Joshua D Miller

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This study looked at a statistical method called "partialing," which helps researchers isolate specific traits by removing shared influences between them, such as anxiety and depression. The researchers found that psychologists struggled to accurately predict how these isolated traits relate to broader personality traits, especially when the original traits were closely connected. This matters because using partialing without a clear understanding can lead to misinterpretations in psychological research, potentially affecting treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and researchers who are studying mental health and personality traits.

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This study looked at why some children under 5 years old in the dry regions of Turkana and Samburu in Kenya are severely malnourished, known as wasting. Researchers found that children who had diarrhea were about 19-23% more likely to be wasted, while those eating animal-based foods had about 12-22% lower odds of being wasted. Additionally, factors like having a caregiver who drinks alcohol, being from large families, or living in certain communities significantly increased the risk of wasting, especially among boys. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare workers and policymakers looking to improve nutrition and health in young children in these regions.

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This research looks at how poor diets, particularly the high intake of processed foods, are linked to a disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects 38% of people worldwide and is increasingly becoming a cause of liver cancer, especially among Hispanic and White individuals. The study highlights that this issue is getting worse for older adults and women in low-income areas, and emphasizes that not just genetics, but also social factors like access to healthy food and healthcare are driving these disparities. To solve this problem, the researchers suggest that we need better health policies, community programs, and personalized treatment options that consider cultural needs. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in minority and low-income groups, by promoting healthier living and improved access to care.

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Researchers studied the levels and causes of diarrhea among young children in the dry areas of Kenya, finding that the prevalence of diarrhea dropped significantly from 32.1% at the beginning to 8.7% by the end of the study. They identified several factors that increased the risk of diarrhea, such as caregiver alcohol use, child malnutrition, and water insecurity, while protective factors included older age, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and proper handwashing. These results are important because they highlight the various issues leading to diarrhea in these communities, suggesting the need for comprehensive solutions that address water security, nutrition, hygiene, and resilience against hardships. Who this helps: This helps young children and their caregivers in Kenya's drylands.

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This study looked at how well a personality assessment tool called the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure (FFM ATM) identifies certain negative personality traits, specifically those related to being socially difficult or harmful. Researchers tested 326 university students and found that while the FFM ATM effectively captured key negative traits, it did not perform as well for traits associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). To improve accuracy for predicting BPD traits, they discovered that adding questions from another tool significantly helped. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and mental health professionals working with patients who may have complex personality traits.

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This study looked at how different commercial test kits for detecting deoxynivalenol (DON) in maize can produce varying results, and how these differences can also occur due to the practices at different grain elevators. The researchers found that while the kits generally worked well in lab settings, about 16% of results from different testing sites were inconsistent, meaning they differed from a reliable reference value by more than 20%. Understanding these inconsistencies is important to ensure accurate readings of DON levels, which is crucial for food safety. Who this helps: This helps farmers, food safety regulators, and consumers.

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This study looked at how to better understand the relationship between two variables when a third one is involved in linear regression analysis. It found that the accuracy of these relationships, or interaction effects, significantly depends on the size of the study sample and how reliable the data is. Specifically, having at least 72% statistical power and a sample size of 500 participants is often needed to get trustworthy results, as many studies do not reach this number. Who this helps: This benefits researchers in psychology and related fields, ensuring they conduct more reliable studies.

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This study looked at how different types of impulsivity and people's feelings affect their gambling behaviors in daily life. Researchers found that people who struggle with "Lack of Premeditation" tended to spend more time gambling, while other aspects of impulsivity and emotions had mixed effects on gambling activities. This is important because it shows that certain impulsivity traits can lead to increased gambling, which could help target interventions for those at risk. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with gambling issues by identifying specific traits linked to their behavior.

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This research paper examines a new questionnaire designed to measure "boldness" in people with psychopathy, called the Psychopathic Boldness Scale (PBS). However, the authors found that the PBS overlaps significantly with traits associated with meanness and hostility instead of accurately capturing boldness, which could confuse researchers and clinicians. They argue that this could make it harder to study and understand psychopathy effectively. Who this helps: This helps researchers and mental health professionals who study or treat psychopathy.

