Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
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 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 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 new study found that personal and psychological characteristics significantly impact progress in workplace wellness programs. The research suggests that tailoring nudges to an individual's behavior profile can unlock full potential, leading to improved outcomes. For some groups, ongoing incentives may be necessary to sustain motivation.
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.
A randomized clinical trial found that different fitness strategies were effective for distinct subgroups of participants based on their personality and behavioral characteristics. These subgroups included extroverted and motivated individuals, less active and less social participants, and those who were less motivated and at-risk.
A study by King's College London found that people tend to believe they are less likely to contract COVID-19 than others, leading to comparative optimism and potentially poorer compliance with lockdown guidelines. This perception of low risk can make individuals more relaxed about future lockdown measures, increasing the likelihood of ...
The I-Connect web-based system helps students set goals, tracks progress, and shares data with mentors, teachers, and parents. It has been shown to decrease disruptive behavior, increase productivity, and boost academic achievement.
A new study published in the Journal of Employment Counseling found that high levels of self-regulation predict better well-being, job search clarity, and job search self-efficacy. The findings suggest that employment counseling efforts should help individuals improve their self-regulation to achieve positive outcomes after job loss.
Researchers from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that playfulness can be induced through daily exercises that boost playful behavior. The study showed a temporary improvement in participants' well-being and demonstrated the potential for practical applications, such as improving work-life balance and relationships.
A study by UConn School of Nursing researchers found that strong feelings of germ aversion and pathogen disgust are significantly associated with concern about COVID-19 and increased engagement in preventative health behaviors. Individuals who indicated higher levels of psychological disease avoidance also reported greater concern for ...
Researchers at University at Buffalo suggest that certain people tend to be more confident in their attitudes across various issues, while others are more uncertain. This dispositional attitude certainty is linked to traits like self-esteem and can predict behavior, including choices made on novel items.
A trusting therapeutic relationship and collaborative approach between therapist and patient are crucial for successful mental illness treatment. Early alliance in therapy also plays a significant role in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes.
A recent Arizona State University study found that feelings of jealousy can act as a tool to maintain friendships. The research suggests that jealousy motivates people to be better friends, invest in neglected relationships, and even overcome threats from third-party individuals.
This survey study examines psychological factors associated with adolescent behaviors during COVID-19, including attitudes and behavioral patterns. The findings provide insight into the mental health impact of the pandemic on this age group.
A new report from psychologists at the University of Bath highlights emerging tensions between groups who interpret social distancing guidelines differently. As lockdown measures ease, people are now negotiating social distancing on an interpersonal level, leading to challenges for those who want to maintain strict practices.
A study led by University College London found that elite athletes who adopted simple oral health measures reported reduced negative effects on performance related to poor oral health. The behaviour change programme improved oral health behaviours and reduced symptoms of gum inflammation, leading to improved sporting performance.
A new Health Affairs blog post proposes a three-part strategy to address the impact of sustained psychological and moral distress on healthcare workers. The plan includes prevention measures, building behavioral health treatment capacity, and managing long-term effects, in an effort to prioritize both physical and mental health.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that antiepileptic drug use is associated with a significantly higher risk of death among people with Alzheimer's disease. The increased mortality risk was observed even after controlling for comorbidities and other factors.
A new cybersecurity study found that people are more likely to fall for phishing scams because they underestimate their own risk and overestimate others', despite having access to base rate information. This self-enhancement bias can lead to a false sense of security and increase vulnerability to online attacks.
A study by Yale psychologists and economists found that people tend to misremember being more generous than they actually were when asked about past behavior. This faulty recall helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and can reduce the need for motivated reasoning.
A new study found that religious believers see God as encouraging people to treat others in a more universal manner, across different religious groups in Fiji and Israel. This suggests that religious belief can attenuate, rather than promote, religious tension.
A Rutgers University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy can help alleviate depression and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. The treatment was individually tailored to target negative thoughts and behaviors, resulting in improved mental health status for 40% of participants.
Researchers are investigating how individual factors influence engagement in preventative health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The yearlong study assesses preventative behaviors, social attitudes, and individual differences to inform future pandemics or viral threats.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.
The study found that prefrontal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons regulate behavioral style selection during stress. Activating these neurons promotes stress-resistant behaviors, while inhibiting them increases immobility and social avoidance.
A new Cal Poly study found that building healthy dietary, self-monitoring and psychological coping strategies are key to maintaining weight loss. People who reported losing an average of 50 pounds and keeping it off for over three years used more frequent strategies like setting daily food intake goals and recording what was eaten each...
Researchers found that pre-operative depression and anxiety can lead to poorer outcomes after hip surgery, including increased pain and slower recoveries. The study proposes screening for mental health issues before hip surgery to improve treatment outcomes.
A new study identifies financial infidelity as a real problem for consumers and companies, with secretive spending habits common among romantic partners. Retailers can boost sales by offering inconspicuous packaging and cash payment options to appeal to financially unfaithful shoppers.
Researchers introduce the concept of financial infidelity, defined as engaging in a financial behavior expected to elicit disapproval and intentionally failing to disclose it. The study's findings reveal that consumers prone to financial infidelity exhibit stronger preferences for secretive purchase options and concealing their actions.
A large-scale study has found a significant prevalence of 'chew and spit' eating behaviour among adolescent teenagers, with 12.2% of respondents reporting the behaviour. The study also links chew-and-spit to increased psychological distress, lower health-related quality of life, and associated disordered eating habits.
Scientists outline 10 simple rules to ensure responsible use of computational modelling in behavioural sciences, avoiding common pitfalls and misinterpretations. The guidelines cover designing effective experiments, generating and validating models, and reporting on analyses.
A study of over 1000 people aged 70 found that those who played non-digital games scored better on memory and thinking tests. Increasing game playing during their 70s also predicted maintaining certain thinking skills as they grew older.
Researchers found that reflecting on past sacrifices made by others for future generations can increase a sense of moral obligation to protect the environment. However, this approach has limited impact in increasing pro-environmental attitudes or motivations, and may even evoke feelings of unworthiness.
A UCSF-led study reveals that three in four patients with anorexia nervosa experience some improvement, but only 21% achieve full recovery. Full recovery is predictive of permanent remission and is often linked to family-based treatment and holistic approaches to emotional well-being.