Articles tagged with Behavioral Psychology
A Tulane University study found that ephemeral photos on dating apps can lead to better outcomes for users, increasing the number of matches and conversations. The research suggests that people are more willing to share personal info due to higher levels of privacy.
The study found that heart rate decreases and parasympathetic activity increases when interacting with friends, but not strangers. This suggests that social relationships influence physiological responses during social interactions.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that adolescents with high positive affect reported lower rates of anxiety and depression, and higher optimism as adults. Positive affect was associated with healthier behaviors and decreased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.
A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.
A new self-guided digital CBTi program has shown significant improvements in sleep and mental health symptoms among adults with insomnia. The 'Bedtime Window' program is designed to increase accessibility to CBTi, reducing reliance on sleeping pills for insomnia treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that team-based reward systems can lead to employees remaining silent when witnessing unethical behavior from fellow team members. The research suggests that these systems can create an environment where undesirable behavior is suppressed, making it less likely to be reported.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people who respond to estimations are more likely to be influenced by their previous answers, a phenomenon known as serial dependence. This could aid research into how information presentation affects human understanding.
A University of Ottawa study found that older adults understand emoji meanings but are hesitant to use them due to low confidence and technical expertise. The research suggests promoting emoji use can combat ageism and reduce loneliness.
LGBTQ+ managers who adopt authentic leadership styles experience greater career satisfaction and psychological benefits, particularly those lacking self-confidence. The study highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership for promoting engagement and job satisfaction.
A study by researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that chronic cocaine use alters the functional networks in the brain, including the default mode network and salience network. This disruption can make it harder for individuals to focus, control impulses, or feel motivated without the drug.
A study by Linköping University researchers found that most scientists believe they are better than average at following good research practices. However, the results also show that researchers tend to overestimate their own ethical behavior, which can lead to polarization in the research world and hinder interdisciplinary collaboration.
A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.
Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.
A new study found that genetic factors contribute around 33% to the variation in levels of trust among individuals, while life circumstances such as age, health, and relationship status also increase trust. The research used twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on trust.
The brain is wired to learn from people who are liked, making connections and updates more likely when faced with information from familiar individuals. This study shows how our brains draw inferences and remember selectively, influencing polarization and knowledge resistance.
A study by Annabelle Roberts explores the internal negotiations that occur when people feel impatient, including the desire for closure. The research finds that people become more impatient as their wait nears an end and offers lessons for marketers to make waiting less annoying.
A study by the Universities of Göttingen and Bonn found that reducing effort required to opt out of nudged options and increasing transparency of the nudge significantly improved public support for these interventions. The perception of upholding free choice and effectiveness were key drivers of acceptance.
A new study finds that older adults rely heavily on initial impressions of trustworthiness when making decisions, which can lead to overlooking bad behavior and falling victim to scams. Researchers recommend focusing on a person's actions rather than first impressions to avoid deception.
A new study by North Carolina State University finds that daily activities called 'uplifts' can significantly improve emotional well-being after a traumatic loss. These uplifting activities, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones, are found to be particularly beneficial on days when individuals report feeling older.
Researchers developed a novel approach to measuring community personality and found that people in like-minded communities tend to be happier, healthier, and more highly achieving. Communities differ significantly in terms of personality traits, with some counties having high proportions of open-minded or conscientious individuals.
A study of 123 adults found that providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly lowers alcohol consumption, with no significant gender differences in the rate of decline. Men reduced the quantity consumed per session, while women decreased their drinking frequency.
A new study found that self-compassion within romantic relationships can improve both partners' relationship satisfaction. Men in particular benefit from their partner's self-compassion, leading to higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
A recent study found that individual-level mental health interventions such as mindfulness and relaxation classes have no impact on employee wellbeing. In contrast, organizational changes like scheduling and management practices may be more effective in improving worker wellbeing.
New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.
A new study from the University of Bath suggests that combining mindfulness with exercise can increase its benefits for mental health and wellbeing. The research found that mindfulness can help motivate people to start exercising, reduce worry and stress, and promote healthier lifestyles.
A study published in PAIN found that exposure-based CBT and traditional CBT are equally effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study involved 274 participants with fibromyalgia and showed significant reductions in symptoms and functional impairment after 10-week treatment.
A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.
Researchers found that despite interest differences, gender gaps in career opportunities are substantial, particularly at lower education levels. The study suggests a need for gender diversity efforts to focus on professions that don't require a college degree.
Research by Dr Janina Steinmetz found that people are more likely to see others as having good self-control if they blame a lack of money rather than time for abandoning New Year's resolutions. Studies involving around 1,200 participants showed that excusing financial constraints leads to better perceptions of self-control.
A new global study evaluates evidence since its publication supports behavioral concepts highlighted in a previous paper on COVID-19 policy recommendations. The study confirms the importance of interventions to combat misinformation and polarization for ensuring adherence to public health guidelines.
