Posts by Neil Petersen

When compared to 50 years ago, life outcomes for American youth are worsening, according to University of Notre Dame professor of psychology, Darcia Narvaez.  Narvaez specializes in moral development in children and how early life experiences can influence brain development  (Notre Dame News, 2015). According to a new study from the University of Notre Dame,…

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health has suggested that eating a lot of fish may help reduce the risk of depression.  Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders, with most families affected by a loved one or acquaintance at some point during their lives.  It is also…

We all may know a child affected by Autism.  According to the National Autism Association, 1 in 68 children fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum.  That rate has grown steadily over the last 20 years, and we now know more about what in the past has been a mystifying diagnosis: An autism diagnosis is four…

After a few high-profile cases were reported of questionable data in psychology related studies, a year long effort has been made to reproduce the results of some of the most popular published studies. Included in reports of bogus data reporting was a well-known and often reported psychologist from Tilburg University, who was found to be falsifying data and…

A new study from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria conducted by World Population Program researchers has found that older adults are getting smarter.  But, it also reported that their mental health and physical fitness levels are declining. The study followed non-institutionalized participants in Germany ages 50 and over and tracked…

A long-standing and common perception associates creativity with neurotic behavior (and other forms of maladapted or depressive personalities.) We’ve all heard the stories of some of the greatest artists and minds – and their neurotic, addictive and unstable behaviors.  From writer and poet Edgar Allen Poe’s drinking, erratic behavior, and suspected mental illness, to scientist…

You’ve heard the debate in HR circles, what’s more important analytical skills vs. social or emotional intelligence in the workforce?  Answers are hotly debated and can vary not only by industry and job type, but management’s demographics like age, gender and education level tend to also be a factor.  But, new research shows the increasing…

Who didn’t steal, or eat, their friends’ crayons in Kindergarten, pull their neighbors pony tail or have a meltdown over not being first in line at recess.  It happens, to the best of us.  But our behavior in Kindergarten could be a huge indicator of future success, according to a newly released 20 year study.…

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder, signified by an abnormal interpretation of reality that requires life-long treatment.    Hallmark symptoms include distorted and disorganized thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, chronic feelings of fright and paranoia, and an inability to function normally in day to day life. While not common, schizophrenia affects a broad spectrum of children…