A new study from the University of Leicester found that patient information leaflets for cancer trials are often poorly written, leading to confusion among patients. The research suggests that a standardized approach to writing these leaflets could improve patient understanding and trust in the decision-making process.
New research from Rice University suggests that childhood hunger policies should focus on neighborhoods rather than individual families. Children living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with high foreign-born populations are more likely to experience hunger.
A University at Buffalo study found that parents of pediatric cancer patients distrust online sources of health information and fear what they might encounter. Despite the accessibility of online medical information, caregivers preferred to receive information from trusted healthcare providers rather than the internet.
Food-insecure mothers face increased weight gain due to skipping meals and eating cheaper, less nutritious foods to ensure their children are fed. This behavior is linked to metabolic responses that retain fat, exacerbating obesity risks.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Colorado found that economic growth in developing nations can lead to increased obesity among lower socio-economic status individuals. This is attributed to different cultural values and norms, with being large considered a status symbol in developing countries.
A Baylor University study found that friendships forged at church play a significant role in people's religious activities and beliefs. The larger the proportion of friends, the more likely an individual will be active in their religious behaviors.
Research finds that financially impoverished schools significantly predict adolescent weight problems, regardless of parental education level. Well-educated parents can mitigate this effect by recognizing health issues and teaching healthy food choices.
A new study finds that adolescents from unstable families experience reduced academic success in rigorous high schools due to the mismatch between their family history and school characteristics. The study suggests that policymakers and educators must clarify college preparation processes and provide resources for disadvantaged students.
A recent study by Princeton researchers found that Hurricane Katrina survivors continued to experience poor mental health nearly five years after the storm. The study, which tracked low-income mothers in the New Orleans area before and after the disaster, showed a persistence of high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
A new study of hunter-gatherers, the Hadza people, suggests that social networks played a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation. The researchers found that individuals with similar characteristics, such as food preferences, formed distinct clusters within their social networks.
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that junk food sales in schools did not lead to an increase in weight gain among children between fifth and eighth grades. Despite a significant increase in junk food availability, obesity rates actually decreased during this period.
A new study reveals that working mothers spend more time multitasking (48.3 hours/week) compared to working fathers (38.9 hours/week). However, the quality of their multitasking experience is significantly different, with working mothers reporting negative emotions and stress when multitasking at home or in public.
A CU-Boulder study of twins reveals that genetic factors are playing a larger role in smoking habits, with identical twins more likely to quit together. The study suggests that current anti-smoking policies may be less effective and could benefit from a shift towards treating smoking as an addiction.
A report by the University of Illinois sociology professor Rebecca Sandefur found that access to civil legal assistance depends on where you live, not your need. States with limited means often lack coordinated services nationwide or within communities.
A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that individuals lacking personal wealth are significantly less likely to enter into a first marriage. The research suggests that wealth plays an important role in marriage decisions, with owning a car increasing the probability of getting married by 2.6 percentage points.
A new study by sociologists at Rice University and Stanford University explores how neighborhood poverty influences maternal fear of children's outdoor play. Mothers' household economic status, education, employment, and physical/mental health all contribute to their fears.
Cornell researchers analyzed 2.4 million Twitter tweets from 84 countries, tracking daily mood patterns influenced by work, sleep, and daylight. Positive tweets peak early morning and midnight, with increased abundance on weekends, and follow a seasonal pattern tied to daylight hours.
Marriages between African Americans and whites increased rapidly between 1980 and 2008, but the total number remains smaller than those between whites and other groups. The study found that education played a key role in bridging racial gaps, with highly educated blacks and whites more likely to intermarry.
Researchers found a correlation between alcohol outlet density and violent crime rates among teens and young adults in the US. Banning or reducing sales of single-serve containers also showed a modest impact on violence, particularly when combined with higher liquor store densities.
Researchers investigate how unemployed men cope with shifting domestic roles, finding that many proudly take on household chores like childcare and housework. Men who were out of work during the recession highly value employed women in their families, recognizing their vital income contribution.
