Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
A new study found that job seekers' self-perceived risk of catching COVID-19 affects their mental health and job search behaviors. Those who feel less invulnerable to the virus face greater challenges in securing employment, highlighting the need for accommodations and transparency from employers.
A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that differences in cognitive control are not absolute, but rather a matter of degree. The research team, led by Todd Braver, used functional MRI to examine brain activity and behavior across four tasks in three conditions. Consistency was found in brain regions and b...
A study of Finnish adults with overweight found that higher sleep-time parasympathetic activity is associated with healthier diets and lower alcohol consumption. Those with a good stress balance reported better diet quality, fibre intake, and self-control.
A national study of 75,000 US adults found a near 18 percentage point increase in those willing to get vaccinated, but also a rise in skepticism among certain groups. Disparities persist in vaccine confidence, particularly among younger adults, non-Hispanic Black or multiple races, and lower socioeconomic status.
A PSU study found that reattaching to work in the morning enhances managers' positive moods and work focus, leading to better day-level outcomes. Successfully reconnecting with work also enables transformational leadership behaviors crucial for employee engagement.
A new study published in the Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity found that functional imagery training (FIT) significantly reinforced a person's motivation to complete a challenging goal. FIT, developed at the University of Plymouth, teaches people new ways of thinking about their immediate future to help them s...
Researchers conducted focus groups with stakeholders to identify safety measures and public health messaging that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Participants emphasized the need for transparent messaging, regulations, and enforcement of precautions to promote community safety and comfort.
A Lund University study finds that people often take psychological abuse less seriously, with physical violence being perceived as more severe. The research suggests communication difficulties and preconceived notions based on gender contribute to these disparities.
A unique study co-designed by young women aims to develop trauma-informed, gender-responsive mental health resources. The initiative seeks to provide dedicated safe spaces for young women to connect, lean on each other, and share experiences.
Consumers are seeking products with local origin, traditional designs, and reminders of their childhood and family. Groundedness increases product attractiveness and consumers' willingness to pay. Products providing a sense of groundedness improve self-perceptions related to resilience and feelings of strength and stability.
A new PSU study found that remote work can exacerbate workplace incivility due to lack of interpersonal communication. Employees who experience or witness incivility are more likely to engage in uncivil behavior, highlighting the need for organizations to provide support and address incidents seriously.
A recent study reveals that colleges struggle to provide adequate mental health support to Asian and Latino students due to interdependent cultural values and shame. The study suggests that culturally tailored treatment services addressing these issues can improve help-seeking behaviors.
A recent meta-analysis of existing research on social norms reveals new generalizations about their impact on consumer behavior. The study found that descriptive forms of social norms are more effective than injunctive ones in promoting socially approved behaviors, such as mask wearing and eco-friendly practices. Effective communicatio...
A new study by NYU researchers reveals that women and early-career academics from underrepresented groups are more likely to experience impostor feelings in fields that emphasize raw talent or brilliance. These feelings can lead to lower belonging and confidence in the field.
Researchers conducted a new trial to adapt Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DPT) for people with frequent Bipolar mood swings. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this adapted therapy, finding that it has demand from individuals with Bipolar disorder.
A study found that older adults are more likely to misperceive black children as angry, regardless of their actual age. In contrast, white children are less frequently misjudged in this way.
Research found that members of low-status groups endorse hierarchy-enhancing ideologies as an in-group status-enhancement strategy. This challenges previous assumptions on the motivations of disadvantaged groups.
Research from UNSW Sydney found that unexpected uncertainty prompts people to adjust their behavior, even if it's not the best strategy. In contrast, gradual changes in uncertainty do not lead to significant behavioral shifts. The study suggests that understanding how people react to uncertainty can help overcome inertia and promote su...
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...
A Yale study finds that pandemic-induced paranoia was particularly acute in states with low mask mandate adherence and increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Increased feelings of paranoia were associated with erratic choice behavior and a higher likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories.
