recent systematic literature review conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol explores the impact of humanlike service robots on consumer behavior. The review analyzes 118 peer-reviewed journal papers to understand how the design and features of these robots influence consumer interactions and biases. The researchers propose a comprehensive framework that identifies interaction antecedents, consumer processing factors, outcomes of the interactions, and strengthening/attenuating factors. The study concludes by suggesting future research directions to advance knowledge in this field. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the marketing and consumer research aspects of service robot anthropomorphism. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, examines the use of natural language processing (NLP) techniques in counselling and psychotherapy. The scoping review analyzes 41 papers from 1990 to 2021 and identifies four primary study purposes: developing automated coding, predicting outcomes, monitoring counselling sessions, and investigating language patterns. The findings reveal a growing trend in the use of advanced machine learning methods, particularly neural networks. However, only a third of the articles address issues of bias and generalizability. The report sheds light on concerns related to bias, generalizability, and validity in NLP applications in counselling and psychotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

New research from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia suggests that most psychological research assumes that their samples are ergodic, meaning that inferences about individuals are made based on aggregated values of group behaviors. The researchers analyzed three highly cited journals in clinical, educational, and cognitive psychology and found that the ergodic fallacy was prevalent in the majority of the papers. The prevalence of this error was highest in cognitive psychology papers, but still high in all fields. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the reporting of research findings and the validity of theories in psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent scholarly paper published in the Social Psychological Bulletin proposes a shift in how scientific expertise and authority are defined. The authors argue for an "extended virtue model" that emphasizes being a reliable source of information on scientific questions rather than relying solely on credentials. This perspective allows for the recognition of group expertise and evaluation based on actual performance rather than past accolades. The authors suggest that this reform would improve self-correction, replicability, and overall integrity in science. They also highlight the importance of redefining expertise in order to increase psychology's self-correction capacity and address the challenges faced by large research collaborations. The paper suggests using metrics that capture a track record of competent and responsible epistemic performance as measures of expertise. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the University of Sheffield explores the integration of philosophy and psychology in the study of well-being. The paper categorizes existing integration attempts into three broad categories: top-down meta-theoretical unification, psychological integration within philosophy, and philosophical integration within psychology. The researchers hope that their framework will facilitate the assessment and comparison of existing integration projects and generate discussion about the benefits and pitfalls of different approaches. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in the Journal of Happiness Studies. [Extracted from the article]

New research from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands explores the potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study highlights the limitations of current treatment options for AUD and the need for new medications. The researchers suggest that 5-MeO-DMT could be a promising option due to its ability to induce mystical experiences, increase psychological flexibility and mindfulness, and modulate neural oscillations. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research to further understand the therapeutic mechanisms of action of 5-MeO-DMT. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic highlights the importance of considering the psychological harm suffered by combatants in discussions of the ethics of war. The research argues that the principle of proportionality, which evaluates the balance of goods and bads in war, should include the psychological stresses and traumas associated with combat. The paper emphasizes the negative impact that killing has on a combatant's mental well-being and suggests that these factors must be factored into considerations of proportionality. The research concludes that this element is often overlooked in discussions of the ethics of war. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Oslo discusses the use of machine learning algorithms and heuristic stopping criteria in systematic reviews in education and educational psychology. The study found that using machine learning algorithms for abstract screening reduced the workload of irrelevant records by an average of 58% and saved an estimated 1.66 days of time. The random forests algorithm with sentence bidirectional encoder representations from transformers performed the best. The study also found that heuristic stopping rules could retrieve 95% of relevant abstracts, with the best results achieved by stopping the screening process after classifying 20% of records and consecutively classifying 5% of irrelevant papers. The research provides empirical evidence on the performance of machine learning screening algorithms in this field. [Extracted from the article]

