Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
Researchers at University of Bath found that life transitions like moving house can provide a window of opportunity to instill better environmental behaviors, such as recycling and energy use. The study suggests that targeted interventions during these times are more effective than blanket campaigns.
Lenient return policies, such as those with flexible deadlines and monetary refunds, can increase purchases and reduce returns. The study suggests that retailers should consider the specific goals of their business when designing their return policies.
Research suggests that second-generation antidepressants and CBT have comparable effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder. Experts recommend making both treatments accessible to primary care patients, regardless of personal preference.
Researchers found that door holders who made a high effort were more likely to receive reciprocation, with recipients saying "thank you" more often. The study also showed that small favors can inspire reciprocal acts, but verbal thanking and helping are not inherently correlated.
A large-scale national study on people with dementia in residential aged care found that participants experienced low levels of activity participation and pessimistic attitudes from staff and families. The study suggests improving leisure activities could enhance quality of life for those with dementia living in long-term care.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham are exploring the use of car driving simulators to train and test drivers, aiming to reduce road traffic accidents. The research uses a new facility that records eye movements and brain activity while participants drive in both simulated and real-world environments.
A recent study found that people can recognize irrational thoughts but still allow them to influence their behavior. This process is called acquiescence, which highlights the challenges of changing deeply ingrained beliefs.
In a study published in Animal Cognition, researchers found that captive elephants blast air through their trunks to obtain inaccessible food, revealing an advanced understanding of their physical environment. The dominant female, Mineko, was more proficient in adjusting her trunk to target the air and push food towards her.
Frequently monitoring goal progress boosts likelihood of achievement, as does publicly reporting or physically recording it. Researchers found prompting participants to monitor their progress improves behavioral performance and attaining goals.
Researchers found that adding the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale to neuropsychological assessment provides valuable information about the behavioral consequences of TBI. The study suggests that addressing cognitive and behavioral symptoms after brain injury is crucial for improving outcomes, but more comprehensive assessments are needed.
Researchers at Ohio State University found no association between narcissism and risk-taking in lab experiments, contradicting previous research that relied on self-reports. While there were slight differences in responses, none had real practical significance.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards to six researchers for their groundbreaking work on aging and life course development. Bengtson, Harris, Putney, Sabbath, Mejia-Guevara, Glymour, and Berkman were recognized for their insightful publications that represent state-of-the-ar...
Action video games have been shown to improve attention skills and cognitive functions, while 'brain games' lack equivalent impact on perception and cognition. Video game play predicts poorer attention in the classroom, but benefits can be positive or negative depending on content.
A recent study found that mobile device tweets are more likely to employ egocentric language compared to non-mobile device tweets. Researchers analyzed 235 million tweets and discovered a consistent greater ratio of egocentric to non-egocentric tweets on mobile platforms.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, with lower-income users using the platform more for personal communication and higher-income users using it to disseminate news. The research analyzed over 5,000 tweets and identified strong correlations between online expressio...
A University of Leicester study found that high-risk and impulsive offenders require extra support to complete rehabilitation programs, with non-completers exhibiting higher levels of non-planning impulsivity. The research suggests that these offenders may benefit from additional pre-programme work or ongoing support during the program.
New research by University of Houston researchers suggests that patients who improve quickly are more likely to drop out before completing treatment. Patients with high initial anxiety levels were also more likely to discontinue treatment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding how patients make decisions about ...
Psychologists at Cardiff University developed a reliable adult self-assessment test to measure repetitive behaviors in autism. Adults with an autism diagnosis consistently scored higher on this measure than those without an autism diagnosis, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool.
A University of Florida study found that encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, leading to a vicious cycle. The study's findings provide evidence that everyday impoliteness spreads in the workplace, having a powerful negative effect on performance.
A study by Northwestern University found that smartphone sensor data can detect depression with 87% accuracy, analyzing time spent on phones and daily locations. The research uses GPS tracking and algorithms to identify patterns associated with depression, paving the way for passive detection and potential interventions.
