ScienceDaily: Anger Management News

Human-like opponents lead to more aggression in video game players

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Video games that pit players against human-looking characters may be more likely to provoke violent thoughts and words than games where monstrous creatures are the enemy, according to a new study.

Relationship troubles? Some sad music might help you feel better

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Consumers experiencing relationship problems are more likely to prefer aesthetic experiences that reflect their negative mood, according to a new study.

Couples' thoughts during disagreements affect relationship satisfaction

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

People who are unhappy in their romantic relationship spend more time during a disagreement thinking about how angry and frustrated they are, but happy couples coordinate their thoughts so that when one partner has many emotional thoughts, the other has few, according to a new study.

Why family conflict affects some children more than others

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:28:28 EDT

New research reveals why some children are badly affected by negative family conflicts while other children survive without significant problems. Researchers found that the way in which children understood the conflicts between their parents had different effects on their emotional and behavioral problems. Where children blamed themselves for the conflicts between their parents, they were more likely to have behavioral problems, such as anti-social behavior. But if their parents' fighting or arguing led to a child feeling threatened, or fearful that the family would split up, the child was more likely to experience emotional problems, such as depression.

Link between intimate partner violence and depression

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:56:56 EDT

Not only are women who have experienced violence from their partner (intimate partner violence) at higher risk of becoming depressed, but women who are depressed may also be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence, according to a new study.

Teen girls who exercise are less likely to be violent

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Regular exercise is touted as an antidote for many ills, including stress, depression and obesity. Physical activity also may help decrease violent behavior among adolescent girls, according to new research.

Camaraderie of sports teams may deter bullying, violence

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

As schools around the country look for ways to reduce violence and bullying, they may want to consider encouraging students to participate in team sports, according to a new study.

Cyberbullying rampant among high school students: Nearly one-third of youths also report playing video/computer games for more than 3 hours a day

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

Step into a class of 30 high school students and look around. Five of them have been victims of electronic bullying in the past year. What's more, 10 of those students spend three or more hours on an average school day playing video games or using a computer for something other than school work, according to a new study.

Experts to focus on the science of gun safety

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:32:32 EDT

Pediatric leaders and researchers tackled the complex and often politically charged subject of gun violence.

Violent video games have lower effects on highly-exposed teens

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:50:50 EDT

Teenagers who are highly exposed to violent video games —- three or more hours per day -— show blunted physical and psychological responses to playing a violent game, reports a new study.

Humor styles and bullying in schools: Not a laughing matter

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:06:06 EDT

There is a clear link between children’s use of humor and their susceptibility to being bullied by their peers, according to a major new study.

Poor parenting -- including overprotection -- increases bullying risk

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT

Children who are exposed to negative parenting -- including abuse, neglect but also overprotection -- are more likely to experience childhood bullying by their peers, according to a meta-analysis of 70 studies of more than 200,000 children.

Link between school climate and violence confirmed

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Schools may be a step closer towards the development of effective strategies to prevent violent behavior. New research shows that there is a direct link between school climate and school violence.

Infants' sweat response predicts aggressive behavior as toddlers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:57 EDT

Infants who sweat less in response to scary situations at age 1 show more physical and verbal aggression at age 3, according to new research.

Harms of harsh discipline are softened by a loving mother

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:40:40 EDT

The use of harsh discipline of unwanted behavior in children has long been controversial. Whether verbal (insults, disparaging remarks, threats) or physical (slapping/spanking), harsh discipline at all stages of childhood carries a large risk of manifesting antisocial ‘externalizing behaviors’ in the child, including aggression, delinquency or hyperactivity.

Findings from most in-depth study into UK parents who kill their children

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:44:44 EDT

Experts have revealed their findings from the most in-depth study ever to take place in the UK into the tragic instances of child killing by parents, known as filicide. The research found 37 per cent of parents and step-parents who killed their children were suffering from some form of mental illness and 12% had been in contact with mental health services within a year of the offense.

Few effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder, review finds

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:01:01 EDT

A new review summarizes the results of a systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to at least one traumatic event such as war, a natural or human-made disaster, motor vehicle accidents, community violence, sexual assault or domestic violence.

Stop 'bad guys with guns' by implementing good policies

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:50:50 EDT

The National Rifle Association has put forward a National Shield School Proposal which supports the placement of armed security in all schools. A new review attempts to find a balanced and unbiased view of the facts within this heated and emotional debate.

Brain scans might predict future criminal behavior

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

A portable MRI was used to assess anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in 96 adult male inmates who were then followed for up to four years after their release from prison. Those who re-offended were more likely to have lower ACC activity, indicating impulsivity and anti-social behavior.

What attracts people to violent movies?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:17:17 EDT

Why are audiences attracted to bloodshed, gore and violence? A recent study found that people are more likely to watch movies with gory scenes of violence if they felt there was meaning in confronting violent aspects of real life.

