Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
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 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 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 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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers demonstrates that a particular neuron creates a 'personal space' in the retina, similar to human behavior. The study identifies a genetic contributor to this feature, pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (Pttg1), and shows that it is heritable.
The Institute of Medicine report reveals that millions of dollars spent on PTSD treatment effectiveness are unmeasured, with neither department having a coordinated system to track outcomes. Mental health is crucial for successful re-entry after military service, but treatments' efficacy remains unknown.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that individuals with low dispositional attitudes (haters) spend more time on each activity than those with high dispositional attitudes (likers), despite doing fewer activities. This suggests that haters may be more focused and skilled in their chosen tasks.
A study by USC researchers found that webpage position significantly impacts collective judgments about content, leading to biased recommendations. Ordering content by recency of recommendation reduces these biases, allowing for more accurate assessments of user interest.
Two papers provide a unified definition of lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation, reducing errors in diagnosis and classification. The definition aims to improve treatment options for affected men and their partners.
A new study found that when consumers focus on internal feelings of power, they are less likely to purchase luxury items like BMWs. However, when focused on expected behavior, people in powerful roles are more likely to buy status-signaling products.
A new theoretical review published in American Psychologist suggests that favoritism, rather than hostility, is the primary cause of discrimination in the US. The researchers found that most discrimination occurs as a result of ordinary, unintentional acts that benefit those similar to the person doing the favor.
Researchers found that top-rated health and fitness apps typically use fewer than four behavior-change techniques, with most focusing on instruction, feedback, and goal-setting. The study highlights the need for developers to incorporate more effective techniques in their apps.
A study by San Francisco State University found that creative pursuits outside of work boost problem-solving and helping skills on the job. Employers can encourage employees to engage in more creative activities, either through personal time or bringing them into the workplace.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that people are more likely to register as organ donors if they have positive attitudes specifically about registering, rather than just supporting the idea of organ donation. Attitudes measured in surveys were key predictors of behavior.
A recent study found a strong correlation between states' core political characteristics and collective personality traits. States with lower conscientiousness or higher agreeableness tend to have a positive view of government, while those with higher openness to experience are more likely to be ideologically liberal.
Researchers used EEG to track emergence of rule structures in frontal cortex and predict behavior. Participants tended to infer cues of context and rules, with individual variation in structure-forming activity correlating with application in subsequent tasks.
Physicists observed quantum chaos in ultracold atoms using a controlled environment to study complex systems. The team confirmed the universality of random matrix theory through statistical analysis and computer simulations, revealing new insights into ultracold gases and chemistry.
A recent study explores the mental state of returning veterans, finding that many struggle with identity conflict and feel 'alien' among family and friends. The research highlights the need for broader dialogue around veteran experiences beyond diagnosable illnesses like PTSD.
Research from INSEAD and The Wharton School found that mindfulness meditation can counteract the sunk-cost bias, a behavior where people hold on to losing stocks or bad relationships. By cultivating awareness of the present moment, mindfulness meditation reduces negative emotions and facilitates rational decision-making.
Researchers Jingjing Ma and Neal J. Roese found that individuals with a 'must have the best' mindset experience more regret and are less satisfied with purchases, leading to negative effects on psychological well-being.
A UW study of 1,228 female twins found that caregiving's relationship with depression, anxiety, and perceived mental health is influenced by genetics and upbringing. Anxiety is the most closely linked to caregiving, while environmental factors have a greater impact on perceived stress.
Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that professional athletes in NBA and MLB experience a decline in performance after signing new contracts, dubbed 'contract year syndrome'. This decline is attributed to a post-contract slump that can last two years.
Duke researchers found that neurons in the superior colliculus use two different strategies when responding to visual and auditory stimuli, contradicting previous theories. This discovery opens up a mystery regarding the underlying mechanism of how vision captures sound.