Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
A UBCO study found that all forms of touch with therapy dogs contribute positively to participants' emotional wellbeing, regardless of which part is interacted with. The research suggests that simple interaction with a therapy dog can make a difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to find that even people with minimal concern for others would choose to self-isolate when sick, suppressing diseases in the long-term. The study suggests that only a small amount of altruism is needed to achieve indefinite suppression as an alternative to herd immunity.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that food insecurity negatively affects employees' anxiety, work engagement, and task performance. Employers can improve job outcomes by offering free or discounted food through various programs.
A new study reveals that being informed of potential failure can significantly motivate entrepreneurs to work harder and commit more deeply to their business ventures. Researchers found that those who recalled being told they would fail displayed a deeper commitment to persisting with their businesses.
A new study found that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce depression symptoms in people who have experienced early-life adversity. The study, led by Eric Loucks, found that participants in the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction Program showed significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to those in an en...
A study by Cornell University found that people prioritize enjoyment over time when evaluating their progress toward goals in fitness, education, and careers. In one study, participants who enjoyed a workout reported making more progress despite taking less time than those who didn't enjoy the activity.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that stellate ganglion block enhances the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for treating PTSD, leading to faster symptom reduction and improved outcomes.
Research from the University of Bath reveals that childhood adversity can alter the expression of genes associated with educational attainment, leading to differences in risk tolerance and patience. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may prioritize short-term needs over long-term gains, creating hidden barriers to social mobility.
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
A new study found that improvements in relationship confidence have the biggest impact on individual outcomes, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced substance use. Relationship confidence involves trusting that a partner can handle challenges and feeling assured of building a lasting future together.
A world-leading toolkit has been launched to better identify and support Autistic adults at risk of suicide. The toolkit, developed by La Trobe University researchers, provides validated neuro-affirming tools to improve understanding, communication, screening, and support for Autistic adults in distress.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
A new study by Bournemouth University calls for faster autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support to reduce autistic people's suicidal thoughts and attempts. The research identified key priorities, including improving autism diagnostic services, tackling societal inequalities, and providing autism-specific support in crisis.
Research identifies four profiles of resilience that predict different psychological outcomes, including lower anxiety and depression. The study developed a new resilience model with proactive and reactive components, which are associated with better mental health outcomes.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
Researchers say tech companies need to adopt user-centered approaches to create authentication systems that are secure by design. They call for more inclusive and consistent methods, avoiding one-size-fits-all models that burden users with complex security rules.
The article highlights the psychological demands of self-driving cars on human brains, citing Professor McLeod's research and personal experience. He emphasizes the need for clearer interfaces, simulation-based training, and updated driving tests to address these challenges and ensure safe automation uptake across society.
A massive genome-wide association study identified 58 genetic variants associated with increased anxiety risk, pointing to 66 genes involved in stress response. The study also found strong genetic overlap with depression, neuroticism, and PTSD, underscoring the shared biology behind emotional distress.
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
A new Concordia-led study found that CEOs who experienced natural disasters in childhood tend to run firms with better workplace safety records. The research analyzed data from over 500 CEOs and found that these executives' companies reported significantly fewer work-related injuries.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Researchers studied 1,163 subjects across 31 queue variations and found that compensation depends on what's ahead, not wait time. The study provides a rigorous baseline for designing future queuing systems.
A study found that nearly a quarter of young people taking psychotropic medications were prescribed multiple medications with serious interaction risks. The greatest increases in medication use were seen among children and young adults, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and research on long-term safety.
A new study from Rice University suggests that drivers often misunderstand cyclist hand signals, which can lead to accidents. The research found that arm signals are the most effective way for drivers to understand a cyclist's intentions, but even these signals can be misinterpreted in certain situations.
A recent study by the University of York found that UK polling clerks made mistakes in 36% of cases when tested with real ID documents. The findings challenge the assumption that human checks are a reliable barrier against voter fraud, highlighting the need for improved training methods and alternative security measures.
A long-term study with over 700 participants shows that focusing on the strength of people with depression increases their self-confidence and enables them to better achieve personal goals. Reflecting on their strengths also leads to improved progress towards set goals.
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
Researchers have found that babies can detect verb inconsistencies as early as 10 months old, using brain imaging technology. This finding suggests that infants begin to develop an understanding of verbs before they even say their first words.
A new study reveals that consumers who morally support companies hiring homeless individuals often drop purchase intentions due to irrational 'contagion concerns', triggered by emotional reactions linked to stereotypes about hygiene and safety. Social proof appeals can counteract this bias, increasing purchase likelihood.