Seeing happiness in ambiguous facial expressions reduces aggressive behavior

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:05:05 EDT

Encouraging young people at high-risk of criminal offending and delinquency to see happiness rather than anger in facial expressions results in a decrease in their levels of anger and aggression, according to a new study.

Saliva testing predicts aggression in boys

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:21:21 EDT

A new study indicates that a simple saliva test could be an effective tool in predicting violent behavior.

Violent video games are a risk factor for criminal behavior and aggression, new evidence shows

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:16:16 EDT

New evidence demonstrates a link between video games and youth violence and delinquency. The research shows a strong connection even when controlling for a history of violence and psychopathic traits among juvenile offenders.

Human emotion: We report our feelings in 3-D

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:10:10 EDT

Like it or not and despite the surrounding debate of its merits, 3-D is the technology du jour for movie-making in Hollywood. It now turns out that even our brains use three dimensions to communicate emotions. According to a new study, the human report of emotion relies on three distinct systems: one system that directs attention to affective states ("I feel"), a second system that categorizes these states into words ("good", "bad", etc.); and a third system that relates the intensity of affective responses ("bad" or "awful"?).

Parent-child violence leads to teen dating violence, study suggests

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:02:02 EDT

Teen dating violence is all too common and according to researchers it is a reflection of the relationships teens have with their parents or their parent’s partner.

Does expressing anger on online rant-sites make you feel better or worse?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:17:17 EDT

Little is known about the value and emotional consequences of expressing anger on the Internet. Rant-sites provide an outlet for anonymous, angry outbursts. How people feel after reading and writing rants and the effects of this behavior is explored in a new article.

Vets' PTSD affects mental and physical health of partners

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:46:46 EST

A new study of veterans with PTSD and their partners looks at intimate relationship conflict and finds greater physiological and anger responses for the male veterans as well as their female partners. Researchers conclude that the findings may have important implications for treatment and services for returning veterans and their families.

Family intervention improves mood symptoms in children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:41:41 EST

Psychologists have found that children and adolescents with major depression or subthreshold forms of bipolar disorder - and who had at least one first-degree relative with bipolar disorder - responded better to a 12-session family-focused treatment than to a briefer educational treatment.

People with mental illness at highly increased risk of being murder victims, study suggests

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:04:04 EST

People with mental disorders have a highly increased risk of being victims of homicide, a large study suggests.

Product promotion: When do emotional appeals trump celebrity spokespeople?

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:07:07 EST

Emotional appeals could be more effective than celebrities when promoting products related to a consumer’s identity, according to a new study.

Limiting access to alcohol reduces violence, experts say

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:07:07 EST

Amending existing laws or adopting additional regulations to limit the availability of alcohol would reduce community violence, experts say.

Research explores factors that impact adolescent mental health

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:12 EST

Research indicates that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, well before adulthood. Three new studies investigate the cognitive, genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to mental health disorders in adolescence.

Women's iron intake may help to protect against PMS

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:14:14 EST

In one of the first studies to evaluate whether dietary mineral intake is associated with PMS development, medical researchers assessed mineral intake in approximately 3,000 women in a case-control study.

People with disabilities at greater risk of violence and subsequent mental ill-health

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:49:49 EST

People with disabilities are at a greater risk of being the victims of violence and of suffering mental ill health when victimized, according to new research.

Background checks, permanent records needed for all firearm transfers, not just gun sales by retailers, experts urge

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 EST

Gun violence in the United States can be substantially reduced if Congress expands requirements for background checks on retail gun sales to cover firearm transfers between private parties, a new report concludes.

Bullied children can suffer lasting psychological harm as adults

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 EST

Bullied children grow into adults who are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to a new study.

Fear, anger or pain: Why do babies cry?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:06:06 EST

Researchers have studied adults' accuracy in the recognition of the emotion causing babies to cry. Eye movement and the dynamic of the cry play a key role in recognition. It is not easy to know why a newborn cries, especially amongst first-time parents. Although the main reasons are hunger, pain, anger and fear, adults cannot easily recognize which emotion is the cause of the tears.

Could a computer on the police beat prevent violence?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:41:41 EST

As cities work to reduce violence in tight budget times, new research shows how they might be able to target their efforts and police attention on areas prone to violence – with the help of high-powered computers and loads of data on crime, alcohol availability and drug markets.

Excessive TV in childhood linked to long-term antisocial behavior, New Zealand study shows

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:27:27 EST

Children and adolescents who watch a lot of television are more likely to manifest antisocial and criminal behavior when they become adults, according to a new study.

Connection between narcissism and envy explained

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:20:20 EST

Narcissism has long been associated with envy in the field of psychology, but a new study provides new evidence about that connection.

Teaching teens that people can change reduces aggression in school

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:05:05 EST

In eight studies involving more than 1,600 diverse 8th-10th grade students, researchers show that teenagers who believe people can't change react more aggressively to a peer conflict than those who think people can change. Following these studies, researchers developed a brief intervention that taught teens that people have the potential to change. The intervention reduced the teens' tendency to see the offense as having been done on purpose, and reduced their desire for aggressive revenge.

