Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
A new study suggests that finding pleasure in necessary activities is key to boosting self-control. By reframing tasks as 'want-to's' and planning for motivation shifts, individuals can improve their ability to override thoughts and emotions.
Researchers found that athletes' initial body language after winning, known as a 'dominance threat display,' is innate and stems from an evolutionary need to establish order. This behavior is stronger in cultures that emphasize hierarchy.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people who use the risk of losing their monthly healthy food discount as a motivational tool are more likely to make healthier choices at the grocery store. By precommitting to increase their healthy food purchases, participants increased their healthy food intake by an average ...
A new study suggests that people's mental representation of Republican candidate Mitt Romney's face differs based on their political persuasion. Researchers found that when presented with subtle changes to Romney's face, participants who supported him rated the images as more trustworthy and competent.
Research finds that thinking about time reduces cheating behavior by encouraging self-reflection, whereas priming people to think about money makes them more likely to cheat. This study suggests that boosting self-reflection might be an effective way to curb dishonesty.
A new study finds that consumers donate less when focused on distant future but more when abstract thinking is used. Brands can leverage this by emphasizing the fun experience of a product, rather than its unpleasant side effects.
A UC Berkeley study found that shoppers spend more money when engaged in a 'pay-it-forward' chain of goodwill than when they can name their own price. The results shed light on the psychological and social forces guiding consumer decisions beyond getting the best deal.
Exposure to a single pro-smoking media message increases smoking intentions by an average of 22% and remains elevated for 7 days. Researchers found that repeated exposures to pro-smoking messages can lead to a cumulative effect on attitudes and behaviors towards smoking.
UC Riverside researchers found that recipients prefer to hear bad news first, while news-givers prefer good news. However, the timing of good news can impact behavior change, with a good-bad-good delivery strategy potentially undermining its effectiveness. The study suggests a good-then-bad news order may be more beneficial for recipie...
Researchers discovered that self-control decreases over the course of a day, leading to increased dishonesty in the afternoon. Participants were more likely to cheat or engage in unethical behavior when tested later in the day.
A study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMR) in reducing heavy drinking among anxious alcoholics. The addition of medication to either CBT or PMR did not decrease alcohol consumption.
A new study by the American Psychological Association finds that people who cheat without causing harm experience an emotional boost, contrary to expectations. The research involved over 1,000 participants and revealed that cheating can lead to feelings of satisfaction, even when the payoff is small.
Researchers found that physical changes to products during and after consumption can reduce recycling rates. Consumers are more likely to throw away items with distorted forms than intact ones.
A longitudinal study of over 1,300 youths found that early school engagement is crucial in avoiding problem behaviors and eventual dropout. The study highlights the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that fosters emotional well-being and competence.
A recent study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease can significantly reduce psychological and behavioral symptoms. Persons with a very mild Alzheimer's disease diagnosed at an early stage are better able to manage their daily activities than those diagnosed at a...
During stressful periods, people tend to default to unhealthy snacks due to ingrained habits rather than cravings. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of new food products, highlighting the importance of disrupting existing consumer habits.
A Baylor University study found that warring couples desire a willingness to relinquish power and share control during conflicts. The top desired behaviors from partners include showing investment, stopping adversarial behavior, and communicating more.
A study by San Francisco State University found that older married couples tend to increase their avoidance of conflict discussions over time. This shift may be driven by age-related changes in socioemotional goals, where individuals prioritize less conflict and more positive experiences.
Research suggests that individuals with low self-control are more willing to sacrifice time and energy for their romantic partners or best friends. This phenomenon is observed even when self-control is not explicitly taxed, indicating a possible link between impulsivity and pro-social behavior in close relationships.
A new study finds that individuals in expansive physical environments are more likely to exhibit dishonest behavior, such as stealing and cheating. The research suggests that subtle postural shifts can influence thoughts and feelings, leading to a state of power that elicits dishonest actions.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that nearly 300,000 stroke/TIA survivors develop PTSD symptoms each year, with one in nine experiencing chronic symptoms. The study suggests that PTSD is an under-recognized problem among stroke patients, and that social support is a key protective factor against PTSD.
A new study shows that spending time on one's own Facebook profile can increase self-esteem. However, this boost in self-esteem ultimately diminishes motivation to perform well in tasks. The study used the Implicit Association Test and found significant effects of Facebook profile viewing on psychological effects.
Researchers found that individuals tend to default to positive habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast or going to the gym, even when stressed. This suggests that the underlying routine is more important than self-control in meeting goals.
A new study by Ed O'Brien found that people tend to 'explain away' the presence of bad possibilities, thinking they won't occur, but struggle more with recalling positive experiences. This finding has implications for how we think about happiness and well-being.
A study of returning veterans with major limb injuries found that while pain improved significantly within the first year, mental health problems such as depression and PTSD persisted. The research highlighted the need for ongoing biobehavioral pain and psychological care to help severely injured veterans cope with their pain and trauma.
A recent study suggests that people with low self-control prefer and depend on individuals with high self-control, which can aid in overcoming temptation. The findings also indicate that these individuals may be more likely to form adaptive relationships by surrounding themselves with others who possess strong self-control.
A recent study by Northeastern University found that meditation increases compassionate behavior, boosting responses to help others in need. The study, funded by the Mind and Life Institute, showed that meditation can alter the calculus of the moral mind, leading to more virtuous behavior.
Researchers discovered that individuals with large choice sets overestimate probabilities of rare events and take riskier gambles. Participants gathered more information with smaller choice sets, but repeated this pattern with larger sets.
A new study suggests that mindfulness can help overcome barriers to self-knowledge, including blind spots in thinking, feeling, and behaving. By increasing bodily awareness, mindfulness may reduce emotional reactivity and improve our ability to see ourselves more accurately.
