Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
Researchers found conversion messages to be more effective than one-sided messages in convincing vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated. The study showed that messages sharing a personal story of someone changing their mind about vaccines increased pro-vaccine attitudes and behavioral intentions among high hesitancy participants.
A decade-long effort to reduce medication risks for nursing home residents with dementia has shown some positive results, but also unintended consequences. Fewer people are receiving antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which can raise the risk of falling or dying, but more are receiving alternative behavior-changing medications with ...
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found no significant differences in structural brain changes between participants who received short-term mindfulness training and those who did not. Despite this, participants reported increased mindfulness, suggesting that benefits may be related to wellness interventions more broadly.
A recent study by Dickinson College researcher Marie Helweg-Larsen found that people who worried more about COVID-19 took more precautions against catching the disease. The study analyzed data from 738 participants and found that worrying was a stronger predictor of precautionary behavior than perceived risk.
A meta-analysis of 130 experiments involving 10,000 participants found a connection between upright postures and power posing with improved self-perception. However, the effects on behavior and hormone levels were less robust and not supported by the findings.
A study published in the Australian Journal of Psychology found that people with certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and depression, may display behaviors that are commonly associated with deception. These behaviors, including gaze aversion and flat affect, can lead to unfair judgments in the criminal justice system...
Researchers found that people who showed more signs of stress were perceived as being more stressed and also more likeable by others. This suggests that humans have evolved to display stress signals to evoke positive social interactions.
Scientists found that colour-coded CO2 labels and changed default options on restaurant menus nudged guests to more climate-friendly dish choices, resulting in an average of 300g less CO2 per meal. Participants chose veggie burgers more often when presented as standard options.
A study exploring restaurant menu design found that adding carbon labels and setting default options to low-emission dishes encourages diners to choose more environmentally friendly options. The findings suggest a promising strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of dining, but further research is needed to inform such strategies.
A new study found that individuals high in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are less likely to wear masks or get vaccinated. However, those who do choose to participate may be more likely to encourage others to do so. Researchers suggest using unique messaging strategies to tap into these personalities.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that humour is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes, especially for men seeking long-term relationships. Women who want a short-lived fling should signal their intentions clearly. The research also highlights the importance of smiling, eye contact, and showing pot...
A new study by New York University researchers found that individuals with certainty about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to disregard medical expertise and adhere to conspiracy theories. Similar findings were observed in relation to the 2020 presidential election, where those certain about their candidate's win w...
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A UTD professor's study found that men's rudeness toward others, including women, can obscure the recognition of sexism. The study suggests that a perception of gender blindness can lead observers to view the perpetrator as not sexist, even when they are displaying sexist behavior.
Research found that people are less likely to collaborate with those who signal their wealth and social status. In contrast, modesty can be a strategic advantage in cooperation-based social situations.
Researchers created two scales to measure factors related to time spent in nature, finding correlations between TSN and self-efficacy, intentions, and age. The study aims to inform future interventions to increase outdoor activities among adults.
Researchers found that neuronal ensembles in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex existed before memory acquisition, but developed through experience in the hippocampus. The study also revealed that ensemble synchrony across brain regions was particularly strong during transient bursts of activity, suggesting a role in memory consolidation.
Researchers found high levels of mood disturbances and sleep disorders among COVID-19 patients, with increased fatigue increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues in COVID-19 recovery.
A study from the University of Georgia suggests that middle-aged men are commonly perceived as manipulative, aggressive and entitled targets of insults. The research also found that most people believe these individuals are aware of their behavior's impact but don't care enough to change.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
A new study found that empowering workers can lead to better job performance and creativity, but only if institutional obstacles are removed. However, when empowered employees face hindrance stressors, they may become morally disengaged and engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior.
People with positive past attitudes and long-term planning skills are less depressed, sleep better, and handle isolation more easily. Those who focus on short-term plans and have negative past attitudes show signs of depression, poor sleep quality, and mental disorders.
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.
A new study measures the happiness benefits of US city parks in the 25 largest cities, finding a powerful effect from urban nature on users. Park size and accessibility emerged as key predictors of happiness.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...
A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.
Research finds that people from different countries and backgrounds prefer original color compositions in paintings, even those they've never seen before. The study suggests a common biological basis for beauty perception, contradicting cultural background and education.
A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.
A new study published in Social Psychological Bulletin found that people infer dominance from the utterance of challenging and offensive statements, regardless of audience reaction. This suggests that individuals who seek status through dominance are more likely to engage in such behavior.
