PsyPost
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Reporting research on human behavior and cognition. #PsychSciSky #Psychology #SciComm
The psychological desire to be the “true” victim predicts anti-democratic attitudes
The psychological desire to be the “true” victim predicts anti-democratic attitudes
Both Republicans and Democrats who engage in “competitive victimhood” are more prone to endorsing policies that undermine democracy. A new study suggests this tendency is driven by a psychological process of viewing the opposing party as less than human.
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January 1, 2026 at 11:27 AM
The psychological desire to be the “true” victim predicts anti-democratic attitudes
Microdosing psychedelics linked to better sleep and exercise habits
Microdosing psychedelics linked to better sleep and exercise habits
Researchers report that microdosing is associated with positive lifestyle shifts, such as better diet and reduced alcohol consumption. The findings suggest low doses might support the psychological mechanisms required for habit change.
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December 31, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Microdosing psychedelics linked to better sleep and exercise habits
Marriages are happier when partners find each other without intermediaries, study suggests
Marriages are happier when partners find each other without intermediaries, study suggests
Meeting your spouse without help may lead to a happier marriage. A study of 12,883 people found self-initiated couples report higher satisfaction than those introduced by family or matchmakers.
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December 31, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Marriages are happier when partners find each other without intermediaries, study suggests
Corporate diversity statements can backfire when they become the norm
Corporate diversity statements can backfire when they become the norm
A new study finds that when diversity pledges are perceived as common practice, marginalized groups often view them as insincere. This skepticism can lead to lower anticipated belonging among potential employees.
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December 31, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Corporate diversity statements can backfire when they become the norm
Cannabidiol may prevent sensitization to cocaine and caffeine by influencing brain structure genes
Cannabidiol may prevent sensitization to cocaine and caffeine by influencing brain structure genes
A new study suggests cannabidiol may prevent sensitization to combined cocaine and caffeine. The findings link this protective effect to specific gene expression changes in the brain’s extracellular matrix.
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December 31, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Cannabidiol may prevent sensitization to cocaine and caffeine by influencing brain structure genes
Two-hour naps during night shifts may restore brain function and memory in nurses
Two-hour naps during night shifts may restore brain function and memory in nurses
A new study suggests that taking a two-hour nap during a night shift can restore brain connectivity. The findings indicate that napping reverses some cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation in nurses.
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December 31, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Two-hour naps during night shifts may restore brain function and memory in nurses
The most popular psychology and neuroscience studies of 2025
The most popular psychology and neuroscience studies of 2025
Explore the top science stories of 2025. These 11 PsyPost articles changed how we understand memory, aging, and the hidden effects of daily habits.
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December 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The most popular psychology and neuroscience studies of 2025
The science of purpose-based performance could save your New Year’s resolutions
The science of purpose-based performance could save your New Year’s resolutions
Most people abandon their resolutions by mid-January. Research suggests the problem isn't willpower, but how we frame our goals. Here is how adopting "purpose-based performance" can help you succeed where others fail.
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December 30, 2025 at 11:27 PM
The science of purpose-based performance could save your New Year’s resolutions
Shocking headlines spark initial doubt but eventually build belief
Shocking headlines spark initial doubt but eventually build belief
New research shows that while sensational words make headlines seem less credible instantly, readers are more likely to believe the information weeks later due to a psychological phenomenon called the sleeper effect.
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December 30, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Shocking headlines spark initial doubt but eventually build belief
Mass shootings increase local voter turnout but do not shift presidential choices
Mass shootings increase local voter turnout but do not shift presidential choices
A new study published in Science Advances shows that mass shootings increase voter turnout in the immediate vicinity of the event. However, while residents vote more, the tragedy rarely causes them to switch political parties.
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December 30, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Mass shootings increase local voter turnout but do not shift presidential choices
Researchers uncover different hierarchies of moral concern among liberals and conservatives
Researchers uncover different hierarchies of moral concern among liberals and conservatives
A recent study indicates that political leanings are shaped by internal moral trade-offs. The findings suggest that conservatives tend to prioritize binding values like loyalty over individualizing values like care.
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December 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Researchers uncover different hierarchies of moral concern among liberals and conservatives
Biological roots of PTSD differ strikingly between men and women
Biological roots of PTSD differ strikingly between men and women
Researchers analyzing blood samples discovered that the biological mechanisms driving PTSD vary by sex, potentially explaining why some drug trials have failed to help female patients.
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December 30, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Biological roots of PTSD differ strikingly between men and women
Scientists published a groundbreaking study on school re-openings. Major outlets fumbled the stats.
