Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
Researchers found that young patients, those with certain medical conditions, and problematic eating habits were more likely to experience weight regain after bariatric surgery. Behavioral targets such as reducing sedentary behavior and promoting self-weighing can aid in limiting weight regain.
A University of Toronto study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can increase physiological arousal, leading to more alert and attentive thinking. The effect was stronger among Western cultures, suggesting a possible link between coffee consumption and arousal.
Researchers found that emphasizing peer group norms and social identities can encourage people to conserve water. In studies across Norfolk, 'ingroup norms appeal' messages increased water savings by 7-14 litres per shower and boosted sign-ups for a free retrofitting service.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä identified four moral identity statuses in Finnish leaders: achieved, foreclosed, diffused, and moratorium. An achieved identity is characterized by a clear, self-chosen value framework, while foreclosed identities are based on adopted values without critical evaluation. The study highlights t...
A Nigerian movie about corruption and a subsequent text-messaging campaign led to a record number of corruption reports from citizens in Nigeria. The two-part campaign generated 241 reports from 106 communities, with most people reporting bribes and embezzlement perpetrated by politicians and law enforcement.
A recent review study found that sit-stand desks can reduce sitting time and increase comfort, but physiological effects were mixed. To fully benefit from SSDs, workplaces need to understand proper usage and setup, including desk height, monitor height, and anti-fatigue mat use.
The MooDFOOD project found that daily intake of nutritional supplements cannot prevent depression. A healthy dietary pattern, typified by a Mediterranean style diet high in fruit and vegetables, may reduce the risk of developing depression.
A new study published in JAMA found that nutritional supplements do not prevent depression, but lifestyle coaching to improve diet and eating behavior may reduce the risk. Participants who received a healthy dietary behavioral therapy experienced a reduction in depressive episodes when attending recommended sessions.
A new Duke University study reveals that overweight individuals who tracked their daily food intake using a free smartphone app lost a significant amount of weight. The results showed that participants who consistently tracked their food and weight lost the most weight, highlighting the importance of compliance in successful weight loss.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition has found a significant link between poor diet quality and mental illness in California adults. The research revealed that those who consumed more unhealthy food were more likely to report symptoms of moderate or severe psychological distress.
Researchers outline four types of self-control strategies that go beyond sheer willpower to address pressing issues like obesity and educational underachievement. By changing the situation or thinking about it differently, individuals can exercise more effective self-control.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel shame about a secret are more likely to think about it constantly. Shame is associated with feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness, whereas guilt focuses on remorse and regret.
A UBC researcher has developed a method to analyze behaviour change counselling sessions, enabling counsellors to identify what makes interventions work. By examining minute details of interactions between clients and practitioners, the new approach helps counsellors promote positive changes in their patients.
People tend to criticize others for using statistics to make judgments, yet they apply the same statistical approach when making their own judgments. The study found that participants viewed others' statistically-based judgments as unfair, inaccurate, and unintelligent.
A study by UC Berkeley found that married couples who aged show more humor and tenderness towards each other, leading to lower rates of defensiveness and criticism. The researchers tracked the emotional interactions over a period of 13 years, revealing an increase in positive behaviors like affection and enthusiasm.
A study found that 60-80% of people surveyed lied about their diet and exercise habits, and failed to disclose medically relevant information. This can lead to inaccurate medical advice and compromised health outcomes.
Researchers found that unexpected positive outcomes in cities, such as sports wins or sunny days, are correlated with a change in city mood and an increase in citizens taking risks like gambling. This effect is subtle but significant, with a predicted 2.5% increase in spending on gambling in reactive neighborhoods.
Patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease are more likely to die within a year if they have low health literacy. The study considered social and behavioral factors such as physical activity, medication adherence, and perceived health competence, which were found to be significant predictors of mortality.
A series of studies suggests that showing people the consequences of their unhealthy behaviors may be more effective than retraining mental associations. Participants who had a health-related goal internalized the relationship between foods and consequences, leading to positive automatic evaluations and actual eating behavior changes.
