Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
An analysis of data from 16 US states found that wine and spirit sales increased during the early months of the pandemic, while beer sales declined. Visits to liquor stores increased, but those to bars and pubs decreased.
Middle-aged women with higher self-compassion had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup, linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk. The findings persisted even when controlling for behaviors and psychological factors.
A study published in the Futures journal found that people attending mass 'raves' during the Covid-19 lockdown broke fewer pandemic guidelines than single vaccinated 80-year-olds. The researchers suggest this is linked to the outlook of ravers, who tend to have a slower-life history strategy and are more future-oriented.
Researchers found that our concept of self becomes increasingly indistinct as we think about ourselves farther in the past or future, affecting decision-making and memory recall. The 'temporal self-compression' effect challenges traditional notions of identity and time perception.
Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.
A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that teaching children to understand others' perspectives can make it easier for them to forgive. Children are more likely to forgive someone who has apologized and is part of their in-group. The study also highlights the importance of helping kids develop Theory of Mind skills...
A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...
A new study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine highlights the link between stress and alcohol craving among Black individuals. The research found that higher stress levels are associated with stronger alcohol cravings for Black participants, but not white participants, suggesting a process of drinking to cope with stress.
Research from Flinders University found self-regulatory control and evaluative bias towards soft drinks associated with increased consumption. The study aimed to identify new methods to help habitual soft drink users regulate their intake. Young adults are the core consumers of soft drinks, posing a major public health problem.
A randomized field experiment with 1,143 students aged 9-16 found that depleted self-control from a previous demanding task increases cheating in tests. The study suggests that exhaustion can lead to a greater temptation to cheat.
A study by McGill University found that those who experienced more pandemic-related worry had reduced information processing speed and ability to retain information needed for tasks. Pandemic worry also predicted individuals' tendency to distort described risk levels, which may influence decisions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found three distinct combinations of personality traits associated with financial outcomes. The Resilient group, characterized by extroversion, openness, and agreeableness, was linked to successful financial decisions. In contrast, the Under Controlled group's high extroversion and neurotic...
A new study reveals that psychological attributes such as attitude, coachability, competitiveness, and work ethic are more important than physical fitness in determining basketball success. Coaches prioritize players who exhibit optimistic behavior, good communication skills, and mental toughness.
A UBCO study found that psychedelic microdosing significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults. The study, which followed over 8,500 participants from 75 countries, suggests that microdosing can be a valuable tool for mental health treatment.
A new study found that white people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help black people in staged scenarios than those who were not trained. However, preferential helping of other white people remained, and participants preferred to help racial ingroup members.
A new study found that police officers routinely experience conflict over their roles, with many characterizing it as the most stressful part of their work. The study identified two primary reasons for this incoherence: poorly aligned operational processes and incompatible public expectations.
A study analyzing player experiences with The Last of Us Part II found that player-character relationships significantly affected game satisfaction. Researchers discovered three key factors influencing players' emotional responses, including tolerance of forced character switches and flexibility of attachment.
A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that most people misunderstand the concept of mindfulness, confusing it with passive acceptance rather than engaging with life's challenges. The study suggests that laypeople may understand awareness but struggle to grasp the importance of acceptance in mindfulness practices.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that individuals focused on their appearance are more prone to social physique anxiety, which leads to fear of negative evaluations and social distress in dating contexts. The research involved 501 young adults and discovered associations between body image attitudes and dating anxiety.
Researchers found a clear link between people's expectations and actual vaccine side effects, suggesting that psychological factors can predict which individuals will experience more symptoms. The study aims to help overcome lingering vaccine hesitancy by reframing the way we think about side effects.
A recent study found that sugary drink taxes only reduce purchasing when price tags mention the tax, but not the amount. Consumers tend to overestimate how much the tax is, making them more willing to pay it if they know the true size of the tax.
A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that conservatives with low conscientiousness are more likely to share misleading information. Conscientiousness plays a significant role in determining whether people share misinformation, regardless of political beliefs or social media usage.
