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Explaining to your child why behavior is wrong may not always work

A new University of Michigan study found that verbal reasoning can have both positive and negative outcomes on children's emotional development. While it promoted prosocial behavior, it also increased aggression and distraction. Positive discipline methods like providing structure and open communication are recommended instead.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateJan 29, 2021

Study highlights factors that predict success for treating canine behavioral disorders

Researchers analyzed dog-owner pairs to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes. They found a negative relationship between introverted owners and fearful dogs, suggesting proactive follow-up is crucial for optimal results. The study aims to improve behavioral guidance for veterinarians and inform potential follow-up research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 22, 2021

Being a selfish jerk doesn't get you ahead, research finds

Two 14-year longitudinal studies found that people with disagreeable personality traits, such as being combative and manipulative, are not more likely to achieve power than those who are nice. In contrast, extroverts were the most likely to advance in their organizations based on sociability, energy, and assertiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Effects of family member detention or deportation

A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020

Cannabidiol reduces aggressiveness, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that cannabidiol attenuates social isolation-induced aggression in mice by facilitating the activation of serotonin and CB1 receptors. The researchers used a resident-intruder test model to demonstrate that lower doses of cannabidiol inhibit aggressive behavior, while higher doses have little effect.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2019

Managing the risk of aggressive dog behavior

A study by the University of Bristol found that dog owners' perceptions of effectiveness and confidence in using behaviour modification techniques are crucial in predicting their adoption of positive reinforcement-based solutions. Positive reinforcement-based techniques are humane and effective, while punishment-based methods can exace...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 17, 2019

Study highlights power of play

A University of Otago study reveals that structured play can help toddlers develop essential self-regulation skills, leading to improved behavior and life outcomes. The ENGAGE program, involving simple games and activities, was found to be equally effective as the Positive Parenting Programme in managing children's behavior.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019

Family, school support makes kids more likely to stand up to bullying

A recent study from North Carolina State University found that students with strong family relationships are more likely to intervene when witnessing bullying. Good teacher relationships also play a crucial role in encouraging bystander intervention. In contrast, those who feel excluded or discriminated against by peers or teachers are...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 12, 2018

The neurobiology of social aggression

A study by Duke-NUS researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) affect social dominance in mice. The research sheds light on the neurobiology of aggression and bullying.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2018

Flirting flies: More than just winging it

Researchers study how male fruit flies generate their courtship song using cutting-edge imaging techniques and genetic tools. They discover that the song serves as an honest signal of a male's fitness, with flaws indicating neuromuscular deficits, which can affect flying abilities.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 24, 2018

Aggression neurons identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a previously unknown group of brain cells responsible for initiating and organizing aggressive behavior in mice. By stimulating or inhibiting these cells, the team was able to control aggression and even invert hierarchical status between dominant and submissive males.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2018

One way social isolation changes the mouse brain

Researchers found that social isolation in mice upregulates neuropeptide Tac2/NkB, leading to increased aggression and persistent responses to threatening stimuli. The peptide is overproduced in multiple brain regions, causing diverse behavioral changes that persist even after social isolation is reversed.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2018

Hostility towards minorities can be contagious

A recent study found that hostility towards members of other ethnic groups is more often imitated than hostility towards co-ethnics. The study examined adolescents from schools in eastern Slovakia and their behavior towards the Roma minority, finding a significant influence on their choices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2018

Social context matters in spread of disease

Researchers found that the sex composition and mating dynamics of a fruit fly community significantly impact disease transmission rates. Males faced a greater risk of infection when outnumbered by females, highlighting the importance of social context in disease spread.

SourceRice University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateMay 7, 2018