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Reappraisal defuses strong emotional responses to Israel-Palestine conflict

A new study found that cognitive reappraisal can decrease negative intergroup emotions and increase support for conciliatory policies in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reappraisal training reduced anger towards Palestinians, increased support for peaceful solutions, and decreased support for aggressive policies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 18, 2012

Punishment motivated by fairness, not revenge

A study published in Biology Letters found that humans punish cheats only when they end up better off than the punisher, challenging the notion of revenge-based motivation. The researchers aimed to clarify the relationship between punishment and cooperation by investigating underlying motivations.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 17, 2012

University of Pittsburgh study reveals moderate doses of alcohol increase social bonding in groups

A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that moderate doses of alcohol enhance positive emotions and social bonding among group members, while also relieving negative emotions. The research, published in Psychological Science, used a social setting to assess the effects of alcohol on emotions and social interactions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 29, 2012

Confusion can be beneficial for learning: Study

A new study by Sidney D'Mello and Art Graesser found that strategically inducing confusion in learning sessions on difficult conceptual topics can lead to better retention and application of knowledge. Subjects who were confused scored higher on a difficult post-test and could identify flaws in new case studies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalLearning & Memory·DateJun 20, 2012

Study finds emotion reversed in left-handers' brains

Researchers found that motivation, a basic building block of human emotion, is computed mainly in the right hemisphere of the brain for left-handers, contrary to previous studies. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, which often involve targeting the left hemisphere.

SourceThe New School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 2012

Your left side is your best side

Researchers found that images of the left side of the face are rated as more pleasant than those of the right side, possibly due to increased emotion intensity. The study also showed a strong preference for left-sided portraits in real-life photographs and confirmation from pupil size measurements.

SourceSpringer·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateApr 20, 2012

Why looks can be deceiving

Researchers at McGill University have identified two brain regions critical for recognizing facial expressions and emotions. Damage to these areas can lead to difficulties in understanding social signals, impacting daily life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 13, 2012

A study analyzes emotions in software engineering

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid's Computer Science Department investigates emotions' importance in software engineering, focusing on requirements engineering. The researchers applied a social psychology tool, the affect grid, to discover that emotions impact requirements development and user experience.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJUCS - Journal of Universal Computer Science·DateFeb 13, 2012

Was Darwin wrong about emotions?

Contrary to common belief, facial expressions may not be automatic indicators of emotions. Researcher Lisa Feldman Barrett argues that expressions are not biologically basic and cannot be recognized universally. This challenges the traditional view that certain emotional expressions evolved for specific functions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 13, 2011

Women see naked men differently too

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that focusing on someone's body can alter perceptions of agency and experience. Both men and women tend to see individuals as more sensitive but less competent when wearing revealing attire, which may have implications for work and academic settings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 10, 2011

Violent games emotionally desensitizing

A study by University of Bonn researchers found that heavy users of first-person shooter games exhibit decreased control over emotions when exposed to real-life negative images, as their brains become desensitized to such stimuli. This effect is not limited to virtual worlds, suggesting potential long-term consequences for gamers.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Psychology·DateOct 12, 2011

Who takes risks?

Researchers found that men are willing to take more financial risks, while women take more social risks, such as starting a new career or addressing an unpopular issue. Adolescents can be just as cautious and careful as adults when thinking calmly about a situation.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 9, 2011

Can blaming others make people sick?

Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.

Home is where the healthy meal is

A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that people tend to eat healthier at home due to emotional associations with the meal. The study, based on data from 160 women, found that positive emotions triggered at home lead to better food choices.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 27, 2011

Who takes risks?

New research suggests that women and men perceive risks differently, with women taking more social risks and men taking more financial risks. This difference is partly due to differences in how familiar individuals are with different situations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 27, 2011

Do we buy cosmetics because they are useful or because they make us feel good?

A study by UPV/EHU shows that people prioritize emotional reasons over usefulness when buying cosmetics. Women's negative emotions about their appearance drive their purchasing decisions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these negative feelings through persuasive marketing strategies focused on emotional aspects.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT·DateJul 21, 2011

The secret to successful aging

New research explains how positivity bias in the brain contributes to successful aging, with increased engagement in positive emotions leading to greater emotional stability. The study suggests that focusing on the positive can help individuals age successfully.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 14, 2011

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

Study: For a better workday, smile like you mean it

A study by Michigan State University found that employees who fake smile for customer interactions worsen their mood and withdraw from work. In contrast, those who cultivate positive thoughts improve their mood and withdraw less. The study also showed gender differences, with women being more affected by fake smiling.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011