Browse Our Latest Psychology and Behavioral Science Journals
Psychological journals are peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journals that publish original work in some areas of psychology. The most common publications include cognitive, health and clinical psychology, applied, developmental, biological, social, experimental, and educational psychology, and psychoanalysis.
Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Background
Food addiction and an impulsive personality can increase overeating, which can lead to weight gain. The amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) are critical for regulating obesogenic behaviour. However, whether the amygdala or the NAcc acts as the neural basis for the regulation of food addiction, impulsive personality, and body weight remains unclear.
Methods
We examined the differences in the volume of the amygdala and NAcc, especially the lateralization index (LI), between 33 obese participants and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The associations of the LI of each brain region with clinical variables and body mass index (BMI) were identified using network analysis. Finally, we explored the relationships among the LIs of brain regions, impulsive personality, food addiction, and BMI through a multiple chain mediation model.
Results
We observed a significant decrease in the LI of the amygdala in the obese group compared with the healthy group (F = 20.276, p < 0.001), which indicates that the right amygdala was larger than the left amygdala in the obese group. Network analysis revealed that the LI of the amygdala was very closely associated with nonplanning impulsivity, food addiction and BMI. The results of the mediation analysis indicated that increased nonplanning impulsiveness could lead to weight gain through increased food addiction (β = 0.069, SE = 0.043, 95% CI [0.014, 0.184]). Moreover, in this symptom chain, the LI of the amygdala can mediate the relationship between food addiction and BMI (β = 0.018, SE = 0.014, 95% CI [0.002, 0.061]).
Conclusion
Our observations indicate a substantial reduction in the LI of the amygdala among individuals with obesity, suggesting a structural predisposition. The findings reveal a potential neural mechanism that can help explain the interplay between impulsivity, food addiction, and obesity.
Abstract
The discussion surrounding the necessity of acquiring personal experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness in the course of psilocybin-assisted therapy training is crucial, as it can affect treatment safety, effectiveness and accessibility. As such, the ethical and practical issues associated with such a training standard require timely consideration in jurisdictions where this intervention is endorsed and integrated into healthcare. We believe the most balanced and ethical approach is to make psilocybin legally available for professional training without making it a requirement.
Abstract
Aims
This study aimed to explore the brain activity characteristics of individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) during mobile gameplay, focusing on neural responses to positive and negative game events. The findings may enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD.
Methods
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure hemodynamic responses (HbO/HbR) in the prefrontal cortex of both IGD participants and recreational gaming users (RGU), during solo and multiplayer mobile gameplay.
Results
In solo mode, IGD participants exhibited stronger activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC), frontopolar area (FPA), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to positive events compared to RGU. Negative events led to reduced activation in the FPA among IGD participants. In multiplayer mode, IGD participants displayed lower activation in the dLPFC and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vLPFC), although overall brain response trends to positive and negative events were similar between IGD and RGU.
Conclusions
This study suggests that individuals with IGD exhibit heightened sensitivity to rewards and diminished sensitivity to losses, along with potential impairments in the executive control network. These results contribute to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms of IGD and offer insights for developing targeted interventions aimed at addressing abnormal reward and loss processing.
Abstract
Background and aims
Sexual trauma is associated with multiple negative health and social conditions, including compulsive sexual behavior. The present study examined network structures involving sexual trauma history, psychological distress (defined as depression and/or anxiety symptoms), substance use, transactional sex, and compulsive sexual behavior. Prior network analysis work in this area is limited.
Methods
We drew upon two samples of young adults (Sample 1: n = 1,884, 69.3% women; Sample 2: n = 2,337, 69.7% women) recruited from universities in the United States in 2020–2022.
Results
Findings support relationships between sexual trauma and compulsive sexual behavior. Relationships between elements of compulsive sexual behavior, timing of trauma, psychological distress, substance use, engagement in transactional sex, and gender differences were identified. Significant edge strength differences between men and women were observed; distress was a more central node for men, trauma was a more central node for women (Sample 1). When examining elements of CSB, significant gender differences in edge strength were also observed (e.g. connections between dissatisfaction and relapse for men, dissatisfaction and negative consequences for women).
Discussion and conclusions
Specific aspects of CSB closely related to sexual trauma history (e.g., dissatisfaction) and co-occurring psychopathology or clinical concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use, and engagement in transactional sex) and warrant further attention and study.
