Media Spotlight

A psychological twist on the news.

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D.

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?

Is Permanent Weight Loss a Myth?

A review article suggests that most weight loss programs do more harm than good.

Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?

New research into agreeableness and financial success yields some surprises.

PTSD in Survivors 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?

Why Children Have Nightmares

Why are some children prone to nightmares? New research explores some potential causes.

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.

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