Articles tagged with Motivation
Research reveals African American women exhibit higher risk for HIV/AIDS due to lower condom use expectations. The study suggests tailored interventions addressing mediators like self-esteem and coping are crucial in increasing condom use, particularly in high-risk casual relationships.
New research published in Psychological Science found that public campaigns urging Americans to think and act interdependently may actually decrease motivation for action. In contrast, Asian American students' behavior was not affected by emphasis on interdependence.
A study published in Medical Care suggests that attempting to correct false beliefs about health care reform can backfire among individuals with positive views of Sarah Palin and high levels of political knowledge. The researchers found that more aggressive fact-checking increased misperceptions and opposition to the Affordable Care Ac...
Researchers discovered a key protein receptor plays a crucial role in motivation during physical exercise, explaining why many people struggle to stick to their fitness goals. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates the brain's reward system, controlling how long individuals engage in voluntary physical activity.
A Cornell University study found that serving vegetables with dinner increases the positive response of the meal and its preparer. Parents surveyed by researchers rated vegetable-prepared meals as more complete, loving, and tasty, and perceived the cook as more thoughtful and attentive.
A new model developed by Concordia researcher Mohammed Othman takes into account workers' personality strengths and differences to create a more efficient workforce planning system. The result is a significant cost savings of 7.1% compared to traditional approaches.
A Kansas State University study found that exercising with a teammate perceived as better increases workout time and intensity, but only when the partner is approximately 40% more skilled. Over time, this motivation can lead to significantly longer exercise sessions.
Researchers used optogenetics to map the neural mechanisms underlying motivation, revealing multiple switches that control behavioral patterns. They identified key regions in the brain stem and prefrontal cortex involved in motivation, shedding light on the causes of depression and psychomotor retardation.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that nearly 40% of participants in Germany had ever used a sunbed, with women being more likely to use them. The main motivations for tanning were relaxation and attractiveness, while the risk of skin cancer was significantly increased by sunbed use.
Researchers argue that self-control is not a depletable resource but rather a process influenced by motivation, attention, and individual perceptions. This new perspective has implications for understanding behaviors related to important problems like obesity and impulsive spending.
A new study from Brigham Young University found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the morning can decrease a person's motivation for food. The research measured neural activity in women while they viewed food images before and after exercise, revealing a lower attentional response to food pictures after the workout.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers pay more when given different options for short-term goals, but pay less when pursuing long-term goals. By strategically choosing between similar options, consumers can maintain motivation and achieve their objectives.
Cocaine withdrawal affects emotion and motivation due to the activation of CB1 cells in the brain. These cells, responsible for regulating nerve cell communication, slow down activity in the nucleus accumbens when an addict is high on cocaine, leading to a drag on emotions and motivation during withdrawal.
Research suggests that time perception is influenced by approach motivation, with goal-oriented activities making it feel like time is passing quickly. This effect is specific to states high in approach motivation, such as desire or excitement, which narrow memory and attention processes.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that parental involvement can significantly increase the number of students enrolled in STEM courses. The intervention involved sending parents glossy brochures and a dedicated website to promote STEM education, resulting in more advanced math and science classes taken by participati...
A study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people of their mortality motivates them to behave in ways that ensure their personal legacy, leaving a positive impact on the environment. Participants who were primed with thoughts of death gave more money to charities serving impoverished communities in the future.
A new study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies suggests that consumers who buy life experiences to impress others experience a decrease in happiness. In contrast, individuals who purchase experiences for personal reasons report greater fulfillment and well-being.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found Epo increases oxygen transport in blood shortly after injection, improving exercise performance. The hormone also boosts motivation, which could be useful in treating depression and schizophrenia.
A new study from Michigan State University reveals that exercising with a moderately capable virtual partner can significantly boost motivation, with women cycling twice as long when working with a partner. The results suggest the gains observed over six hour-long sessions could be sustained on a longer-term program of exercise.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that virtual exercise partners can significantly improve motivation and performance. Women who exercised with a more capable virtual partner cycled an average of two minutes longer than those who worked out alone, and reported no decline in motivation to exercise.
Researchers found that participants rated celebrity-morphed images as more trustworthy than control faces, suggesting a subconscious effect of familiarity. The study suggests that automatic perceptions of familiarity may have greater influence on consumer behavior than physical attractiveness.
Researchers found that motivation, a basic building block of human emotion, is computed mainly in the right hemisphere of the brain for left-handers, contrary to previous studies. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, which often involve targeting the left hemisphere.
A new human study suggests that dopamine levels in the brain play a crucial role in determining how hard people work. Individuals with higher dopamine activity in certain areas showed greater motivation and effort, while those with increased dopamine in other areas were less likely to exert effort.
A Vanderbilt University study found that individual differences in dopamine levels in specific brain areas affect motivation and willingness to work for rewards. The research provides new insights into the role of dopamine in human behavior and may have implications for treating mental illnesses like depression and schizophrenia.
A shift in attention can make all the difference in reaching goals, according to a new study. Consumers often start towards a goal but struggle to finish it. Focusing on small areas of progress instead of large ones increases motivation and adherence to goals.
Brown capuchin monkeys demonstrate empathetic perspective-taking by withholding food from a fellow monkey who has just eaten, suggesting they understand their physical needs. The study provides first evidence for this behavior in primates.
A new study found that individuals motivated to actively change bad habits are more likely to make impulsive decisions that undermine their long-term goals. In contrast, those primed with words suggesting inaction found it easier to avoid such decisions.
