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Financial stress bleeds into our relationships. But partners who provide emotional support can help.

A new study found that couples who receive emotional support from their partners experience reduced stress spillover from financial worries. Emotional support was a key factor in managing financial stress, while problem-solving alone was less effective. The study suggests that a supportive partner can act as a buffer against financial ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2026

University of Phoenix research chair presents pilot findings on AI-assisted empathy at 2026 American Psychological Association convention

The pilot study explores the use of generative AI personas to facilitate structured empathy practice, with mean empathy scores increasing by 2.70 points and participants reaching the third level of a relational progression framework. However, further research is needed due to methodological limitations.

SourceUniversity of Phoenix·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

Proxemics and virtual reality: Study reveals how people regulate social distance in Italy and Japan

Researchers used virtual reality to measure interpersonal distance in Italian and Japanese participants, finding that cultural background and first impressions influence personal space. The study suggests that virtual environments can be used to standardize the appearance of agents and observe social behavior with high precision.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2026

Childhood disadvantage can limit the social benefits of intelligence later in life, new research shows

A new study by Professor Chris Dawson found that childhood disadvantage is linked to lower levels of trust in others, with intelligence having half the effect on social benefits. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 people across the UK and suggests that stable childhood environments may be crucial in shaping life chances.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

To improve social and political dialogue, tell people what you're against

A study of nearly 6,000 people found that when people are presented with viewpoints they disagree with in a pro-support frame, they tend to be less open to the idea. However, when framed in oppositional terms, they are more likely to engage. Researchers suggest changing argument framing can help improve dialogue.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

How cultural norms shape childhood development

A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Research team explores inclusion at conferences

A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2025

Why do people believe lies?

Researchers used neuroimaging to study how people evaluate honesty in friend and stranger interactions. Participants believed lies more frequently when they promised potential gains, linked to brain regions involved with risk evaluation and reward. Shared brain activity between friendly pairs can even predict deception success.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateSep 15, 2025

New UK population-based study highlights the strengths of LGBT adolescents

A new UK population-based study reveals that LGBT adolescents exhibit unique strengths, particularly in social connections and caring attributes. The study applies the 5Cs model to compare experiences across different gender and sexuality groups, highlighting the importance of emphasizing challenges faced by minoritised groups.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2025

Research reveals why receiving food before others is a source of discomfort for social diners

A study by Bayes Business School found that people are more concerned about violating the norm of waiting for others to be served than they are about others doing so. The research suggests that restaurants and dinner hosts could improve dining experiences by serving guests at the same time, reducing social awkwardness.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Want better cooperation? Practice niceness

A study conducted in collaboration with researchers from SWPS University found that practicing niceness can increase the propensity to cooperate by strengthening social bonds. The researchers conducted two studies, one measuring everyday niceness and its association with social connectedness and attitudes towards cooperation, and anoth...

SourceSWPS University·JournalSocial Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 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

An app can change how you see yourself at work

A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateApr 2, 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

Emoji use may depend on emotional intelligence and attachment style

A study found that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and secure attachment styles tend to use emojis more frequently, while those with avoidant attachment styles send fewer emojis. The study also revealed a gender gap in emoji use, with women using emojis more than men, particularly in interactions with friends and family.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 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

Why some abusive bosses get a pass from their employees

A new study suggests that employees may label abuse from successful bosses as 'tough love,' rather than actual abuse. When a boss is seen as high performer, workers are less likely to show hostility and more likely to think their career can be boosted by success.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 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

New research sheds light on factors influencing trust and bias in societies

Researchers found that people with positive perceptions of their nation's institutions show more favoritism toward fellow citizens. Conversely, a strong identification with one's own nation aligns with previous studies. The study suggests support for national institutions can pose challenges to establishing trust across borders.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Friendly teasing or traumatic bullying? Homophobic name-calling leaves scars

A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateJul 5, 2023

Using emoji to measure health

Researchers argue that emoji-based language systems can improve communication between patients and physicians, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with stroke or vocal impairments. The use of emoji can condense surveys and questionnaires, increasing response rates and appealing to patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2023

The science of attraction: why do we fall for certain people?

A Boston University-led study discovered that self-essentialist reasoning plays a crucial role in attraction. When individuals assume others share an underlying essence, they're more likely to form connections with them. However, this flawed thinking can restrict who we find attractive, as it's based on superficial similarities.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2023

Job candidates with typo-laden resumes are up to 18.5 percentage points less likely to make it to interview, in part because they are judged by recruiters as having lower mental abilities, conscientiousness and interpersonal skills

Job candidates with typos on their resumes are less likely to get an interview due to being perceived as having lower mental abilities, conscientiousness, and interpersonal skills. This study found that a typo-laden resume can result in a 18.5 percentage point decrease in getting an interview invitation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2023

Secondary selling: how salesperson behavior beyond the salesperson-customer dyad increases sales revenues and customer satisfaction

Researchers found that secondary selling, a salesperson's considerate behavior with secondary entities like customers and company property, increases sales revenues and customer satisfaction. The study suggests training initiatives and making secondary selling behaviors visible to customers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 14, 2022

Storytelling helps college students relieve stress, improve confidence during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 10, 2022

Study uncovers how blind and visually impaired individuals navigate social challenges

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2022

Coaching patients to advocate for themselves can offset the effects of doctors’ racial bias

A University of Michigan-led analysis found that training patients to voice their concerns and advocate for themselves can reduce the impact of physicians' racial biases on care. The study showed that 'patient activation' creates more equitable interactions between patients and physicians.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Kessler Foundation researchers identify benefits of interpersonal emotion regulation for countering depression in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022