Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
Researchers found that individuals with basolateral amygdala (BLA) damage were more generous to those they were emotionally connected to, but less so to strangers. This suggests the BLA regulates generosity based on social distance.
Research found that conservative Americans exhibit lower trust in science across various fields, including climate change and medical research. Despite short interventions aimed at strengthening trust, results showed little effect on conservatives' attitudes towards scientists.
Research found that people taking GLP-1s consume less processed foods, soda, refined grains, and beef, but still desire them. The study also showed an increase in consumption of fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains among GLP-1 users.
New research suggests that White Americans living in counties with higher Black poverty rates are more likely to believe racial equality exists and attribute Black poverty to a lack of effort. This paradoxical belief has significant consequences, predicting reduced support for policies addressing racial disparities.
Researchers found that medical imaging experts can solve common optical illusions, including judging the size of objects. Training to improve visual perception can also make experts less susceptible to these illusions. This study has implications for training medical image analysts.
A new study by Aston University found that self-efficacy significantly influences both positive and counterproductive workplace behaviors. Employees with higher self-efficacy are more likely to engage in citizenship performance and resist unethical actions.
Recent studies published in Behavioral Medicine and Alcohol explore the link between pain and substance use among emerging adults. Individuals with moderate to severe pain are more likely to start using cannabis over a four-year period, often taking it up earlier, and are also at higher risk of mixing it with alcohol.
Researchers found that relationship satisfaction declines over time, leading to a terminal phase with a rapid deterioration in satisfaction. The transition point marks the beginning of this phase, which lasts 7-28 months and is characterized by accelerated decline.
Researchers found that people prefer to share information that enhances others' positive self-views, especially if the other person has a likable or neutral personality. However, this tendency disappears when the other person is perceived as dislikable or when the goal of providing accurate information is emphasized.
Researchers at Annenberg Public Policy Center found that using 'I Will Vote' stickers significantly enhances voting intentions and attitudes towards voting. The study suggests that a future-oriented perspective promotes thoughts about outcomes and planning, strengthening citizens' capacity to successfully perform the intended behavior.
New research reveals that second-screening can create a sense of social connection, increasing engagement and repeat viewing intentions. When viewers are alone, reaching for their phone can deepen the experience by connecting with others in real-time. In contrast, second-screen use creates a disconnect when shared with others.
The UK's top earners contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, yet they can drive systemic change through their purchasing power and influence. Wealthy individuals are more likely to adopt green technologies, but their lifestyles remain high-emission due to frequent flying and luxury consumption.
A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that individuals with minority viewpoints may self-silence themselves in conversation, leading to changed behavior that contradicts their true opinions. The study, led by Kristin Hurst, involved 248 undergraduate students and showed that participants who felt the...
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that positive hands-on experiences with EVs significantly boost purchase intentions, while negative experiences can deter potential buyers. The researchers advocate for increased investment in public test-driving events and educational campaigns to address consumer adoption.
New research by psychologists from Staffordshire University and the University of Birmingham identifies spite as a key factor that underlies conspiracy theory belief. Higher levels of spite are associated with a stronger belief in conspiracy theories, and it mediates the relationship between conspiracy theory belief and established pre...
A two-month intervention targeting ultra-processed foods resulted in a significant reduction of UPF intake, with participants consuming almost half the amount initially. Participants also experienced weight loss, improved mood, and reduced sugar, saturated fat, and sodium consumption.
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
A systematic review of 38 studies found that frequent use of health and fitness apps is associated with problematic habits related to food and exercise. The research highlights the need for app developers to consider the psychological impacts of these tools on users' mental health.
A study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Hanyang University explores how AI service quality affects retail employees' innovation, job fit, and job satisfaction. The results suggest that employees are more likely to engage in innovative behaviors when they perceive benefits from AI interactions.
Researchers found that textisms like adding periods after each word or putting words in individual bubbles can add emotional intensity to messages. The study suggests that readers interpret these textisms as conveying emotion, assuming they were included deliberately.
Understanding how dominance and tribal instincts fuel division is critical to addressing global conflicts and economic inequality. Professor Jorge A. Colombo argues that fundamental behavioural drives are hardwired into our species and continue to shape human behaviour today.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people tend to discriminate in favor of individuals who show a similarity to them, even when the similarity arises from a random event. The research suggests that individual differences are enough to trigger discrimination, contradicting traditional theories.
A study led by Dr Eliane Deschrijver found people tend to discriminate in favour of individuals who show a similarity to them, regardless of group affiliation. The research used a simple coin toss as a trigger for discriminatory tendencies, suggesting individual processes may play a role in discrimination.
Researchers at Stockholm University introduce the 'Valentine's Scale', a 7-question scientifically validated scale to measure relationship satisfaction. The scale provides concrete tips for strengthening relationships and has been shown to predict improvements in quality of life and mental health problems.
New research suggests that educating low-knowledge luxury consumers about the appeal of counterfeit goods can help combat the trillion-dollar counterfeit market. Consumers with high subjective knowledge in this domain are less likely to partake in counterfeits, while those with lower knowledge are more drawn to them.
Psychologists from the Konstanz Cluster of Excellence use portable EEGs to examine synchronization of brain activity in groups of viewers who watch real video health messages against risky alcohol consumption. The study demonstrates that strong messages lead to increased synchronization of brain waves, a key finding with implications f...
