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A tight skirt can make a smart manager look dumb

A study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that businesswomen wearing tight skirts were perceived as less competent than their neutrally dressed counterparts. The research suggests women in high status occupations must resist the temptation to emphasize their sex appeal to gain respect from colleagues.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateNov 29, 2005

Crazed by consumption!

Researchers Adam Duhachek analyzed two studies on consumer stress, creating a multidimensional scale to measure coping mechanisms. He found that consumers employ various strategies to cope with stress, including avoiding purchases, seeking social support, and using relaxation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 2, 2005

The evolutionary triumph of flower power

Researchers found that flowers induce immediate and long-term positive effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors, and memory in both men and women. The evolutionary emotional niche model suggests that humans' emotional connection with flowers is a key factor in their survival and diversity.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateMay 25, 2005

The power of pride

This study explores how positive emotions, specifically pride, influence consumer behavior and repurchasing decisions. Key findings show that high pride can lead to reduced repurchase intentions due to differing self-regulatory goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting consumer behavior in marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

Dynamic lighting system colors 3-D environments

The Expressive Lighting Engine (ELE) is an intelligent system that allows game developers to use lighting to direct attention, create mood, and provide visual depth. ELE can guide players to important elements in 3D scenes by tracking eye movements, improving player success rates in identifying enemies.

Helping employees cope with aggressive customers

A recent study found that employees who were allowed to regulate their emotions in response to customer aggression reported lower levels of stress. Employers are advised to provide training in emotional regulation for service representatives to reduce burnout and absenteeism. The researchers also recommended enhancing job autonomy to m...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateJun 24, 2004

Brain images reveal effects of antidepressants

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the effects of antidepressant venlafaxine on clinically depressed patients. The study found that the drug produced robust alterations in the anterior cingulate area of the brain within two weeks, which may help predict treatment response.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2003

Three new psychological studies show how positive and negative emotions affect us now and later

Three new studies show that expressing positive emotions can lead to better relationships, mental focus, and personal well-being. Additionally, research finds that a positive outlook on life persists into old age, with extraverted individuals less likely to experience a decline in positive affect.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 20, 2001

Strategies people employ for regulating emotions affect memory for event, according to a new study

Researchers found that attempting to control reactions to emotional events weakens memory, but reappraisal strategies have no such impact. The study suggests that expressive suppression, which involves continually monitoring and correcting oneself, consumes cognitive resources and reduces accuracy of event details.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 2, 2000

Chill out: it does the heart good

A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that heart patients experiencing wide emotional swings are more at risk for cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial ischemia. Doctors have tools like biofeedback and stress management to help patients control emotional swings.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 1, 1999