A recent article in the Psychology & Psychiatry Journal discusses the work and impact of John D. Bransford, an influential figure in the field of educational psychology. The article highlights Bransford's intellectual development and his contributions to the learning sciences. It also emphasizes the collaborative and innovative community he built and the lasting impact he had on the field. The research concludes by portraying Bransford as a visionary who was ahead of his time. The article is peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into Bransford's work. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Meeting John Bransford" in the Educational Psychology Review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Shijiazhuang Tiedao University in China examines the self-esteem of left-behind children in the country. The research used a cross-temporal meta-analysis to analyze 72 papers from 2006 to 2020, covering 29,835 children. The findings show that the self-esteem scores of these children increased over the years, and their self-esteem was significantly correlated with social indicators such as economic conditions and educational level. The research concludes that social development plays a significant role in predicting changes in the self-esteem of left-behind children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom discusses the physical health risks faced by young people and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The report highlights the lack of guidance on addressing health problems in this population, particularly during the transition from pediatric to adult care. The researchers conducted a scoping review to identify psychosocial interventions that target physical health in individuals with ADHD. The review identified 22 papers covering interventions related to sleep, smoking, substance use, physical health/exercise, and general health. The researchers emphasize the need for further work on targeted physical health interventions and the standardization of reporting physical health outcomes in ADHD. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Romanian Academy discusses research findings on the topic of intentionality in Brentano's empirical psychology. The research explores how intentionality is a distinguishing feature of the mental and the physical, and how it relates to consciousness and the existence of objects. The paper also examines the relevance of Brentano's thoughts on intentionality to the positive philosophy of the 19th century, particularly in relation to the hierarchy of phenomena. The research concludes that Brentano's intentionality is deeply rooted in a central problem of 19th century positive philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Inje University in Goyang, South Korea discusses the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a potential treatment for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The report highlights the cost-effectiveness and safety of tES techniques, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive papers on the clinical implications of tES and provide practical guidance for its use in treating psychiatric illnesses. The report also provides an overview of tES techniques, their mechanisms of action, and recent clinical studies on their effectiveness. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Manchester discusses the use of Between-Session Homework (BSH) in psychotherapy. The research highlights the importance of BSH in driving change within various therapeutic approaches and emphasizes the need for therapists to have proficiency and competence in implementing BSH. The report provides an overview of the subject, empirical research supporting the efficacy of BSH, strategies for integrating and monitoring BSH in clinical practice, and ways to foster client engagement with BSH. The report also introduces six papers that further explore the topic. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Heidelberg University in Germany discusses the potential applications of knowledge graphs (KGs) in psychiatric research. KGs are currently underutilized in the field of psychiatry, despite their significant use in other biomedical fields. The review outlines how KGs could enhance research in psychiatry, particularly in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). The researchers conducted a literature review and found numerous papers and applications of KGs that could be utilized in psychiatric research, including biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and personalized medicine approaches. The study concludes that there are many opportunities for KG utilization in psychiatric research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Boras in Sweden compared early and contemporary research on information-seeking behavior in psychology. The study analyzed two sets of data, one from the period before 1981 and another from 2022-2023. The early research focused on educational and career counseling, with an emphasis on social learning theory and locus of control. In contrast, the contemporary research had a greater interest in cognitive aspects, particularly curiosity. The study suggests that information science research can benefit from the insights and instruments used in psychology, such as social learning theory and cognitive theory. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change is likely to have a negative impact on the health of individuals with brain conditions, according to a team of researchers from University College London. The researchers reviewed 332 papers published between 1968 and 2023 and found that climate change could substantially affect various neurological diseases, including stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. They also noted that psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia could be influenced by climate change. The researchers emphasized the need for further research to understand the impact of climate change on neurological conditions and to address the resulting health inequalities. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by York University's Faculty of Health found that young women who took a break from social media for as little as one week experienced a significant boost in self-esteem and body image, particularly those who were vulnerable to internalizing the thin-ideal. The study, published in the journal Body Image, is believed to be the first to specifically examine the effects of social media breaks on body image. The researchers suggest that the improvements may be due to reduced engagement in detrimental behaviors, such as comparisons with others, and the possibility that participants replaced social media with healthier activities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Louisiana Technical University explores the phenomenon of giver-recipient asymmetries in gift giving. The meta-analysis examined 153 unique effects from 114 studies across 29 papers and found that characteristics of the gifts, the occasion, and the individuals involved in the exchange all contribute to the degree of asymmetry. The study confirms a persistent disconnect between how gift givers and recipients evaluate the exchanges they participate in, particularly when sentimental gifts are involved or when the exchange occurs between friends. The research also highlights the need for further investigation into familial gift exchange, cultural differences, and gift exchange for unpleasant or non-holiday occasions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Primary Health Care Corporation highlights the unique challenges faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The research reveals that HCWs in Gaza experience extraordinary difficulties, including the targeting of medical facilities, shortages of medical supplies, and ethical dilemmas. These factors contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness among HCWs. The lack of basic needs and support further compromises their ability to provide care effectively. The study emphasizes the need for targeted mental health interventions and support tailored to the specific challenges faced by HCWs in Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University, Duke University, and Dickinson College found that an anti-racist program implemented in a high school did not cause stress or feelings of alienation among the students. The program aimed to increase conversations about race and help students understand and discuss issues related to racism. The study involved 227 students who were assessed before and after the intervention, and daily surveys were also conducted with 67 participants. The findings showed that the program was effective in increasing students' awareness of social inequality and did not have any adverse effects on their stress levels or feelings of belonging. The study highlights the value of partnerships between educators and the research community and provides insights for future anti-racist interventions in schools. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted in Nairobi, Kenya explores the use of wearable activity trackers for mental health research in the global south. The study discusses the challenges faced and strategies employed when using these devices to test the effects of a school-based intervention for depression and anxiety among Kenyan youth. The researchers emphasize the importance of validating data output, establishing internal procedures for international procurement, providing on-site support for participants, designating a full-time team member for tracker operation, and issuing paper-based information sheets. Despite the challenges, the researchers believe that wearables are a relatively economical approach to gaining insight into the daily lives of research participants and recommend their use to other researchers. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Warsaw explores the importance of dynamic models in understanding cognition and action. The research highlights the significance of the ecological psychology approach and its contribution to our understanding of the relationship between active bodies and the changing environment. However, the study also acknowledges the challenge of reconciling the information-processing and dynamical approaches to cognition, particularly in explaining how humans use language and think symbolically. The research suggests that embracing a complementary approach to description may help bridge this gap. The study concludes that further developments in this field have the potential to enhance our understanding of cognitive processes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Lanzhou University in China explores the impact of product acquisition mode on consumer preferences. The study found that when consumers rent a product instead of purchasing it, they tend to prioritize the product's feasibility over its desirability, leading them to prefer products with superior function rather than appearance. The effect is further influenced by the brand image of the product, with the rental-function effect being stronger for mass brands compared to luxury brands. The research provides practical insights for rental companies and marketing managers on how to effectively position their products and optimize advertising strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control (INRIA) in Bordeaux, France discusses the stability of personal values expressed in large language models (LLMs). The researchers argue that the context-dependence of LLMs should be studied alongside other dimensions such as cognitive abilities and model size. They conducted a case study on the stability of value expression in 21 LLMs from six families, using psychology questionnaires and behavioral tasks. The study found that LLMs exhibit low stability when instructed to simulate particular personas, highlighting the need for further research on LLMs that can simulate a diversity of personas. This study is the first to examine value stability in LLMs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Solent University in Southampton, United Kingdom, discusses the issue of restraining patients in psychiatric hospitals. The research acknowledges that the restraint of patients is controversial, as it interferes with personal freedom, but argues that it can be reasonable and necessary in certain situations for the health and safety of the patient or others. The report aims to raise awareness about the different forms of restraint and the justifications for its use. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into this complex topic. [Extracted from the article]

