Psychology news archive 2017
Some monkeys prone to isolation
Some individual animals are prone to social isolation, new research suggests.
Does the Father Christmas myth harm children?
When do children stop believing in Father Christmas? Did you feel distressed by the revelation that Santa isn’t real? Were you angry you were lied to, when you found out? Was Christmas different after that? Did the magic disappear?
Traditional Amazonian drug linked to improved sense of wellbeing
A psychedelic drug traditionally used in South America improves people’s general sense of wellbeing and may offer a treatment for alcoholism and depression, new research suggests.
Tales and imagery of life with dementia captured on Exeter allotment
People whose lives have been affected by dementia have worked with well-known professional artists to create insightful images and poems that capture some of their experiences, to form a new book.
Weak social ties a killer for male whales
Male killer whales are more likely to die if they are not at the centre of their social group, new research suggests.
People with bipolar mood swings needed for research trial
People in Exeter and north, east and mid Devon who have bipolar or cyclothymic disorder are being recruited for a new scientific study.
Pheasant roadkill peaks in autumn and late winter
Chickens’ motives for crossing the road are often questioned – but pheasants should probably avoid it altogether, new research suggests.
Head injury sufferers needed for study
Men who have suffered head injuries are being recruited for a new scientific study.
Telling people not to ‘down’ drinks could make them drink more
Campaigns designed to stop young people “bolting” drinks can make them more likely to do it, new research suggests.
How to keep your brain sharp in older age
New research from the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) has revealed which mentally engaging activities best keep the brain sharp.
Dog walking could be key to ensuring activity in later life
A new study has shown that regularly walking a dog boosts levels of physical activity in older people, especially during the winter.
Alcohol boosts recall of earlier learning
Drinking alcohol improves memory for information learned before the drinking episode began, new research suggests.
People with dementia benefit from goal-oriented therapy
Personalised cognitive rehabilitation therapy can help people with early stage dementia significantly improve their abilities.
Squirrels have long memory for problem solving
Squirrels can remember problem-solving techniques for long periods and can apply them to new situations, researchers have discovered.
Hiding true self harms career and sense of belonging
Hiding your true self at work can damage your career and reduce your sense of belonging in the workplace, a new study suggests.
£2 million for Exeter Centre of Excellence in dementia care research
Alzheimer’s Society has announced today that it has committed almost £2million to the University of Exeter.
Late-nesting birds and bees face habitat threat
Bird and bumblebee species that nest late in the year are suffering more from the destruction of habitats, new research suggests.
Women ‘damned either way’ on maternity leave
Women are judged negatively if they choose to take maternity leave – and if they don’t – new research suggests.
Five ways people can act on dementia
Five ways people can act on dementia, backed by research
Computer game could help children choose healthy food
A simple brain-training game could help children choose healthy snacks instead of chocolate and sweets, according to a new study.
Top psychologist wins award
A psychologist who specialises in topics including leadership and motivation has won an award from the British Psychological Society.
Social ties help animals live longer
Large families and strong social ties help animals live longer, new research suggests.
University to host open mental health event
Helping people recover from extreme stress or psychological trauma will be the focus of a public event at the University of Exeter on Saturday (20 May).
Want to stay mentally healthy in older age? Stimulate your brain in early life
Stimulating the brain by taking on leadership roles at work or staying on in education help people stay mentally healthy in later life, according to new research.
Ketamine shows positive results for treating severe depression
A new paper sets out principles for responsibly testing innovative treatments for severe depression, based on treating more than 100 patients with approximately 1,000 infusions of ketamine over six years.
Dementia: The right to rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is as important for people with dementia as it is for people with physical disabilities, according to a leading dementia expert.
App combines latest research to help users curb food cravings
Experts are seeking volunteers to test a research-based app that aims to help users curb cravings for unhealthy foods and lose weight.
Predator threat boosts friendships among guppies
Danger from predators causes animals to form stronger friendships, according to new research.
App trains people not to reach for chocolate and alcohol
Psychologists devise brain-training game to help you lose weight.
Mother-daughter conflict between killer whales can explain the evolution of menopause
An international research team have found that mother-daughter conflict can explain why killer whales are one of only three known species of mammal, including humans, to go through the menopause.
Dry January: Ketamine trial could help free Devon man from alcoholism
Just two months ago, Marcus was drinking up to seven bottles of wine a night and regularly blacking out, sometimes finding himself in police custody.
Women can be just as daring and risky as men, new studies show
Macho pursuits dominate traditional risk assessments, reinforcing gender stereotypes
‘Friends of friends’ relationships may be simpler than they seem
New research gives clues into how social networks can evolve by showing that complex social patterns seen in the animal kingdom may be simpler than they appear.