Brain and Behavior
Parents of young children in America today are increasingly pressured to be uber-involved, and the influence of social media only exacerbates this trend. Moms and dads alike are expected to attend every soccer game, make cupcakes for school, and ensure that Junior’s science project is over-the-top. This kind of helicopter parenting is all the rage…but… read more
Children with an autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers face unique challenges in the best of times. During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis these challenges rose exponentially in ways that scientists are just beginning to evaluate. A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders revealed worsening behaviors and understandably increased stress levels… read more
Did you hear the one about the guy who swapped the gas pump labels? It was an April Fuel’s joke… (hahahaha!!) April 1st is the day for silly pranks and jokes, and new research published in the most recent issue of Health Communication by Taylor & Francis Online reveals brain healthy benefits of making others… read more
We want to do everything possible to keep our brains in top-notch condition, but finding the best resources isn’t always easy. Who are the experts we should be listening to? The team at Modern Brain Journal scoured the podcast community to find five of the best shows on brain health. We picked shows with two… read more
A new study published in the Journal of Moral Education explored the connection between parental support, empathy, and teenage delinquency. This compelling research was conducted over 4 years, with 3865 adolescents from age 12 through 17. The teens were surveyed on three separate occasions; first at age 12/13, again at 14/15, and finally at 16/17… read more
After a year of COVID induced isolation and quarantine, it’s time to make a New Year’s resolution to travel! New research published in Science Daily reveals that people who search, talk, and dream about travel adventures are much more likely to go on consistent trips than those who don’t. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But… read more
This past year of COVID quarantining and isolation has been difficult for everyone, and particularly for the aging population. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness have been on the rise and the current state of this pandemic shows no end in sight. However, The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry recently published an encouraging study that offers hope… read more
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and this year it comes with unprecedented isolation and disappointment. While traditionally our country has crowded around a family table to celebrate the holiday season, Thanksgiving place-settings of 2020 will be socially distanced. How can we find an attitude of gratitude amidst the frustrations of COVID? Research on… read more
The puzzling truth about narcissists is that they are never wrong. Of course a sane mind recognizes this laughable impossibility, yet the narcissist truly never recognizes or believes in personal flaws, failures, or mistakes. According to researchers from Oregon State University, narcissists are unable to learn from their mistakes because they do not perceive personal… read more
I never intended to be a homeschooler. But as with COVID-19, sometimes life hands us surprises. Instead of grumbling about it I decided to do what I do best (research!) and help my family survive and even thrive in this new season. —– Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed in the following article are solely… read more
Leadership is a crucial attribute to have in today’s world if a person wants to be successful, and now there could be a new mindset theory to boost leadership qualities! Most people have only heard of Fixed or Growth Mindsets, but the Benefit Mindset is now coming into fruition. The Benefit Mindset focuses on “being… read more
Altruism looks good on the outside, but usually comes at a cost. This type of prosocial behavior can be a conundrum because offering generosity takes from the giver, gives to the taker, and gives to the giver. Confused? New research from the June 2020 issue of Science Advances helps us sort it all out. “Prosocial… read more
