Media Spotlight

A psychological twist on the news.

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D.

Can Mass Shootings Be Prevented?

New research helps identify "red flags" that might help prevent tragedy.

New Tools Could Help Prevent Incel Terrorism

How can police stop lone-wolf terrorists? Rating scales could guide police in preventing people from becoming radicalized.

Is Social Media Causing a Mass Psychogenic Epidemic?

Can social media make young people believe they have a neurological disease? New research suggests that it can.

Why Is Homelessness So Stigmatized?

Widespread stigma against homeless people makes it more challenging to get them the support they need.

Yes, You Can Be the Victim of a Phishing Attempt

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.

Are Dementia Rates Declining?

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.

Treating the Chicken Woman

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

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

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

Exploding the Myths About Aging

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?

Are Domestic Violence Victims at Risk for Brain Injury?

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

The "Parallel Pandemic" of Fake Cures

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

Why Aren't Male Victims of Sexual Abuse Speaking Out?

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

Can Digital Mental Health Make a Difference?

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

Why Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases on the Rise?

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?

Is Quality Better Than Quantity in Social Relationships?

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.

Do We Really Love Villains?

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.

Is There an Extremist Mindset?

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

Why Do People Like to Be Scared?

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

Is Being Creative the Key to Romantic Passion?

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

When Bullying Begins at Home

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?

Distracted Driving and Cellphones: What Are the Risks?

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 Can We Help Victims of Clergy Abuse?

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

Does Paid Family Leave Make New Parents Healthier?

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.

How Passionate Are You About Gambling?

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

Do Killer Whales Have Personalities?

Classified as a toothed whale, orcas are actually a species of oceanic dolphins as well as remarkable predators. But do they have personality traits like humans do?