Scientists published a groundbreaking study on school re-openings. Major outlets fumbled the stats.
A new study suggests in-person learning mitigated the youth mental health crisis. Contrary to reports claiming diagnoses fell, the data reveals that open schools acted as a brake on rising cases rather than a cure.
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December 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Scientists published a groundbreaking study on school re-openings. Major outlets fumbled the stats.
New Harry Potter study links Gryffindor and Slytherin personalities to heightened entrepreneurship
New Harry Potter study links Gryffindor and Slytherin personalities to heightened entrepreneurship
Researchers using a massive Harry Potter-themed dataset have linked Gryffindor and Slytherin character profiles to higher startup density. The findings indicate that non-conformity—whether motivated by courage or ambition—is a key driver of entrepreneurship.
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December 30, 2025 at 11:18 AM
New Harry Potter study links Gryffindor and Slytherin personalities to heightened entrepreneurship
How to increase your chances of sticking with your resolutions
How to increase your chances of sticking with your resolutions
Lasting change requires more than willpower; it requires understanding the biological and psychological stages of progress. Here is how to navigate the "transtheoretical model" of change to move from mere contemplation to long-term success.
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December 29, 2025 at 11:08 PM
How to increase your chances of sticking with your resolutions
Researchers validate intelligence assessment across diverse demographic groups
Researchers validate intelligence assessment across diverse demographic groups
Researchers have confirmed that a widely used non-verbal intelligence test provides comparable scores for diverse groups. The findings support the test’s validity for identifying gifted students regardless of their background or language skills.
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December 29, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Researchers validate intelligence assessment across diverse demographic groups
Big data analysis links war intensity to changes in online sexual behavior
Big data analysis links war intensity to changes in online sexual behavior
New research indicates that the Russian invasion significantly altered pornography consumption in Ukraine. The study suggests that during wartime, individuals may use solitary sexual behaviors to cope with fear and isolation.
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December 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Big data analysis links war intensity to changes in online sexual behavior
Young adults experience high loneliness despite having large friend networks
Young adults experience high loneliness despite having large friend networks
A new study of 4,812 Americans finds that emerging adults report the highest levels of both social connection and loneliness, suggesting that life instability, rather than isolation, drives social ill-being in youth.
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December 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Young adults experience high loneliness despite having large friend networks
New psychology research sheds light on how “vibe” and beauty interact in online dating
New psychology research sheds light on how “vibe” and beauty interact in online dating
A new study using artificial intelligence suggests that while a beautiful face helps on dating apps, trying to prove you are wealthy or popular at the same time might actually hurt your chances of finding a match.
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December 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
New psychology research sheds light on how “vibe” and beauty interact in online dating
Users of generative AI struggle to accurately assess their own competence
Users of generative AI struggle to accurately assess their own competence
A new study reveals that while using AI improves logical reasoning scores, it causes users to significantly overestimate their abilities, creating a disconnect between actual performance and perceived competence.
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December 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Users of generative AI struggle to accurately assess their own competence
Lifelong diet quality predicts cognitive ability and dementia risk in older age
Lifelong diet quality predicts cognitive ability and dementia risk in older age
New research tracking thousands of people since 1946 suggests that what you eat throughout your entire life, not just in old age, plays a major role in determining your risk of cognitive decline.
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December 29, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Lifelong diet quality predicts cognitive ability and dementia risk in older age
Mental fatigue has psychological triggers − new research suggests challenging goals can head it off
Mental fatigue has psychological triggers − new research suggests challenging goals can head it off
Is mental fatigue a depleted fuel tank or a lack of motivation? Research suggests the latter, finding that setting specific, increasingly difficult goals can actually prevent that drained feeling during long cognitive tasks.
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December 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Mental fatigue has psychological triggers − new research suggests challenging goals can head it off
Psilocybin shows promise for rapid reduction of cancer-related depression
Psilocybin shows promise for rapid reduction of cancer-related depression
A new analysis of clinical trial data indicates that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy provides immediate relief for anxiety and depression in advanced cancer patients, though the antidepressant effects may not persist without specific dosing strategies.
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December 28, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Psilocybin shows promise for rapid reduction of cancer-related depression
Happiness maximization appears to be a culturally specific preference
Happiness maximization appears to be a culturally specific preference
A new study reveals that the intense drive to maximize happiness is not a universal human motivation. Instead, findings from 61 countries suggest this pursuit is largely a cultural preference specific to Western, industrialized societies.
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December 28, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Happiness maximization appears to be a culturally specific preference