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How to deal with narcissists at home and at work

Narcissists can be charming early on, but subtle signs indicate a need to get out of the relationship. Brunell discusses how researchers have learned to understand and cope with narcissists in various settings, including workplaces. Strategies for setting clear boundaries and managing situations are also shared.

SourceOhio State University·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2024

Loneliness and isolation: Back to pre-pandemic levels, but still high, for older adults

A new national study reveals that loneliness and social isolation have returned to pre-pandemic rates for older Americans, affecting 33% of adults aged 50-80. Those with poor physical or mental health face even higher rates, highlighting the need for clinicians to screen patients for these issues and connect them with community resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2024

What social rejection teaches your brain

A USC study reveals that forming social ties relies on learning from positive outcomes, such as rewards, and tracking relational value. The findings help explain why we are drawn to certain people and how we navigate relationships, with implications for mental health and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2024

Entrepreneurs who take funding from close family and friends are more likely to pursue lower-risk growth options

New research from Indiana University finds that accepting funding from family and friends can lead entrepreneurs to make more conservative venture growth decisions. This 'funding-source-induced bias' can result in anticipated guilt, prompting founders to prioritize lower-risk strategies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Here’s something Americans agree on: Sports build character

A recent study found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agree that sports build character and improve health, while ignoring issues such as abuse and burnout. The 'Great Sport Myth' suggests that sports have automatic positive results, but researchers argue that this ignores problems in the sport.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Social isolation, loneliness and frailty in older adults have a complex and sometimes mutually reinforcing relationship

A new study analyzed 21 years of data from over 2,300 older Dutch adults, finding that physical frailty can lead to social isolation and loneliness, while also being an indicator of future social isolation. Lifestyle changes such as better nutrition, exercise, and social activities can reverse these conditions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2024

The couples who cope together, stay together

A new study reveals that couples living with rheumatoid arthritis who engage in joint problem-solving and emotional support experience lower depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of dyadic coping in improving relationship quality and patient well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Rheumatology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 29, 2024

Singapore families show high resilience during pandemic

A new study by NUS Medicine reveals that Singaporean families with young children successfully adapted to the pandemic's challenges, with 31% showing economic security and relational strengthening. Families with strong relational factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and quality family time, demonstrated higher relational resilience.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2024

Self-esteem boosts sexual well-being – and vice versa

A long-term study of over 11,000 German adults found that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships and that the two factors influence each other. The study showed significant correlations over time, with changes in sexual satisfaction leading to changes in self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

How personality traits might interact to affect self-control

A study found that neuroticism can negatively affect general and inhibitory self-control, while a positive correlation was seen for extraversion and conscientiousness. Understanding the nuanced interplay between personality traits and self-control is essential for developing effective interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2024

Promoting healthy teen romantic relationships to reduce risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections

A new multi-site randomized-controlled study evaluates an innovative healthy relationships program for teens. The study found the program may have influenced abstinence but not relationship communication, highlighting the need for tailored program components to address unique environmental contexts.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 8, 2024

A ‘thank you’ goes a long way in family relationships

A study found that perceived gratitude from romantic partners and older children positively impacts individuals' psychological well-being and reduces parenting stress. Expressing gratitude within the family can promote a climate of appreciation, teaching children to acknowledge others' efforts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

Does physical isolation increase loneliness?

A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2024

Dance, dance revolution: New Drexel research shows dance and movement therapy can increase emotional and social intelligence in middle school students

A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences & Humanities Open·DateAug 5, 2024

UBC Okanagan study raises concerns about partner violence in queer relationships

A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

New "disembodied disconnect hypothesis" offers fresh perspective on digital technology's impact on social interaction

A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2024

The new paradigm in volunteering -- and how organizations can adapt to "neither-growing-nor-fading" brand relationships

New volunteers seek flexibility and opportunity, often showing a weaker sense of affiliation with organizations. Organizations can effectively cultivate these relationships by establishing physical infrastructure, providing training and competence-building activities, and communicating a compelling narrative.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 9, 2024

New study shows meaningful social interactions boost well-being, but context matters

A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Family stress can lead to work-related guilt for military

A new study from the University of Georgia found that military stress can lead to feelings of guilt among service members about their work impacting family life. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 military families and discovered that when fathers reported struggling with military demands, they perceived their work as not enri...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMilitary Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

US sexual health curriculum could force LGBTQ+ students to seek potentially inaccurate education outside of school

A new study reveals that US sexual health curricula are leaving LGBTQ+ students without essential information, leading them to seek advice from unreliable sources. Experts argue that addressing this negligence could be life-saving and urge policymakers to include LGBTQ+ content in curricula.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2024

Inclusive education improves students' socio-emotional skills

A comprehensive study by researchers at the University of Córdoba found that teachers' commitment to inclusive education positively impacts students' socio-emotional skills. The study, involving over 3,500 students and 294 teachers, reveals the decisive role of teachers in boosting social-emotional skills through inclusive education.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Centering relationships between people and place: A critical step towards improving science's contributions to society

The authors argue that building relationships with places of study can lead to more fair science, accurate and meaningful research outcomes. They propose three pathways: deepening reflection and communication about relationships, strengthening collaboration amongst research teams, and transforming systems of knowledge creation to foste...

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2024

YouTubers cheer people up more than casual friends

A new study by the University of Essex suggests that watching online stars like Zoella and PewDiePie can be more emotionally fulfilling than talking to casual friends. The research found that parasocial relationships with YouTubers offer positive reinforcement, despite not being able to respond. People of all ages reported feeling a st...

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2024

Revolutionizing depression treatment online

A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychotherapy Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2024

How infections influence our social empathy

Researchers found that acute inflammation from bacterial endotoxin administration led to a significant reduction in empathy for psychological pain in healthy women. The study highlights the impact of inflammation on both physical and interpersonal relationships.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024