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This study focused on creating a very brief tool for identifying borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits. Researchers developed two shorter versions of an existing inventory, reducing a 48-item questionnaire down to just four key questions, tested with over 2,000 participants, and found that these new tools effectively measure BPD traits similar to longer versions. This is important because it makes screening for BPD faster and easier in both research and clinical settings. Who this helps: Patients and doctors looking for quicker ways to evaluate borderline personality disorder.

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This study looked at how well clinical psychology doctoral programs train students to treat patients with "antagonism," which includes behaviors like aggressiveness and manipulation. Out of 376 graduate students surveyed, those focusing on adult patients reported feeling much less prepared to deal with antagonism compared to other issues like anxiety and depression, with an average competency rating of only 1.71 on a scale where 2 is considered low. This is important because it highlights a significant gap in training that can affect the quality of care for patients with these challenging traits. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with antagonistic behaviors and the psychologists who treat them.

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This paper discusses the use of preregistration in research, which involves agreeing on a study's methods and goals before starting the research. The authors argue that while preregistration can enhance research quality, it can also lead to misunderstandings if it's seen as a guarantee of quality on its own. They clarify that preregistration should complement other research approaches and highlight potential problems in applying it effectively in psychology. Who this helps: This helps researchers and the scientific community by improving how studies are designed and evaluated.

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This study looked at a tool called the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI) to see how well it works in measuring different types of narcissism in Chinese people, including those in the community and offenders. Researchers tested this tool on over 1,300 people and found it to be reliable and consistent across different groups, although there were some small issues with one type of narcissism. This is important because it means that the FFNI can be effectively used to understand narcissism in various populations in China, which can help in both psychological research and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals in understanding and addressing narcissism.

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This study looked at how personality dysfunction affects people who are receiving or seeking mental health treatment. Researchers analyzed responses from 457 individuals and found three main issues: negative self-image, trouble getting along with others, and difficulties with closeness in relationships. These findings help understand the complexity of personality disorders and how they affect individuals, which can lead to better-targeted treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients receiving mental health care.

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This study looked at how virtual reality (VR) can help lower anxiety in patients having heart surgery for the first time. Researchers tested 100 patients and found that those using VR experienced a significant drop in anxiety, with scores decreasing by an average of 2.9 points. This matters because reducing anxiety can help improve patient comfort and potentially enhance surgical outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients facing cardiac surgery.

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This study looked at two types of aggression—reactive (emotional responses to perceived provocation) and proactive (planned aggression to achieve goals)—in the everyday lives of 477 college students. The researchers found that both types of aggression predict aggressive behavior and feelings in interactions with others, but reactive aggression was more strongly linked to negative feelings and difficulties in relationships. Understanding these two aggression types can help identify when individuals might struggle with anger and relationship issues. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with anger issues and mental health professionals working with them.

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This research paper looks at various issues related to externalizing behaviors, like aggression and rule-breaking, throughout a person's life. The studies included in this collection used advanced techniques to analyze how these behaviors can be measured, how they change over time, and how they vary among different racial and ethnic groups. These insights are important because they help to better understand and address behavioral issues in diverse populations, potentially leading to more effective treatment strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those experiencing behavioral issues, as well as healthcare providers developing treatment plans.

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This study looked at how brain structure relates to certain personality traits and symptoms linked to externalizing behaviors, like aggression and impulsivity, using data from 1,370 young people. Researchers found that overall, there were mostly no strong connections between brain structure and these traits, with the largest effects being very small (less than 0.02). This matters because it highlights that other factors, like the size of the brain and the participant's sex, are important to consider in understanding how brain structure might relate to behaviors. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who study behavior and mental health in young people.

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This study looked at the levels of harmful chemicals, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in dust from homes in First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario. Researchers found that all 59 homes tested contained PAHs, with concentrations ranging from 66 to 804 nanograms per gram of dust. These harmful substances mainly came from cigarette smoke and wood stoves, and improving indoor air quality by reducing smoking indoors and using better wood stoves could help protect the respiratory health of children in these communities. Who this helps: Children living in remote First Nations communities.

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This study looked at how movement affects the absorption of harmful chemicals by silicone wristbands, which are used to measure personal chemical exposure. Researchers found that when wristbands are in motion, they absorb chemicals at much higher rates—up to 4.3 times more—compared to when they are stationary. Understanding these absorption rates is important because it helps improve how we measure people’s exposure to dangerous substances in their everyday environments. Who this helps: This information benefits public health researchers and environmental scientists who study chemical exposure in communities.

