Human Social Behavior
Articles tagged with Human Social Behavior
Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK
New research explains how babies help their caregivers
60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily
New research suggests sexual arousal could blind people to rejection cues
Positive experiences can help break the cycle of abuse
Research at Kyoto University found that individuals with fewer positive childhood experiences are more likely to perpetrate elder abuse, while those with more community-related positive experiences have a lower risk. The study suggests that multiple forms of positive experiences across different domains may be necessary to break the cy...
New study suggests ‘freedom framing’ more effective than mandates for vaccine-hesitant Americans
How honor cultures and shame societies shape mental health
Atimiaphobia is a culturally specific psychological concept tied to honor cultures and shame societies, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and compulsive conformity to social norms. Researchers validated the Atimiaphobia Scale, revealing positive correlations between atimiaphobia and anxiety, as well as lower social intelligence.
Framework grounded in collective intelligence aims to create effective collaboration in human-AI teams
The new framework, published in PNAS Nexus, offers guidance for building human-AI teams that are effective, accountable, and aligned with human values. It focuses on reasoning, memory, and attention as core processes that can be distributed across people and AI systems.
Medical scientists apply the strictest ethics – at least in theory
Researchers surveyed in Sweden reveal differing attitudes towards research misconduct and questionable practices across disciplines. Medical scientists hold the strictest views, while social sciences and humanities researchers tend to be more lenient, particularly with regards to open science.
To improve social and political dialogue, tell people what you're against
A study of nearly 6,000 people found that when people are presented with viewpoints they disagree with in a pro-support frame, they tend to be less open to the idea. However, when framed in oppositional terms, they are more likely to engage. Researchers suggest changing argument framing can help improve dialogue.
Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals
A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.
Study demonstrates: Gifted men exhibit lower levels of conservatism compared to their average-intelligence counterparts
Research from Saarland University reveals gifted individuals tend to be less conservative than their average-intelligence peers. However, social conservatism among men differs significantly between the two groups.
Research uses AI to examine social exchanges and interactions
A new study analyzed thousands of textual descriptions of two-person social interactions using generative AI, resulting in a comprehensive taxonomy of categories. The findings provide a data-driven framework for understanding the structure of social situations, including associations with conflict, power, and duty.
Think that conversation will be boring? Science says think again
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.
Harassment in Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
A study by the University of Tokyo found that nearly 500 startup founders experienced some form of harassment, including bullying and unreasonable demands. The researchers suggest structural solutions such as diverse professional networks and industry associations to address this issue.
FAU study finds some dark web users share traits with those involved in crime
A recent FAU study found that individuals with prior criminal behavior, low self-control, and favorable attitudes toward deviance are more likely to access the dark web. The research highlights the importance of understanding who accesses this platform and why, particularly for those intending to engage in illicit activities.
Humor helps older adults navigate ageing – research
Older adults use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the challenges of aging, including bereavement and declining well-being. The study found that women are more likely to use humor in emotionally sensitive situations, while men emphasize its role in social bonding.
Why teens are more self-serving than adults in social situations
A study published in eLife found that adolescents focus more on their own interests compared to adults when navigating social dilemmas. The researchers recruited 261 participants, aged 14-17 and 18-30 years, to play a repeated cooperation game called the Prisoner's Dilemma Game.
Cohesion in Diversity
A study published in PNAS found that the brain's social perception is more inclusive when a shared national identity is made salient. The research suggests that this neural flexibility can help bridge divisions and foster harmonious intergroup relations. By emphasizing common identities and shared goals, social cohesion can be improved.
Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
‘Sometimes an adult should shut up and go away’: scientists reveal the qualities that kids need in play
Researchers surveyed schoolchildren about play and identified universal elements that contribute to 'good' play. High levels of accessibility and a sense of 'play feeling' were often present in enjoyable experiences, while factors like social inclusion, imagination, and transgression also played a role.
Beyond the obstetrical dilemma: Why are humans helpless at birth?
