Articles tagged with Human Social Behavior
People who earn a college degree before getting married are less likely to become obese, with a significant gap in risk compared to those who graduate after marriage. This association holds even when controlling for other factors, such as income and exercise habits.
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that inducing a sense of awe can promote altruistic, helpful, and positive social behavior. Awe diminishes emphasis on individual self, encouraging people to prioritize others' welfare.
A new study reveals that allowing both males and females in hunter-gatherer groups to choose their living companions reduces relatedness among camp members. This increases the number of camps where an individual has one or more kin, facilitating cooperation and information exchange.
Research shows that traditional values and religiosity are stronger predictors of female participation in the workforce than education. The study compares attitudes of over 3,000 immigrant women with 40,000 non-emigrant European women, finding a significant positive correlation between cultural norms and work behavior.
A new study by University at Buffalo researcher Shira Gabriel suggests that attraction to comfort food is based on having a good relationship with the person who prepared it. The study reveals how social factors influence food preferences and eating behavior, with implications for better understanding human connections and mental health.
A study of 159 women found that those with high mastery and social support were less likely to develop major depressive disorder after assault exposure. Mastery and posttraumatic growth were also associated with recovery from trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
A new study published in Addiction found that individuals tend to consume more alcohol when surrounded by friends, especially among young adult males. The research used internet-based questionnaires to survey nearly 200 drinkers in Switzerland, finding a positive correlation between social group size and drinking frequency.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and Regensburg found that oxytocin prevents alcohol from accessing specific brain sites causing intoxication effects, leading to improved coordination in rats. Oxytocin may help reduce alcohol's impairing effects on speech and cognition after high consumption levels
A growth hormone called IGF-1 has been shown to improve social impairment and restrictive behaviors in children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a disorder associated with autism. The treatment showed significant improvement in social withdrawal and repetitive behaviors compared to placebo.
Researchers in The Gerontologist explore successful aging across demographics and cultures, highlighting social and cultural factors that impact physical health and psychological well-being. The study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of successful aging and inform policy and healthcare services.
A University of Tennessee study finds crocodiles engage in play-like behavior, including locomotor play, play with objects and social play. They have been observed playing with other animals and forming strong bonds with humans.
A new study found that climate change sceptics and believers share integrated expressions of self, forming specific social identities. The researchers suggest building support for mitigation policies requires approaches beyond science education, focusing on changing relationships between groups.
A recent brain study has confirmed significant differences in play behavior, brain activation patterns, and stress levels between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. The research suggests that some children with autism may experience social engagement as stressful or aversive.
A study by Yale University found that capuchin monkeys do not assume a higher price tag means better quality, unlike humans. Monkeys showed more rational behavior when making choices in an experimental market.
Researchers found that women excel in negotiations involving others, but struggle with self-negotiations. Training and knowledge can help close the gap in favor of women.
A new study reveals why women are drawn to magazines promoting impossible body images: they derive 'thinspiration' that helps them cope with negative self-comparisons. In contrast, those who focus on self-improvement instead experience increased body satisfaction.
Dr. Pedro Noguera, a prominent education rights activist and sociologist, has been awarded the SAGE-CASBS prize for his groundbreaking work on transforming schools and improving educational outcomes for underserved students.
A new study published in Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences suggests that American citizens desire an unequal but more equal distribution of wealth and income. Lower levels of inequality are associated with decreased unethical behavior and increased motivation, while high levels lead to demotivation and negative per...
A study by American researchers found that low-income mothers who attribute their poverty to having children tend to suffer greater levels of depression due to feelings of guilt and helplessness. Those who blame problems in romantic relationships experience more anxiety, possibly due to a lack of control over domestic issues.
The Journal supplement highlights innovative approaches to healthy aging, including community-based efforts, technology uses, and civic service. Strategies like Experience Corps and volunteering are shown to enhance social engagement, independence, and well-being in older adults.
A new study suggests that chimpanzees raised primarily around humans with less experience around their own species during the first four years of life tend to show reduced social competencies as adults. This effect is expressed years or decades after their lives as pets and performers were over.
