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SWPS University


Mimicry connects smokers and makes quitting difficult

Researchers from SWPS University found that mimicry in social interactions doubles tobacco consumption and makes quitting difficult. The study showed that when participants mimicked the smoker's movements, they were more likely to smoke and less likely to quit.

SourceSWPS University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2026

Children prefer fair punishment to unequal treatment

Children's sense of fairness becomes increasingly sophisticated as they get older, and they expect rules to be applied impartially and equally to every group member. A fair punishment brings emotional relief to children, whereas unequal treatment provokes strong resistance and undermines their sense of justice.

SourceSWPS University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

We prefer colors: Product labeling can save your health

A recent study found that colour coding is more effective than traditional nutritional tables in influencing consumers' dietary choices, thanks to the brain's instant processing of benefit and risk signals. Colour-coded labels encourage healthier product selection by harnessing visual attention mechanisms.

SourceSWPS University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2026

Changing the past in your imagination: Working with memories reduces the fear of failure

A study by SWPS University researchers found that imagery-based techniques can significantly reduce fear of failure and negative emotions associated with childhood criticism. The techniques, including Imagery Exposure and Rescripting, helped participants reframe their memories and experience a lasting reduction in stress and anxiety.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2026

International AI Art Biennale in Kraków

The International AI Art Biennale brings together artists, experts, and researchers to explore the role of AI in culture, art, and science. The event features exhibitions, performances, and a scientific conference that focuses on creative dialogue and education with AI.

Truth hurts: Prosocial liars perceived as more moral

In a study, participants preferred feedback providers who provided overly optimistic feedback to avoid hurting others, even if it meant telling the truth. This suggests that people strategically adjust their preferences for honesty based on social cues and prioritize the well-being of others.

SourceSWPS University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2026

Physical activity of adolescents and their parents' mood could be linked

A study by SWPS University researchers found that sedentary lifestyle in adolescents can negatively impact their parents' mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. The study also showed that teenagers spend more time sitting than their parents, highlighting the need for family-based health-promoting interventions.

SourceSWPS University·JournalMental Health and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot

In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.

SourceSWPS University·JournalComputers & Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2025

Design Stories Warsaw

The conference examines the practices of responsibility in design, highlighting how women designers foster collaboration, reimagine design as a vehicle for storytelling, and shape cultural memory. The event features five thematic panels discussing topics such as social challenges, material storytelling, collecting, and pedagogy.

Is experiencing extreme weather events linked to climate action?

A recent study found that people who attribute extreme weather events to climate change are more likely to support climate regulations. The study analyzed data from 68 countries and found significant differences in public support depending on the type of climate action. Protecting forested and land areas was a popular policy option, su...

SourceSWPS University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2025

Mental health problems in children. Can poverty exacerbate them?

A new study published by SWPS University reveals that poverty does not significantly impact mental health problems among children. The researchers found that parental distress and child psychopathology are linked through a direct and consistent mechanism, independent of external factors like poverty.

SourceSWPS University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2025

Urban gardening mitigates climate change

Urban gardens in Warsaw contribute to better carbon dioxide absorption, air pollution reduction, and the mitigation of urban heat-island effect. They also improve water efficiency, reduce flood risk, and promote social capital.

SourceSWPS University·JournalMiscellanea Geographica·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2025

Want better cooperation? Practice niceness

A study conducted in collaboration with researchers from SWPS University found that practicing niceness can increase the propensity to cooperate by strengthening social bonds. The researchers conducted two studies, one measuring everyday niceness and its association with social connectedness and attitudes towards cooperation, and anoth...

SourceSWPS University·JournalSocial Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Virtual nurse can persuade you to get vaccinated

Researchers from SWPS University developed a virtual nurse, FLORA, to persuade people to get vaccinated. Studies show that conversations with FLORA significantly increase willingness to vaccinate, even in low-risk groups. The approach can combat misinformation and conspiracy theories, promoting public health.

SourceSWPS University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2025

How much do we trust scientists? Researchers investigate in international study

A recent international study reveals that most people trust scientists and believe they should have a significant impact on society and policymaking. The study, conducted in 68 countries, found that public trust in scientists is high, with an average score of 3.62 on a five-point scale, indicating a fairly high level of trustworthiness.

SourceSWPS University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateApr 16, 2025

Secret of effective learning: Retrieving information in different ways

Researchers suggest that learning different facets of information in each session and retrieving information from memory in various ways can lead to better memory retention. This method involves creating multiple paths to memorized information, which can be used to retrieve the information more effectively.

SourceSWPS University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Does feminism begin at home?

A study of Polish women found that their mothers' and daughters' views on feminism often converged, with pro-feminist attitudes being more prevalent among younger generations. The research suggests that family dynamics play a significant role in shaping women's worldviews on gender equality.

SourceSWPS University·JournalWomen s Studies International Forum·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.

SourceSWPS University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 15, 2024

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Boomerang children, bamboccioni, nestlings. Should the law regulate relations between parents and their co-residing children?

A growing number of young adults live with their parents beyond the age of majority, raising questions about economic dependence, self-confidence, and social relations. Dr. Daniela Wybrańczyk argues that legal regulations could provide a practical solution to these issues, potentially changing the trend of delayed adulthood.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFamily & Law·DateApr 3, 2024