Media Spotlight

A psychological twist on the news.

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D.

The Legacy of 9/11

A new research study provides the most up-to-date conclusions about the long-term psychological impact of 9/11. 

Does Systematic Racism Undermine Health?

What are the long-term effects of systematic exposure to racial discrimination and segregation? A new study presents disturbing conclusions.

Video Games, School Success, and Your Child

Some studies suggest intensive video gaming can have a negative effect on grades, but others have found the exact opposite.

How Traumatic Are Law Enforcement Raids?

Though thousands of police raids occur each year, there is little research into the trauma from these raids. A new exploratory study examines long-term psychological effects.

Why Are Teenagers Playing It Safe?

Why is high-risk behaviour decreasing in adolescents? Could digital devices such as smartphones and tablets be playing a role? And what does this mean for the future?

How "Trial by Media" Can Undermine the Courtroom

High-profile criminal cases are often covered ad nauseam by news organizations. But how does this "trial by media" affect the fairness of the actual criminal trials?

What Makes Cyberbullying So Popular?

A new study examines past research into cyberbullying and who the victims are. Are females more likely to experience cyberbullying than males? And why?

The Social Side of Nicotine

Does nicotine use play a role in how people function in social situations — and can this explain why smokers have so much difficulty quitting?

When Children Have Nightmares

Why are some children prone to nightmares? New research explores some potential causes and how children can learn to handle their nightmare.

How Does Being a Newlywed Affect Personality?

While the "honeymoon phase" of a marriage is traditionally seen as happy, it can also be an extremely difficult transition period requiring enormous adjustment for both partners.

Riding the Retirement Roller Coaster

New research explores what retirement can mean for older workers in terms of self-esteem and stress. Why are some retirees better able to handle retirement than others?

The Psychology of Living Life Fully

What does it mean to live life more fully? Some life lessons inspired by recent research in psychology.

What Is the Psychological Toll of Stalking?

What are the psychological costs of unwanted pursuit behavior and stalking? New research explores how different kinds of harassment can affect women.

The Science of Body Esteem

Adolescence can be a brutal time for many young people as they come to terms with becoming adults. New research shows the importance of body esteem in forming personal identity

What Makes Us Resilient?

What does it mean to be resilient? New research explores the different strengths that help people survive and flourish after a traumatic experience.

Are Smartphones Making Adolescents Less Happy?

Why are surveys reporting a recent drop in self-esteem and well-being among adolescents? Could the rise of smartphones and digital media be responsible?

Can the Smell of a Loved One Relieve Stress?

People in romantic relationships rely on their partners in all sorts of ways. Can the familiar smell of a romantic partner help people manage stress better?

How Are Substance Abuse and Violence Related?

Do drug and alcohol really make people more violent? New research explores the connection between substance abuse and violence and what it may mean for public safety.

Can Traumatic Brain Injury Lead to Alzheimer's Disease?

Can head injuries increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults? New research explores the link between traumatic brain injuries and dementia

How Long Should Mothers Breastfeed?

How long should a mother breastfeed, and what are some of the positive benefits involved? New research explores the link between breastfeeding duration and maternal sensitivity.

Staying in Control Can Help You Live Longer

While exposure to trauma is something that everyone faces sooner or later (and often more than once), the key to survival often rests on how much control people feel they have.

When a Child Loses a Parent

New research explores the impact of losing a parent before the age of eighteen and what it can mean for later ability to form adult relationships

When Coworkers Become Violent

Is there any way to prevent violence in the workplace? A new study explores some of the underlying risk factors that can increase the likelihood of worker violence.

Is There a Bridget Jones Effect?

Is there really a Bridget Jones effect? New research explores how romantic media content in movies and television can reinforce the fear of being single.

Learning from the Amazing Memory Man

Is being able to remember virtually anything you ever learned necessarily a good thing? A new case study explores the mysteries behind a man with an exceptional memory.

Are Other People Really Having More Fun Than We Are?

Are other people really having more fun than you are? New research explores the persistent bias that can shape how we view our own social lives compared to others we know.

Can Coping With Stress Help You Live Longer?

How does chronic stress affect life expectancy in people already dealing with serious health problems? New research examines the stress-mortality connection.

What Does Marijuana Legalization Mean for Adolescents?

With the rising trend toward marijuana legalization, what impact is this likely to have on adolescent drug use? New research explores this question and what it means.

How Dangerous Is a Broken Heart?

Are people dealing with a romantic breakup more prone to depression and suicide? New research examines the short-term dangers of relationship loss.

Does Your Child Have a Digital Addiction?

Is it really possible for children to become addicted to digital devices? New research raises some disturbing questions.

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