Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
New research challenges the common notion that choosing pleasurable foods like cake indicates a lack of self-control. Instead, it's about anticipated regret and long-term goals. The study suggests that consumers should abandon the idea of 'good' or 'bad' foods to exert self-control more easily.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that successful startups require leaders who both seek input and set boundaries with their team members. The researchers call this 'territorial-marking' behavior beneficial for startups. Leaders who establish limits signal their psychological investment, encouraging team members to inv...
A new project aims to investigate the genetic influences on behaviors, producing polygenic risk scores for individualized interventions. However, experts express concerns about the risks of misusing this research to justify social inequality.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Alzheimer's disease who used antipsychotic drugs accumulated more hospital days over a two-year period. The study, based on the MEDALZ cohort, found that antipsychotic initiators had approximately eleven more hospital days per person-year compared to non-initiators.
A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals who make concrete plans to meet their goals, such as exercising, tend to engage in more physical activity. Those with high planfulness ratings went to the gym more frequently during a 20-week period compared to those with lower planfulness ratings.
A new study by Dolores Albarracin and Duo Jiang found that people with action-oriented goals are more likely to make purchases under time pressure. The research suggests that movement, whether walking or running, activates action-oriented concepts, promoting behavior change.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that a person's premarital views on uncommitted sex can negatively impact their marriage. Research suggests that individuals with unrestricted sociosexual behaviors and attitudes prior to marriage are more likely to experience marital dissatisfaction and dissolution.
A digital program created by MIT researchers in collaboration with Keheala helped 4% of tuberculosis patients complete their treatment, compared to 13% in a control group. The interactive platform used behavioral-science insights and daily messages to motivate patients and reduce nonadherence.
A new study by Jack Goncalo reveals that creativity in the workplace can lead to self-disclosure, as employees share unique perspectives and ideas that reflect their personal preferences. This can make the creative act feel risky and consequential, particularly when sharing ideas with colleagues.
Researchers found that wearing a bike helmet decreases the 'Frontal Midline Theta Power' in brain activity, indicating reduced cognitive control during risk decision-making. This suggests that wearing a helmet can influence behavior through subtle suggestions on a subconscious level.
A study found that an intervention increasing sense of social belonging reduced disciplinary incidents, failing grades and absences by 34%, 18% and 12%, respectively among middle-school students.
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that individuals who overclaim their knowledge are more likely to vote against the establishment, with a 1.62 times higher likelihood for radical right voters. However, increased actual knowledge decreases this likelihood by 0.85 measurement points.
A study by Indiana University psychologists found that people's stated preferences for dogs don't always align with their chosen breed. The researchers surveyed 1,229 visitors to an animal shelter and discovered that only a few traits, such as age and playfulness, consistently influenced dog selection.
A new study published in the journal Behavior Therapy found that people with hoarding problems associate objects with positive memories, making it difficult to discard them. The researchers suggest that training individuals to respond differently to these memories could enhance cognitive-behavioral therapy for hoarding.
Passion in a relationship is crucial for intercourse frequency, according to a study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Women's attitudes to casual sex also play a major role, with those who differentiate between sex and relational aspects being more willing to compromise.
Researchers used digital footprints to determine personality traits and matched them with images, finding that extroverts preferred simple images featuring people, while open-minded individuals favored cool colors. The study showed that personalized ads could increase consumer interest and purchase intentions.
A new study found a correlation between strong feelings of responsibility and the development of OCD or GAD in American university students. The research identified three types of inflated responsibility, with personal blame and continued thinking having the strongest link to the disorders.
Researchers found that exposure to Spiderman and Antman movie excerpts reduces spider and ant phobia symptoms by 20%. The study suggests a new direction for positive exposure therapy, which may be an optimal solution for treating phobias. Marvel movies provide an accessible and enjoyable form of in-vitro exposure.
A recent study published in Nature Communications challenges prior research on moral decision-making by showing that people's moral behavior can shift depending on the context. The researchers identified four moral strategies: inequity aversion, guilt aversion, greed, and moral opportunism, which involves switching between these strate...
A study found that frequent police stops in ninth-graders led to higher engagement in delinquent behaviors over time. Proactive policing may unintentionally contribute to adolescent criminality, with psychological distress playing a key role.
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.
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.
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 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.