Awake mental replay of past experiences is essential for making informed choices, suggests a study in rats. Without it, the animals’ memory-based decision-making faltered, say scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers blocked learning from, and acting on, past experience by selectively suppressing replay – encoded as split-second bursts of neuronal activity [...]
ARLINGTON, Va. (March 27, 2012)—The number of U.S. medical students choosing psychiatry as a specialty has been declining for the past six years, according to a report from the National Resident Matching Program. The American Psychiatric Association expressed concern that this trend is occurring as the nation faces a shortage of psychiatrists. The association encourages [...]
WASHINGTON—Children may perform better in school and feel more confident about themselves if they are told that failure is a normal part of learning, rather than being pressured to succeed at all costs, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. “We focused on a widespread cultural belief that equates academic success with [...]
Study finds creative people less honest than more pedestrian thinkers WASHINGTON—Creative people are more likely to cheat than less creative people, possibly because this talent increases their ability to rationalize their actions, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. “Greater creativity helps individuals solve difficult tasks across many domains, but creative sparks may [...]
All Children Matter Report Documents How Children Have Become Collateral Damage of Anti-Gay Laws Washington, D.C. —A groundbreaking new report released today shows how two million children have become collateral damage of decades of ideology, laws and policies designed to hurt lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. All Children Matter: How Legal and Social [...]
Smaller plates, slimmer glasses, linked to weight loss success WASHINGTON—Dieters may not need as much willpower as they think, if they make simple changes in their surroundings that can result in eating healthier without a second thought, said a consumer psychologist at the American Psychological Association’s 119th Annual Convention. “Our homes are filled with hidden [...]
Take 5 to Save Lives Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588 or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 9, 2010)-Mental Health America is joining forces with the National Council for Suicide Prevention and other partner organizations to spread the word about World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th and the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign (http://www.take5tosavelives.org/). Suicide [...]
WASHINGTON, DC, July 28, 2010- How do you talk to a young child about their fear of starting school, getting a new babysitter, or moving to a new area? As adults, we know that change is a part of life, but very often young children yearn to keep things as they are. It helps them [...]
Computer-based Training in Creating and Responding to Facial Expressions May Improve Social Interactions Most children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) seem to have trouble engaging in everyday social interactions. They may seem to have no reaction to other people or may respond atypically when others show anger or affection. Their own facial expressions, tone of [...]
t may not be as easy A,B, C and 1,2,3, but proponents of solution-focused counseling agree that the approach can be extremely effective when used in school environments By Jim Paterson School counselors and school counseling educators typically agree on three things when it comes to solution-focused counseling. A) The approach makes perfect sense because [...]
WASHINGTON–Helping middle school students with their homework may not be the best way to get them on the honor roll. But telling them how important academic performance is to their future job prospects and providing specific strategies to study and learn might clinch the grades, according to a research review. “Instilling the value of education [...]
Using the hands to explain things may tap into knowledge kids can’t otherwise articulate WASHINGTON, DC—Are math problems bugging your kids? Tell them to talk back – using their hands. Psychologists at the University of Chicago report that gesturing can help kids add new and correct problem-solving strategies to their mathematical repertoires. What’s more, when [...]