Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
A new study from UT Arlington found that setting reminders can significantly reduce age-related declines in memory, particularly in prospective memory. The study suggests that reminders help counteract cognitive strain by making memory retrieval less reliant on internal processes.
A new study adapted acceptance-based mental health intervention ACT-W to fit Uganda's unique socio-cultural context. The programme aims to equip employees with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and common mental health issues at work.
A University of Michigan-led study found that treatment with either modafinil or cognitive behavioral therapy alone was associated with significant reductions in fatigue over 12 weeks. A combination of both treatments worked as well as each individual treatment but did not result in better fatigue scores.
Providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduces alcohol consumption in individuals with moderate to severe drinking problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores ≤7, 8-11, 12-14, and ≥15. However, this approach is not sufficient for those with more severe cases, highlighting the need for a combination of strategies.
A new five-year NIH-funded study will investigate the impact of stress, illness, and inflammation on bias in healthcare workers, particularly towards patients from racial minority groups. The research aims to identify situations that increase bias and develop effective anti-bias strategies.
Research shows that girls are more compassionate than boys, while both exhibit envy when a boy receives more. However, boys display spite towards other boys and tend to share with girls more than others. Gendered differences in fairness attitudes emerge in young children.
A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.
Research reveals people's perception of a food's appeal and calorie content is biased towards their previous rating, creating a chain reaction. This 'serial dependence' can inform strategies for food marketers and have potential applications in addressing eating disorders.
A study by UW researchers found a direct correlation between feeling 'wonder about the universe' and interest in astronomy. Populations with low light pollution reported higher levels of wonder, which led to increased interest in astronomy.
Research reveals that children who attended day care regularly are more likely to overcome stereotypical beliefs in adulthood. Participants who spent time in day care were quicker to adjust their behavior when interacting with people of different ages.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that 27% of respondents withhold inventions due to reasons such as emotional attachment, fear of credit, or lack of trust in management. The study aims to shed light on this phenomenon and develop effective management tools to increase employees' willingness to disclose their inventions.
Researchers found that serotonin release scales with the value of rewards, indicating its role in monitoring reward quality. The study used a new biosensor to measure serotonin levels in mice receiving varied concentrations of evaporated milk as rewards.
A new study reveals that many Vietnamese orchid collectors are unaware of the dire status of endangered species and the harm caused by over-harvesting. The researchers suggest targeted awareness campaigns and collaborations can transform these collectors into key conservation allies.
Research from the University of Portsmouth found that high impulsivity is linked to greater physiological reactions to boredom, including increased cortisol levels. The study suggests that targeting stress responses could lead to more effective coping mechanisms for psychiatric disorders.
A psychology study finds that framing climate action as a way to protect American values and traditions can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both liberals and conservatives. The study, which analyzed data from 50,000 participants across 60 countries, suggests that messaging that aligns ...
A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
New research finds that Dungeons & Dragons provides a friendly environment for autistic adults to engage in social interactions, build confidence, and feel included. The study shows that playing the game allows participants to relax without pressure and take on new personas outside of the game.
Researchers from the University of Florida and Indiana University found that even mild instances of rudeness can dramatically reduce team functioning and trigger defensive responses. The studies recommend implementing solutions to build team member resilience and mindfulness to deal with perceived threatening situations like rudeness.
A Michigan State University study found that nondeceptive placebos reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in just two weeks, even when participants knew they were taking placebos. The study used remote administration and showed significant benefits with minimal effort.
Researchers found that women who recalled a previous drinking episode took longer to consume vodka, suggesting lower motivation for alcohol consumption. The study also found that high-risk drinkers consumed faster than low-risk drinkers.
A study with Rohingya refugee children found that they exhibit resilient prosocial behaviour and increased well-being after participating in an intervention programme. The programme promoted cooperation, emotional perspective-taking, and cognitive skills training, leading to improved prosociality and cooperation among the children.
Researchers at UCLA found that venting frustrations to a friend can make them more likable and create stronger bonds, but only when listeners don't perceive aggressive intent. This 'competition' for friends' affections can lead to improved health, happiness, and social support.
A new screening tool, DuMAND Checklist, has shown promise for assessing neurobehavioral difficulties in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and improving quality of life. The checklist covers a range of issues including behavior, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive deficits.
A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...
A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that LGBTIQ+ individuals and their cisgender heterosexual allies experienced higher stress levels during the 2021 Swiss national referendum on marriage equality. The campaign's negative impact was attenuated when individuals saw supportive statements from the 'yes' campaign.
This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.
