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BPS Research Digest
@researchdigest.bsky.social
The latest psychological research, digested by the British Psychological Society. www.bps.org.uk/research-digest

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This weekend, grab a bite with food writer and Senior Lecturer Dr Andrea Oskis and Dr Jon Sutton in the new episode of PsychCrunch. 🎙️

Join them at the table and explore some tasty research into the food we eat: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Episode 43: Psychology on the Menu | BPS
A tasty new episode of our podcast, PsychCrunch, with Dr Andrea Oskis and Dr Jon Sutton.
www.bps.org.uk
Reposted by BPS Research Digest
Brain changes across four common mental health diagnoses look “strikingly similar", according to a massive new study involving almost 9000 children and young people: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Brain changes across four common mental health diagnoses look “strikingly similar” | BPS
… according to a massive new study which examined the brain structure of almost 9000 children and young people.
www.bps.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
A new study of voice hearing in Thailand extends what we know about the influence of culture on the content of auditory hallucinations: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
‌Nature and spirits feature prominently in auditory hallucinations in Thailand | BPS
A new study of voice hearing in Thailand extends what we know about the influence of culture on the content of auditory hallucinations.
www.bps.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM
A recent multidisciplinary paper synthesises what we know about the processes behind autistic meltdowns: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
New review charts the mechanics of autistic meltdowns | BPS
A recent multidisciplinary paper synthesises what we know about the processes behind autistic meltdowns.
www.bps.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Brain changes across four common mental health diagnoses look “strikingly similar", according to a massive new study involving almost 9000 children and young people: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Brain changes across four common mental health diagnoses look “strikingly similar” | BPS
… according to a massive new study which examined the brain structure of almost 9000 children and young people.
www.bps.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
New research neatly illustrates one way in which emotional contagion works, through the use of cuddly robots and horror: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Humans can ‘catch’ fear from robots, too | BPS
New research neatly illustrates one way in which emotional contagion works, through the use of cuddly robots and horror.
www.bps.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
New research untangles how our brains react to high ventilation breathwork, producing feelings of ‘oceanic boundlessness’: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Here’s how a breathwork routine can induce a psychedelic-like state | BPS
New research untangles how our brains react to high ventilation breathwork, producing feelings of ‘oceanic boundlessness’.
www.bps.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Looks like Bluesky has avoided the Cloudflare outage!

While we all wait for the world to come back online... have you read any interesting psychology papers lately? Give them a shout out below, we'd love to hear.
November 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by BPS Research Digest
@researchdigest.bsky.social bringing that "make lemonade out of lemons" energy today. In all seriousness, go read the article by Emily Reynolds & paper by @dannyblanchy.bsky.social, @alexbryson.bsky.social (alma mater s/o!) & Xu: a stark look into #youth & #wellbeing.

#academiasky #psychology #econ
November 13, 2025 at 2:20 PM
A recent review paper on non-binary sexuality unpicks methodological hurdles, and highlights the need for mindful research inclusion of those beyond the gender binary: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Non-binary insights slip through the cracks in sexuality research | BPS
A recent review paper unpicks methodological hurdles and highlights the need for mindful research inclusion of those beyond the gender binary.
www.bps.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A four-year study charting obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the general population since the start of the pandemic finds a sharp increase that has since waned: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
The pandemic led to a spike in OCD symptoms | BPS
A four-year study charting obsessive compulsive symptoms in the general population since the start of the pandemic finds a sharp increase that has since waned.
www.bps.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM
How many good arguments do you need to be persuaded of something? The answer may be more complex than you think.

A recent study finds that presenting a greater number of persuasive arguments can leave people suspicious, rather than convinced: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
More persuasive arguments aren’t always more convincing | BPS
Recent study finds that presenting a greater number of persuasive arguments can leave people suspicious, rather than convinced.
www.bps.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:01 PM
How much of your life do you think is habitual?