A study led by Penn State's Sara Dommer found that people cheat on tasks like crossword puzzles and calorie tracking when intrinsic rewards are at stake. Participants reported higher scores and attributed their performance to intelligence, rather than cheating, even after being graded objectively.
The University of Bath's new Institute for Digital Security and Behavior aims to put people at the heart of research into digital security and behavior. Researchers will study factors that make individuals, organizations, and societies safer and more secure.
A tailored, toolkit-based intervention improved integrated behavioral health (IBH) integration in primary care practices. Practices that completed more intervention stages showed significant improvements in IBH, particularly in workflows and patient identification.
A recent study found that positive affectivity contributes to higher physical activity levels and increased activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, depressive feelings are associated with lower physical activity levels. Mental well-being plays a crucial role in maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
Researchers identify key brain signals prediction error and expected value to predict recovery potential in depression. They found unique brain activity patterns that could inform tailored therapy strategies, targeting specific symptoms of depression.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Development identified five key dimensions of transformative life decisions: conflicting cues, change of self, uncertain experiential value, irreversibility, and risk. The study proposes simple decision strategies to address these dimensions, including tallying, ideal self-realization, lear...
A new study finds that media coverage of civilian casualties increases public support for U.S. involvement in conflicts when the victims are from allied countries, evoking empathy and a sense of democratic justification. However, this effect is absent when civilians from non-allied nations are affected.
Dr. Cathy Barr's groundbreaking research sheds light on the genetic foundations of conditions including depression, ADHD, reading disabilities, and Tourette syndrome. Her work has the potential to lead to more targeted treatments and reduce stigma around psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that patience is a strategy to cope with feelings of impatience, triggered by unfair or unreasonable delays. People who are more emotionally skilled and agreeable tend to be more patient in such situations.
Researchers Casey Taft and Dawne Vogt are developing trauma-informed programs to help veterans struggling with PTSD, intimate partner violence, and aggression. Their work aims to improve the mental health of veterans returning from service, providing a supportive and evidence-based approach.
New research from Indiana University finds that accepting funding from family and friends can lead entrepreneurs to make more conservative venture growth decisions. This 'funding-source-induced bias' can result in anticipated guilt, prompting founders to prioritize lower-risk strategies.
Researchers found that only programs promoting physical activity or eating more fruit and vegetables showed promise, while others had little effect. Tailored, multi-level and innovative approaches are required to enact positive change among truck drivers.
Bentham Science journals Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry and CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets accepted for PsycInfo database indexing, enhancing global visibility of research. PsycInfo provides extensive coverage of behavioral and social sciences, making this move a significant step forward.
A leading psychologist argues that eco-friendly fashion must become more accessible to all consumers. Dr Mair's book highlights the importance of psychology in promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry. She advocates for educational advertising campaigns and improved accessibility to encourage responsible purchasing habits.
Researchers find that experiences can create lasting mental imprints affecting future well-being and decision-making. Memorable consumption choices are influenced by both immediate utility and the ongoing utility derived from memory.
Researchers found that people underestimates the significance of future life events, such as Thanksgiving holidays and career choices. A three-year study aims to understand why this occurs and provide ideas for improvement.
A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.
Researchers found that bypassing misinformation, by providing accurate information with positive implications, can be superior to correction in situations where people form beliefs rather than attitudes. This approach has potential for informing strategies to combat misinformation and change behavior. The study suggests a more nuanced ...
Iain Couzin, a pioneer in collective behaviour research, has been honoured on the prestigious Global Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate Analytics. His work seeks to uncover core principles behind collective behaviour in nature, using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and imaging hangars.
Research from the University of Surrey found that physical cash fosters a sense of psychological ownership, leading to more responsible spending behaviors. Participants in focus groups and questionnaires reported feeling a deeper connection to their money when using cash, which is lacking with digital payments.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that heart attack survivors experience significant fear and anxiety about having another heart attack. The fear can be triggered by various factors, including new health information and lack of follow-up care. The study highlights the need for e...
A new study suggests that immune system imbalances may trigger and sustain depressive symptoms, particularly in high-risk groups. The review challenges traditional neurotransmitter-focused theories and offers insights into the complex interactions between inflammation and depressive symptoms.
Researchers analyzed data from 26 countries, revealing that Mondays have the highest suicide risk, while New Year's Day increases risk across all nations. Men are also more vulnerable to day-of-the-week and holiday-related variations in suicide risk.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.
The University of Missouri's College of Education and Human Development is giving free online training and coaching to 110 middle school teachers in rural Missouri. The goal is to create a safe learning environment, with the potential to reduce stressors for teachers and improve student engagement.
A new analysis conducted at New York University shows that political polarization poses significant health risks in the US by obstructing policy implementation, discouraging individual action to take remedies, and fostering the spread of misinformation. The study suggests potential ways to minimize its impact on Americans' health, incl...
Researchers developed a tool to assess narcissistic grandiosity among job candidates, evaluating their approach to teamwork and decision-making. The Narcissism Interview Scale for Employment (NISE) aims to prioritize finding the right candidates for a healthy work environment.
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.