A new study reveals that bullying negatively affects GPA for students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but particularly harms high achieving black and Latino students. The research found a .049 points decrease in 12th grade GPAs among bullied students compared to non-bullied peers.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that large weight gains are more likely for men after divorce and women after marriage. The effects of marital transitions on weight changes differ significantly by gender, with the risk of large weight gains increasing most prominently for people over age 30.
A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that Tea Party supporters in North Carolina and Tennessee hold strong cultural and political beliefs. Researchers identified four primary traits: authoritarianism, libertarianism, fear of change, and negative attitudes toward immigrants.
A new study identifies three psychological orientations that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood. Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals were more likely to be employed and have higher wages during difficult economic times. The study also found that young workers with...
A study found that over 32% of veterans reported extramarital sex, compared to 16.8% of non-veterans. Veterans were also almost 10% more likely to have gotten divorced, and those who reported extramarital sex were 2.3 times more likely to have ever divorced.
Research suggests that men experience large weight gains after divorce, while women are more likely to gain weight after marriage. The study found that people over 30 years old were more prone to significant weight changes following marital transitions.
Research finds that active participation in civic groups and organizations is declining at a rate greater than the increase in checkbook memberships. This shift towards passive participation may be due to changes in community design, longer commutes, and increased television time, posing potential threats to democracy.
A Baylor University researcher explores the relationship between church members' educational backgrounds and their approach to reading the Bible. He found that those who attended college are less likely to interpret the Bible in a literal sense when surrounded by more educated congregants.
A study by Cornell University researchers reveals that men whose partners have stronger relationships with their closest friends are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm during sex. This phenomenon, known as partner betweenness, undermines traditional masculine values of autonomy and privacy.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that the decline of unions in America is a major contributor to rising wage inequality. Union decline accounts for approximately a fifth of the increase in hourly wage inequality among women and about a third among men, according to the study.
A team of international researchers is re-examining the concept of abortion stigma, shifting focus from women who've had abortions to a broader context. The study aims to identify constituents, causes, and consequences of abortion stigma, with potential implications for improving access to care and better health outcomes.
A new report examines the ways to protect sex workers, highlighting the need for decriminalization and policy changes. The study, conducted by Concordia University and University of Windsor researchers, reveals that sex work is increasingly dangerous and unprotected, with many sex workers facing marginalization and violence.
A nationwide study found that young adults aged 18-27 experience increased self-esteem and mastery when holding credit card and education debt. The effect is strongest among those in lower economic classes, who see debt as a resource for achieving goals and feeling in control of their lives.
A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that racial-ethnic differences in exercise type do not narrow with increasing education, but rather expand. More educated blacks and Mexican Americans are less likely to participate in 'high-status' sports like golf or tennis.
Researchers studying naval records of mutinies found that grievances over unpaid wages, excessive punishment, and poor living conditions were common triggers. In many cases, mutinies emerged due to a breakdown in trust between sailors and officers, leading to violent confrontations.
A new study from Rice University found that 72 scientists, many of whom identify as atheist, possess a spirituality consistent with science. These 'spiritual atheist' scientists believe in a core sense of truth generated by their work as scientists, and see both science and spirituality as meaning-making without faith.
A study from Rice University found that placing multiracial adults into single-race categories can alter patterns of racial health disparities. Multiracial adults are more likely to report poor health, despite identifying with healthier single-race groups.
Researchers found that demographic trends and statistical aberrations may skew statistics on a recent drop in black violent crime. Adjusting for the Hispanic effect revealed little overall change in the black percentage of violent crime, with slight increases in assault and homicide rates.
A new study by the American Sociological Association reveals that classrooms with inadequate material resources and teachers feeling undervalued lead to worse mental health outcomes in first-grade children. The research emphasizes the importance of considering mental health as a crucial educational outcome.
A study published in Social Psychology Quarterly found that weight discrimination contributes to stress and a decline in functional abilities among severely obese individuals. Around a third of those who are severely obese report facing discriminatory experiences.
A new study from Purdue University found that weight discrimination has a direct impact on the physical health of obese individuals, contributing to stress and declining functional abilities. Around 33% of severely obese people in the US report facing discriminatory experiences, which internalize prejudice and stigma.
