8 Cannabis Risks That Can Follow Young People Into Adulthood (P)

Cannabis can affect the brain and mental health in surprising ways, with some risks appearing particularly concerning for teenagers.

Cannabis is often seen as relatively harmless, especially compared with other drugs.

But its effects may be particularly important during the teenage years, when the brain is still developing.

Recent research suggests that using cannabis at this age may have consequences that last well beyond adolescence.

Other studies suggest that negative effects on the brain and mental health may extend across the lifespan.

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This Week In Psychology: Patience, Memory And Mental Health (P)

The week’s psychology highlights, from patience and success to changing memories, plus emerging studies beyond PsyBlog’s headlines.

This week’s roundup brings together highlights from articles published on PsyBlog, alongside other studies in the news worth your attention.

Several findings challenge familiar assumptions: patience gives entrepreneurs an advantage, ageing memories gain meaning as they lose detail, and physical activity does not always carry the same benefits for the brain.

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12 Fascinating Secrets To Building Deeper, Happier Friendships (P)

The psychology of friendship reveals how time, similarity, connection and social support shape our closest relationships.

Friendships shape our happiness, health and sense of belonging in ways we often take for granted.

Psychological research reveals some surprising clues about how friendships begin, deepen and sometimes fade.

From the time we spend together to the subtle signals that draw us towards certain people, friendship is more psychologically complex than it seems.

Together, these 12 studies reveal some of the psychology behind how friendships form, thrive and shape our lives.

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18 Essential Relationship Rules Every Couple Should Follow (P)

The simple rules that keep relationships thriving — are you practicing them?

What really makes relationships last?

Psychologists have spent decades studying the small things that bring couples closer — and the habits that slowly pull them apart.

Studies have repeatedly revealed everyday actions that take just minutes to perform yet can strengthen relationships.

From washing the dishes to playing together and asking simple, everyday questions, following these 18 relationship rules requires no special skills and can be done by anyone.

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9 Powerful Signals Hidden In The Sound Of Your Voice (P)

Your voice may reveal far more about you than you realise, from hidden feelings to the way others perceive you.

Your voice does far more than help you communicate.

Psychological research suggests it can reveal hidden aspects of your emotions, personality and relationships, often without you realising it.

These nine studies explore what the sound of your voice may be telling both you and everyone around you.

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7 Remarkable Benefits Of Learning A Second Language (P)

Learning a second language may strengthen the brain, improve thinking and change how we see the world.

Learning a second language is a useful skill, but researchers have found that its effects may extend far beyond communicating with more people.

Studies suggest that using two languages can influence how the brain develops, how people think and even how they respond to the world around them.

Here are seven ways learning a second language may change the brain and mind, according to psychological and neuroscience research.

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17 Common Parenting Practices That Research Says Damages Children (P)

How well-meaning parents are accidentally damaging their children’s mental health with these common mistakes.

Every parent wants the best for their child.

Despite that, research suggests many are unknowingly engaging in harmful behaviours.

Sometimes the behaviours that feel most natural, loving or protective can work against children’s long-term psychological wellbeing.

From putting on a brave face and being protective to pushing them to achieve, here are 17 common parental behaviours that can ultimately backfire (updated July 2026).

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16 Small Changes That Make You Instantly More Attractive (P)

Attraction isn’t just about looks. Discover the 16 psychology-backed behaviours that make people more appealing.

First impressions count, but psychology suggests that attraction is influenced by far more than good looks alone.

Research shows that everything from how you smile and stand to how you talk about other people can make a measurable difference to how attractive you appear.

Here are 16 subtle behaviours, body language cues and everyday habits that can make you more appealing.

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9 Ways People Secretly Judge Your Social Status (P)

Nine subtle signals, behaviours and traits that make people appear more powerful, respected and high status.

Social status shapes almost every part of life, from who gets listened to in meetings to who is trusted, admired and followed.

Yet the signals people use to judge status are often far subtler than money, job titles or social connections.

Psychologists have discovered that people quickly form impressions about who holds power and influence, often based on cues that operate below conscious awareness.

Here are nine psychological signs linked to higher social status, along with what they reveal about how people earn respect, project authority and climb the social ladder.

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12 Changes Depression Makes To Your Thinking (P)

From underconfidence to rumination, here are 12 thinking patterns that make depression so persistent.

Depression changes much more than a person's mood.

Research suggests it also alters the way people think, remember, make decisions and interpret events in their lives.

Many of these changes happen automatically, making negative experiences seem more important, more memorable and more difficult to escape.

Positive experiences, meanwhile, can be overlooked or quickly discounted.

Over the years, psychologists have identified a number of characteristic thinking patterns linked to depression.

Together, they help explain why depression can be so persistent and why it can be difficult to break free from its grip.

Here are some of the most common ways depression affects the mind.

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