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This study looked at how people from Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, developed their views on science and technology over 33 years, starting from their teenage years into adulthood. Researchers found that the most important time for shaping these attitudes is from ages 15 to 18, and that what people think during this period tends to stay consistent as they grow older. Understanding these patterns can help scientists and educators promote a more positive attitude toward science and technology. Who this helps: This helps educators, policymakers, and scientists understand how to engage young people effectively.

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This paper discusses serious problems in psychology research, including common unethical practices like altering data to make results look better or only publishing positive findings. The authors emphasize that these practices not only mislead the public but also violate accepted ethical standards in psychology. They call for better research practices to ensure honest and reliable science, especially in clinical psychology where findings impact real-life mental health treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and clinicians who rely on trustworthy psychological research for effective treatment.

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This study explored a new treatment approach for calcific aortic valve stenosis, a heart condition that has lacked effective drugs for over 50 years. Researchers tested a drug called ataciguat, which reactivates a key signaling pathway in the heart valve, and found that it was safe and helped slow down the worsening of the condition. In a clinical trial with patients over six months, those taking ataciguat experienced less progression of valve calcification compared to those taking a placebo. Who this helps: Patients with moderate aortic valve stenosis benefit from this new treatment.

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This study examined whether students give more unreliable responses when completing surveys remotely compared to in-person. Researchers tested 678 undergraduate students and found only small differences in response quality between the two methods, but noted that different screening techniques flagged varying amounts of responses as invalid. This matters because understanding the reliability of different survey methods can help improve research quality and data interpretation. Who this helps: Researchers conducting studies that involve self-reported data.

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This study analyzed how well the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment (EPA) measures traits linked to psychopathy, pulling data from over 50 research studies involving more than 3,500 cases. It found that two main traits, Antagonism and Disinhibition, were strongly related to psychopathy, while the role of Emotional Stability was less clear. Understanding these traits better helps improve assessments and treatments for individuals with psychopathic tendencies. Who this helps: This benefits mental health professionals and researchers studying psychopathy.

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This study looked at two ways to measure "Dark Triad" personality traits, which include qualities like manipulation and deceitfulness, and how they relate to being a good manager. Researchers found that a more detailed approach (called the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure) was much better at predicting effective leadership compared to a simpler one (the Dirty Dozen). Specifically, the detailed method explained almost all the differences in leadership success, highlighting the need for better assessment tools in understanding how these personality traits impact management. Who this helps: This helps doctors, psychologists, and organizations looking to improve management through better understanding of personality traits.

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This study examines the painting "The Allegory of Painting" by artist Vermeer to understand what it can teach us about clinical treatment in psychology. It found that just like the painting shows a mix of conflict and harmony, a combination of different theories in psychotherapy can lead to better patient outcomes. This approach can enhance how we understand and improve mental health treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing psychotherapy.

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In this study, researchers looked at how well a treatment called pneumatic dilation (PD) works for people with a condition that makes it difficult to swallow due to a tight esophagus. They found that after the treatment, the average ability of the esophagus to expand (distensibility index) increased significantly from 1.5 to 4.7, and the diameter of the esophagus grew from 8.9 mm to 15.9 mm, which correlated with a drop in patients' symptoms from an average score of 6.25 to 1.2. However, there was no strong link between post-treatment measurements and the need for more dilations later on, as scores for those who needed repeat treatments were similar to those who did not. Who this helps: This helps patients with esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction.

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This study looked at how easy or hard it is for people to understand different tests that measure personality disorders. Researchers found that tests aimed at assessing personality traits are easier to read and answer than those focusing on personality impairment. This matters because if tests are easier to understand, it may help in diagnosing and treating personality disorders more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how well continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) works for patients in intensive care units (ICUs), especially those with COVID-19. Researchers analyzed data from 169 patients, finding that CGM accurately reflected blood sugar levels for most of the time, with an average of 72% of readings in the healthy range across three hospitals. It matters because CGM could help manage blood sugar more effectively in critically ill patients, even during unstable health conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients in ICUs, particularly those with diabetes or COVID-19.

