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American Psychological Association


Advocating for social issues at work more likely to succeed linking morality and mission, study says

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that employees who frame their arguments in moral language are more successful in getting buy-in from management when the issue aligns with the company's values and mission. The study suggests that using moral language without explicit links to the organization's ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2019

Whites struggle to tell real from fake smiles on black faces

Research by the American Psychological Association found that whites and non-black minorities have difficulty distinguishing genuine from fake smiles on black faces, which can lead to negative outcomes in interracial interactions. The study suggests that this bias may be related to reluctance to make eye contact with black faces.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 7, 2019

American girls read and write better than boys

Research by American Psychological Association reveals that girls exhibit better reading and writing ability than boys as early as the fourth grade. The achievement gap widens further with age, particularly for writing tasks. Experts attribute this to factors such as peer pressure, learning disabilities, and differences in brain function.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 20, 2018

In gut we trust when it comes to choices

A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that focusing on feelings instead of logic in decision-making leads to increased attitude certainty and stronger advocacy for chosen options. This approach can also change behavior, as seen in experiments where participants who made intuitive decisions shared their ch...

Dealing with digital distraction

Studies find that even minor phone use during meals can make diners feel distracted, reducing enjoyment. Compassionate people spend less time on social media than those with narcissistic tendencies. Digital distractions undermine face-to-face interactions, causing decreased bonding and emotional intelligence.

Can psychedelic drugs heal?

Research suggests that psychedelic drugs can help treat disorders such as social anxiety, depression, and PTSD when used in combination with psychotherapy. Studies have shown promising results for MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.

Perfectionism among young people significantly increased since 1980s, study finds

Research by the American Psychological Association found that self-oriented perfectionism increased by 10%, socially prescribed perfectionism by 33% and other-oriented perfectionism by 16% between 1989 and 2016. This rise in perfectionism is linked to social media pressures, meritocracy, and unrealistic educational expectations.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 2, 2018

Workplace sexual harassment 'a chronic problem,' says APA president

Research suggests that workplace sexual harassment is primarily aimed at women but can affect men as well. Women tend to report more adverse effects than men, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Organizational climate and hierarchical power dynamics are key predictors of workplace sexual harassment.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateNov 16, 2017

The problem with being pretty

Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

So lonely I could die

Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation can significantly increase the risk of premature mortality, with effects comparable to those of obesity. The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 42.6 million adults in the US experience chronic loneliness, which can lead to a 50% reduced risk of early death.