Recently we’ve received many questions from people interested in pursuing a PhD in positive psychology—often after completing a MAPP program or other courses in positive psychology—and are looking for universities or programs that explicitly offer graduate study in this field. To provide a clear response, we consulted three sources: Members of our positive psychology Facebook … Read more

Summary: A study examines how the human brain evolved and the impacts of having many cortical neurons on development, lifespan and culture. Source: The Conversation Give thanks—for the brain that made us who we are As you sit at the dinner table, consider one of the deeper gifts of our evolutionary past: the long, complex … Read more

This page lists upcoming positive psychology conferences for 2025 and 2026. Below you will find dates, locations, formats, approximate prices where available, and concise descriptions of each event so you can decide which gatherings are most relevant for your research, practice, or professional development. If you are interested in presenting or speaking, each conference entry … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that action-packed video games help players learn new tasks more quickly by improving perceptual and cognitive processing. Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison New research shows that playing video games rich in fast-paced action can improve how quickly people learn a variety of new tasks. The study suggests these games sharpen perceptual and cognitive … Read more

Results to be showcased internationally in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers at the Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG) at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), supported by European Research Council (ERC) funding, have published findings that strengthen the case for using macular pigment as a non-invasive biomarker of cognitive health. The study links macular pigment … Read more

What if we could identify a inherited cause of Alzheimer’s disease and take steps to lessen its impact? New genetic research from the University of Kentucky brings that possibility closer. Scientists at the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging have reported new findings in Alzheimer’s genetics in a paper published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Their … Read more

How often do you find that relationships are your main source of stress, sadness, or worry? If your answer is “often,” Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) may offer a practical and evidence-based way forward. IPT is a brief, attachment- and relationship-focused therapy designed to help people resolve interpersonal problems that contribute to mood disorders such as depression. … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that smiles can either reduce or raise physical stress depending on how they are interpreted. Source: Bar Ilan University. Sweaty palms, a racing heart, a shaky voice—many people find public speaking distressing. Anticipation of social evaluation activates multiple bodily systems connected to stress, and it especially engages the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the … Read more

Summary: By jointly analyzing genetic sequencing data from individuals with congenital heart disease and autism, researchers discovered 23 genes associated with congenital heart defects, 12 of which were not previously reported. Source: PLOS Scientists have identified nearly two dozen genes that contribute to congenital heart defects by combining genetic data from people born with heart … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that eating triggers dopamine release in the human brain at two distinct times—first when food is tasted and again after it reaches the stomach. Source: Cell Press. New research from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany shows that dopamine, a key neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and motivation, is released … Read more