University of Limerick Department of Psychology

18/06/2026

Our colleague Dr Páraic Ó Súilleabháin was a contributor to a paper just published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The paper was led by Tomiko Yoneda and Eileen Graham.

The researchers found that loneliness really does appear to be consistently associated with an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and mortality risk across statistical approaches, even after adjusting for other important factors, like social isolation (e.g., involvement in groups, degree of social connection etc).

Conclusion: Loneliness is a robust proximal predictor of major aging outcomes.

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpspp0000606

17/06/2026

✨Applications close next week ✨

Consider the 'MSc in Psychological Science' at UL! It provides you with a general Masters degree while its streams in Clinical Psychology, Community and Health, Social Psychology, and Research Methods will deepen your expertise in your area of interest.

https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/psychological-science-msc

Applications close on 25th June, apply now to secure your place!

17/06/2026

“In terms of all the moderatorship, all of the kind of content checking would mean that there is no responsibility on those platforms to check or monitor or ensure that the content is safe. It places all of the responsibility on [children and parents]. That is quite concerning."

Dr Ruth Melia spoke with Imasha Costa of the Irish Examiner this week about why an outright ban on social media for under-16s will not work. You can read the article here: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41863140.html

Under-16s will change their date of birth, set up fake profiles or use their parents/older siblings PPS number to access social media, they say

12/06/2026

❓Would you be willing to participate in a study examining the anxiety lowering benefits of horror video games?

👥 We invite you to take part in a research project about: Fear as a tool to lower anxiety.

🎮We aim to compare the effects of playing horror video games, non-horror video games, and control condition through blood pressure monitoring and anxiety measures. The research will assess how these different conditions influence stress levels and blood pressure.

To take part, you must be 18 or over, have no history of severe motion sickness or conditions exacerbated by gaming and have no diagnosis of severe anxiety issues. Your participation would be greatly appreciated, and the data will be anonymised and confidential. Please note that you are in no way obligated to take part, participation is voluntary.

For further information about the study, you can contact Séamus Fitzpatrick (MRP student) or Dr Lorena Arnal (Project Supervisor) on the emails below. If you are interested, please contact Séamus at [email protected] so we can schedule a session for you.
The principal investigator is Dr. Lorena Arnal.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this.

Student researcher: Séamus Fitzpatrick
Email: [email protected]
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lorena Arnal
Email: [email protected]
This research study has received Ethics approval from the Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics committee (2025_02_18). If you have any concerns about this study and wish to contact someone independent, you may contact: Chairperson Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, EHS Faculty Office,
University of Limerick
Tel: (061) 234101
Email: [email protected]

12/06/2026

We are still accepting applications for the MSc in Psychological Science.

This programme offers five different streams that you can pick from including an online stream that can be studied remotely.

There is more information available here: https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/psychological-science-msc

And you can also watch an information session on the programme here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ59OgzHm2w

Application deadline is 25th June. Apply now to secure your place!

11/06/2026

There were great discussions this week at the Social Network Analysis workshop at the University of Limerick (Psychology Department).

We explored how relationships, social structures, and network processes can help us better understand human behaviour and social phenomena.

Social Network Analysis is one of the topics that will be covered in the new MSc in Applied Social Data Analytics at UL. The programme is designed to provide students with advanced skills in R and data analytics, preparing graduates to tackle complex social challenges using modern analytical tools.

If you're interested in networks, social data analytics, research, or computational approaches to understanding society, we'd encourage you to learn more about the programme and apply as soon as possible.

📖 Programme information: https://www.ul.ie/gps/courses/applied-social-data-analytic-msc.

🎥 Webinar recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIDcPdJBNTE.

10/06/2026

📝 As part of a Major Research Project in psychology, Ameena Sherin Thazhathedath and Dr. Andrew B. Moynihan are conducting some research on heterosexual men’s beliefs about manhood and emotions.

❓ Who can participate? If you identify as a heterosexual man and are aged 18 years or older, you can take part.

As part of this research study, you will be asked to complete three short surveys. This study will take on average 15 minutes to complete. All information you give will be anonymised and only the researchers will have access to your information.

Your participation is voluntary, you may quit the study at any time, and all data will be kept anonymous.

Your participation would be much appreciated.

🔗 The link to the study can be found here: https://unioflimerick.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNKmKSU9Z34ibhY

For further information, please contact [email protected].

This research study has received ethical approval from the Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (2026_03_07_EHS). If you have any concerns about this study and wish to contact someone independent, you may contact: Chair, Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, EHS Faculty Office, University of Limerick.

E: [email protected]

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08/06/2026

As part of a Major Research Project in Psychology, Venkatesh Mandem and Dr. Andrew B. Moynihan are conducting some research on people's social relations, AI use, and meaning in life.

👥 Who can participate?
If you are aged 18 years or older, you can take part.

📚 As part of this research study, you will be asked to complete a short written exercise and 4 short surveys. This study will take on average 15 minutes to complete. All information you give will be anonymised and only the researchers will have access to your information.

📝 Your participation is voluntary, you may quit the study at any time, and all data will be kept anonymous. Your participation would be much appreciated.

🔗 The link to the study can be found here: https://unioflimerick.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0p2pwSZfJjHnVXg

For further information, please contact [email protected].

This research study has received ethical approval from the Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (2026_04_05_EHS). If you have any concerns about this study and wish to contact someone independent, you may contact: Chair, Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, EHS Faculty Office, University of Limerick, E: [email protected]

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

08/06/2026

📢 Applications now open - 📊 New MSc Applied Social Data Analytics — Starting September 2026.

Designed for social science graduates, this one‑year MSc combines behavioural insight and data analytics, two high‑demand skill areas.

Learn to code in R, analyse real‑world social data and apply network analysis methods. No prior coding experience required.

By graduation, you’ll be able to process, visualise and interpret complex social data, with career pathways across tech, media, public policy and healthcare.

🎓 MSc (NFQ Level 9) | ⏱ 1 year, full‑time | 📅 Starts September

👉 Applications now open.

https://www.ul.ie/gps/courses/applied-social-data-analytic-msc

Applied Social Data Analytics - MSc Breadcrumbs UL Home Graduate and Professional Studies Course Details Course Code(s): MSASDATFAD Available: Full-Time Intake: Autumn/Fall Course Start Date: September Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time Award: Masters (MSc) Qualification: NFQ Level 9 Major Award Faculty: E...

07/06/2026

✍ Check out this article written by our colleague Dr. Srebrenka Letina.

The article analyses how people first encounter mental health language outside a clinic setting which then shapes how they recognise symptoms and seek help.

Click the link below to read more ⬇️

https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2026/0528/1575756-mental-health-stress-reddit-collaboration-medical-help/

Many people first encounter mental health language outside a clinic, which shapes how they recognise symptoms and seek help