Researchers at BUSM found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can relieve pain for people with painful diabetic neuropathies. CBT, a psychological treatment approach, was compared to treatment as usual in a study of veterans with type II diabetes.
Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that priming participants with a belief in moral realism led to increased charitable donations, suggesting that considering objective moral facts can motivate people to behave better.
A study by Miriam Hospital researchers found that individuals with more willpower lost more weight, were more physically active, and consumed fewer calories from fat. Practicing acts of self-control, such as eating a low-fat diet and working out, can strengthen the 'muscle' of self-control.
A new survey of stroke survivors found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are less likely to adhere to treatment regimens that reduce the risk of a future stroke. Approximately one in three patients with PTSD had concerns about their medications, leading to increased ambivalence and nonadherence.
Studies by University of Missouri psychologists found that individuals with 'urgency' personality tend to drive after drinking due to impulsivity. Reducing travel wait times for taxis and public transit could provide a safe alternative, helping to lower DWI rates.
A Northwestern University study found that black football players are more likely to be penalized for celebrations compared to their white counterparts. Participants rated arrogance levels equally regardless of race but suggested lower compensation for black celebrants. This 'hubris penalty' highlights racial bias in NFL rewards.
Teachers can utilize specific behaviors to increase students' emotional and cognitive interest, leading to greater engagement. Research found that immediacy behaviors stimulate emotional arousal, while clarity behaviors enhance structural understanding of course content.
A study by researchers found that when nurse leaders' actions mirror their spoken words regarding safety, unit nurses are more likely to report errors, leading to a stronger commitment to safe practices. This, in turn, results in a reduction in patient treatment errors.
Researchers found that faster decision-makers tend to contribute more to a common good, suggesting intuition plays a key role in cooperation. People's moral intuitions also clash when values conflict, highlighting the need for reflection to reconcile differences.
A study found that people under time pressure are more likely to lie, while those with time constraints are less likely. With more time, individuals can justify their behavior and refrain from dishonesty.
Stephen M. Golant has received the prestigious award for his innovative publication on the emotional and theoretical aspects of older adults' experiences in their living environments. His work proposes a new framework to understand how aging individuals optimize the fit between themselves and their physical and social environments.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that reflecting on experiences of giving rather than receiving leads to increased prosocial behavior. Researchers Adam Grant and Jane Dutton observed a significant increase in calls made by fundraisers who wrote about giving, compared to those who wrote about receiving.
Researchers suggest that high-level construal, or categorizing events abstractly, can influence self-control by increasing sensitivity to broader implications of behavior. This can lead to greater consistency between values and actions.
A recent study suggests that matching employees and customers based on their personalities can lead to improved service experiences. Empathic relationships between employees and customers are crucial for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
A Baylor University study suggests that providing restitution can facilitate forgiveness, but pairing it with an apology is crucial. The research found that participants were more likely to show forgiving behavior if they received restitution, whereas self-reported apologies led to a higher rate of reported forgiveness.
New research suggests that doing good deeds can have a positive impact on life outcomes, such as job hunting and medical test results. Participants who reflected on uncontrollable outcomes were more likely to volunteer their time and make charitable donations.
A new model predicts the effectiveness of weight-loss groups based on their psychological meaningfulness to members. The study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of group participation's impact on health and contribute to future development of weight-management programs.
A significant number of teenagers engage in sexting despite being unaware of the potential consequences. Nearly 20% of students surveyed had sent a sexually explicit image via cell phone, with over a third doing so despite believing there could be serious legal and other consequences.
A new study by Professor Mark Stein identifies a 'manic culture' of denial, omnipotence, and triumphalism among bankers, economists, and politicians leading up to the 2008 credit crisis. This behaviour led to excessive risk-taking and catastrophic consequences.
A new NIH-funded study examines the use of mobile technology to improve diet and physical activity behavior in adults. The study found that a combination of mobile technology and remote coaching holds promise in encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing sedentary leisure time.
A new study suggests that powerful individuals are not immune to environmental influences, which can trigger counter-dispositional behavior. Research found that power-holders' habitual natures can be superseded by other responses, including those they rarely consider.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel approach to treating compulsive checking in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers. By targeting individuals' faulty beliefs about responsibility, memory, and danger, the treatment aims to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
Researchers used robot squirrels to mimic tail flagging and heating behaviors, showing snakes respond to infrared signals. The findings help biologists better understand rattlesnake behavior and interactions with California ground squirrels.
A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine reveals that survivors of multiple cancers exhibit poorer physical and mental health status compared to those with a single cancer diagnosis. These individuals also engage in more unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
A new study by Jason Q. Purnell found that individuals who perceive discrimination are more likely to smoke, with workplace discrimination being a significant factor. The research highlights the importance of addressing discrimination in health care settings and workplaces to improve smoking cessation rates.
A new study found that individuals motivated to actively change bad habits are more likely to make impulsive decisions that undermine their long-term goals. In contrast, those primed with words suggesting inaction found it easier to avoid such decisions.
The February issue of NeuroRehabilitation assesses factors affecting rehab of Spanish-speaking individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Cultural differences may influence the rehabilitation process, resulting in limited access to services.
Researchers found that motivation to exercise changes on a weekly basis and is linked to behavior. Consistently strong intentions are key to following through on physical activity goals.
A randomized controlled trial found that patient education plus positive-affirmation induction and self-affirmation improved medication adherence in hypertensive African-Americans compared to patient education alone. The PA group had a 42% medication adherence rate at 12 months, whereas the PE group had a 36% rate.
A new study found that unhappy employees are more likely to have unmet psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When supervisors provide options and support, employees' basic needs are met, leading to higher happiness and well-being.