Articles tagged with Human Social Behavior
A recent study found that children's socioemotional behavior at age 8 can predict midlife health behaviors, including physical activity and alcohol consumption. Well-controlled behavior in girls was linked to more physical activity, while social activity in both boys and girls predicted heavier drinking and smoking.
Researchers developed EMOPRINT, a five-week behavioral intervention improving facial affect recognition skills in individuals with MS. The study showed significant improvement in facial affect recognition in the MS group compared to placebo controls.
A Rutgers-led study found that women who experience fewer orgasms during sex tend to expect and desire less pleasure, perpetuating the 'orgasm gap' in relationships. The research suggests increasing women's expectations for orgasm can help break this cycle and improve overall sexual satisfaction.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
Research from UMass Amherst found that disbelief in human evolution is associated with higher levels of prejudice and racist attitudes. The study, conducted across 19 Eastern European countries, 25 Muslim countries, and Israel, linked low belief in evolution to biased attitudes towards outgroups and support for discriminatory behavior.
A new study found that empowering workers can lead to better job performance and creativity, but only if institutional obstacles are removed. However, when empowered employees face hindrance stressors, they may become morally disengaged and engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior.
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that excessive body gaze is linked with harmful attitudes towards sexual assault. Men who showed strong preferences for gazing at women's bodies were more likely to assume women invite or tolerate rough sexual conduct, while women did not show body gaze preferences.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.
Research by University of South Australia found that knowing the 'right' people is crucial for securing a job, while African migrants often struggle due to systemic discrimination and racism. The study highlights the importance of anti-racism work and social networks in migrant labor market integration.
A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.
Research found that people underestimating others' desire for constructive feedback can have harmful results. A simple intervention of perspective taking increased the likelihood someone would recognize the need for and provide feedback.
Studies of 54 'good sleepers' revealed that lower slow-wave activity over the right prefrontal cortex is linked to a greater propensity for risk. The findings suggest that targeted interventions could modulate slow waves to influence risk-taking behavior.
Researchers discovered that epilepsy patients' social media activity increased before their sudden deaths from SUDEP. The study found significant alterations in the patients' digital behavior, including changes in the number of words written and drastic sentiment shifts in their posts.
A new study by MIT researchers analyzed hundreds of millions of social media posts to measure the emotional toll of the pandemic. The study found that the pandemic caused a huge drop in positive public sentiment, with a subsequent slow return to pre-pandemic levels. Countries most affected included Australia, Spain, and the UK.
The 'Agency for All' project aims to develop social and behavioral research to understand how to promote local voices and agency in health and development programming. The five-year, $38 million grant will fund an international network across Africa, South Asia, and other regions.
A new study by Thomas Pepinsky challenges the idea that language shapes thought and behavior, finding no evidence that linguistic differences affect social and economic outcomes. The study reveals that statistical methodologies used in previous research are prone to producing false positives.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.
A study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior reveals subgroups of firearm owners in the United States who can be trusted to discuss safe storage. The study found that certain groups, such as those owning multiple firearms or shotguns and rifles, may require more individualized conversations about safe storage.
A study by Dr. Fuhimiro Kano and colleagues found that humans can distinguish gaze directions from each other more accurately than chimpanzees, particularly in challenging conditions. The researchers used computerized tasks to present images of human and chimpanzee eyes to both species, with white sclera in the chimpanzee eye improving...
New research suggests that slow degradation of recreational fisheries is common due to changes in technology, infrastructure, and angler attitudes. Anglers and managers can stabilize and improve fisheries by embracing challenges, reducing fishing mortality, supporting monitoring funding, and managing high catch rates.
A new study reveals that corrections staff in Kentucky view incarcerated individuals as 'monsters' or 'evils', dehumanizing them to justify violent behavior. This us-them ideology can lead to abuse and harm, and has implications for prison management and the carceral system.
A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.
A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.
A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.
Researchers found that 6.7% of jail detainees threatened SSH in the past three months, and 4.5% attempted SSH in the past year. The study suggests that jails should develop an empirically driven suicidal risk assessment to improve institutional safety and prevent suicide.
Researchers at University of Missouri found a long-term association between adolescent psychological well-being and adult cardiovascular disease risk. People who are more optimistic in their youth can lower their chances for heart disease as adults.
Researchers found that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents autism symptoms from developing in mice. The study suggests that targeting this critical period could lead to a potential cure for autism.
Researchers identified that 10% of students were recognized as relationally aggressive by peers but not teachers. Students with higher levels of academic competence and female students were more likely to be recognized by both groups. The study suggests that better identification of these students is crucial for effective interventions.
Researchers found that loneliness is driven by different brain states than social anxiety, with distinct neural activity patterns. People with social anxiety showed increased amygdala activation and reduced nucleus accumbens activation, while those with high loneliness did not display these patterns.