A study found that natural disasters, such as floods, can lead to increased discrimination against women and other cultural changes in the affected region. The research also shows a preference for sons over daughters and lower female employment rates in the area.
New research from the University of Notre Dame finds that donors prefer to give their time rather than money, but this preference can be eliminated when they have a choice about how their donation is used. Charities can increase donations by giving people more control over their donations.
A study by researchers at the University of Quebec in Montreal found that mindfulness meditation can help people cope with internal conflicts. The experiment involved 121 volunteers who underwent either a mindfulness body scan or read magazines for 15 minutes, then completed a questionnaire about their emotional state.
New research at MU shows that women's use of humor is perceived differently than men's, with factors like status and target influencing judgments. Women who use humor directed towards a man are seen as positive, but those targeting a lower-status woman are viewed negatively.
A Washington State University survey found that 16% of couples in the US are divided on COVID-19 vaccination, with discordant relationships accounting for 15.63% of respondents. The study reveals varying reasons for vaccine refusal, including religious and personal objections.
Research suggests that frequent external childcare can lead to behavioral issues in children, including aggression, ADHD symptoms, and anxiety. However, these problems typically disappear by the age of 13. The study also found no strong link between external childcare and substance use or delinquency in adolescents.
Researchers found that showing total case counts makes people view the pandemic as more serious, leading to increased caution and reduced risk-taking behavior. Conversely, presenting new daily cases can make the data seem less impactful.
A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.
A recent study by SMU Associate Professors Mark Chong and Angela Leung found that the ultimate form and presentation of alternative protein products significantly impact their acceptance by consumers. Focusing on the end product and framing alternative proteins as a positive highlight of an exciting food future may foster greater accep...
A new study explores how to reduce bad behavior at work by focusing on moral self-efficacy, a set of beliefs that individuals have about their capabilities to self-reflect and regulate moral behavior. The results show that highly morally efficacious individuals are more likely to bounce back after a failure and learn from their mistakes.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that care from a co-worker inspires people to be supportive to their partner at home, leading to creative thinking at work. This 'gain spiral' benefits both members of a couple, with spouses passing on support received from co-workers.
Researchers identified that 10% of students were recognized as relationally aggressive by peers but not teachers. Students with higher levels of academic competence and female students were more likely to be recognized by both groups. The study suggests that better identification of these students is crucial for effective interventions.
A study by Concordia researchers found four distinct trajectories of physical distancing adherence, with 50% of respondents consistently following guidelines. The study identified common beliefs among those who exhibited poorer adherence, including lower self-efficacy and prosocial attitude.
Research shows that couples who took Family Foundations classes 10 years ago had more positive family relationships during the pandemic. They reported lower levels of negative mood, behavior problems, and sibling conflict in their children.
Researchers at Wellesley College found that people frequently misinterpret bar graphs, with one in five graph readers categorically misunderstanding averages. The 'bar-tip limit error' occurs when viewers interpret the tip of the bar as the outer limit of the data, despite the average being the balanced center point.
A recent study found that individuals often identify with both their Planner and Doer selves, valuing spontaneity and flexibility in their attitudes towards resolutions. The research challenges the common assumption that people prioritize self-control over spontaneity.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.
The University of West Virginia leads a global initiative to integrate behavioral and social sciences into oral health promotion, aiming to reduce dental disparities and inequities. The effort involves innovative technologies like apps and smartphones to increase access to dental care.
A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
A University of Ottawa study found that trying to suppress emotions with a poker face or smile has little impact on mood and memory, contradicting past research. Instead, participants used alternative strategies like changing their perspective to cope with distressing moments.
Researchers aim to expand an existing spinal cord injury intervention to improve self-efficacy, coping, and well-being in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study will conduct focus groups and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the adapted intervention.
Researchers found a significant increase in disgust sensitivity among participants concerned about contracting COVID-19, affecting not only disease-related scenarios but also unrelated situations. The 'calibration hypothesis' suggests that disgust sensitivity is a fluid measure changing with time and circumstance.
Surveys involving 100,000 participants in 26 countries found a correlation between belief in conspiracies and identification as far-left or far-right. The research suggests that conspiracy theories are more pronounced among those who feel disenfranchised and lack political control.
A new study published in Health Promotion Practice highlights the flaws in sexual education on TikTok, a video-based social media platform. The study found that many videos on the app provide unverified claims and misinformation, posing a risk to teenagers and young adults seeking sex education.
A survey study found links between problematic smartphone use and low sense of control, fear of missing out (FOMO), and repetitive negative thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that physical activity and mindfulness practices may help reduce such use.
Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.