A trial published by The BMJ found that employees who used sit-stand workstations reduced their sitting time by more than an hour a day over 12 months, with improvements in job performance, psychological health, and daily anxiety. The results suggest that displacing sitting with standing may have positive effects on work-related outcomes.
A new study found that listing calorie information on restaurant menus can lead to a significant decrease in the number of calories ordered. Participants who saw calorie counts listed first ordered food with an average of 24 percent fewer calories than those who saw them listed elsewhere.
Researchers at the University of Guelph found that a sudden drop in glucose levels can have a lasting effect on mood. The study, published in Psychopharmacology, examined the impact of hypoglycemia on emotional behavior in rats.
Scientists from the Salk Institute and UC San Diego use reinforcement learning to train gliders to navigate atmospheric thermals, reaching heights of 700 meters. The research highlights the role of vertical wind accelerations and roll-wise torques as navigational cues for soaring birds.
A study by Michigan State University found that managing email can hinder a manager's productivity and leadership abilities. Managers reported lower work progress and fewer effective leader behaviors when faced with high email demands, leading to decreased employee performance and increased stress.
A recent study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that uncertain rewards motivate consumers to make repeat purchases. This phenomenon is attributed to the psychological boost consumers receive in moving from uncertainty to certainty resolution.
Terence M. Keane, a BU School of Medicine professor, received the Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association for his outstanding work in trauma psychology and post-traumatic stress disorder research. He is a national leader in the field and has published over 300 articles on assessment and treatment.
Research on texting and sexting found that people who described their partner as having a similar texting style reported greater relationship satisfaction. Additionally, texting was shown to bring people closer or create distance depending on the motivations underlying its use.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the 'anterior insular' brain region is more active in risk-averse individuals and less active in experienced stock traders. Risk optimism and tolerance also play a significant role in stock purchase decisions.
A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business reveals that individuals with high 'guilt-proneness' tend to be more trustworthy. This personality trait is stronger than other characteristics in predicting trustworthy behavior, according to the researchers.
Researchers warn that online games with loot boxes and microtransactions can lead to endless spending behaviors and psychological entrapment. The authors call these schemes 'predatory monetisation', encouraging repeated spending using tactics that may involve limited disclosure of the product.
A Baylor University study found that negative behavior has a greater impact on individuals' well-being and relationship satisfaction during stressful life events. The research suggests that low doses of negative behavior can have a significant effect, while further increases in negativity have less impact.
Researchers have successfully measured participants' risk behavior while observing their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), revealing a key link between anxiety and decision-making. High anxious participants chose the low-risk option more often, and specific brain activity was associated with heightened cognitive control.
Researchers propose a new approach to studying chemobrain, focusing on brain systems and cellular level causes. They aim to develop better diagnostic tools and strategies for patients to mitigate or prevent long-term cognitive difficulties.
A new study found that only half of migraine patients referred for behavioral treatment made an appointment, citing lack of time, cost concerns, and skepticism as barriers. Despite being first-line, safe, and effective treatments, many patients are not accessing these therapies due to perceived barriers.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that abusive supervisors are motivated to repair relationships by engaging in more effective leader behaviors. This is driven by feelings of guilt and a desire to restore moral credit, which can lead to positive changes in workplace dynamics.
A recent study found that introducing an inferior option for hand sanitizing boosted workers' use of regular hand sanitizer and increased sanitary conditions. Employees used more sanitizer and had cleaner hands after being offered a less convenient option.
Dilip Soman, a leading behavioral economics expert, has been awarded the Canada Research Chair in Behavioral Science and Economics. He will use his research to inform social policy and improve consumer wellbeing through behavioral change.
Researchers propose empowering soccer coaches to make reliable assessments of player psychological characteristics, which could help teams identify talented players and enhance performance. Coaches' unique insight into player behavior during matches and training can complement standard questionnaires completed by players.