A new study by UCF researcher Jeff Gish found that former entrepreneurs can successfully transition into employees, especially in roles harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit. Identity conflict between old and new selves was associated with burnout and lower boosterism levels.
The University of Louisville has been awarded $11.5 million from the National Institutes of Health to research and treat eating disorders. The project will investigate how eating disorders develop in childhood and adolescence, their contribution to suicidal behaviors, and the development of innovative personalized treatment.
Researchers found that practice interventions for improving integrated behavioral health (IBH) activities had a minimal impact on patient outcomes. However, practices that completed the intervention and those with higher IBH levels showed improved patient outcomes.
A Concordia University study found that Canadians of all sizes hold negative attitudes towards individuals with overweight and obesity, often internalizing these feelings and blaming their own behavior. The study also showed that females are more likely to report weight bias internalization than males.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool to identify and treat Hikikomori, a condition characterized by prolonged physical isolation or social withdrawal. The Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation (HiDE) assesses the severity of social withdrawal, providing a practical guide for clinicians.
A study found that workaholics have a consistently negative mood throughout the day, regardless of workload. Women are more vulnerable to workaholism due to role conflict and cultural expectations.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
A six-year study by four labs found that employing best practices in psychology research, including pre-registration and large sample sizes, resulted in highly replicable social-behavioral findings. The researchers replicated 16 novel findings with an average replication rate of 97% and no evidence of decline over repeated replications.
Researchers found CBT reduced fatigue and physical limitations in nearly 1300 patients with ME/CFS, regardless of symptoms or diagnosis. Younger, less impaired patients benefited most from CBT.
Researchers at Ohio State University will investigate the role of microglia cells in chronic inflammation and neuronal dysfunction after TBI, with a focus on preventing long-term consequences. The $7.7 million award aims to develop innovative healthcare solutions for traumatic brain injury survivors.
Researchers found that using natural hazards instead of disasters increases intentions to prepare and actual behavior, suggesting a potential solution to improve public response. The study suggests that the terms 'natural hazard' and 'natural disaster' have little impact on key perceptions.
A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...
A study by Dr Eva Krockow found that existing terms for antimicrobial resistance, such as 'antimicrobial resistance' and 'AMR', are not taken seriously enough, failing to evoke risk perceptions. The researchers suggest renaming the term to a more memorable one that can effectively convey the severity of the issue.
Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.
A new study at Aston University shows that children aged four and above consume 79% more calories when they are bored compared to a neutral mood. Children who were emotionally fed often ate five times more kilocalories when feeling bored.
A study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that crowdfunding platforms create a sense of democracy, but backers often come from similar groups and give to projects they find cool. This limits the democratizing potential of crowdfunding.
A review of trials comparing ACT and CBT for depression found mixed results, but suggested that traditional CBT may have a slight edge. The research highlights the need for more reliable trial results to inform treatment decisions.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that individuals with strong communication skills and expertise are more likely to be chosen as central members of a network. As a result, teams that choose their own central member perform better than those with randomly assigned members. The study highlights the critical role of commu...
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that willful ignorance is prevalent and harmful, driven by a desire to maintain a positive self-image. People who chose not to learn consequences were less likely to be generous, whereas those who did choose to learn consequences were more likely to exhibit altruism.
The Mental Health GPS service, a data-backed care navigation platform, received 2,384 calls in its one-year pilot. Caller concerns included work/personal, depression, and general anxiety, with the service providing continuous support and resources to callers.
Regular snoozers who get an extra half hour of sleep show no negative effects on night sleep, mood, or cognitive abilities. In fact, they tend to wake up feeling more alert and quick-thinking.
A pilot study suggests that virtual reality therapy can help individuals with hoarding disorder practice decluttering by rehearsing organizational and decision-making skills in a simulated environment. Seven of nine participants showed significant improvements in self-reported hoarding symptoms, with an average decrease of 25%, and eig...
A randomized controlled trial found that nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults, with the reduction persisting after 8 weeks. The study suggests that these beverages may replace alcoholic drinks in consumption.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
A recent study found that Black adolescents are underrepresented in suicide research, with only 13% inclusion rate. Another study suggests cultural consensus modeling can elevate Black youth's voices and improve prevention strategies.
A study by Duke University psychologists finds that White people tend to see Multiracial faces as Black, while Black people see them as White. Multiracial participants show less bias when forced to choose one race, categorizing faces as White more often than Black.
A new study found that consumers tend to write negative reviews when their expected and actual nutritional values for food products do not match. This mismatch is the number one driver of negative reviews on online grocery sites. Consumers may be misinformed about the healthiness of foods due to inadequate nutritional information.
A new study found that ChatGPT-4 can generate highly accurate personal narratives based on stream-of-consciousness thoughts and demographic details. The AI model was used in conjunction with therapists to guide patients toward healthier thoughts and behaviors, suggesting a potential tool for improving therapeutic approaches.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experiencing shame leads to disidentification in individualistic societies, while anger triggers this effect in collectivistic cultures. The findings highlight the distinct emotional responses to social withdrawal in different cultural contexts.