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This study looked at a case involving a 41-year-old woman who has serious health issues after surviving an opioid overdose. Despite her unresponsive state and worsening health, a court-appointed conservator insisted on aggressive treatment to keep her alive due to personal beliefs and financial worries, raising ethical concerns about conflicts of interest. It's important because it highlights the challenges of making care decisions when there is no family to represent a patient who has lost their ability to make choices. Who this helps: This helps patients in similar situations, caregivers, and medical professionals navigating care ethics.

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This paper criticizes the use of the term "dark" in psychology to describe negative personality traits like psychopathy and narcissism. The authors argue that this term is harmful and misleading, just like labeling low intelligence as the "D(umb) Factor." They believe it is necessary to stop using this kind of terminology because it contributes to stigma and misunderstanding in the field. Who this helps: This helps patients, mental health professionals, and anyone affected by the stigma around psychological traits.

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This study looked at the quality of drinking water and food availability for young children in Ecuador, focusing on how these issues affect feeding practices. It found that 25.3% of households faced very high risks with their drinking water, while 37.9% of children experienced some level of food insecurity. In households with poor water quality, fewer children were exclusively breastfed and more were using formula compared to those with safer water. This research highlights the urgent need for policies that improve water safety and food access, as these can significantly boost child nutrition. Who this helps: This helps young children and their families in Ecuador.

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This study looked at a tool called the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory-Short Form (FFNI-SF) to see if it measures narcissism the same way in people who have received psychological treatment and those who haven't. It found that, out of 473 participants, those with a treatment history scored lower on antagonism (a type of aggressive behavior) and higher on neuroticism (emotional instability) than those without such a history. This matters because it shows that the FFNI-SF can effectively compare narcissism traits between these groups, helping to better understand how narcissism may differ in clinical settings. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and mental health professionals better assess and understand narcissism in their patients.

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This study looked at a tool called the Water Insecurity Experiences Scales, which measures how people deal with water access issues, to see if it works just as well in wealthy countries like the U.S. and Australia as it does in poorer ones. Researchers found that only 1% of people in the U.S. and 3.7% in Australia reported significant water insecurity. The results showed that people experiencing water insecurity were more likely to report higher stress and dissatisfaction with water quality, making this tool useful for tracking water issues worldwide. Who this helps: This helps researchers, policymakers, and communities understand water access challenges globally.

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This study looked at the connection between psychopathy, a personality disorder, and suicide-related behaviors like thoughts of suicide, attempts, and self-harm. The researchers found that higher levels of psychopathy were linked to these behaviors, with small-to-moderate associations: suicidal thoughts were related to psychopathy at a level of 0.19, behaviors at 0.12, and self-harm at 0.20. Understanding this relationship is important because it can help doctors better identify and support individuals at risk of suicide based on their personality traits. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and patients dealing with psychopathy.

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This research examined how different aspects of psychopathy connect to sexual aggression in adults by analyzing data from 117 studies. It found that overall, psychopathy is linked to sexual aggression, particularly through traits like meanness and disinhibition; however, it showed a negative relationship with boldness. This understanding helps improve how we prevent and treat sexual aggression and assess risks associated with such behaviors. Who this helps: This helps patients, mental health professionals, and policymakers in developing strategies to address sexual aggression.

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This research studied the effects of removing aging endothelial cells (a type of cell that lines blood vessels) on metabolism in obese mice. The researchers found that getting rid of these aging cells improved metabolic problems in the mice, specifically reducing inflammation and helping with glucose control. Additionally, using a drug called fisetin had similar positive effects by targeting these aging cells. Who this helps: This benefits patients with obesity-related metabolic disorders.

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This study examined how well experts in psychology can understand the unique relationships between different mental health conditions after using a statistical method called "partialing," which removes shared aspects of related conditions, like anxiety and depression. Researchers found that experts struggled to accurately predict these unique relationships, especially when the conditions were closely related, indicating that partialing might complicate understanding rather than clarify it. This matters because relying on this technique could lead to misunderstandings in psychological research and practice. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and researchers in accurately interpreting mental health research.