Research suggests that humans' sense of fairness evolved to prioritize long-term cooperation, with a preference for equal outcomes and stable relationships. This evolution is rooted in our ability to think about the future and exercise self-control, allowing us to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
Researchers found that people in a 'calculative mindset' are more likely to analyze non-numerical problems mathematically and overlook social and moral factors. Participants displayed significantly more selfish behavior when given lessons on calculative economics concepts.
A study led by Judith Burkart reveals that human altruism is linked to cooperative breeding among primate species, where young are cared for by multiple group members. This behavior, not associated with advanced cognitive skills or social tolerance, may have contributed to human exceptional cognition.
A study of 188 African American females found that gang involvement is associated with high-risk behaviors such as casual sex partners, substance abuse, and HIV testing. Low self-esteem, emotional problems, and housing instability are also linked to a higher likelihood of gang involvement.
Researchers found that older Mexican-American men are less likely to experience problem drinking when living in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by other Mexican-Americans. This is attributed to factors such as inter-household family networks, residential stability, and shared norms regarding alcohol abuse. The study also discover...
Children with autism have a relatively inflexible brain at switching from rest to task performance, leading to increased restrictive and repetitive behaviors. The study found that autistic brains showed reduced connectivity in key networks compared to typically developing peers.
Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta believes that criminal sanctions are necessary to deter research misconduct, citing high rates of scientific misconduct and significant human health consequences. However, Dr Julian Crane argues that criminalization would undermine trust in research and is not an effective deterrent.
The study analyzed how cooperation among humans evolves across age groups, with younger participants exhibiting more volatile decision-making and a 'conditional cooperator' strategy. In contrast, older adults (over 65) showed increased cooperativeness, suggesting potential benefits for companies by keeping this group engaged.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that 14-month-old babies were more likely to help another person after bouncing up and down in time to music. The findings suggest that synchronous movement with others helps form social bonds between adults and infants, leading to increased altruistic behavior.
A new study reveals that bisexual men have unmet public health needs, leaving them vulnerable to STIs and other health problems. The study highlights the importance of addressing social and behavioral factors that affect their sexual health, such as biphobia, masculinity norms, and attitudes towards pregnancy. Researchers recommend int...
A study by the University of Jyväskylä, Finland found that children exhibiting social withdrawal are more susceptible to parental impacts, including guilt-inducing parenting styles. These children experience increased conduct problems and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found chimpanzees cooperated 3,565 times over 94 sessions, increasing success rate and efficiency as they learned the need for a partner. The study demonstrates that chimpanzees are more cooperative than previously thought.
A new study suggests that how one compares weight-wise with others in their community impacts life satisfaction. In areas with high obesity rates, being 'normal weight' has little benefit, while the difference between obese and non-obese individuals' life satisfaction is smaller.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified galanin neurons in the brain's medial preoptic area (MPOA) that regulate parental behavior in mice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of conditions like post-partum depression and potentially offer new treatment options.
A new study reveals that for adolescent girls, having a romantic relationship play out differently than they imagined it would has negative implications for their mental health. Relationship inauthenticity increases the risk of severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and suicide attempt among girls.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg found that gentle reminders about environmental impact and social norms led to significant reductions in towel usage. Guests used 1.6 towels per person per day when told of hotel-wide behavior, compared to one towel per person per day in rooms with previous guest information.
A new HIV/STI prevention program in Haiti is changing lives by empowering marginalized women to become health workers. The program increased HIV and STI knowledge, condom use, and decreased depression rates among participants.
The study reveals that the mammalian cerebral cortex is organized into eight distinct subnetworks, which are relatively segregated and highly interconnected. These subnetworks facilitate motor behaviors such as eating and drinking, reaching and grabbing, locomotion and exploration of the environment.
The University of Chicago Crime Lab has received a $1 million MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to study interventions preventing violence. Researchers have found targeted tutoring programs improve school outcomes and reduce violence among high school students.
