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Can robots have morals? Robots’ decisions on forced medication evoke doubts

A study at the University of Helsinki found that people accept human nurses overruling patient autonomy but reject similar decisions made by robots. The researchers suggest that human empathy is required to consider robot-made solutions equally acceptable as those made by humans. The findings imply that machines cannot comprehensively ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 24, 2022

Hand signals help overcome Zoom fatigue in online meetings

A study published in PLOS One found that using hand signals, such as waving or raising a hand to show empathy, can improve communication and social connection in online meetings. The research team trained participants to use these gestures, which led to better interaction, increased feelings of closeness, and improved learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 2022

New study finds doctors prescribe fewer painkillers during nightshifts than during the day

A new study published in PNAS found that physicians prescribe less pain medication during night shifts than during the day. Researchers attribute this discrepancy to reduced empathy among doctors on night shifts. The study analyzed data from 13,482 discharge letters and found a significant bias towards prescribing fewer painkillers at ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

The yin and yang of empathy

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that social ties can have a bipolar effect on relationships, with positive interactions strengthened by negative ones. Cognitive flexibility may help mitigate the dark side of social ties, such as empathic distress and stigma-related anxiety.

SourceKyoto University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

The power of kindness in improving brain health

A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Muslim comedy tackles popular misconceptions using humor and empathy, new Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia PhD student Lamiae Aidi examines how Muslim stand-up comedians use incongruity, performativity, and everydayness to demystify their community. By sharing personal experiences and poking fun at stereotypes, these comedians aim to create awareness around problems of discrimination and misunderstandings.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReligions·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Requests for anti-racism classroom curricula increased following recent police brutality events

A study found a significant increase in requests for anti-racism books and materials following police brutality events and BLM protests, particularly among teachers of younger students. The demand for inclusive curriculum materials also rose sharply, with over $3.4 million worth of books acquired for half a million students.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 22, 2021

Empathy training could cut crime figures

Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychology Crime and Law·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

Studying Shakespeare could help medical students connect with patients

A palliative care doctor suggests that studying Shakespeare's plays can help medical students connect more closely with their patients. The doctor argues that a study of Shakespeare's plays may be a creative way to enhance empathic approaches in medical students, creating a space for interpretation and reflection to experience empathy.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 1, 2021

Ten suggestions for female faculty and staff during the pandemic

During the pandemic, female academics are sharing their experiences and advice on managing work-life balance while juggling caregiving responsibilities. The authors suggest finding peer support groups, saying no to non-essential tasks, and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing individual differences ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 21, 2021

Empathy may be in the eye of the beholder

A recent study from UC Davis found that people's views on empathy are complicated and depend on who is receiving it. Empathizers are liked and respected only when the character they're empathizing with is also well-liked, but not when the character is disliked. This challenges the notion that empathy is always a virtue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 27, 2020

Empathy prevents COVID-19 spreading

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that empathy is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The research shows that individuals with higher empathy levels are more likely to keep their distance and wear face masks to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 13, 2020

Dementia education

A new dementia education program has shown significant improvements in dementia knowledge and attitudes among primary school students. The intergenerational program brings together children and older adults, promoting empathy and understanding.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Study finds new mentoring model supports underrepresented minority women faculty in STEM

A new mentoring model called Amplifying Voices created a supportive environment among underrepresented minority women in STEM, with participants agreeing that the virtual format was an effective way to discuss challenges and solutions. The study suggests that combining career-focused mentoring with empathetic psychosocial mentoring is ...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInnovative Higher Education·DateJun 22, 2020