Researchers have found that improved learning processes are associated with reduced symptoms of depression. By using brain imaging and mathematical modeling, the team identified distinct paths to depression symptoms and proposed a new approach for treating clinical depression.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a county's moral values, particularly binding values, can predict the prevalence of hate groups and extreme behavioral expressions of prejudice. The research used geospatial modeling and psychological experimentation to analyze data from over 3,100 US counties.
Low-intensity cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new consumer guide aims to help people navigate the system and find targeted services.
Pleasure-seekers tend to buy impulsively when in a positive state, but can suppress impulse with minimal note reminder. Security-oriented individuals need time and often look for 'no impulse buying' reminders to act.
A clinical trial by Queen Mary University of London found that e-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine replacement treatments in achieving long-term smoking reduction and cessation. After six months, 27% of participants who used e-cigarettes had reduced their smoking by at least half, compared to 6% of those who used NRTs.
A new Iowa State University study found sleep disruption limits the amount of information provided during an interview, with participants who were sleep-restricted providing 7% less information about past crimes. Lack of sleep also impaired motivation and made it harder to remember details.
A new study suggests that while most employees (98%) experience rude behavior at work, the majority of workplace relationships are not characterized by rudeness. Unique relationships between colleagues and individual personality traits play a significant role in determining incivility levels.
Researchers aim to improve search results by accounting for users' systematic biases, which can lead to misleading information and poor decision-making. The project seeks to build bias-aware prediction models and promote informed, unbiased decision-making through proactively capturing bias-related search problems.
Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers found no association between bed sharing and positive outcomes related to infant attachment and maternal bonding. Bed sharing was associated with ease of breastfeeding and dealing with night waking in infants.
A new study found that engaged listening techniques like eye contact and praising openness help teenagers feel more authentic and connected with their parents. The research showed that being more attentive while listening made teenagers feel better about themselves and more likely to open up again in the future.
A survey study of 25,305 adolescents from eight countries found that experiencing one's own competence and feeling connected to others were linked to positive emotion, self-motivation to learn, and pro-learning behaviors. The findings support self-determination theory and inform the design of distance education programs.
A meta-analysis of 106 RCTs found psychosocial interventions prolonging life by 20% compared to standard care. Interventions promoting health behaviors were associated with improved survival, while those focusing solely on emotional support yielded smaller gains.
A new study from Penn State defines what it means to be a picky shopper, exploring the psychological dimensions of this trait. Researchers found that picky shoppers have a small window of acceptance and are more likely to reject free gifts or products based on their idiosyncratic preferences
A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that a subtle shift in organ donor messaging can lead to a significant boost in registration. By combining descriptive and injunctive norms, registrations increased by 70%, suggesting that emphasizing low numbers while highlighting high support motivates people to register.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Yale found that free online courses teaching principles of positive psychology can enrich lives, reporting greater mental health benefits than a comparable course without exercises.
A new study by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health found correlations between COVID-19 and six unhealthy eating behaviors, including extreme weight control and binge eating. The study highlights the need for affordable and accessible interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders, particularly am...
A recent study found that unhealthy eating behaviors at night can negatively impact workplace performance and well-being. Participants who engaged in late-night snacking reported physical problems, emotional strains, and declines in helpful behavior the next day.
A new study examines how people with limited language ability express their wishes and preferences, and how support workers respond. The research found that subtle non-verbal cues signal resistance to activities, emphasizing the need for flexible institutional timetables and staff training.
A study of UK residents shows that personal values and political worldviews play a significant role in shaping perception of COVID-19 risk, with those who feel government should be less controlling believing the virus poses less risk. This is associated with adoption of fewer protective behaviors.
A psychology study found that practicing self-compassion can alleviate the negative effects of work loneliness, a common issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers discovered that employees who exhibited higher levels of self-compassion experienced fewer depressive symptoms but also took less time off to recharge.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individual psychological variables, such as germ aversion and attachment security, are better predictors of fear and perceived health during lockdowns than environmental factors. The researchers investigated 533 participants across Europe and found that younger age, physical activity, and higher...
