A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that improved perceptions of neighborhood walkability and enhanced access to public transport and safety from crime reduce depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest building environment design may influence mental health through behavioral and social pathways.
New research reveals that people in CNM relationships report experiencing a negative stigma that takes a toll on their psychological distress. A thematic analysis of survey responses identified four themes: discomfort/disapproval, loss of resources/threatening behavior, devaluation/diminishing of character/relationship.
Research suggests that considering values and beliefs during life-or-death decisions can lead to more effective outcomes. Participants who thoughtfully weighed factors like saving lives were more likely to prioritize it in their choices.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba discovered a phenomenon where moving a virtual assistant's voice closer to users increases customer rapport, contrasting with traditional ventriloquism effects. This 'mouth-in-the-door' effect can be used to enhance user experience in virtual commerce scenarios.
A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.
Researchers discovered that synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain induce empathic behavior in mice, allowing them to perceive and share each other's fear. The study identified the causal relationship between 5-7 Hz oscillations in the cingulo-amygdala circuit and empathic responses.
Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that Japanese university students are hesitant to provide social support without explicit request. In contrast, American students are more willing to offer assistance when they recognize someone is in need. The research aims to encourage Japanese people to provide help when it's needed.
Research finds that White children who believe racial inequalities are caused by intrinsic differences show more racial bias against Black children. In contrast, those who see external factors as causes of inequality are less likely to exhibit biases.
A recent study found that sedentary behavior in children is linked to elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. The study identified key correlates, including parental characteristics, household environment, and school environment, suggesting that educating parents and designing safe outdoor environments can he...
Researchers observed a wild chimpanzee showing an object to its mother to share attention, a social behavior previously thought to be unique to humans. The study suggests that in certain social conditions, primates can engage in referential gestures to comment or remark on the world.
A new study found that racial resentment significantly motivates Americans to express confidence in misinformed beliefs about policy issues associated with race, such as human-caused climate change and COVID-19 origins. In contrast, this effect was not observed for less racially charged topics like childhood vaccine safety.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate never followed through on their commitments. Digital payment solutions made it easier for people to delay donations, but also led to larger average cash contributions. Social pressure was identified as a key driver of charity gi...
Researchers have found that ambrosia beetles actively influence the composition of their fungal gardens, shifting towards food fungi. The beetles use specific bacteria to suppress weed fungi growth, and their social behavior creates a close symbiosis with fungi.
A new study reveals that middle-aged women are held back in their careers due to a perceived lack of 'niceness', with evaluations decreasing after the age of 40. The research, led by UC Berkeley's Jennifer Chatman, found that both men and women become more capable with age but only women are seen as less warm, leading to harsher judgme...
A new study from The Primals Project at the University of Pennsylvania challenges the long-held assumption that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals. Instead, researchers found that both conservatives and liberals view the world as similarly dangerous, with a hierarchical worldview playing a significant role in s...
A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.
Researchers created theoretical models to explain geographical clustering of vaccine hesitancy, attributing it to both social selection and social influence. The models found that these two processes independently generate clusters of high hesitancy, with social selection playing a key role when societies trust propaganda.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2022
Researchers found that people wearing masks in China were less likely to engage in deviant behavior, such as running red lights or cheating for money. Mask-wearing was associated with increased moral awareness, leading some individuals to behave more ethically.
A new study from Boston University's Social Development and Learning Lab reveals that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds take bigger risks in certain situations due to their environment. The research, led by Professor Peter Blake, suggests that children are rationally choosing risk when it makes sense in their circumstances.
Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.
A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.
A new study examines convenience-store robberies, finding that employees on the sales floor are more likely to be injured when robbed. The research suggests revised safety protocols could mitigate this risk and improve employee health and safety.
A new study found that financial incentives enhance prosocial decisions in people with low empathy levels. However, this effect does not change the underlying motivation, which remains egoistic. In high empathic individuals, financial incentives have no impact on decision-making.
Researchers identified ways to decrease political division by highlighting similarities, correcting misconceptions and building dialogue skills. Targeted approaches can help partisans gain more accurate perceptions of each other.
New Rotman School research shows that emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of artistic works can increase public support. By highlighting the collective value of art, people are more willing to protect it.
Researchers found that experiencing reward enhances connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and the ventral striatum. This effect was specific to the DMN and correlated with personality characteristics related to openness. The study used data from the Human Connectome Project, a database of healthy participants.
A data-intelligent model reveals that prioritizing vaccine access for the most disadvantaged communities can improve health benefits for all. The research team also argues for increased funding to combat vaccine hesitancy among these populations.
A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children who experience a mild traumatic brain injury are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of children, revealed a 15-percent increased risk of these problems in kids with a mild TBI.