A new study from UT Arlington reveals that one in four US adolescents experience neighborhood trauma, leading to increased substance use. Cyberbullying is more strongly linked to substance use than traditional school bullying, and team sports participation can also contribute to increased alcohol use.
A new study found that participants felt closer to AI in emotional conversations than humans, especially when the AI provided personal information. However, this closeness decreased significantly when participants knew they were communicating with an AI.
A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.
A new set of guidelines provides veterinarians and pet owners with a clear approach to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also known as canine dementia. The guidelines outline key signs, diagnostic levels, and stages of disease severity to support care decisions.
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
A study found that ordering takeaway meals is a popular self-gifting option for both rewarding good days and consoling bad days. The research suggests that this may be due to the convenience of taking away daily cooking duties, while also providing a indulgent treat.
A Tel Aviv University study found that brain function can influence vaccine effectiveness by activating the brain's reward system, leading to a better immune response. The study used fMRI neurofeedback technology to train participants to modulate their brain activity in a key region responsible for dopamine release.
Researchers propose a neuroscience framework explaining how motivation fundamentally reshapes memory. Two motivational moods - an interrogation-driven mood supported by dopamine and an imperative-driven mood supported by noradrenaline - are associated with different neural contexts, determining the type of memory formed.
Dog owners experienced a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned to pre-pandemic levels. Non-dog owners showed no significant changes. Before the pandemic, dog ownership was associated with high exercise self-efficacy, predicting greater physical activity.
A new analysis of wellbeing interventions shows that there is no single route to improving mental health, with mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions all showing moderate benefits. Combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.
Smartphone apps based on psychological theories are 3 times more effective than minimal support in helping people quit smoking long-term. The apps improve sustained abstinence rates when combined with traditional interventions or pharmacotherapy.
A recent study found that people globally perceive themselves as less at risk of climate change than others, with the effect most pronounced among Europeans. This 'self-other' discrepancy may delay necessary action and hinder climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
A new study from Tel Aviv University reveals that participants consistently preferred options with more positive facial expression mimicry during conversations. Facial mimicry is found to predict choices even when personal taste is not explicitly stated.
Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers uncovers the psychology behind seeking or avoiding information, revealing a common emotional mechanism. The findings suggest that both behaviors stem from regulating emotions and managing psychological overload, rather than moral responsibility.
Compulsive behaviours are common across many mental health conditions, where people repeat actions despite negative consequences. New research in rats suggests that triggering inflammation in the striatum may shift behaviour toward more deliberate decision-making, rather than habit.
Research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that swearing can improve physical performance by helping individuals feel focused, confident, and less distracted. Participants who swore during a chair pushup task were able to support their body weight significantly longer than those who repeated a neutral word.
Researchers study topics most frequently discussed with grandchildren, revealing cultural and gender differences. The study highlights the importance of investing in well-being for both grandparents and grandchildren, showing that digital communication is a valuable way to maintain relationships.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma and West Virginia University are studying concept flavored cigarillos to determine their potential for addiction. The study aims to inform the FDA's impending flavor ban on cigar products, which could have wider-reaching implications for e-cigarettes and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.
A risk evaluation tool aimed at protecting women from domestic violence has been found to be an effective predictor of deadly domestic abuse. However, the researchers emphasize that no scheme can perfectly predict the future and that continued improvement is necessary to safeguard victims.
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
A single 20-30 minute online course can improve young adults' tolerance of uncertainty, leading to reduced anxiety and depression. The course, which took less than half an hour to complete, showed lasting effects on mental health even a month after completion.
A major new study from University of Limerick analysing almost six million person-years of data has revealed that personality traits are linked to longevity and risk of death. The research highlights that personality is likely associated with risk of death through an influence on a range of health behaviours and biological processes.
A study by Linköping University found that right-leaning people are more susceptible to conspiracy theories and misinformation, while those on the left are less affected. The researchers suggest exposure, psychological factors, and anti-democratic values may contribute to this phenomenon.
Residents at a Japanese squat sustain autonomy through collaborative maintenance, fostering safety and inclusion. Simple spatial interventions enable diverse residents to coexist, challenging common assumptions on urban planning.
A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.
A University of Stirling-led study aims to improve care for vulvodynia patients by prioritizing patient-centered treatment and addressing knowledge gaps. The research found that education for healthcare providers, improved care pathways, and multidisciplinary support are top priorities.
Researchers at Stockholm School of Economics and Harvard University found that localized messaging can boost climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Homeowners who received emails mentioning their suburbs were twice as likely to seek more information on protective measures compared to those who received generic communications.
Researchers found that people perceive dogs as happier when they are in a sad mood and vice versa. The study suggests that there is a significant gap in understanding canine emotions, which can impact human-animal interaction and animal care.