Researchers created a new cortical surface template called 'OpenNeuro Average' that provides greater accuracy and efficiency in analyzing neuroimaging data. The template is based on the geometric shape of the brain and can be used for studies on cognition, clinical neuroscience, autism, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The University of Toronto has introduced comprehensive guidelines for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults. These guidelines focus on assessment and harm reduction strategies to better support young individuals engaged in the use of these supplements. Healthcare professio...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that sending well-designed reminder messages increased COVID-19 booster uptake by 21% on average, outperforming free round-trip Lyft rides. The most effective messages were those encouraging recipients to make a vaccination plan and highlighting high local transmission rates.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.
A new University of Houston study reveals that residents in neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower police presence are more likely to smoke. The research found that these areas amplify feelings of powerlessness, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors like smoking.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the fear of being perceived as dirty overrides environmental awareness, leading to excessive washing. The researchers suggest encouraging people to use clothes more often and highlighting economic arguments against machine-washing.
A new study by Ohio University researchers shines a light on the challenges stunt professionals face regarding self-reporting of head injuries and the potential long-term consequences for their health and livelihoods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological toll of health conditions on in...
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people with an optimistic outlook on the future are less likely to be severe procrastinators. The researchers surveyed nearly 300 young people and discovered that those who believed their stress levels would decrease in the future were more likely to overcome procrastination.
Researchers found that men exhibit grandiose narcissism, while women display vulnerable narcissism, which is associated with a greater risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence and bullying. Vulnerable narcissism in women can also lead to subtle but significant harm.
Researchers at the University of Surrey challenge common misconceptions about habits, suggesting they are mental links between situations and actions. Forming new habits can help, but doesn't guarantee success; instead, strategies like avoiding triggers or replacing bad habits with good ones can increase chances of long-term change.
A study from Binghamton University reveals that men with 'toxic masculinity' tend to act on passive responses, regardless of consent. Men who display hostile masculinity view situations as more consensual and are more likely to escalate intimacy.
A study found that consumers prefer products with interrelated features, which are easier to use and perform well. Companies can increase sales by highlighting these connections, while reducing dissimilar features. Product developers should focus on adding value through functional connectivity rather than numerous new features.
A new study from Flinders University found that feeling connected to a social group can lead people to make healthier food choices. The research tested the idea that people are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if they feel like they belong to the same group as those promoting healthy eating.
A study at TUM has debunked the assumption that people overestimate dramatic causes of death due to media attention. Instead, deaths in personal environments have a more significant impact on risk perception. Respondents can consciously engage with news reports and incorporate other sources into their judgment.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania developed a model that incorporates two forms of gossip to study indirect reciprocity. They found that there is a mathematical relationship between these forms of gossip, allowing them to understand how much gossip is required to foster cooperation and how incorrect information ...
Researchers propose expanding research on nature's scents and olfactory cues to better understand their impacts on human health. The study aims to investigate the complex links between smell, nature, and human well-being, including the potential for unconscious biochemical processes.
Researchers found that politicians' affiliative smiles increased happiness and affinity in supporters, while reward smiles had a limited effect. The study highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in politics.
Researchers surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, finding they are motivated to exert effort while high and not lazy. Chronic use also affects self-regulation, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased thoughtfulness.
Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.
A recent study by psychologists from Simon Fraser University and the University of Sussex found that people are hesitant to reconnect with old friends, even when they want to. Despite having capacity and desire to do so, only about a third of participants send messages to rekindle lost friendships.
Research from the University of Florida shows that leaders reflecting on family gratitude experience higher levels of prosocial impact, motivating them to engage in helpful behavior towards employees. This reflection practice can be incorporated into daily routines, promoting a positive work environment.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that shared ancestry and transformative experiences can strengthen psychological bonding with humanity at large, motivating prosocial action on a global scale. The research suggests that fostering a shared global identity could facilitate cooperation on the global level.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that parents' perceptions of school meals have a significant influence on their children's participation in meal programs. Parents who viewed school meals positively were more likely to see benefits for their families, such as saving time and money, which...
Researchers found that watching sports fosters a sense of community and belonging, while triggering activation in the brain's reward circuits. Regular sports viewing may also induce changes in brain structures, leading to long-term benefits for individuals.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who use willpower to achieve goals are perceived as more trustworthy. Those who rely on external strategies, such as commitment strategies, are viewed as less capable of self-control and therefore less trustworthy.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that writing down one's reaction to a negative incident on paper and then disposing of it significantly reduces feelings of anger. The study found that participants who threw away the paper experienced a significant decrease in anger levels, while those who kept it saw only a small reduction.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that prioritizing phone use over partner support negatively impacts women's creativity at work. The study analyzed diary entries from 65 full-time couples with children and revealed that women are more adept at translating home support into workplace creativity.
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.