A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that using only students in experiments can lead to biased results, as their decisions differ from those of other population groups. The study compared agricultural science students to farmers and found differences in risk-taking, patience, trust, and generosity.
A study from UC San Diego finds increased depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in Latina mothers, particularly those in border cities, due to reduced coping resources. The researchers attribute these findings to the increasing hostility of the political climate towards Latinx Americans.
Researchers explore the relationship between brand purpose and consumer eudaimonic well-being, finding that brands addressing key factors such as authenticity and commitment to purpose can secure positive outcomes. By incorporating purpose into their strategy, brands can foster a sense of fulfillment among consumers.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people share information that is meaningful to themselves or their friends and family. The study analyzed the behavior of over 3,000 individuals and discovered that sharing activates reward centers in the brain and is driven by social relevance.
Research finds that feelings of guilt from keeping everyday consumer behaviors a secret can lead to greater relationship investment. Participants reported engaging in mundane secrets like sneaking pizza or watching ahead on a TV show, which drove them to invest more in their relationships.
Research found that sleep deprivation dampens activity in social cognition brain network and is associated with reduced altruism. A 10% drop in donation amounts was observed after losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time.
A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.
A new study found that over half of participants engaged in at least one 'cheat meal' per year, associated with binge-eating, compulsive exercise, and fasting behaviors among men. Women's engagement was linked to all seven types of eating disorder behaviors.
A Rutgers study found that early-term births (37–38 weeks) have significantly higher symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD, and cognitive problems or inattention compared to full-term births. Teachers' reports provided valuable input for the diagnosis of ADHD, highlighting the need for regular screenings.
A recent study highlights uncomfortable social situations people with blindness face, as well as strategies they use to navigate them. Researchers found techniques for avoiding awkward encounters, recovering from them, and even constructive ways allies can support individuals with visual impairment.
A Rutgers University study found that simultaneously focusing on kids, caregivers, and community members produces better outcomes than interventions targeting children in isolation. The study suggests that multilevel programs can strengthen mental and behavioral health of children affected by extreme adversity.
The book 'Power, for All: How It Really Works and Why It’s Everyone’s Business' has received the Academy of Management's George R. Terry Book Award for its timely and democratized vision of power. The authors offer an essential guide to understanding and navigating power in relationships, organizations, and society.
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
A novel study found that vaccine-related fears significantly impact flu shot outcomes, reducing vaccination rates and increasing symptoms of dizziness. Researchers recommend interventions to address fear and potential dizziness, such as applied muscle tension techniques.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Research by American Psychological Association finds a small, gradual increase in cooperation across the US since the 1950s, linked to urbanization and societal wealth. The study's findings suggest that increased cooperation may help tackle global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and immigrant crises.
Research found that hunger is strongly associated with feelings of anger, irritability, and lower levels of pleasure. The study tracked participants' emotions and hunger levels over 21 days, finding a significant link between hunger and negative emotional states.
Researchers found that consumers prefer to buy human-shaped food, such as gingerbread men, due to anthropomorphization. However, people do not like eating these products because it seems immoral, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology.
Researchers found that secret purchases can positively impact close relationships by driving investment and increased partner satisfaction. Marketers should ask consumers about their secret usage to better support it.
A longitudinal study found that supervisors perceived as engaged leaders enhanced employee engagement via boosted personal psychological resources and team effectiveness. Engaged leaders also fostered a shared perception of available resources, leading to improved job performance.
A new study found a significant increase in unprotected sex, drinking, smoking, and cannabis use among rejected minorities. Researchers discovered that social rejection is associated with a 9.1% rise in tobacco consumption and a 12.5% increase in cannabis use.
Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Himba pastoralists in Namibia are more likely to form long-lasting relationships with others who share similar desirable traits. This suggests that people's actual preferences may differ from their stated desires, and that similarity in desirability is key to successful relationships.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that younger age, managerial position, and frequency of teleworking are associated with cyberbullying victimization. Cyberbullying was linked to increased psychological distress, insomnia, and loneliness, emphasizing the need for effective countermeasures.
A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022
A recent study led by psychologists at the University of Bath challenges the idea that people have unlimited wants. Most people from 33 countries surveyed believed their 'absolutely ideal life' could be achieved with $10 million or less, suggesting a moderate level of wealth is desired.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
A massive global study of social distancing motivations has yielded new insights into the effectiveness of different styles of messaging. Autonomy-supportive messages that encouraged personal agency were found to be more effective in influencing individuals' behaviors than controlling or shaming messages.
A study of 1548 people aged 13 to 77 found that passion and growth mindset decrease with age, while grit increases, suggesting that older individuals can still develop new skills. Notably, women tend to have a stronger growth mindset than men.