Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Killing in Combat: Context Matters More Than the Act Itself

2025-04-18

A large-scale study of Norwegian soldiers challenges the common belief that killing inevitably harms a soldier's mental health. Researchers compared two groups: soldiers deployed to Afghanistan on combat missions and those serving as peacekeepers in Lebanon. The study found that peacekeepers who had killed someone exhibited higher rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use, and lower quality of life, compared to those who hadn't. However, no such difference was found among the combat soldiers. The study concludes that the context surrounding killing, rather than the act itself, significantly impacts mental wellbeing. The difference likely stems from the distinct mission objectives and rules of engagement between combat and peacekeeping operations. The findings highlight the need for context-specific psychological support and training for soldiers to minimize potential psychological harm.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc war trauma soldier psychology

Delusions: A Broader, Culturally Informed Perspective

2025-04-12

A new study in Schizophrenia Bulletin challenges conventional understandings of delusions, revealing a far more diverse range of delusional themes than previously acknowledged. Analyzing 155 studies (173,920 participants), researchers identified 37 distinct themes, highlighting significant cultural variations. For example, jealousy delusions were more prevalent in Southern Asia, while guilt/sin delusions were more common in Eastern Europe. The study also emphasizes the strong link between delusional content and interpersonal relationships, and challenges existing diagnostic assumptions. The findings underscore the need for a more nuanced, individualized, and culturally informed approach to psychosis treatment, moving beyond rigid diagnostic frameworks.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc delusions psychosis cultural variations

Air Pollution During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Postpartum Depression Risk

2025-03-28

A new study reveals a significant link between exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM10 particulate matter during pregnancy and an increased risk of postpartum depression. Researchers at the University of California followed 361 low-income Hispanic/Latina women in Los Angeles for three years. Women exposed to high levels of NO2 or PM10 during their second trimester were nearly four times more likely to develop postpartum depression compared to those with lower exposure. The study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution exposure during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and underscores the need for mitigating traffic emissions.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Tech Air Pollution Postpartum Depression Pregnancy Health

Patience: A Coping Mechanism, Not a Virtue?

2025-03-28

A new study suggests that patience isn't a virtue, but rather a coping mechanism for everyday frustrations. Researchers conducted three experiments revealing three key triggers for impatience: prolonged unpleasant situations, the importance of the goal, and perceived blame. However, individual differences, such as impulsivity, emotional awareness, flexibility, and agreeableness, significantly impact one's ability to manage impatience. This research offers a novel perspective on patience, suggesting it's a strategy for dealing with frustration, not an inherent personality trait.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc patience emotion regulation

We Misjudge What the Opposite Sex Finds Attractive, Leading to Body Image Issues

2025-02-23

A new study reveals that both men and women overestimate the opposite sex's preference for exaggerated gender characteristics. Participants created faces they believed the opposite sex would find attractive, revealing men overestimated women's preference for masculinity, and women overestimated men's preference for femininity. This misperception contributes to body dissatisfaction. The stronger the discrepancy between perceived self and ideal self, the greater the dissatisfaction. This suggests misjudging others' preferences not only skews our view of potential partners but also distorts self-image, potentially leading to negative behaviors like steroid use or eating disorders. Future research should explore these consequences.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc body image gender