{"title":"Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework","authors":"Matthias Forstmann , Christina Sagioglou","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap. Psychedelics appear to facilitate self-expansion through two complementary mechanisms: ego dissolution, which temporarily alters self-boundaries, and enhanced emotional processing, which increases empathic concern. While studies demonstrate promising effects, interpretation is complicated by methodological challenges including functional unblinding, reliance on self-reports, and small sample sizes. We propose a multidimensional model of connectedness that distinguishes between perceptual, emotional, and epistemic domains, each showing distinct patterns in acute and enduring effects. Future research would benefit from behavioral measures, active placebos, and careful consideration of contextual factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101992"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142990226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Accessibility of psychological treatments for chronic pain in low socioeconomic settings","authors":"Andrea K. Newman , Beverly E. Thorn","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic pain is a highly prevalent condition globally. Low-socioeonomic (SES) populations tend to have higher prevalence rates and worsened pain outcomes. Although psychological interventions for chronic pain are considered an integral aspect of chronic pain treatment, psychological treatments are often not accessible for individuals with low-SES due to barriers such as poor insurance coverage, transportation and financial issues, lack of access to pain-trained providers, and educational resources with inappropriately high literacy levels. Within recent years, there have been some advances in methods to increase accessability. In this paper, we review recent methods to enhance accessability of psychological treatments for chronic pain in low-SES settings and suggest areas for future growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101991"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142968099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chronic pain and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder: Potential mechanisms, conceptualizations, and interventions","authors":"Tonny Elmose Andersen , Sophie Lykkegaard Ravn","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common comorbidity to chronic pain, among others due to potentially shared posttraumatic origin. There has been growing interest in this field in the past decades, also providing some important studies to support our understanding of this comorbidity and how to address it in clinical practice. However, there are still important questions, particularly regarding the potentially shared vulnerabilities, mutually maintaining mechanisms, and how to best treat this comorbidity. This article provides a brief and up-to-date review of what we argue to be some of the most important studies within the field of chronic pain and comorbid PTSD and will discuss some of the current challenges and ways forward.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101990"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142968048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael A. Owens , Pavithra A. Thomas , Corina Crowe , Burel R. Goodin , Demario S. Overstreet
{"title":"Quantitative sensory testing for pain: What exactly are we measuring?","authors":"Michael A. Owens , Pavithra A. Thomas , Corina Crowe , Burel R. Goodin , Demario S. Overstreet","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101988","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101988"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142968064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding the individual's transition from acute to chronic disabling pain: Opportunities for improved care","authors":"Steven J. Linton , Michael K. Nicholas","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When acute pain persists, it is said to become chronic after 3 months. Considerable interest has focused on why acute pain appears to transition to chronic pain in some cases, but not all, especially when it becomes disabling. We examine our current understanding of the processes involved in the progression from an acute injury to disabling chronic pain. Rather than viewing this progression as a time dependent transition with specific static risk factors, we consider whether it might be more helpful to understand this evolution in terms of unique individual pathways. While brief self-report screening questionnaires assessing risk factors may enable us to stratify patients into risk levels, they do not provide information on the unique context and factors contributing to the disabling pain for each person. It is proposed that a 2-step process combining screening and individual assessment of those at high risk will enhance the prospect of both early identification and individually relevant interventions before more lasting changes emerge. Rather than being concerned with arbitrary time limits, it is argued that by aiming to understand the unique developmental pathway for those individuals identified as high risk, early, preventive interventions will be both viable and effective. Even so, there are barriers to the implementation of early assessment and matched treatments, and these remain a challenge for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101989"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142968047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Evelyn De Simone, Alessia Rochira, Terri Mannarini