A new Iowa State University study found that instigation habits, or cues, are more effective than execution habits in increasing exercise frequency. The research suggests that internal cues, such as a feeling of needing to move after sitting for several hours, form the strongest habits and can be trained over time.
Research found that partners who date soon after meeting are more physically attractive than those who know each other for longer periods. The study suggests that having more time to get acquainted allows other factors like compatibility to make a person appealing, rather than just physical attractiveness.
A new online computer game has been shown to help people control their snacking impulses and lose weight, with participants losing an average of 0.7kg and consuming around 220 fewer calories a day. The game trains people to associate calorie-dense foods with 'stopping', reducing how much food they eat in laboratory tests.
A new study published in PNAS found that conservatives outperform liberals in tasks requiring attention regulation and persistence. Conservatives demonstrated greater self-control than liberals when they believed freewill had a beneficial impact on their behavior.
A randomized clinical trial found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training had positive effects on pain and mood in rheumatoid arthritis patients for at least one year. Written emotional disclosure was less effective, with no long-term benefits on joint functioning or pain reduction.
New research suggests that feeling inauthentic can lead to psychological consequences similar to immoral behaviors, including feelings of moral distress and impurity. Inauthentic individuals were more likely to engage in cleansing-related behaviors, such as using hand sanitizer or washing their hands.
A new study suggests that Congress approval ratings are partly due to a decline in prosocial words used by lawmakers. The study found that the use of warm, agreeable language predicts public approval six months later.
A workplace mindfulness-based intervention reduced stress levels of ICU nurses by 40%, according to a new Ohio State study. The 8-week program included mindfulness, gentle stretching, yoga, meditation and music, and significantly decreased salivary alpha-amylase levels, a biomarker of sympathetic nervous system activation.
A new study published in the Journal of Health Psychology highlights the disconnect between dieting plans and behavior. Researchers found that people plan to change their eating habits based on thoughts, but when it comes to executing those changes, feelings play a crucial role in guiding behavior.
A new Cornell study reveals that most healthy eaters make nutritious choices due to visible and easy access, enticing displays, and normalization of healthy options. The CAN approach offers practical strategies for schools, restaurants, and individuals to promote healthier eating behaviors.
Researchers found that people are more likely to accept criticism and make changes if they take a broad, high-level construal view. This involves considering the big picture and believing change is possible. The study's findings have practical implications for delivering negative feedback in the workplace and health education campaigns.
Researchers found that teens are more likely to make risky decisions when driving alone, but with a mother present, they become less likely to take risks. The brain regions responsible for this behavior include the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that personalized computer feedback can significantly mitigate problem gambling behaviors in college-aged adults. Participants who received individualized feedback from a computer showed a significant decline in problem gambling behavior compared to those who received standard informati...
A WSU study found that young adults learn more about the dangers of smoking when warnings are presented in images and text, leading to increased worry and discouragement from smoking. The labels used in the study emphasized negative consequences associated with lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Infants learn more about surprising objects than predictable ones by harnessing core information they're born with. They test hypotheses about the object's behavior, indicating a deeper attempt to learn about unexpected aspects of the world.
A recent study by Penn State psychologists found that college students often disregard social norms when texting, with many admitting to sending texts during funerals, in the shower, or while having sex. The researchers suggest that breaking with these norms is too tempting for most students, who prioritize checking their texts over pr...
Research suggests that job candidates with interview anxiety are often rated as less assertive and less warm, leading to rejection. Experts recommend focusing on broader impressions rather than nervous tics to improve job prospects.
Non-religious participants associated religious individuals with less openness and devalued them as romantic partners. Religious individuals were preferred by others who shared similar values, highlighting the role of perceived open-mindedness in religion-based dating.
A recent study used CERAD neuropsychological test battery to monitor Alzheimer's disease progression and treatment effects. The results showed that the test battery was a well-functioning measure for follow-up use, but its clinical application may be limited due to time requirements.
