Brain-behavior relationships, including cognitive neuropsychology, clinical neuropsychology, psychophysiology, brain imaging in psychology, and biological bases of behavior
5 papersThis study found that observing large groups of people moving synchronously reduced physiological arousal (measured by skin conductance) in undergraduate participants, an effect not seen when observing small groups or asynchronous movement. The calming effect for large synchronous groups was partially mediated by viewer enjoyment and interest in the videos.
This correlational study with 199 human participants found a significant link between how the stomach and brain communicate (stomach-brain coupling) and various aspects of mental health. Higher stomach-brain coupling was associated with worse mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress, and lower well-being and quality of life. The findings suggest a dimensional signature of mental health related to the gut-brain axis.
This fMRI study in college students suggests that self-criticism may be more effective than self-respect in improving performance on a short cognitive test, potentially due to increased motivation and attention. The study also suggests that self-respect could have mixed effects, with some benefits for executive function but potential downsides related to overconfidence.
In a study of university students, methylphenidate (MPH/Ritalin) did not improve exam performance, whether taken before studying or before the exam itself. The study had limitations regarding generalizability to other student populations and the artificial exam setting.
Adopting "high-power" poses for just two minutes increased testosterone, decreased cortisol, and increased feelings of power and risk tolerance compared to "low-power" poses. These findings suggest that embodying power through nonverbal displays can actually lead to feeling more powerful.