Researchers explore human infant helplessness as a unique aspect of human development, highlighting its role in social collaboration and cultural innovation. Human infants' helplessness is characterized by well-developed sensory systems and weak motor skills, making them dependent on caregivers for extended periods.
When violence is in the air
A study by University of Konstanz researcher Lion Kircheis found a consistently elevated violent crime rate in Seattle on days with wildfires, with 3.6% more assaults reported on smoky days compared to regular ones.
Why a canceled meeting feels so liberating
A study by Gabriela Tonietto and colleagues found that unexpectedly gained time feels subjectively longer, leading people to choose longer activities. Participants in the study opted for longer tasks or leisure activities when given extra time, as they perceived it as more abundant.
Social background shapes how hard children work, according to a study by UC3M
A study by UC3M found that children from privileged families show greater cognitive effort, but incentivizing rewards can narrow the gap. Classroom incentives can help reduce socioeconomic inequalities by valuing individual progress and rewarding social recognition.
Why some people change only when enough others do
Researchers developed a method to measure individual thresholds for change, finding that personal thresholds vary widely and that combining social network structure and individual thresholds improves real-world interventions. Strategies that target individuals connected to many others who are already adopting the change were most effec...
The dehumanization effect: New PSU research examines how abusive supervision impacts employee agency and burnout
Does online sports gambling affect substance use behaviors?
A new study found that legalizing online sports betting in the US has led to a significant rise in binge drinking frequency among young men, particularly those who already report binge drinking. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider the broader behavioral impacts of gambling liberalization.
Vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society, new Concordia research shows
Researchers found three types of relational fractures: co-performance, co-learning, and marketplace. Vegans employ strategies such as decoding, decoupling, divesting, and chameleoning to cope with conflicts. These findings are transferable to other contexts, highlighting the need for social skills to navigate moral differences.
Increased risk of bullying in open-plan offices
A study by Linköping University found that traditional open-plan offices increase the risk of bullying, while activity-based offices show no increased risk. The researchers suggest providing private spaces and handling irritation before it escalates as key lessons for employers.
Smartphone use during school hours and association with cognitive control in youths ages 11 to 18
A cross-sectional study found that smartphone use during school hours is associated with reduced cognitive control in youths aged 11-18. The study highlights the need for school-level policies and digital literacy programs to address habitual smartphone-checking behaviors that fragment attention.
New review calls for deeper, more dynamic understanding of human physiological connection
A new review explores the emerging science of interpersonal physiological synchrony, a phenomenon where people's bodies appear to 'move together' during social interaction. The study suggests that synchrony is dynamic and multi-layered, influenced by context, individual differences, and social interaction.
Dogs are more like toddlers than cats when it comes to helping humans
Research found that dogs and 16-month-old toddlers exhibited similar prosocial behaviour when searching for a hidden object, with over 75% of them indicating or retrieving the object. In contrast, companion cats rarely showed such behaviour, suggesting domestication may not be enough to produce human-like cooperation.
When you stumble, laughter beats embarrassment
Laughter beats embarrassment when making small mistakes, research from the American Psychological Association finds. Laughing at oneself signals social confidence and reduces tension, while acting embarrassed may be perceived as excessive. The study suggests that humor is socially effective in certain situations but risky in others.
Study reveals low rates of routine screening for anxiety, intimate partner violence in Oregon
A study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals low rates of routine screening for anxiety and intimate partner violence in primary care settings due to lack of awareness and workflow challenges. The research team developed step-by-step guides for clinicians to improve screening rates.
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Sandra Bond Chapman inducted into the storied Philosophical Society of Texas
Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder of Center for BrainHealth, was inducted into the Texas Philosophical Society for her groundbreaking work on cognitive neuroscience and brain health. Her leadership has propelled UT Dallas's Center for BrainHealth into an international hub advancing brain health research.
Psychosocial safety pressures across Australian universities
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.
FAU study finds teen ‘sexting’ surge, warns of sextortion and privacy risks
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
What makes healthy boundaries – and how to implement them – according to a psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Lynn Somerfield emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, work, and personal beliefs to promote emotional well-being. She advises that healthy boundaries strengthen connections with others while preserving individual identity and energy.
