Media Spotlight

Phishing attempts are becoming more sophisticated so it helps to be cautious about unsolicited emails, phone texts, voice messages, or mail from apparently reputable sources.

Will the dreaded "gray wave" of dementia be as severe as originally feared? Perhaps not, says a recent comprehensive research project looking at dementia rates over time.

Psychosis

Treating the Chicken Woman

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on October 6, 2020

Fascinating new case history about a woman who briefly developed the delusion that she was a chicken.

Fascinating new case history about a woman who briefly developed the delusion that she was a chicken.

Suicide

Are We Facing a Post-COVID-19 Suicide Epidemic?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on June 7, 2020

A new article suggests that the unprecedented impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a sharp rise in suicides.

A new article suggests that the unprecedented impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a sharp rise in suicides.

Aging

Exploding the Myths About Aging

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on June 1, 2020

Despite slogans such as "60 is the new 40," many people continue to view growing older with a sense of dread. But how realistic are their fears?

Despite slogans such as "60 is the new 40," many people continue to view growing older with a sense of dread. But how realistic are their fears?

Much like athletes, domestic violence victims often experience repeated head injuries that may lead to long-term problems such as dementia and cognitive dysfunction.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

The "Parallel Pandemic" of Fake Cures

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on April 22, 2020

COVID-19 fears are driving desperate consumers to buy potentially dangerous products from online hucksters offering bogus "cures" at inflated prices.

COVID-19 fears are driving desperate consumers to buy potentially dangerous products from online hucksters offering bogus "cures" at inflated prices.

New research explores unwanted sexual experiences in college-age males as well as what happens when they speak out afterward.

Health

Can Digital Mental Health Make a Difference?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on March 24, 2020

More people than ever are seeking help for mental health issues. Can advances in telemedicine help end the shortage of mental health professionals?

More people than ever are seeking help for mental health issues. Can advances in telemedicine help end the shortage of mental health professionals?

Education

Why Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases on the Rise?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on March 9, 2020

The latest CDC figures show that the total number of cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia in the United States soared to a record high last year, Why is this happening?

The latest CDC figures show that the total number of cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia in the United States soared to a record high last year, Why is this happening?

Friends

Is Quality Better Than Quantity in Social Relationships?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on November 25, 2019

Why do social networks shrink as we grow older? New research explores the changing nature of friendship over time and what it may mean for seniors.

Why do social networks shrink as we grow older? New research explores the changing nature of friendship over time and what it may mean for seniors.

Dark Triad

Do We Really Love Villains?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on November 17, 2019

What makes male villains so much more appealing than female ones? New research explores how gender expectations may shape how we view Dark Triad traits in the media.

What makes male villains so much more appealing than female ones? New research explores how gender expectations may shape how we view Dark Triad traits in the media.

Personality

Is There an Extremist Mindset?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on July 23, 2019

Can we identify people prone to violent extremism based on the beliefs that they express? Recent research suggests that we can.

Can we identify people prone to violent extremism based on the beliefs that they express? Recent research suggests that we can.

Stress

Why Do People Like to Be Scared?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on June 12, 2019

Is there a positive benefit to exposing yourself to scary experiences? According to recent studies, there may well be.

Is there a positive benefit to exposing yourself to scary experiences? According to recent studies, there may well be.

Is there a link between creativity and romantic passion? New research suggests that the answer is yes.

Bullying, in all its forms, can be emotionally devastating for anyone who experiences it. But what happens if the bullying takes place right at home?

Friends

Distracted Driving and Cellphones: What Are the Risks?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on May 3, 2019

How dangerous is it to take your eyes off the road while distracted by a cellphone—and who is more likely to do it anyway? New research provides some clues.

How dangerous is it to take your eyes off the road while distracted by a cellphone—and who is more likely to do it anyway? New research provides some clues.

Trust

How Can We Help Victims of Clergy Abuse?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on February 27, 2019

Despite countless news stories about abuse by clergy, actual research on its impact on victims has been scarce. A new review examines why.

Despite countless news stories about abuse by clergy, actual research on its impact on victims has been scarce. A new review examines why.

Stress

Does Paid Family Leave Make New Parents Healthier?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on January 10, 2019

Along with health issues like obesity and mood disorders, the stress of becoming a parent may impact the immune system in ways that continue to impact health much later in life.

Along with health issues like obesity and mood disorders, the stress of becoming a parent may impact the immune system in ways that continue to impact health much later in life.

Compulsive Behaviors

How Passionate Are You About Gambling?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on December 13, 2018

What is obsessive passion? And how does it relate to problem gambling? A new research study investigates the roots of gambling addiction.

What is obsessive passion? And how does it relate to problem gambling? A new research study investigates the roots of gambling addiction.