Archive for the 'Psychology news' Category

Insulin action on brain’s reward circuitry linked to obesity

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

Researchers have what they say is some of the first solid proof that insulin has direct effects on the reward circuitry of the brain. Mice whose reward centers can no longer respond to insulin eat more and become obese, they show.

Women warriors show resilience similar to men, psychological study shows

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

Women service members who experience combat are apparently as resilient as the men they serve alongside, according to a new psychological study. Men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008 experienced very similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts during the first year following return from deployment, researchers report.

The Structure Of Our Language Remains The Same, Be It Numbers Or Words

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

It is one of the wonders of language: We cannot possibly anticipate or memorize every potential word, phrase, or sentence. Yet we have no trouble constructing and understanding myriads of novel utterances every day. How do we do it? Linguists say we naturally and unconsciously employ abstract rules – syntax…

Deciding To Stay Or Go Is A Deep-Seated Brain Function

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

Birds do it. Bees do it. Even little kids picking strawberries do it. Every creature that forages for food decides at some point that the food source they’re working on is no richer than the rest of the patch and that it’s time to move on and find something better…

Overcoming Cognitive Effects Of Chemotherapy With The Help Of Tai Chi

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 11.4 million Americans are currently living with cancer. While cancer treatments are plentiful, many have negative side effects. Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory…

Female Suicide Bombing Is A Political And Military Tactic, Not A Religious Act, According To New Study

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

Terrorist groups bend the rules of ‘true’ Islam to justify the use of female suicide bombers, according to Margaret Gonzalez-Perez from Southeastern Louisiana University in the US. Her paper traces the development of radical Islamic doctrine over time, highlights how it deviates from mainstream Islam, and identifies the building blocks that have culminated in Jihadi female suicide bombers…

‘Sleep on it’ is sound, science-based advice, study suggests

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

In recent years, much sleep research has focused on memory, but now results of a new study suggest another key effect of sleep is facilitating and enhancing complex cognitive skills such as decision-making.

What mom thinks matters when it comes to mental illness, study finds

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

A new study shows that while family members often provide critical support, they also can sometimes be the source of stigmatizing attitudes that impede the recovery of mentally ill relatives.

Kinder, Gentler Video Games May Actually Be Good For Players

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

While violent video games may lead to more aggression and anger in players, a new study shows that the opposite is also true: relaxing video games can make people happier and more kind…

Young Adults Get Self-Esteem Boost From Debt

Posted on June 7 2011 by NewsBot

Instead of feeling stressed by the money they owe, many young adults actually feel empowered by their credit card and education debts, according to a new nationwide study. Researchers found that the more credit card and college loan debt held by young adults aged 18 to 27, the higher their self-esteem and the more they felt like they were in control of their lives…