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WEIRD science

Researchers found that traditional personality traits, like the Big Five, may not be universal across cultures. To improve psychological science, experts recommend considering socioecological theory and diversifying study samples from non-Western populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Moral decision making is rife with internal conflict, say developmental psychologists

A new study reveals that people are capable of articulating multiple considerations when making moral decisions, including harm, welfare, individual rights, fairness, and justice. Despite the complexity of scenarios like the trolley dilemma, participants were able to provide reasons for their judgments, indicating that moral reasoning ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateAug 2, 2018

Managers can help prevent employees from working while sick

A new study reveals that managerial support can help workaholics avoid attending work when sick and address work-family conflict. By recognizing the harm of presenteeism, managers can train themselves to develop protective factors against this phenomenon.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology·DateAug 9, 2017

Childhood poverty can rob adults of psychological health

A study by Cornell University researcher Gary Evans found that children from poor backgrounds are more likely to develop antisocial behavior, helplessness, and chronic physiological stress as adults. Early intervention and increasing poor families' incomes can help mitigate these issues.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2017

Science could help search for the next tennis champions

A new statistical method developed by researchers at the University of Bath aims to reduce selection bias in elite tennis talent identification. The approach considers biological maturity rather than chronological age, helping to uncover talented players who may be overlooked due to physical advantages gained through early maturation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPediatric Exercise Science·DateJul 6, 2016

Scaling mental resilience more effectively

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed a revised Sense of Coherence Scale to improve mental resilience assessments. The new questionnaire yields more accurate and objective results, revealing that individuals with greater resilience suffer less from depression and bereavement pain.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychological Assessment·DateMar 16, 2016

Genetic defense for violent crimes could backfire for defendants

New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 21, 2015

No link between psychedelics and mental health problems

A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 5, 2015

Kids who lack sympathy more likely to share with virtuous friends

A recent study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children who struggle with sympathy are more likely to share resources with peers they respect. The research suggests a compensatory relationship between sympathy and respect, helping kids navigate prosocial solutions even when empathy is lacking.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateMar 2, 2015

Predicting the future course of psychotic illness

Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Same face, many first impressions

Researchers found that slight variations in facial expressions can lead to varied first impressions, challenging the assumption that face images accurately represent an individual's personality. The study suggests that online images can have unintended consequences on how others perceive us.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 2, 2014

Life purpose buffers negative moods triggered by diversity

A study conducted on Chicago trains found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life are less affected by negative moods triggered by diversity. Those who had written about their life aims or had a strong sense of purpose did not experience worsened mood, unlike those without a clear direction.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 4, 2013

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateFeb 26, 2013

What are friends for? Negating negativity

A Concordia University study found that friends can immediately reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of self-worth in children undergoing negative experiences. The presence of a best friend has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting adult identity formation and overall development.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 26, 2012

What employers look for of those re-entering the workforce

Researchers found that middle-aged women seeking entry-level jobs require vocational training to secure job interviews. The study suggests that employers focus almost exclusively on educational background, but outside activities may have some impact in certain communities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Career Development·DateSep 23, 2011

Stress can affect future offspring

A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateAug 16, 2011