Online or off, bullying proves harmful

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:23:23 EST

Children who are bullied online or by mobile phone are just as likely to skip school or consider suicide as kids who are physically bullied, according to a study led by a criminologist.

Targets of bully bosses aren't the only victims

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:37:37 EST

Abusive bosses who target employees with ridicule, public criticism, and the silent treatment not only have a detrimental effect on the employees they bully, but they negatively impact the work environment for the co-workers of those employees who suffer from “second-hand” or vicarious abusive supervision, according to new research.

Childhood emotional abuse dramatically strong among male alcohol-dependent individuals

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:25:25 EST

Alcohol dependent (AD) individuals have reduced central serotonergic neurotransmission. Childhood maltreatment can also have a negative impact on central serotonergic neurotransmission. A new study has found that self-reported childhood emotional abuse is associated with a 90-percent reduction in central serotonergic neurotransmission in male AD individuals.

If you are impulsive, take modafinil and count to ten, research suggests

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:01:01 EST

Poor impulse control contributes to one's inability to control the consumption of rewarding substances, like food, alcohol, and other drugs. This can lead to the development of addiction. FDA-approved medications for alcoholism, like naltrexone (Revia) and disulfiram (Antabuse), are thought to reduce alcohol consumption by curbing cravings and creating unpleasant reactions to alcohol, effects which reduce the desire to drink alcohol.

Majority of Americans support dozens of policies to strengthen U.S. gun laws

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:39:39 EST

The majority of Americans support a broad array of policies to reduce gun violence, according to a new national public opinion survey.

No link found between facial shape and aggression

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:41:41 EST

There is not significant evidence to support the association between facial shape and aggression in men, according to a new study.

Video game controllers affect hostility during game play

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:39:39 EST

When selecting a video game to play, opting to turn on your Wii may provide a different experience than playing your Xbox, according to a new study.

'Cool' kids in middle school bully more, psychologists report

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:07:07 EST

Bullying boosts the social status and popularity of middle school students, a new psychology study shows, and popular students engage most in bullying.

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:21:21 EST

Young urban black women who are exposed to severe abuse within their families are much more likely to be victims of dating violence, according to a new study.

Assault increases suicide risk in military

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:41:41 EST

A new study links physical and violent sexual assault as an adult to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions for military personnel. The study suggests recognizing specific triggers may enhance diagnosis and treatment.

Childhood trauma leaves its mark on the brain

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:02:02 EST

Scientists have found evidence that psychological wounds inflicted when young leave lasting biological traces -- and a predisposition toward violence later in life.

Popularity is an unconscious deterrent

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:25:25 EST

Although popular boys and girls get more attention from their classmates than less popular peers, they are often unconsciously avoided by those same classmates.

How do happiness and sadness circuits contribute to bipolar disorder?

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:25:25 EST

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder characterized by unpredictable and dramatic mood swings between the highs of mania and lows of depression. These mood episodes occur among periods of 'normal mood', termed euthymia. Prior research has clearly shown that brain emotion circuitry is dysregulated in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It is thought that these disturbances impair one's ability to control emotion and contribute to mood episodes. Investigators have now used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate which areas of the brain showed abnormal activation while patients in different mood phases of bipolar disorder tried to control their response to emotional and non-emotional material.

Cutting in and weaving irritate drivers the most, new study on road rage shows

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Cutting in and weaving, speeding, and hostile displays are among the top online complaints posted by drivers, according to a new study.

Bullying causes significant short-term emotional and physical consequences for children with autism

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:43:43 EST

Nearly 70 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience emotional trauma as a result of being bullied, according to findings of a new study, while a significant portion were concerned for their own safety at school. The study also found that children with ASD who presented with pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses were at increased risk for involvement in bullying, with children diagnosed with ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression at highest risk of being victimized over a one month period.

Good managers fake it

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:52:52 EST

Managers recognize the need to feign their emotions at work, especially when interacting with staff. Researchers have established just how important it is that managers 'perform' or put on a public emotional show, even if they don't feel like it.

Violence against teachers spurs urgent call to action

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:13:13 EST

Teachers across the United States report alarmingly high rates of personally experiencing student violence and harassment while at school, according to an article published by the American Psychological Association that presents comprehensive recommendations to make schools safer for school personnel as well as students.

Broader background checks and denial criteria could help prevent mass shooting catastrophes, experts say

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:47:47 EST

A gun violence prevention expert and emergency medicine physician, believes broader criteria for background checks and denials on gun purchases can help prevent future firearm violence, including mass shooting catastrophes such as those that occurred at Sandy Hook, Aurora, Virginia Tech and Columbine.

Kindness key to happiness and acceptance for children

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:30:30 EST

Children who make an effort to perform acts of kindness are happier and experience greater acceptance from their peers, suggests new research.