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Researchers studied how well a tool called the Water Insecurity Experiences Scale works in high-income countries like the United States and Australia, comparing it to its proven effectiveness in lower-income countries. They found that only 3.7% of people in Australia and 1.0% in the U.S. experienced moderate to high water insecurity, and those facing such issues reported significantly higher stress and dissatisfaction with water quality—1.80 times and 4.12 times more likely, respectively. This matters because it shows that the scale can reliably assess water insecurity across different income levels, which is essential for monitoring water issues globally. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and policymakers working to address water access and quality issues.

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This study looked at how different types of narcissism affect mental health by analyzing 229 studies involving over 185,000 participants. It found that grandiose narcissism, which is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, is linked to better mental health, while vulnerable narcissism, which is associated with insecurity, is linked to poorer mental health. Specifically, grandiose narcissism was connected to positive mental health scores (0.19) and had little to no connection to negative mental health (0.02), whereas vulnerable narcissism had a strong negative link to positive mental health (-0.25) and a strong positive link to negative mental health (0.39). Who this helps: This research benefits mental health professionals and patients by providing insights into how different types of narcissism can affect mental well-being.

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This study looked at how not having access to safe drinking water affects people's choices between regular water and sugary drinks. Researchers reviewed 82 studies and found that many people (60% of those analyzed) worry about the safety of their water, which affects whether they choose packaged water or sugary drinks. Understanding these choices is important because it can help develop strategies to encourage healthier drinking habits among people who can't rely on safe tap water. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities facing water insecurity.

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This study looked at how providing irrigation pumps to female smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya affected their ability to manage issues with water supply. The findings showed that women who received the pumps felt more connected to their community and were more likely to share resources, like water pumps, which improved their strategies for dealing with water scarcity. Specifically, those with irrigation pumps reported higher trust and willingness to collaborate with others, leading to better overall health and agricultural outcomes. Who this helps: This helps female smallholder farmers living with HIV.

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This study looked at how people in 141 countries perceive the safety of their drinking water by analyzing responses from over 148,000 individuals. It found that 52.3% of adults expect serious harm from drinking water in the next two years, with women, urban residents, those facing financial challenges, and more educated individuals being particularly concerned. Understanding these perceptions is important because it can help improve trust in water services and promote better management of water resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those living in areas with unsafe drinking water.

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Researchers studied the presence of harmful substances called mycotoxins in wheat and corn grown in Ontario, Canada, over three years. They found that the main mycotoxins in these grains were deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, with some wheat showing levels of another mycotoxin called sterigmatocystin, but they did not find a concerning mycotoxin named diacetoxyscirpenol. This research is important because it helps ensure food safety by tracking potential risks in our crops, especially as climate changes affect these levels. Who this helps: This benefits patients and consumers by supporting safer food supplies.

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This study explored a new method for creating a specific type of chemical compound known as a square planar cobalt complex, which involves altering its structure through a process called hydrogen atom abstraction. Researchers successfully produced two versions of the cobalt complex, identified as compounds 2 and 6, using various techniques to confirm their properties, including how they react during oxidation. These findings are important because they enhance our understanding of how certain chemicals can be manipulated for better reactivity and efficiency, which can lead to advances in areas like energy storage and catalysis. Who this helps: This helps chemists and materials scientists working on advanced chemical processes.

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This study looked at different ways to classify personality disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Researchers found strong support for a new model called the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, which showed a clear link between personality traits and various mental health outcomes, such as severity of symptoms and everyday functioning. This matters because it could improve how mental health professionals diagnose and treat these conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals in better diagnosing and treating personality disorders.

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This study looked at the use of radiation therapy to prevent a painful condition called heterotopic ossification (HO) after foot amputations. Out of ten patients treated with low-dose radiation right after surgery, only 10% had HO come back, 90% healed well, and 80% experienced less pain, although 30% required further amputation due to ongoing issues. The findings suggest that this radiation treatment is safe and effective for preventing HO in patients at high risk for this complication. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from foot amputation.

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This study looked at how not having enough water affects people's access to food and the variety of their diet in countries in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that 37.1% of people lived in households with water insecurity, and nearly all of them (90.6%) dealt with food insecurity. Those with water insecurity were 1.67 times more likely to face food insecurity and ate fewer types of food — specifically, they consumed 0.38 fewer food groups than those with enough water. This matters because it highlights that improving water access can help improve nutrition and food security. Who this helps: This helps vulnerable communities and policymakers focused on food and water security.