A study found that rapid weight gain from antipsychotic medications can contribute to loss of agency, hope, and social withdrawal. Understanding this psychological journey may offer new targets for weight loss treatments.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna propose that homophily, or interacting with like-minded individuals, automatically leads to social balance and stability. They demonstrate this using data from the Massive Multiplayer Online Game Pardus, where players tend to form friendships with those who share similar characteristics.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that over 90% of people who use online delivery services would likely revert back to their original way of shopping. Delivery service users access products in four categories: groceries, food, home goods, and other items, with grocery deliveries having the highest proportion of new ado...
A genetic study published at Queen Mary University of London found that individuals with higher genetic sensitivity benefit more from couple's therapy, particularly in the long-term. The researchers used genome-wide data to assess genetic sensitivity and found that it had a significant impact on marital satisfaction over time.
A recent study found that men were twice as likely to be victims of online sex blackmailing during the pandemic. Young people, Black and Native American women, and LGBTQ individuals were also at high risk of this cyber-enabled crime. The study revealed race and sexuality-related differences in rates of sextortion.
A new study finds that when women perceive their partner's sense of masculinity as fragile, they are more likely to fake orgasms and experience lower sexual satisfaction. This phenomenon is linked to anxiety and poorer communication in relationships. Women may prioritize protecting their partners' manhood over their own needs.
A recent study found that individuals often identify with both their Planner and Doer selves, valuing spontaneity and flexibility in their attitudes towards resolutions. The research challenges the common assumption that people prioritize self-control over spontaneity.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 adolescents across 80 nations and found consistent sex differences in career aspirations, with boys dominating 'things-oriented' occupations and girls preferring 'people-oriented' roles. The study also revealed larger differences in gender-equal countries, such as Finland, Norway, or Sweden.
Researchers at the University of Delaware created a web-based educational model, Clerytown, to illustrate virus spread and inform policy changes. The model uses artificial intelligence algorithms to simulate community spread based on behaviors such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
A University of Ottawa study found that trying to suppress emotions with a poker face or smile has little impact on mood and memory, contradicting past research. Instead, participants used alternative strategies like changing their perspective to cope with distressing moments.
Surveys involving 100,000 participants in 26 countries found a correlation between belief in conspiracies and identification as far-left or far-right. The research suggests that conspiracy theories are more pronounced among those who feel disenfranchised and lack political control.
A new study found that older Europeans who underestimate their health are more likely to adapt their behavior in response to COVID-19 concerns. This group may face increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result.
A large population study found that living alone for several years and/or experiencing serial relationship break-ups are strongly linked to raised levels of inflammatory markers in the blood of middle-aged men. The researchers suggest that this combination may indicate a heightened risk of age-related ill health and death.
A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
A study found that schools account for only 2.4% of variation in social-emotional-behavioral difficulties, depressive symptoms, and well-being among 11-14 year olds. School climate was associated with mental health, despite its small impact.
Research by Kobe University's Graduate School of Human Development and Environment found that children and adults alike show a tendency to morally judge lies of omission more leniently than lies of commission. This study highlights the importance of considering 'lies of omission' in guidance to improve children's morality.
A Hebrew University study found that parents' religiosity level impacts their child's behavior. In secular Jewish families, psychological control was linked to reduced helpfulness, while in religious Jewish and Muslim families, it showed the opposite effect. The research suggests that parenting style is culturally context-dependent.
Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.
A NTU study found that entrepreneurs quickly build trust in work-related situations and adapt to dishonesty. They also recover more easily from losing trust, making them valuable assets for organisations in negotiation and trust-building roles.
New research finds that social media echo chambers can create a strong bond and increase the likelihood of radicalization. In studies examining posts on Gab and Reddit's "Incels" community, researchers found that users who aligned with the group's morals were more likely to use hateful language toward outgroups.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.
A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.
A randomized field experiment with 1,143 students aged 9-16 found that depleted self-control from a previous demanding task increases cheating in tests. The study suggests that exhaustion can lead to a greater temptation to cheat.
A study published in iScience reveals that strategic disinformation can outperform honesty in winning over and retaining human clients in a competitive environment. The researchers found that misreporting evidence about facts that clients care about is an effective strategy for social influencers to gain an advantage over their rivals.
Mathematicians analysed global COVID-19 data to identify two constants that drastically change a country's rate of infection. Social stress is key to understanding the multi-wave dynamics of COVID-19 outbreaks.
A new study found that white people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help black people in staged scenarios than those who were not trained. However, preferential helping of other white people remained, and participants preferred to help racial ingroup members.
A UC study found that Ohioans consider various factors beyond distance and cost when selecting an abortion clinic, including personal experiences, online reviews, and clinic type. The research highlights the importance of social myths and risk perception in shaping choices about abortion care.
A University of Pennsylvania study found that clinician peer networks significantly reduce health care inequities and disparities. The study led by Professor Damon Centola showed that clinicians who initially exhibited significant bias could change their clinical recommendations to exhibit no bias.