Abstract
Background
Non-face-to-face interventions offer promise, with cognitive training showing potential but inconsistent efficacy in problem gambling.
Methods
We conducted a non-face-to-face, parallel, randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial to evaluate training programs in adults with problem gambling (CPGI ≥5). Participants were randomized 1:1 to a web-based cognitive training program targeting inhibition unrelated to addiction cues or a control program on visuo-spatial functioning. Both programs benefited from weekly phone calls to support engagement and transferability to daily life. A mixed community and out-patient sample was recruited at the national-level. The primary outcome was change in CPGI at week 6. Secondary outcomes were change in impulsivity, gambling behavior and quality of life at 6 and 14 weeks.
Results
187 participants were screened, with 185 randomized: 93 to intervention and 92 to control. No significant differences were found between groups for any outcome. Mean PGSI change at 6 weeks was −2.75, 95% CI [−12.95; 7.44] in the experimental arm versus −2.44, 95% CI [−13.52; 8.64] in controls, p = 0.76. 34% of participants were classed as no longer problem gamblers at week 14. Intervention acceptability was moderate, with 21 participants (22.58%) in the experimental group, and 32 (34.78%) controls never accessing the platform (p = 0.07).
Conclusions
Further research is needed to optimize cognitive interventions in problem gambling, to improve engagement and to demonstrate their added value beyond minimal intervention. For a number of problem gamblers, minimal telephone interventions appeared to be sufficient to reduce gambling. Objective account-based gambling data will provide valuable insights into long-term and objective effects.
Abstract
Background and Aims
The widespread popularity of video games reflects their appeal to meet fundamental needs. This study aims to investigate the psychological factors of gaming use, identifying profiles ranging from healthy to gaming disorder.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 5,222 participants were surveyed. This international sample included adolescents and adults (16–69 years, M = 25.6 years, SD = 6.44), 48.66% men (n = 2,541; M = 26.4, SD = 7.03), 42.32% women (n = 2,210; M = 25.1, SD = 5.78), and 9.02% non-binary individuals (n = 471; M = 23.3, SD = 5.23), spanning from casual gamers to esports professional players. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct psychological profiles. The profile indicators included emotional regulation and motivations for playing video games. The profile correlates analysed included gaming disorder symptoms, time spent gaming and sociodemographics.
Results
The LPA revealed four profiles labelled as avoidant (20.16%), engaged (38.95%), relational (26.01%), and dysregulated (15.78%). Results suggested that the dysregulated profile had the most emotional regulation difficulties, a low level of general motivation, and less interest in recreational gaming, presenting the highest risk for gaming disorder.
Discussion and Conclusions
This study's findings present the first profiles encompassing key detailed psychological factors affecting gamers' behaviour across all game genres, considering three genders. These profiles can aid researchers and clinicians in developing further research on targeted prevention and intervention programs tailored to each profile's characteristics to promote healthy gaming habits and mitigate the risks and harm associated with gaming disorder.
Abstract
Background and Aims
The study of stigma contributes greatly to our understanding of individuals' experiences of mental disorders. Addictive disorders are often associated with public misconceptions of the disorder, which can contribute to shame, discrimination, and reticence to seek help. This review aimed to: (1) evaluate the nature, frequency, and prevalence of addiction stigma; (2) identify the correlates of addiction stigma; and (3) examine the psychometric qualities of addiction stigma measures.
Methods
A search of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PsycNet, had 5,515 results which were screened for eligibility using Covidence. Eligible papers were quantitative, peer-reviewed studies, which reported an outcome variable of stigma related to an addiction.
Results
A total of 99 studies were included in the review, including 70 studies of substance-based addictions, 19 studies of behavioral addictions, and 10 studies which examined both. Thirteen of the 20 studies examining the impact of familiarity with addiction reported that greater familiarity was associated with lower public stigma. Studies comparing substance and behavioral addictions (n = 5) typically reported greater public stigma towards vignettes depicting substance-based addictions than for behavioral addictions. Between 22% and 40% of individuals with an addictive disorder identified stigma as a significant barrier to seeking help; however, the relative importance of stigma among other barriers was unclear.
Discussion and Conclusions
Evidence for countermeasures to prevent and/or reduce stigma is currently limited. Further research on the nature and prevalence of addiction stigma is needed to inform the development of effective clinical and public health countermeasures.
