Psychological Science Agenda

PSA is a free monthly email publication from the APA Science Directorate. If you’re not already receiving PSA, request your free subscription now!

Hormones & desire
Hormones associated with the menstrual cycle appear to drive sexual attraction more than we know.

Oxytocin’s other side
Oxytocin has garnered media attention for its potential as a social lubricant and as a treatment for autism and other disorders. But researchers warn it’s no panacea.

The unemployment crisis
Psychologists are being called on more than ever to counsel out-of-work Americans. Here’s what the research says can help.

Coming of age in a post-recession world
Developmental psychologist Jeffrey Jensen Arnett says that while emerging adults struggle with the lingering effects of the recession, they’ll largely make it through unfazed.

Caring for chronically ill kids
Many parents are struggling to manage their children’s care. Here’s why.

A reorganization at NIH
Substance use, abuse and addiction research will have a new home, as a result of major restructuring at the National Institutes of Health.

Placebos produce effect even when patients know it’s just sugar
Further research is needed to explain effect.

In Brief
A sample of recently published findings.

Full March issue