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New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2025

From economic struggles to culture wars: New study reveals how GDP influences polarization around the globe

A new study from City St George's University of London found that lower-income countries focus on material concerns like economic issues, while richer nations debate personal freedoms and identity-related issues. The research analyzed 40 years of global data to explore how modernization influences ideological divides.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCross-Cultural Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

A simple way to boost math progress

A megastudy involving over 140,000 teachers and 3 million elementary students found that behaviorally informed email messages improved students' math progress by 1.89% compared to standard email reminders. Personalized nudges referencing students' progress updates were more effective than nonpersonalized ones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Shorter waiting times for young children with autism

A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2025

Attention can be used to drive cooperation – new study

Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that presenting information in areas where participants are naturally drawn to it can influence cooperative choices. This is particularly effective when cooperation information is placed at the bottom of the screen, contrary to natural reading patterns.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025

Pro-life people partly motivated to prevent casual sex, study finds

A study found that pro-life people are partly motivated to prevent casual sex, contradicting the common assumption that sanctity-of-life concerns drive their views. The researchers suggest that pro-life positions are also influenced by a desire to discourage loose sexual norms and promote social values.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2025

Can a joke make science more trustworthy?

A new study published in JCOM found that humor can aid scientists' communication efforts, but only if people think they're funny. The research shows that humor can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand, and has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

Study highlights how population density and location shape litter levels facing UK communities

A study of over 97 citizen scientists found that coastal areas have significantly more litter than inland locations, with urban areas consistently exhibiting more litter than rural areas. The research highlights the need for tailored waste management strategies to address regional differences in litter patterns.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

ChatGPT on the couch? How to calm a stressed-out AI

Studies show that AI chatbots, when exposed to traumatic content, exhibit increased anxiety levels. However, researchers at the University of Zurich have found that therapeutic prompts can significantly reduce these elevated anxiety levels in language models like ChatGPT.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

The math behind social distancing: the rules that influence epidemic behavior

A research team identified simple rules governing decision-making during epidemics, which balance infection costs and social distancing. The guidelines predict population behavior based on disease reproduction number and infection cost, offering a new tool for governments to design intervention strategies.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2025

Impacts of workplace bullying on sleep can be “contagious” between partners

Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025

Study shows link between income inequality and health and education disparities may drive support for economic reform

New research highlights the connection between income inequality and health and education disparities, increasing support for economic reform. The study reveals that understanding these disparities can lead to a greater willingness to reduce inequality.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2025

Financial comfort and prosociality

A study of 80,337 people across 76 countries found that those with higher incomes and financial well-being reported greater prosocial actions and attitudes. Higher income individuals were more likely to donate, volunteer, and trust others, although they also showed lower trust in others.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 4, 2025

Aspects of marriage counseling may hold the key to depolarizing, unifying the country, study finds

A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2025

The role of political partisanship and moral beliefs in leadership selection

The study shows that liberals and conservatives often support different types of leaders due to differences in moral priorities. Conservatives tend to favor dominant leaders who employ assertiveness and formal authority, while liberals prefer prestigious leaders who lead through knowledge and earned respect.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2025

Chungnam National University researchers examines corporate social responsibility's impact on global online shopping

Researchers analyzed 1,033 online shoppers from South Korea and Japan to find that companies' social contributions enhance the positive effect of online purchasability. CSR initiatives also helped Japanese consumers overcome hesitation, suggesting a cultural influence on consumer behavior. The study's findings suggest CSR can boost con...

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2024

Cold-related deaths in the US

A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 2024

Home and neighborhood environments impact sedentary behavior in teens globally

A multinational study of 14 countries found that having a personal social media account was linked to higher total sedentary time in both males and females. Adolescents who reported less recreational screen time lived in walkable neighborhoods and had better perceptions of safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2024

Political opinions influence our choice of chocolate

Research at Linköping University shows that people distance themselves from neutral products if they are liked by those with opposing political views. This phenomenon affects choices even when irrelevant to politics. The studies also found that people unconsciously behave this way to maintain a consistent self-image.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateNov 25, 2024

Why the powerful are more likely to cheat

A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Can podcasts create healthier habits?

Researchers found that podcasts significantly improved health knowledge, increased exercise levels, and boosted healthy eating habits. Engagement with health-related podcasts was generally high, suggesting they could be an effective medium for health information and behavior change interventions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2024

Traditional Mayan practices have long promoted unique levels of family harmony. But what effect is globalization having?

Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2024

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.

Barriers prevent everyone enjoying nature equally

A major international study involving 56,968 adults found that levels of nature connectedness are associated with socioeconomic factors such as financial security, education, and racial majority status. The UK scored higher on the Nature Exposure Scale, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led in this aspect.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 25, 2024

Most young adults in the UK consider non-consensual condom removal during sex to be wrong and a violation of consent, with almost 9 in 10 seeing it as a form of sexual assault, per survey of 18-25-year-olds

A UK survey found that most young adults view non-consensual condom removal during sex as wrong and a violation of consent. The study, which surveyed 18-25-year-olds, also showed that nearly all participants considered it a form of sexual assault.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2024

Culturally supportive school environments contribute to academic, emotional, social success

A new UC Davis study found that culturally relevant support in school positively impacts adolescents' academic engagement, emotional well-being, and social experiences. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive educational practices and policies to promote youth development in multicultural settings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateOct 14, 2024