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Do older people take fewer risks?

Research by University of Basel found that older people do not necessarily take fewer risks than younger people, but rather their risk-taking behavior depends on the type and complexity of tasks. The study used both self-report and behavioral measures to investigate age-related changes in risk-taking propensity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2016

Do it well and do it right: Business success requires top-notch service and ethics

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers shows that businesses must balance quality service with ethical behavior to achieve success. The study found that excellent service alone is not enough for financial outcomes, highlighting the importance of low unethical behavior in customer satisfaction and financial returns.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Health behaviors and management critical for spinal cord injury patients

Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·DateAug 11, 2016

Does marriage affect drinking? A new study provides insights

A University of Virginia study found that married individuals tend to drink less frequently and in fewer drinks than single or divorced people. In contrast, singles are more likely to drink more often and in larger quantities. The researchers suggest that intimate relationships may provide a protective effect against excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 11, 2016

Focus on future to save more money

Research presented at the American Psychological Association's annual convention found that focusing on one's future can help individuals make better financial decisions. The study, which surveyed over 700 adults in the US, discovered that those who spent more time contemplating events yet to come scored significantly lower in impulsiv...

Researchers discover what makes mice freeze or flee

Researchers discovered mice's instinctive behavioral responses based on vision alone, offering a reliable way for future studies. The study found mice freeze 84% of the time when seeing small discs moving slowly across the screen, while fleeing 88% of the time when seeing growing discs simulating approaching predators.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

Pain of rejection makes us more likely to commit fraud

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are more likely to inflate insurance claims if their original submissions are rejected. The researchers used a mock insurance claim scenario and found that rejection leads to increased feelings of unhappiness and dishonest behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 25, 2016

When red evokes mischief

A new study found that people with high sensation-seeking personalities are more likely to engage in prank behavior when encountering the color red. This contradicts previous research suggesting that red leads to compliant behavior. The findings have implications for health campaigns, such as anti-smoking and safe sex initiatives.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 8, 2016

New in the Hastings Center Report

The article explores the negative effects of medical industry gifts on physicians, arguing that well-intentioned actions can be perniciously infected by industry presence. It also examines Medicare's new policy on advance planning and its limitations, as well as the quarantine controversy surrounding Ebola nurse Kaci Hickox's case.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 2, 2016

How to calm an anxious mind

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMay 18, 2016

Doubts about career potential can pave way for immoral professional conduct

Researchers found that negative feedback can prompt immoral behavior in high-achieving students pursuing careers in law, business, and STEM fields. Those who received negative feedback were more likely to endorse questionable behaviors, such as breaking contracts or disparaging others, to demonstrate their professional capabilities.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

When the boss's ethical behavior breaks bad

Research by Michigan State University found that ethical leaders are more likely to experience mental exhaustion, leading to moral licensing and increased abuse towards employees. To combat this, experts recommend prioritizing employee self-care, such as breaks, sleep, exercise, and boundary-setting.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2016

Bengtson, Harris, Putney, Sabbath, Mejia-Guevara, Glymour, Berkman to receive GSA's Kalish Awards

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...

What types of video games improve brain function?

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateOct 1, 2015

New research into completers and non-completers of offending behavior programs

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·DateSep 28, 2015

It's official: Workplace rudeness is contagious

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Your phone knows if you're depressed

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 15, 2015