How cultural norms shape childhood development
A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.
Around the world, children’s cooperative behaviors and norms converge toward community-specific norms in middle childhood, Boston College researchers report
Children across the globe exhibit similar cooperative behaviors, such as fairness and trustworthiness, that align with adult norms over age. As children get older, their behavior reflects local norms, but younger children tend to be self-interested.
Psychological therapies for children who speak English as an additional language can become “lost in translation”, study warns
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
Truth hurts: Prosocial liars perceived as more moral
In a study, participants preferred feedback providers who provided overly optimistic feedback to avoid hurting others, even if it meant telling the truth. This suggests that people strategically adjust their preferences for honesty based on social cues and prioritize the well-being of others.
Landmark FAU/CSU study: More paid time off keeps US workers from quitting
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
How does TikTok shape young peoples' dietary preferences?
A study found that TikTok influences dietary habits by leveraging algorithmic mechanisms, entertainment content, and users' emotional connections. The platform affects food preferences, dining choices, and recipe evaluations among young people.
How to motivate collective action on climate
A Stanford University study found that showcasing past collective efforts on climate change can motivate individuals to take action. The most effective interventions combined evidence of impact with social and emotional benefits, increasing willingness to take public awareness actions by 30% and political actions by nearly 14%.
Physical activity of adolescents and their parents' mood could be linked
A study by SWPS University researchers found that sedentary lifestyle in adolescents can negatively impact their parents' mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. The study also showed that teenagers spend more time sitting than their parents, highlighting the need for family-based health-promoting interventions.
Encouraging students to socialize at an early stage can prevent loneliness
A new preventive intervention called REconnect has been developed to reduce loneliness among university students. The program aims to strengthen social ties and inclusion before loneliness becomes chronic, with encouraging results showing increased life satisfaction and reduced loneliness.
Why a crowded office can be the loneliest place on earth
A comprehensive review of 233 studies identifies the connection between workplace conditions and loneliness, highlighting the importance of job quality, stress management, and social support. Chronic loneliness harms emotional and cognitive well-being, while interventions such as mindfulness and volunteering can provide relief.
New analysis of wellbeing interventions shows there are multiple routes to better mental health
A new analysis of wellbeing interventions shows that there is no single route to improving mental health, with mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions all showing moderate benefits. Combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.
Staying single for longer affects young people’s well-being
Young adults who remain single for longer periods experience a decline in life satisfaction and increasing feelings of loneliness, particularly when entering their late twenties. Entering a first romantic relationship improves well-being across several dimensions, but the effects are less pronounced on depressive symptoms.
FAU study reveals social, family and health factors behind teen bullying
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
Like alcohol units, but for cannabis – experts define safer limits
Researchers propose threshold levels for safe cannabis use, aiming to guide consumption and reduce harm. The recommended limit is 8 THC units per week, above which the risk of developing cannabis use disorder increases.
Hobbies don’t just improve personal lives, they can boost workplace creativity too
A study by researchers from the University of East Anglia found that leisure crafting interventions can improve work outcomes, including creativity and meaning, in working adults. Participants who engaged in hobbies reported feeling more fulfilled and creative at work, with a stronger impact on older employees.
Socializing alone: The downside of communication technology
A review of over 1,000 studies found that technology communication reduces engagement and positive emotional responses compared to in-person interactions. In-person communication has been shown to have health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved educational outcomes.
How we decide when to shut out information and when to insist on knowing it all
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers uncovers the psychology behind seeking or avoiding information, revealing a common emotional mechanism. The findings suggest that both behaviors stem from regulating emotions and managing psychological overload, rather than moral responsibility.
Smile and the world will trust you: How mimicry shapes first impressions
Researchers found that smiling faces are associated with higher trustworthiness, confidence, and attractiveness. Facial expressions play a crucial role in social judgments, with emotional mimicry influencing character trait evaluations.