A digitális jóllét pozitív pszichológiai megközelítésben
Digital well-being in a positive psychological approach
A digitalizálódó világban a jóllét témakörében is új távlatok jelentek meg. A technológiai eszközök mentális egészségre gyakorolt negatív hatásainak vizsgálatán túl egyre gazdagabb irodalom áll rendelkezésre a jóllétet fokozó digitális megoldásokkal kapcsolatban. Tanulmányunkban bemutatjuk az elmúlt években született, a digitális jóllét, és különösen a pozitív pszichológia tudományterületén belül megjelenő, a pozitív technológia területén elérhető eredményeket. A témakörhöz kapcsolódó fontos, új fogalmak meghatározása mellett ismertetünk konkrét, tudományosan vizsgált, technológiai jóllétfejlesztő alkalmazásokat is, a mobilapplikációktól kezdve a mesterséges intelligenciára épülő eszközökig. Áttekintésünk alapján arra következtettünk, hogy a digitális jóllét célzott vizsgálata ma már megkerülhetetlen a jóllétkutatásokban, hiszen az ehhez kapcsolódó eszközök észrevétlenül is egyre inkább az életünk részévé válnak. Ezzel párhuzamosan arra is rámutatunk, hogy a ma elérhető eszközök kis százalékán végeztek tudományos hatásvizsgálatokat, így az ebben való felzárkózás, valamint a szabályozások kidolgozása várhatóan a következő évek fontos feladata lesz.
Abstract
Background
While psychedelic substances are extensively studied through the lens of various academic disciplines, their impact on the therapeutic practice of mental health professionals is yet to be explored. This firsthand experience is deemed crucial for effectively assisting patients in the process of integrating a psychedelic experience.
Aims
The aim of this study was to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of psychedelic integration among mental health professionals, focusing on understanding how transformation and insights influence their clinical work.
Methods
Utilizing a phenomenological methodology, interviews with eight mental health professionals with substantial first-person experience with psychedelics were conducted.
Results
Our findings indicate a potential, enduring, positive impact of psychedelic meta-integration on the practice of mental health clinicians. The data analysis yielded a multi-faceted model encompassing key aspects of human life including interpersonal and emotional development, relationship with death and nature, concepts of love, meaning, and spirituality, along with elements pertinent to therapeutic work. This comprehensive model integrates these diverse dimensions, offering a holistic understanding of the impact of psychedelics on both personal and professional realms.
Conclusions
The findings of this study lend support to the notion that health professionals involved in clinical work encompassing psychedelic integration should themselves have undergone induced altered states of consciousness, not only for a better empathetic understanding. This might be also predicated on the intrinsic positive transformative effects on their human capacities and as therapists. This dual benefit underscores the importance of personal experience in the effective facilitation of psychedelic integration in clinical settings.
Abstract
Background and aims
The recent resurgence of psychedelic research has led to increased interest in extra-pharmacological factors shaping drug effects (set and setting). Habitually discussed in the context of psychedelic therapy, the relevance of set and setting to determining the outcome of non-psychedelic psychiatric interventions receives strong theoretical and empirical support in the literature. Unfortunately, there has been little research on the subject. The current study addresses this lacuna and investigates the potential of using non-pharmacological interventions to improve the outcomes of psychiatric care including safety, satisfaction, efficacy, and non-habituation.
Methods
110 participants (patients prescribed with psychiatric medication) took part in workshops focused on 1) Relaxation (Anxiolytics) 2) [n = 70] Focus (Stimulant ADHD Medication) [n = 40]. Workshops included a) an educational section designed to increase participants' understanding of their medical conditions and prescribed medications b) an experiential section that included the guided, mindful ingestion of the prescribed drug in a supportive setting including reinforcing cues and the practice of non-pharmacological techniques for coping with underlying medical conditions.
Results
Survey questionnaires (n = 33) indicated a significant improvement in participants' understanding of their medical conditions and the properties of their prescribed medication. Semi-structured interviews demonstrated a strong interest in the idea of mindful use of medication, benefit from the communal setting of ingestion, as well as recurring themes of greater satisfaction with- and improved ability to derive benefit from the use of prescribed drug.
Conclusions
The results of this pilot study demonstrate the impressive potential of providing patients with extra-pharmacological tools to improve the outcomes of prescription drug use and supports the need for further study.