According to a new paper, the number of automatic behaviours we engage in daily may be higher than previously estimated: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
How much of our life is lived on autopilot? | BPS
A new paper suggests the number of automatic behaviours we engage in daily may be higher than previously estimated.
www.bps.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 11:01 AM
New research probes the emotional tells of when someone is doing a favour out of kindness, or expectation of help in return: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
How to spot a self-serving favour | BPS
New research probes the emotional tells of when someone is doing a favour out of kindness, or expectation of help in return.
www.bps.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Recent coproduced research sheds light on experiences of body dissatisfaction amongst South Asian women in the UK: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
New research explores cultural pressure to be ‘fair and lovely’ | BPS
Recent coproduced research sheds long-needed light on experiences of body dissatisfaction amongst South Asian women in the UK.
www.bps.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM
The midlife crisis is disappearing, but the pattern of wellbeing taking its place may be worse, a new study suggests: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
‌The midlife crisis is disappearing | BPS
... but the pattern of wellbeing taking its place may be worse, a new study suggests.
www.bps.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:59 AM
A new study into political ambitions in the US and China reveals children’s ideas about what makes a good leader, and what makes them chase leading roles: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
What makes kids see themselves as a leader? | BPS
A new study into political ambitions in the US and China reveals children’s ideas about what makes a good leader, and what makes them chase leading roles.
www.bps.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Taking advice from others can be game-changing, but it’s not what most people prefer, according to new research: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
When making tough decisions, most prefer to turn inward | BPS
Taking advice can be game-changing, but it’s not what most people prefer, according to new research.
www.bps.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM
New research from a Finnish team finds lack of diversity, oversimplifications, and fear-inducing stereotypes in media imagery of dementia: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Media portrayals often lean into damaging dementia stereotypes | BPS
New research from a Finnish team finds lack of diversity, oversimplifications, and fear-inducing stereotypes in media imagery of dementia.
www.bps.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Hand up, who's already heard 'All I Want For Christmas is You' this year?

From hearing Christmas tunes too early to pop music that grates, a new study finds that 'music misfit' at work can lower mood and increase fatigue: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Misfitting music at work can take a toll on staff | BPS
From hearing Christmas tunes too early to pop music that grates, a new study finds that 'music misfit' at work can negatively influence mood and fatigue.
www.bps.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 10:08 AM
A recent study finds that physical functioning links menstrual pain and loneliness, offering an opportunity anticipate the impact of periods on social lives: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Painful periods and loneliness often go hand in hand | BPS
A recent study finds that physical functioning links menstrual pain and loneliness, offering an opportunity anticipate the impact of periods on social lives.
www.bps.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Find yourself getting sucked into true crime cases online? This one's for you.

A new study explores the role of social media in obsession with ‘forensic fandom’, and the psychological impacts that follow: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
True crime, compulsive engagement, and mental health | BPS
New study explores the role of social media in obsession with ‘forensic fandom’, and the psychological impacts that follow.
www.bps.org.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:53 AM
This weekend, grab a bite with food writer and Senior Lecturer Dr Andrea Oskis and Dr Jon Sutton in the new episode of PsychCrunch. 🎙️

Join them at the table and explore some tasty research into the food we eat: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Episode 43: Psychology on the Menu | BPS
A tasty new episode of our podcast, PsychCrunch, with Dr Andrea Oskis and Dr Jon Sutton.
www.bps.org.uk
October 17, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Social influences pack a punch when it comes to encouraging climate-conscious behaviour from non-believers, says a new study: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Climate conspiracists can still be nudged into eco-friendliness | BPS
Social influences pack a punch when it comes to encouraging climate-conscious behaviour from non-believers, says a new study.
www.bps.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 8:45 AM
When it comes to encouraging partners to adjust their behaviour, expressing gratitude can be a great way to foster their motivation, according to a recent study: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
How gratitude can help you get more from your relationship | BPS
A recent study finds that when it comes to encouraging partners to adjust their behaviour, expressing gratitude can be a great way to foster their motivation.
www.bps.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Reposted by BPS Research Digest
Your baby's crying — how quickly do you move to soothe them?

New research comparing UK and Ugandan parenting styles suggests that faster responses aren't always better: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Does a quick response best soothe a crying baby? | BPS
A recent study expands research into maternal responsiveness beyond WEIRD settings, and finds that speedy responses to crying aren’t always more effective.
www.bps.org.uk
October 8, 2025 at 9:36 AM