Researchers found that emotional, social, and psychological well-being in Ghanaian youth are closely tied to having healthy relationships with friends, family, and community. The study's findings suggest that programs promoting Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles could be effective in promoting positive mental health.
Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...
Researchers at the University of Leicester created novel body-maps of hallucinations, documenting feelings and sensations in the body during psychosis. These maps revealed recurrent concentrations of feelings like pain, heat, or tension in specific body areas.
A new study reveals that young adults experienced significant losses during the pandemic, including missed social events and inability to say goodbye in person. Researchers collected stories from college students who reflected on their earliest and most significant losses regarding COVID-19.
Consumer definitions of sustainability differ from industry definitions, affecting perception and purchase intent. Consumer perspectives consider multiple factors like packaging, animal welfare, organic status, and grass-fed systems, with some associating terms like 'organic' with healthier practices.
Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.
A recent UC San Diego study has found that e-cigarette use does not help smokers stay off cigarettes, but rather increases the risk of relapse. Former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes were more likely to relapse compared to those who remained tobacco-free.
Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.
Research suggests that brief exposure to COVID-related social media content can have negative emotional consequences, whereas reading about kind acts during the pandemic does not. The study found that individuals who engaged in 'kindness-scrolling' experienced improved mental health and well-being.
Medical personnel trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) showed a 21% reduction in patient sick leave, primarily related to anxiety and depression. The study suggests that ACT training can empower healthcare staff to take a comprehensive view of patients' needs, promoting sustainable change and reducing reliance on sick leave.
A study found that older adults were more willing to donate to charities within their own country compared to international charities. They also showed greater compliance with public health guidelines, particularly for physical distancing.
A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.
A new study found that self-identified picky eaters in college students ate significantly less fiber and vegetables compared to non-picky eaters. This behavior was also linked to higher levels of social phobia, overall distress, and lower quality of life.
Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
A new analysis of 134 studies found that color-coded nutrition labels and warnings encourage more healthful purchases. The study suggests that these labeling systems are beneficial in nudging consumers towards foods with lower levels of energy, sodium, fat, and saturated fat.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
A new UCLA-led study confirms findings of online behavior during the pandemic, showing dramatic changes in American values and activities. The survey of 2,092 Americans indicates a shift towards growing food, conserving resources, and prioritizing family relationships.
Researchers found that a low opening offer can be effective if it's within a 'fair game' window, avoiding negative emotions, but not so low that it backfires. A balance must be struck to achieve a better outcome in negotiations.
A study by the University of Missouri found that people are more likely to praise someone for good deeds if they know the person has also faced suffering earlier in life. This discovery sheds light on how humans process and react to positive behaviors, such as giving praise.
Researchers found that dancing and psychedelic drugs are associated with feelings of awe and social bonding in rave attendees. This study suggests that these experiences can be beneficial for therapeutic settings, potentially reducing stigma around psychedelic use.
A new study suggests that autobiographical memories of authentic and inauthentic experiences serve specific purposes, such as defining identity and enhancing self-fulfilment. Reflecting on these experiences can also improve problem-solving skills and promote a more authentic response.
A new study by UCL researchers found that social inequality can incite collective violence, including vandalism, even with weak social identification. The findings suggest that reducing economic inequality could play a role in maintaining public safety.
Researchers found that advocating for a public health position while also encouraging mindfulness helped participants comply with guidelines and sought out vaccination appointments. The study aimed to address the issue of inconsistent behavior among those who already agree with vaccines being good, but find excuses to not get vaccinated.
A study by Yale-NUS researchers found that cultural backgrounds shape individuals' attitudes toward pursuing a passion as a career, affecting life outcomes. Americans tend to prioritize independence and believe passion motivates personal fulfilment, whereas Singaporeans prioritize pragmatism and view passions as potentially problematic.
A new study from McGill University reveals that delaying school start times can help reduce stress and improve coping skills in teenagers during times of crisis. The research found that allowing teens to follow their natural sleep-wake cycle led to improved mental health outcomes.
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.
University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.
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.