Friendship 2.0

Self-Control

A Striking New Link Between GLP-1s and Reduced Violence

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 30, 2026

More and more research is pointing to potential mental health effects of GLP-1s. A fascinating new study suggests that impulsivity and violence may also be affected.

More and more research is pointing to potential mental health effects of GLP-1s. A fascinating new study suggests that impulsivity and violence may also be affected.

Aging

Can Learning a Musical Instrument Later in Life Help Memory?

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 29, 2026

An intriguing new study shows positive cognitive effects for older people playing an instrument for the first time.

An intriguing new study shows positive cognitive effects for older people playing an instrument for the first time.

Anxiety

Is a Common Plastic to Blame for Anxiety?

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 28, 2026

New research in rodents suggests a connection between microplastic exposure and anxiety later in life.

New research in rodents suggests a connection between microplastic exposure and anxiety later in life.

Relationships

The Couples That Savor Together, Stay Together

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 30, 2026

The power of an intentional pause to appreciate the good moments.

The power of an intentional pause to appreciate the good moments.

Aging

A Surprising Effect of Worrying About Aging

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 29, 2026

It's often said that aging is not for the faint of heart. But new evidence suggests that those who take it the hardest mentally might actually make it worse.

It's often said that aging is not for the faint of heart. But new evidence suggests that those who take it the hardest mentally might actually make it worse.

Cannabis

New Reasons to Think Twice About Cannabis

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 27, 2026

In contradiction to what many people believe in terms of cannabis's ability to help with anxiety or depression, a large study refutes the idea of its efficacy.

In contradiction to what many people believe in terms of cannabis's ability to help with anxiety or depression, a large study refutes the idea of its efficacy.

ADHD

New Reasons for Optimism About Life With ADHD

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on December 31, 2025

Much research on ADHD focuses on the ways that it impairs functioning. A new study, however, illuminates how it may serve as a strength in certain areas.

Much research on ADHD focuses on the ways that it impairs functioning. A new study, however, illuminates how it may serve as a strength in certain areas.

Artificial Intelligence

Why You Should Ask Your Therapist About Their Use of AI

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on December 30, 2025

Artificial intelligence is creeping into person-to-person therapy in ways you might not expect.

Artificial intelligence is creeping into person-to-person therapy in ways you might not expect.

Suicide

Unlocking a Brain Characteristic That Raises Suicide Risk

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on December 19, 2025

A new study of the brains of those who have died by suicide illuminates a potential risk factor that may someday bring hope for treatment.

A new study of the brains of those who have died by suicide illuminates a potential risk factor that may someday bring hope for treatment.

Relationships

Can Strong Friendships Slow the Aging Process?

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on September 30, 2025

Yet another reason to prioritize our relationships.

Yet another reason to prioritize our relationships.

Stress

Another Reason to Start Drinking More Water

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on September 29, 2025

To limit the damage done by cortisol spokes, stay hydrated.

To limit the damage done by cortisol spokes, stay hydrated.

Anxiety

What Children's Hair May Reveal About Their Mental Health

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on September 24, 2025

New research on what hair strands might tell us about stress levels suggests an important non-invasive tool for assessing anxiety that could have broad applications.

New research on what hair strands might tell us about stress levels suggests an important non-invasive tool for assessing anxiety that could have broad applications.

Depression

How Dad's Mental Health Can Impact Children

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 29, 2025

Depression among dads is not always central to mental health discussions. But new research underscores how important it is to talk about, and how much it can affect a child.

Depression among dads is not always central to mental health discussions. But new research underscores how important it is to talk about, and how much it can affect a child.

Compulsive Behaviors

The Often Hidden Signs of Problem Gambling

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 25, 2025

In a world with increasingly ubiquitous online betting, the old stereotypes of problem gambling no longer apply. Here are some signs to look out for that may signify a problem.

In a world with increasingly ubiquitous online betting, the old stereotypes of problem gambling no longer apply. Here are some signs to look out for that may signify a problem.

Compulsive Behaviors

The Silent Surge of Gambling Addiction

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 24, 2025

Online sports betting has increased dramatically with legalization over just a few years' time. The public needs to be aware of the consequences.

Online sports betting has increased dramatically with legalization over just a few years' time. The public needs to be aware of the consequences.

Depression

Why Are Night Owls More Likely to Be Depressed?

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 30, 2025

Night owls are more likely to report depressive symptoms. New research highlights some important variables that help explain why.

Night owls are more likely to report depressive symptoms. New research highlights some important variables that help explain why.

Epigenetics

Witnessing Violence Can Change Your Genome

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 28, 2025

A new multi-generational study suggests that the effects of violence can remain in your genes—and be passed down to future generations.

A new multi-generational study suggests that the effects of violence can remain in your genes—and be passed down to future generations.

Stress

How Stress May Increase the Risk of Stroke

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on March 6, 2025

We know that chronic heightened stress is not optimal for physical health. A new study looks specifically at how it may increase the risk of stroke in certain people.

We know that chronic heightened stress is not optimal for physical health. A new study looks specifically at how it may increase the risk of stroke in certain people.

Depression

Reduced Response to Rewards Predicts Depression in Teenagers

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on December 30, 2024

Depression has long been thought to involve reward processing. New research suggests the predictive quality of this when looking at adolescent brains.

Depression has long been thought to involve reward processing. New research suggests the predictive quality of this when looking at adolescent brains.

Child Development

Does a Baby’s Heart Rate Determine Their Talking?

Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on December 27, 2024

Many things have to go right in order for babies to learn to talk. Recent research highlights the role of something that might come as a surprise: heart rate.

Many things have to go right in order for babies to learn to talk. Recent research highlights the role of something that might come as a surprise: heart rate.