The American Sociological Association has launched a new journal dedicated to researching the sociology of mental health and illness. The journal features original studies applying sociological concepts to understand the social origins of mental health and illness.
A new study finds that popular adolescents, particularly those in the second tier of popularity, are more likely to engage in bullying behavior. The researchers argue that social status and aggression are linked, with students who occupy the center of the social hierarchy wielding power and potentially deterring retaliation.
A new study by Robert Faris and Diane Felmlee found that popular adolescents are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior towards their peers. However, students at the top of the social hierarchy, along with those at the bottom, exhibit reduced levels of aggression.
A UCLA study found that college graduates from underprivileged backgrounds are up to 10 times more likely to volunteer than their non-college-educated counterparts. In contrast, advantaged graduates show a five-fold increase in volunteering rates compared to non-college graduates.
A new study reveals that Mexican immigrants who are more integrated into US culture appear less healthy and more likely to require healthcare resources. Men tend to report better health than women, but their health declines faster as they adapt to the US.
A new study by Harvard University sociologists found that old-fashioned social pressure is the strongest attraction in determining who befriends whom on Facebook. Shared ethnic backgrounds and geographic origins also played a significant role in forming friendships. Meanwhile, race appears to be less important than initially thought.
A new UCLA–Harvard University study found that birds of a feather don't always flock together; instead, plain social pressure and shared characteristics like ethnicity, major, or state of origin play stronger roles in forming friendships. Social pressure proved seven times stronger than shared racial background.
A new study by Brigham Young University found that middle-class shoppers use secondhand stores and yard sales to stretch their family budget. Thrift shopping plays a significant role in communities as it not only helps families save money but also establishes a sense of community through neighborhood events.
A study by Jeremy Brooke Straughn found that American religiosity is becoming more diverse, yet perceptions of Christianity as a dominant force are intensifying. This trend coincides with the decline of Protestantism and the rise of religious diversity, highlighting the need to consider the impact of religion on national identity.
A recent Iowa State University study estimates that murder costs society approximately $17.25 million per crime, with total costs ranging from $24 million for the average murderer. The research also calculates costs for rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary.
Research by Michelle J. Budig and Melissa J. Hodges finds that low-paid women experience the largest earnings penalty from having children, ranging from 4-15% per child. The study also highlights the importance of policies aimed at reducing the motherhood penalty to address the gender pay gap.
Research by K-State assistant professor Chardie Baird and Florida State University professor John Reynolds suggests that discouraging students from pursuing their educational aspirations can lead to depression. The study found that adaptive resilience allows individuals to adapt to failed expectations, leading to healthier lives.
A study by Penn State researcher Christopher Scheitle found that people who leave strict religious groups are more likely to report poorer health than those who remain in the group. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 cases and found that only about half of former members reported excellent health.
Researchers used the friendship paradox to study the 2009 flu epidemic among 744 students, finding that friends of central members were more likely to get sick earlier. This method can predict epidemics before they spread widely, allowing for an earlier and more effective response.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that beliefs and values held sway over rhetoric in the debate about legalizing same-sex marriage. The findings suggest that framing efforts may have limited impact on public opinion, while emphasizing the importance of addressing key issues related to same-sex families.
A study of over 13,000 students found that only children were selected as friends by their peers just as often as those with siblings. The researchers suggest that children learn essential social skills through interactions in school and extracurricular activities.
Research by Stanford University suggests that Internet access is crucial for finding mates, with 82.2% of participants having a partner if they have internet access compared to 62.8%. The study also found that the Internet is becoming increasingly important as a social intermediary for meeting partners.
Researchers at Indiana University found that terminology and framing efforts had no effect on public opinion concerning the ongoing debate over legalizing same-sex marriage. Beliefs and values held sway, not rhetoric or word choice, according to the study.
Researchers found that white population shifted from central city to outer ring suburbs, but minority representation was relatively flat across suburban rings. The study suggests a radial pattern of minority movement out from the central city rather than filling in inner suburbs.