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Altruism can be trained

Scientists discovered that specific mental trainings can improve prosocial behavior over several months. Affect Module, consisting of daily practices, boosted altruistic behaviors, making it a potential step towards a caring society.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Evolution: Genetics doesn't matter much in forming society

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that social behavior in eusocial species like sweat bees is more attributed to cooperative behavior than genetic similarity. This finding challenges previous theories and suggests that the benefit of grouping is a key factor in the evolution of cooperation, including among humans.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2018

Psychologists: Women are not to blame for the wage gap

Psychologists at Rice University argue that organizations must provide training, support, and opportunities for growth to eliminate the wage gap. The researchers highlight myths regarding the gap and offer suggestions for its elimination, including removing barriers, providing equal growth opportunities, and promoting diversity.

SourceRice University·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMay 31, 2018

Why do children tattle?

Young children tattle even when blameless, as a way to enforce social norms and cooperate with others. Research suggests that tattling can be seen as evidence of children recognizing important norms and caring about their importance.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Development·DateApr 5, 2018

Partner's finances impact well-being, even in young love

Research finds that young adults' own financial behaviors have the most impact on their well-being, followed by their romantic partners' behaviors. Parents' financial expectations had the least impact, but still influence young adults' objective financial knowledge. The study suggests that even in non-marital relationships, a partner's...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateApr 3, 2018

Study identifies effective parenting strategies to reduce disruptive behavior in children

Researchers found that a combination of teaching parents how to manage behavior and relationship-building strategies was more effective than just behavior-management strategies for reducing severe disruptive behavior. For children who haven't developed severe behavioral issues, only behavior-management strategies were beneficial.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 20, 2018

Is punishment as effective as we think?

A social dilemma experiment found that punishment is ineffective in promoting cooperation among players, with players instead replacing defection with punishment. The study suggests that punishment has a demoralizing effect and reduces the incentive to choose cooperation over competition.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2017

Some monkeys prone to isolation

Research on rhesus macaques suggests that some individuals are more likely to remain socially isolated due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. This phenomenon is linked to reduced life expectancy in various species, including humans, who are experiencing an increasing epidemic of social isolation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2017

Springer launches new interdisciplinary psychology journal

Human Arenas will publish a mix of theoretical and empirical studies on higher psychological functions in human phenomena, focusing on analysis and critical discussion of crucial data. The journal encourages exploration of ideas and productive thinking through novel forms of scientific enquiry and writing.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Arenas·DateNov 16, 2017

Is he really that into you?

Women who experienced painful father-child relationships perceive greater mating intent in men and exhibit increased sexual arousal when viewing male faces. This study highlights the potential for early childhood experiences to shape adult mating behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in unrestricted or risky sexual activity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 1, 2017

Household chores: Women still do more

A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles confirms that women consistently perform more housework than men, despite variations in life stages and circumstances. The research highlights the importance of time, money, and gender in shaping domestic labour, with women often bearing the brunt of household tasks.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateSep 26, 2017

Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants

Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

For bacteria that cheat, food is at the forefront

New research at Oregon State University found that bacteria prioritize their own fitness when nutrients are limited, but not when iron, phosphorus, and sulfur are abundant. This study provides insights into the evolution of cooperation in microbes and has implications for understanding natural populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

Teen brains may not be as hard-wired for crime as previously thought

A study of age and crime statistics from Taiwan suggests that cultural factors, such as collectivist societies and parental supervision, may influence the age-crime relationship. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that biology drives teen criminal behavior, instead highlighting the importance of cultural influences.

SourcePenn State·JournalCriminology·DateAug 7, 2017