A study by McGill University researchers found that people tend to choose options that are more salient or attention-grabbing, but may not be aware of why they chose them. In a card trick experiment, participants chose the target card in over 90% of trials, despite feeling they had a free choice.
Researchers found that self-affirmation increases activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, leading to a steeper decline in sedentary behaviors. The study showed that people who were affirmed before receiving health advice demonstrated higher brain activity and improved behavior change.
A University of Michigan study found that fans and consumers separate an athlete's immoral behavior from their athletic performance more easily. This led to a less severe backlash for Tiger Woods' extramarital affairs compared to Lance Armstrong's doping scandal.
Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact can motivate them to take action on climate change, leading to increased environmental concern and behavior. Participants who wrote about their legacy pledged more money to a pro-environmental nonprofit.
Research suggests that highly guilt-prone people are valuable work partners who outwork colleagues, demonstrate effective leadership, and contribute to team success. However, they may avoid forming partnerships with more competent individuals to prevent feelings of guilt.
Research from Monash University found that store remodelling increases retail sales by nearly 50%, with new customers driving a 43-44% increase in sales. Existing customers see a 7-10% boost. The study suggests remodelling should be viewed as a marketing investment to retain and attract new customers.
Researchers found that GLP-1, a diabetes medication, reduces drinking behavior and increases water intake in rats. This study raises awareness for diabetics who are already at risk for dehydration.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that the sound of a person's voice can convey their level of power, with speakers assigned to high-power roles having higher-pitched, more monotone voices. Listeners were able to accurately categorize these vocal cues and associate them with high-power behaviors.
A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that people say they care about online security but behave otherwise, ignoring malware warnings. Brain data is a better predictor of security behavior than self-response, suggesting a need to fortify the 'weakest link' in security.
A study of 600 teenage boys found that up to 28% were inaccurate in estimating their weight status. The majority had a normal weight, but some underestimating or overestimating, leading to unhealthy behaviors like dieting and skipping meals.
Researchers found that people with strong emotion recognition skills are perceived as more socially and politically skilled by colleagues and supervisors. They also earn significantly higher incomes. The study controlled for various factors affecting employee income and replicated its findings in a second study.
A new study from Indiana University recommends that primary-care doctors use a patient's medical history to diagnose common symptoms, often resolving issues without further tests. The study also highlights the importance of communication and symptom-specific treatments for effective management.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the brain uses geometric relationships to create a mental compass, enabling people to navigate and orient themselves in their environment. The study, led by Russell Epstein and Steven Marchette, used fMRI scans to analyze the retrosplenial complex region of the brain.
A new study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that teenage sexting may precede and predict future sexual activity. The research suggests that sexting is becoming a normal part of adolescent sexual development, rather than strictly linked to at-risk teens.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus found that the brain can temporarily disconnect past experiences from decision-making circuits, triggering random behavior. The team manipulated a stress hormone called norepinephrine to switch between random and strategic modes.
Researchers at Michigan State University investigate whether diverse research teams foster sharing of data and giving credit to colleagues. The study aims to improve scientific practices and build trust in the community.
A recent Cornell University study reveals that anticipation of experiences, like travel or concerts, can boost happiness levels. In contrast, waiting for material goods tends to lead to frustration and poor behavior.
A study by Wayne State University researchers found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training significantly improved RA patients' pain and mood for at least a year. In contrast, written emotional disclosure had only short-term benefits on joints and functioning. The combination of both therapies showed no unique benefits.
Habits emerge through associative learning, involving automatic behaviors in stable contexts. Changing habits requires derailing existing habits, repetition, and stable context cues.
Researchers advocate for a new discipline combining benefits of neuroscience and psychology treatments to address mental disorders. The 'mental health science' approach aims to uncover mechanisms of existing psychological treatments and leverage neuroscience insights to create improved therapies.
Researchers found a strong correlation between retirement savings and health improvement behaviors, with 401(k) contributors improving their health by 27% more than non-contributors. The study controlled for initial health, demographics, and job type to find that financial planning predicts future health changes.