Narcissism & Brain Structure: Neural Correlates of Narcissistic Traits

A new neuroimaging study has uncovered associations between subclinical narcissistic traits and regional grey matter volumes in the brain, specifically in the insular cortex and multiple prefrontal regions. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Jena in Germany, provides novel evidence that narcissistic personality tendencies are linked to structural variations in brain networks …

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Exercise Addiction Linked to Depression, ADHD, Psychological Trauma

Researchers have uncovered concerning links between excessive exercise and psychiatric problems like depression, ADHD, and childhood trauma. This sheds new light on the concerning phenomenon of exercise addiction. Key Facts: Individuals at risk for exercise addiction scored higher on measures of depression, ADHD symptoms, and childhood trauma compared to frequent exercisers not at risk. Around …

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Polygamous Marriages: Psychological Distress but Higher Self-Esteem in Women vs. Monogamous

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health indicates that women in polygamous marriages experience significantly higher rates of psychological issues compared to women in monogamous marriages. Key facts: The meta-analysis included 13 studies and 3166 participants, with 986 women in polygamous marriages. Across studies, women in polygamous marriages …

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Paranormal Believers Report More Psychotic-Like Experiences than Religious and Skeptic Groups

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) such as hallucinations and delusional thinking occur along a continuum, with some people experiencing them without distress or mental illness while others develop full-blown psychotic disorders. A new study examined whether proneness to PLEs varies between individuals with different belief systems, specifically religious versus paranormal beliefs. Key Facts: Individuals with paranormal beliefs …

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Childhood Trauma Linked to Lower Psychological Resilience as Adult: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Weaker

A new study published in BMC Psychiatry has found associations between childhood maltreatment and lower resilience in Chinese adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Key findings include: Adults with depression who experienced childhood maltreatment had lower resilience, especially lower optimism, compared to healthy controls. Emotional neglect and physical neglect in childhood were linked to lower …

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Tattoos, Body Image, Self-Esteem in Young Women (18-25)

Tattoos have become increasingly common among women, especially during emerging adulthood between ages 18-25. A new study provides fascinating insights into how tattoos may impact women’s bodily experiences and mental representations of their bodies. Key Facts: Tattoos are permanent body modifications that have been associated with both positive and negative aspects of self-esteem and body …

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Tattoos & Psychology: Meanings, Motivations, Stories Beneath the Ink

Tattoos have evolved from cultural taboo to mainstream fashion over the past century. As more individuals seek tattoos, understanding motivations and meanings is valuable for mental health providers. Key Facts: Nearly 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo, up from 14% in 2008. Tattooing is especially common among younger adults, with 47% of 18-35 …

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Young Women With Tattoos Have Lower Self-Esteem, Study Reveals

A new study explores the relationship between tattoos, body image, and self-esteem in young women. The key takeaways: Women with tattoos showed lower self-esteem compared to non-tattooed women No difference found in body image between tattooed and non-tattooed women Strong association between body image and self-esteem in women with tattoos Tattooed women linked “ideal body” …

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Tattoos Linked to Low Education & Risky Behaviors (Smoking, Drugs, Sex)

Tattoos have become increasingly mainstream over the past few decades, evolving from symbols of counterculture and rebellion to a more widely accepted form of self-expression. A national Australian study published in 2012 sought to examine the prevalence and characteristics of tattooing in a representative sample of adults. The key findings were: 14.5% of Australians ages …

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Tattooed vs. Non-Tattooed Personality Traits: Uniqueness, Thrill Seeking, Extroversion

A new study reveals intriguing differences in personality between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals. While effect sizes were small, tattooed participants scored higher in sensation-seeking and need for uniqueness compared to their non-inked counterparts. Key Facts: 22% of the 540 study participants had at least one tattoo Tattooed individuals scored higher in extroversion, need for uniqueness, …

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