Research from Binghamton University found that lonely individuals with low empathy levels are more likely to cheat and return items, while those with high empathy levels exhibit less immoral behavior. Increasing empathy in lonely people can lead to better moral decision making, but has no effect on non-lonely individuals.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that certain PTSD therapies can effectively reduce symptoms for civilians and military veterans long-term. The study analyzed 32 PTSD-related studies and found that patients displayed less intense symptoms up to two years after treatment ended compared to six months post-therapy.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Psychology found that moderate levels of workplace anxiety can facilitate and drive performance. Employees who can harness anxiety by focusing on tasks and regulating their behavior are more likely to experience improved performance.
A study by Sina Esteky found that people at higher elevations are more willing to take financial risks and engage in sensory risks. This effect is subconscious and disappears when participants are informed or unable to see their floor level.
A world-first study reveals that regions with psychological hardship responded to populist campaigns based on fear, contributing to the UK's Brexit vote and Donald Trump's election. The research found that neurotic personality traits, including anxiety and depression, played a significant role in shaping voting behaviour.
A new study found that US immigration policies are causing significant psychological distress among Latino parents, with 64% reporting worries about family members getting separated. The researchers also found that these parents are more likely to avoid medical care, police help, and social services due to immigration news and policies.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that students who behaved responsibly in high school, showed interest, and had good writing skills tend to earn higher incomes and have higher occupational prestige 50 years later. Education was the factor mediating this relationship.
Recent research in neuroscience suggests that our experiences shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Studies using imaging tools like fMRI and EEG have identified neural networks involved in well-being and mental health disorders when considering individual experience.
A recent Princeton University study found that highlighting the pride people will feel if they take pro-environmental actions may be a better way to change environmental behaviors. Participants who were exposed to anticipation of pride consistently reported higher pro-environmental intentions than those exposed to anticipated guilt.
A study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to air pollution, whether physical or mental, is linked with transgressive behavior through increased levels of anxiety. Participants who imagined experiencing air pollution engaged in more unethical behavior than those who thought about clean environments.
A University of Connecticut study tracked 130 couples over six months and found that when one member commits to losing weight, the chances are good the other partner will lose some weight too. The researchers discovered a significant weight loss ripple effect where couples' weights were interlinked.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people view immoral individuals as less able to do their jobs or complete tasks effectively. Immoral behavior reduces judgments of people's competence.
A recent review found that mindfulness strategies can immediately reduce cravings for food and drinks, as well as substance use. The research suggests that these strategies work by occupying working memory, leading to extinction processes that eventually result in reduced cravings.
Researchers found that emotionally charged pictures alter people's behavior, increasing consumption, while emotive words do not. The study tested the effect of images versus words on behavior, including their duration, and found nearly invisible images had the same effect as clearly noticeable ones.
Research in Psychological Science finds that thinking about potential infection activates the behavioral immune system, leading individuals to focus on their own physical appearance. Germ-averse participants reported more insecurity and interest in appearance-related behaviors and products after reading scenarios about potential pathog...
A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that a 45-minute online sexual health program improved the ability of teen girls to communicate effectively about safe sex. The intervention, called Health Education and Relationship Training (HEART), increased confidence about condom use and positive attitudes towards condoms.
A new analysis published in Perspectives on Psychological Science concludes that the Goldwater Rule is not well-supported scientifically and is outdated. Examining someone directly may not be necessary if other valid sources of information are compiled, such as interviews with family members or extensive public records.
Rutgers psychologists discover that confronting people about bigoted statements can lead to a lasting reduction in prejudice. Confrontation causes individuals to feel bad and consciously avoid repeating such statements, with effects persisting even a week after the initial encounter.
A study published in Motivation and Emotion suggests that narrowing attention on a desirable object increases desire for it. Researchers found that people who were focused on dessert images reacted faster to pull them towards them than to mundane items.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers shows that employees are more likely to engage in green behavior and local volunteerism if their boss is perceived as ethically responsible. However, this engagement declines significantly if the boss displays poor ethics.
A new study reveals that spending time in rural and coastal locations has a greater positive impact on psychological well-being compared to urban green spaces. Visits to natural areas with protected status and longer durations are associated with stronger emotional connections and improved mental health.