A new research study from the University of Regensburg in Germany explores the concept of "inner sustainability" in sports and its connection to sustainable behavior. The study argues that the transformative qualities of athletes, specifically their inner sustainability, play a crucial role in promoting sustainable behavior. The research presents evidence linking inner sustainability to well-being and provides a roadmap for further investigation in this area. The study suggests that enhancing internal transformative qualities in sports can contribute to individual well-being and the well-being of the ecosystem as a whole. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Open University in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, discusses the emergence of critical work and organizational psychology (CWOP) as a scholarly movement that challenges the foundational premises of traditional work and organizational psychology (WOP). The report outlines three critical-ethical positions within CWOP: a critique of mainstream WOP, espousal of a radical humanist ethics, and an ethics of ambiguity. The authors argue that an ethics of ambiguity, rooted in a deep understanding of subjectivity, is crucial for CWOP. The report concludes by highlighting the contribution of an ethics of ambiguity to CWOP and identifying areas of convergence between different critical-ethical positions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia discusses the limitations of current psychological research on transgender experiences. The research argues that the traditional definitions of "transgender," "sex," and "gender" in psychology have led to a pathologization of transgender individuals and a failure to account for non-normative and non-binary transition pathways. The report suggests that a focus on contextualized transgender experiences, rather than the idea of a "true" gender, could provide a more comprehensive understanding. The research concludes that transgender experiences are those that challenge the dominant binary understanding of gender. This research has been peer-reviewed and is published in the British Journal of Psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Alexandria University in Egypt explores the relationship between metacognitive beliefs, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), and psychosocial performance in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study found a significant positive correlation between OCS and metacognitive dimensions, as well as an inverse relationship between higher metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs and lower levels of psychosocial functioning. Age and metacognitive dysfunction were identified as significant predictors of psychosocial functioning. The findings suggest that addressing metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs could enhance overall functioning and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationships and effectiveness of specific therapeutic strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hangzhou Normal University in Hangzhou, China explores the relationship between tourism and mental health in the post-epidemic era. The study found that tourism can enhance personal mental health by providing relaxation and stress relief, particularly for middle-aged and young individuals who are unmarried and do not have children. The research utilized descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling to examine the role of mediating variables in the enhancement of mental health through tourism. The study concludes with relevant suggestions based on the findings. [Extracted from the article]

A report from James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, discusses the treatment of pectus defects, which are congenital conditions affecting the sternum. While most patients with pectus defects do not experience significant physical or psychological harm, some individuals may develop lower self-esteem and depression, leading to withdrawal from certain activities and interactions. The report summarizes various treatment strategies, including supportive care, psychological support, and surgical techniques. The authors emphasize the importance of standardized assessment, consent, audit, quality assurance, and long-term support in delivering appropriate care. The research aims to contribute to the improvement of care for patients with pectus defects. [Extracted from the article]

Scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and Microsoft Research Asia have developed a new AI method that combines habitual and goal-directed behaviors to adapt quickly and reliably. Through computer simulations, the method mimicked the behavior of humans and animals in changing environments. The study not only has implications for the development of AI systems but also provides insights into decision-making in neuroscience and psychology. The researchers aim to build better AI that can adapt their behavior to achieve complex goals, bridging the gap between human and artificial intelligence. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Imperial College London explores the impact of generative artificial intelligence on psychotherapy. The researchers argue that this development represents a significant shift in the field of mental health and could have dramatic effects on perceptions of society, relationships, and the self. They raise important questions about the role of AI in therapy and emphasize the need for ethical considerations and the preservation of human elements in the therapeutic process. The study suggests that AI can be a valuable asset when used with insight and ethical considerations, enhancing but not replacing the human touch in therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan explores the application of legal psychology in the Japanese criminal justice system. The researchers discuss various topics within legal psychology, such as concealed crime knowledge detection, line-up identification procedures, and investigative interviewing of witnesses, suspects, and victims. They compare current Japanese practices with the international evidence base for best practices in legal psychology and provide suggestions for future research. The study aims to encourage collaboration between Japanese and non-Japanese researchers and practitioners in the field of legal psychology. [Extracted from the article]