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Teen girls facing the most adversity showed the biggest gains in social connection after breathwork course

A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateAug 18, 2026

Rivalries shape social maps in the brain

Researchers from the University of Osaka found that antagonistic ties play a crucial role in shaping social maps in the brain, which are also reflected in patterns of brain activity. This study sheds light on how our brains organize complex relationships and rivalries.

SourceThe University of Osaka·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

Gaming for well-being: New study links open-world games to lower loneliness and greater resilience

A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that playing open-world adventure games can lower loneliness levels and increase stoicism in adults. The research found that specific types of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi's Crafted World, provide a 'digital diet' for emotional well-being.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Serious Games·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

A well-liked best friend can reduce an isolated child’s exclusion but not their withdrawal, Concordia study finds

A new study by Concordia researchers found that well-liked friends can help reduce peer exclusion, but not social withdrawal in isolated children. The study tracked 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students over eight weeks and found that friendships with high-status peers reinforced existing social status, rather than improving inclusion.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

New study reveals strict selection patterns in social relationships

Researchers found that humans are extremely selective when choosing friends and partners, evaluating all identity characteristics positively before entering a relationship. The study used data from high school friendships and marriages to validate its findings, revealing that factors like grade level, ethnic background, and age play a ...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

Early institutional care lowers life expectancy

A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 30, 2026

Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests

A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2026

Think that conversation will be boring? Science says think again

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Why feeling alone may matter more than being alone

Two studies suggest that loneliness is not just a lack of connection, but how people experience those connections, with increased risk of disease and death associated with feelings of lonelier-than-objective isolation. Daily life perceptions of social threat also contribute to self-reinforcing sequences of emotional states, behaviors, ...

SourceCornell University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2026

The dehumanization effect: New PSU research examines how abusive supervision impacts employee agency and burnout

A new study by PSU researchers finds that abusive supervision can fundamentally alter how employees perceive their humanity, leading to severe burnout and decreased collaboration. In contrast, employees with a strong sense of self-efficacy are less susceptible to the dehumanizing effects of a toxic manager.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMar 13, 2026

Truth hurts: Prosocial liars perceived as more moral

In a study, participants preferred feedback providers who provided overly optimistic feedback to avoid hurting others, even if it meant telling the truth. This suggests that people strategically adjust their preferences for honesty based on social cues and prioritize the well-being of others.

SourceSWPS University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2026

New research shows how friends’ support protects intercultural couples

A new study examines the role of social approval in intercultural relationships, finding that supportive friends are a powerful protective factor. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by these couples and emphasizes the importance of building strong social networks to understand and respect their relationship.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Job changes may cause headaches and insomnia

A nationwide survey of 20,000 people found that those who changed jobs in the past year reported higher rates of health symptoms. Job changers often experience more stress factors, such as late-night shifts and excessive workloads, which can negatively impact mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 2, 2025

Study suggests a novel approach for building communication and social connection among individuals with autism spectrum disorder

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with similar levels of autistic traits are more attracted to each other and their brains synchronize in unique ways during passive and active communication. This suggests a novel approach for building social connection among people with autism by tailoring environments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 10, 2025

Optimists are alike, every pessimist has their own way

A study by Kobe University found that optimists' brains work similarly when imagining future events, while pessimists' brains show more individuality. This commonality may explain why optimists are seen as more sociable and satisfied with their social relationships.

SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2025

Q&A: What makes an ‘accidental dictator’ in the workplace?

A leadership trap known as the 'accidental dictator' can be avoided by embracing circumscribed empowerment, shared vision, and long-term perspective. Leaders must empower their team members within defined boundaries, engage them in the process of creating a shared vision, and prioritize a long-term perspective to build effective teams.

SourcePenn State·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateApr 18, 2025

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct classroom intelligent analysis of real classrooms

Researchers from East China Normal University developed an AI-driven system to analyze classroom videos, revealing teacher-centered instruction prevails in primary and secondary schools. The study also found that older students engage less in critical discussions and more in structured questions.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2025

Breaking the cycle: unveiling how childhood trauma fuels parenting and abuse

A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Human-AI relationships pose ethical issues, psychologists say

Researchers explore the potential risks of human-AI relationships, including interference with human social dynamics and the risk of AIs offering harmful advice. They call for more research on the psychological process involved, which could help intervene to prevent malicious AI advice from being followed.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 11, 2025

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

White-collar crimes: ‘Fall from grace’ and the stigma of reentry into society

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJustice Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Push to return to "traditional" masculinity imposes costs on men, BGU social psychologist maintains

A Ben-Gurion University social psychologist argues that toxic masculinity and traditional gender roles impose significant costs on men, affecting their personal and professional lives. Men are pressured to conform to narrow standards of masculinity, leading to increased stress and negative mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 16, 2025

Teaching kids how to become better citizens

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a social studies curriculum that taught fourth graders 'civic competencies,' including disciplinary thinking and argumentation skills. The results showed significant improvements in students' ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and consider multiple perspectives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Social Studies Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 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

Feeling supported and listened to by our partner improves physical and emotional health, according to a study by the University of Granada

A study by the University of Granada found that feeling supported and listened to by one's partner has a significant impact on general health and well-being. The Perceived Responsiveness and Insensitivity Scale (PRIS-SA) tool, adapted from an English scale, measures this aspect of relationships.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 13, 2025

PING

Professor Andrew Brodsky's book 'PING' offers a four-part framework to transform research insights into action. The framework includes Perspective, Taking, Nonverbal cues, and Goals, which help individuals communicate more effectively in virtual environments.

A third of UK public ‘tolerant’ of petty corruption

Researchers found that up to 34% of the British public considered acts like nepotism or bribery acceptable during the vaccine rollout. The study also discovered an association between public tolerance of petty corruption and vaccine rollout speed, with slower rollouts in areas where tolerance was higher. Lead author Dr Franziska Sohns ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2025

Conversing with chatbots: What influences trust?

Research reveals that competence and integrity are key factors influencing trust in AI chatbots, with benevolence also playing a role. Personalized chatbots are perceived as more benevolent and competent, but overall trust was not significantly higher than in impersonal chatbots.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJan 9, 2025

Teaching of intercultural communication calls for increasingly diverse approaches

A new study highlights the need for multiple approaches in teaching intercultural communication, focusing on three cultural perspectives: positivist, interpretive, and critical. Effective teaching emphasizes genuine interaction, acknowledging cultural diversity and examining phenomena from multiple angles.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBusiness and Professional Communication Quarterly·DateJan 9, 2025