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American Psychological Association


Low sense of personal control increases people’s affinity for tighter, rules-based culture

Research by American Psychological Association finds people with low sense of personal control prefer states with high societal tightness, which reduces individual control but increases collective control. Tighter cultures also perpetuate themselves by reducing individuals' sense of personal control.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 31, 2022

Anti-Black racism linked to lower support for some gun rights

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that racially resentful white Americans are less likely to support some gun rights if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than white people. This bias led to a quicker match of photos of white people with gun rights phrases and photos of Black peo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateAug 19, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic led to increase in loneliness around the world

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found a small but significant increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 5% rise in loneliness prevalence across individual studies. However, not all groups experienced this increase, highlighting the need for further research on risk and protective factors.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 9, 2022

Certain personality traits associated with cognitive functioning late in life

Research by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and low neuroticism tend to have better cognitive functioning late in life. Those high in extraversion may also maintain normal cognitive function longer, while high neuroticism is associated with decreased healthy cognition.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022

Rising parental expectations linked to perfectionism in college students

Research finds that increased parental expectations and criticism are associated with higher levels of perfectionism among college students, which can lead to negative mental health consequences. Parents' anxious expectations can perpetuate a lifelong trait, with perfectionist parents raising perfectionist children.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Communities with higher levels of racial prejudice have worse health outcomes

Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that communities with higher levels of racial prejudice have worse health outcomes, including more heart disease and mental health problems. Studies used big data sources to measure community-level racial prejudice and found an association between areas' climates and ad...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 7, 2022

Computer-, smartphone-based treatments effective at reducing symptoms of depression

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Survivors of trauma struggle to move on from the loss of loved ones

A study found that trauma survivors who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief, a type of prolonged and intense sorrow. Researchers suggest that treating PTSD symptoms early may help prevent persistent grief in the long term.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

We are more forgiving when people close to us misbehave

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals are more forgiving towards loved ones who misbehave, but this leniency comes at a cost. Participants reported feeling more shame and guilt when someone close to them committed an unethical act, while also feeling less anger and contempt towards family me...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Officers' tone of voice reflects racial disparities in policing

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that police officers' tone of voice conveys less warmth, respect, and ease when speaking to Black male drivers during routine traffic stops. This subtle negativity contributes to a downward cycle of distrust between police and the Black community. The researchers suggest...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2021

Exposure to homophobic attitudes linked to higher stress levels among sexual minorities

Research reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who encounter homophobic attitudes experience significant increases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. The study found that perceived homophobia had a direct impact on physiological stress among sexual minorities, increasing systolic blood pressure during interviews.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 21, 2021

Feeling younger buffers older adults from stress, protects against health decline

A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger have better cognitive functioning, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who feel older. The researchers suggest that feeling younger could help buffer middle-aged and older adults against stress's negative effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMay 6, 2021

Education, interest in alternative medicine associated with believing misinformation

A study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with lower education levels and those who have a positive attitude towards alternative medicine are more susceptible to believing misinformation on healthcare topics. The researchers also discovered that people who fell for misinformation on one topic were more li...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 1, 2021

Perceived discrimination makes black females more likely than males to exercise, eat healthy

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that black women and girls are more likely to engage in exercise and eat healthy when faced with discrimination. The study suggests that optimism plays a role in this positive response, contrasting with avoidant coping strategies seen in less optimistic individuals.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2021

Answer quickly to be believed

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that response speed is an important cue on which people base their sincerity inferences. Participants rated delayed responses as less sincere than immediate ones, regardless of the question's seriousness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Sexual harassment claims by less feminine women perceived as less credible

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who deviate from traditional femininity are perceived as less credible and their claims of sexual harassment are viewed as less valid. This bias can prevent non-stereotypical women from accessing legal protections, leaving them vulnerable to further vic...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 14, 2021