A study of 23 countries finds that trust in these entities predicts willingness to engage in COVID-19 control behaviors. Moral principles of fairness and care also play a crucial role in shaping individual reactions.
Research finds that displays of moral outrage are perceived as desirable for a long-term mate, particularly among women due to prosocial attitudes of trustworthiness. Action is required to demonstrate moral outrage, rather than just expressing it, to increase attractiveness.
A UBC study found that higher life satisfaction is associated with 21 positive health outcomes, including a 26% reduced risk of mortality. The research suggests that policymakers should consider improving life satisfaction as a target for enhancing physical and mental well-being.
A new study found that while hand washing is a common practice, other infection control behaviors such as social distancing and wearing facemasks at home are less common. Researchers emphasize the importance of embedding these behaviors into daily life to reduce virus spread now and in the future.
A new study found that despite the life-altering disruption caused by COVID-19, many people continued to care deeply about pursuing their goals. Those who did exhibited creative strategies to overcome restrictions and uncertain times. The study provides valuable insights into how people coped psychologically during the pandemic.
A digital personality change intervention targeting behavioral changes, psychoeducation, self-reflection, and progress feedback significantly improved trait changes for participants wanting to increase traits. These findings suggest that personality traits can be altered through interventions in nonclinical samples.
Research reveals that abusive bosses may 'fake nice' after outbursts instead of making genuine amends, reinforcing the cycle of abuse. Bosses focus on superficial steps to repair their images, rather than genuinely repairing damage.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that significant psychological distress among Americans surged during the pandemic's early months, comparable to the entire previous year. People with pre-pandemic distress were more likely to experience it again, highlighting the need for targeted services to vulnerable populations.
A new study found that Americans significantly underestimated public support for key gun safety policies, including universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods. When people learned about the true levels of support, they were more likely to express stronger public support in both private and public settings.
Researchers found that hope can buffer against risky behaviors like drinking and gambling, while relative deprivation triggers negative emotions. The study suggests that nurturing hope in people who are unhappy with their lot could protect against harmful behaviors.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...
A University of Otago study found that quality sleep, rather than quantity, was the strongest predictor of mental health and well-being in young adults. The three pillars of good mental health identified in the study are sleep quality, exercising, and eating more raw fruits and vegetables.
A study found that Zika virus can remain in the mouse brain for extended periods, leading to lasting cognitive impairment and increased risk of psychological disorders. The infection caused long-term deficits in motor function and coordination, as well as anxiety and hyperactivity.
A recent study found that formulating New Year's resolutions as 'approach goals' (adopting new habits) leads to higher success rates than 'avoidance goals' (quitting or avoiding something). Rephrasing resolutions can also boost success, especially when replacing unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
Researchers developed interventions to increase psychological ownership, making users feel more responsible for public resources. Kayakers who gave a nickname to a lake felt more ownership and were more likely to pick up trash. Participants who saw 'YOUR park' signs also showed increased donations and willingness to volunteer.
People living in areas with high proportions of greenspace are 20% less likely to be current smokers. Additionally, those living in greener neighbourhoods are up to 12% more likely to have successfully quit smoking, according to a study published in Social Science & Medicine.
A new study by psychologists at Zhengzhou Normal University found that effective risk communication mitigates emotional contagion and anxiety, while inconsistent findings suggest a reciprocal correlation between anxiety and risk communication. The study analyzed data from January to February 2020 and showed that prevention activities w...
A study found that young adults tend to consider both risks and benefits in their sexual behavior, making consistent and thoughtful decisions. The research suggests that even those prone to heuristic decision-making become rational when faced with similar choices framed as sexual decisions.
A new study led by Emily Kroska found that people who acknowledge and address their emotions during stressful times report lower stress levels than those who avoid identifying with their emotions. By maintaining relationships and engaging in valued activities, individuals can increase their psychological flexibility and reduce distress.