{"title":"Individual and community catalysts for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) development","authors":"Evelyn De Simone, Alessia Rochira, Terri Mannarini","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review examines factors catalyzing citizens' participation in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), crucial for sustainable energy transitions. We analyze the interplay of individual and community elements promoting involvement in these collective projects. Individual drivers include pro-environmental values, economic incentives, desire for energy autonomy, and technical knowledge. Community factors encompass social cohesion, local identity, effective leadership, inclusive governance, and supportive policies. The synergy between these factors drives REC development. Challenges remain in ensuring accessibility, sustaining participation, and scaling successful models. Further research is needed on participation dynamics over time, cross-cultural comparisons, innovative financing, and digital technologies' role. Understanding and enhancing these catalyzing factors can unlock the potential of community-driven energy solutions to address climate change while promoting sustainable and equitable energy future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101987"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142929194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kai Karos , Claire E. Ashton-James , Joanna McParland , Adam T. Hirsh
{"title":"COVID-19 and chronic pain: Implications and lessons learned","authors":"Kai Karos , Claire E. Ashton-James , Joanna McParland , Adam T. Hirsh","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted people with chronic pain, affecting their access to pain management services and the social fabric of society. Here we review evidence indicating that during and since the pandemic (1) the overall prevalence and burden of chronic pain has increased, (2) social threats such as social isolation, abuse and neglect, and disparities in access to pain management, have increased, and these changes are associated with worsening pain and pain-related health outcomes, and (3) there has been a surge in research into telehealth interventions for chronic pain, with promising results. We conclude with a discussion of lessons that may guide future research and care for people with chronic pain in a post-COVID world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101985"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142929197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Culture and pro-environmental behavior","authors":"Kim-Pong Tam","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper aims to highlight the significant role of culture in human responses to global environmental challenges. Specifically, it discusses three thematic clusters of research, which demonstrate that: (i) culture can influence pro-environmental behavior through shaping values and moderating the relationship between psychological determinants and such behavior; (ii) perceptions of nature and its relationships with humans vary across cultures; and (iii) consumption behaviors are often shaped by practices that constitute social life within communities. Evidence from these research clusters suggests that understanding cultural dynamics is essential for designing effective, context-sensitive interventions aimed at driving sustainability transitions. Future research should further explore the interplay between cultural and non-cultural contextual factors and consider the perspectives of underrepresented regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101986"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142889350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Brief interventions for chronic pain: Approaches and evidence","authors":"Beth D. Darnall","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Various countries have published national guidance supporting the integration of behavioral approaches into chronic pain treatment. Yet multiple barriers prevent broad patient access. Brief treatment formats may address universal shortcomings of therapists and resources and offer patients expanded access to care through lower costs and treatment burdens. This article summarizes published evidence for eight identified therapist delivered brief behavioral pain interventions (operationalized as 1–4 treatment sessions or ≤8 h total treatment time) for adults with chronic pain (≥18 years of age) including a description of the treatment approach, implementation features, evidence to date, and salient points. The discussion includes current clinical dissemination and future directions that leverage technology to enhance patient access to behavioral pain care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101978"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142889351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Navigating marginalized identities in diverse organizations","authors":"Laura Morgan Roberts , Stella Nkomo","doi":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>People with marginalized identities must often manage the diversity dynamics that are activated by their presence in organizations. Due to underrepresentation and stigmatization, they cope with a range of identity threats while navigating diverse settings. A host of studies over the past twenty-five years have examined the wide range of verbal and nonverbal tactics that people use to suppress and express their devalued versus valued social identities at work. Recent research has begun to specify the conditions under which different identity management tactics positively or negatively impact individual well-being, interpersonal relationships across difference, and important evaluations and outcomes (e.g., admissions, hiring). Less attention has been devoted to how members of marginalized groups directly and indirectly shape others' perceptions of them through emotional expressions and status signals. This review illuminates how people proactively affirm others’ identities in order to bolster or protect their own, using a wide range of identity management tactics. As featured in this article, global studies of marginalized identity management tactics include nuanced portrayals of intersectionality, as people cope with threats to multiple identity group memberships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48279,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Psychology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Article 101983"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142929199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}