Researchers developed a procedure for comparing different crowd models and evaluating their accuracy using real-world data. A bottom-up model focused on individual behavior was found to best match real-world evacuation data, providing insights into safety planning and crowd dynamics.
Researchers at University of Vienna investigate how voluntary reward funds can help coordinate cooperators in threshold public good games. Their study finds that rewards can lead to high levels of cooperation and even 100% cooperation in certain conditions.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that avoiding information can be a motivated behavior, not just a practical one. The study suggests that people intentionally hide from information about their goals, such as finances or weight loss, due to fear of negative emotions associated with it.
New research found that six in ten 13-year-old girls are afraid of gaining weight or getting fat, with one in three girls and one in five boys avoiding fatty foods. The study also revealed that unhealthy weight-control strategies can lead to higher odds of being overweight and obese at age 15.
A review of medical literature reveals financial concerns, parental attitudes, and social influences as key barriers to HPV vaccination among adolescents. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted guidance for healthcare professionals to improve vaccine uptake.
Researchers found that addressing childhood deprivation is essential to prevent damaging health behaviors in adulthood. The study, based on a 1946 birth cohort, reveals that social and economic inequalities in early life significantly impact mortality in later life.
A new Dartmouth study suggests that chronic dieters overeat when their brain regions that balance impulsive behavior and self-control are disrupted. This depletion reduces a person's ability to engage in self-control by reducing connectivity between brain regions involved in cognitive control and rewards.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that three educational sessions on nutrition had a significant impact on the knowledge and behaviors of 118 low-income women. The classes used a holistic approach and experiential learning, covering topics such as shopping, cooking techniques, and food se...
A new study by the UC Davis MIND Institute found that children with autism are six-to-eight times more likely to have gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and sensitivity to foods. These symptoms are related to behavioral issues such as social withdrawal, irritability, and repetitive behaviors.
Anthropomorphizing social causes with a human-like face can increase support by appealing to feelings of guilt and empathy. This approach was found to be effective in boosting participation in social causes such as energy conservation, recycling, and environmental issues.
A three-day meeting of international experts highlighted the need for countries to develop relevant expertise in assessing biodiversity and ecosystem services. The UN's new IPBES platform aims to strengthen national capacities in this area, crucial for informed policy decisions.
A Baylor University study found that people with higher levels of religious certainty and those affiliated with high-tension congregations tend to give more. The research suggests that social exchange theory can explain why voluntary giving is a dominant aspect of America's philanthropy.
Researchers found that video-based group instruction promotes far-reaching gains for students with ASD in social behaviors. The method has been shown to be effective and practical, even with limited resources.
A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that exposure to social stress in new mothers can negatively impact their daughter's ability to provide maternal care. The transgenerational study used female rats to model postpartum depression, revealing similar behavioral and physiological changes in second-generation females.
Researchers analyzed customer behavior in pubs and clubs to determine effective signals for ordering a drink. They found that positioning themselves directly at the bar counter is a successful signal, while avoiding these behaviors indicates non-ordering intentions.
A new study found that specific genomic regions control the tendency of fish to school and their ability to do so effectively. The research has potential implications for understanding complex human social behavior, suggesting a possible genetic link between fish and humans.
A team of Penn biologists offers a mathematically based explanation for why cooperation and generosity have evolved in nature. Generous strategies, which involve cooperating with opponents but also forgiving defectors, are shown to be the only approaches that resist defectors over the long term.
Research shows that behavioral interventions improving delay of gratification can work equally well with overweight and obese women as with lean women. When participants mentally simulated future events, they reduced delay discounting and displayed fewer differences between groups.
A new study finds that better-educated middle-aged Americans are more inclined to make healthy behavior changes in response to new medical conditions. The research reveals significant differences in health habits between education levels, with college graduates more likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity.
MacDonald, a University of Victoria associate professor, received the award for his research on cognitive aging and early identification of those at risk for cognitive decline. His work aims to detect early markers that can facilitate targeted intervention strategies.