A study found that the ventral striatum in the brain drives motivation during actions requiring physical and mental effort. The researchers discovered a general motivational system, activating both cognitive and motor parts of the brain depending on task difficulty.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that repeating experiences can renew appreciation for both the object of consumption and oneself. Participants reported enhanced emotional lives and mental health benefits from re-consumption, with various motivations including self-reflection and social sharing.
Researchers found that motivation to exercise changes on a weekly basis and is linked to behavior. Consistently strong intentions are key to following through on physical activity goals.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that stating an intention to buy a product makes consumers more likely to choose their preferred brand. This motivation narrows their focus, pushing other well-liked brands to the back until the consumer has accomplished the intention.
Researchers Jordan Etkin and Rebecca K. Ratner found that consumers who believe they are close to their fitness goals prefer a limited variety of products. In contrast, those who feel further from their goals are more motivated by a larger selection of options.
A study found that experts are more motivated by negative feedback than novices, while novices respond better to positive feedback. This suggests that marketers should target experts with negative feedback to promote motivation and change attitudes.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. Self-determined motivation and perceived competence are key factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more.
A study by Kristin Laurin found that reminding people of God decreases their motivation to pursue personal goals, yet improves their ability to resist temptation. Participants who believed in an omniscient entity watching over them were more likely to resist temptations and achieve major life goals.
A study published in Current Biology found that human children consistently chose to cooperate with others over working alone, whereas chimpanzees showed no such preference. The researchers suggest that this behavioral difference may be rooted in small motivational differences between humans and other species.
Research suggests that human children exhibit a strong preference for working together to solve problems, with cooperation rates exceeding 78% compared to 58% for chimpanzees. This finding highlights a potential difference in motivation between humans and our primate cousins.
A new study published in Psychological Science explains how motivation drives groups to behave in a particular manner. The research found that a threat to American identity influences how Americans respond to the symbolic building of a mosque near Ground Zero.
A longitudinal study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that young adults undergo treatment ready to change, but lack confidence, coping skills, and commitment. Treatment increases their self-efficacy, enabling them to sustain healthy recovery efforts and improve outcomes.
Research reveals that stronger motivation leads to increased connectivity between brain regions regulating motivation and motor learning. Rehabilitative training advances motor function recovery by activating the brain's motivation centers.
Researchers are developing a computer-delivered intervention to increase parental motivation and adolescent engagement in diabetes care. The study, targeting urban African American youth, aims to address poor health outcomes related to diabetes management.
A University of Bristol study examined motivational indicators in public and private sector workers across 51 countries. It found that public sector workers tend to be more intrinsically motivated, but corruption levels can affect motivation.
A study published in Psychology & Marketing reveals that identity is a key motivation behind bequest giving, with charities needing to foster a sense of shared values and recognition with their organization.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that parents' attitudes and behavior play a significant role in their child's homework motivation. By having a more positive, supportive attitude and communicating the learning value, parents can improve their child's motivation. The researchers also recommend giving children choi...
A study of Texas women holding concealed handgun licenses reveals they are motivated by feelings of empowerment and a need for self-defense. However, this form of self-defense can also lead to increased vulnerability when unarmed, as their sense of strength and confidence reside in the firearm.
Researchers found that making goal attainment visual provides motivation, even in abstract contexts. Studies showed that participants who could easily visualize their progress were more energized and motivated to reach their goals. The study suggests that visualization can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and commitment.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research introduces a model capturing the process of goal revision. Consumers tend to set and revise goals, with adjustments influenced by factors such as motivation, external pressures, and previous achievements.
Researchers found that controlling motivational interventions can actually increase prejudice, while autonomy-based approaches lead to less prejudice. The study suggests a focus shift from requirement to emphasis on the benefits of diversity and equality for both groups.
Researchers found that treatments tailored to subgroups with increased motivation, reduced temptation, and confidence can lead to reductions in drinking behavior. Early-onset drinkers showed greater responsiveness to anti-craving medication.
Research suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and reduces hunger throughout the day. The study found that higher protein meals led to greater changes in appetite and satiety compared to normal protein meals.
Researchers from Michigan State University analyzed the Kohler effect in health video games and found that working out with a virtual partner improves task persistence and reduces social anxiety. The study suggests that incorporating design features based on the Kohler effect could motivate vigorous exercise.
Researchers found that anticipating feelings of guilt can motivate cooperation, with increased activity in areas processing negative emotions. The study suggests a neural mechanism underlying guilt-aversion-driven cooperation, challenging the 'warm-glow' hypothesis of altruism.
A study by Angela Lee Duckworth found that motivation makes up a larger share of the predictive power of IQ tests for those with below-average scores. The research also showed that ratings of test motivation were equally predictive of adult outcomes as IQ scores.
A study found that guilt motivates cardiovascular patients to make lifestyle changes, particularly those with children. Providers are advised to address guilt in routine care to improve patient outcomes. The study involved 100 adult cardiology outpatients and revealed that nearly two-thirds had experienced a major cardiovascular event.
A study from Michigan State University suggests that lack of motivation and equipment are the primary barriers to physical activity among adolescent boys. An after-school exercise program may help overcome this decrease in exercise, according to researcher Lorraine Robbins.
Peter Shizgal, a leading researcher in reward, motivation, and decision-making, has been awarded the prestigious Prix Adrien Pinard. A prolific scientist, he is known for his work on cognitive, emotional, and neural mechanisms that underlie human behavior.
A new study suggests that holding doors for others may be motivated by a desire to reduce the effort required, not just out of respect. The research found that when multiple people follow, the person holding the door holds it longer, and followers hasten their steps to fulfill an implicit pact.
A study found that people with HIV/AIDS feel reluctant to disclose their disease due to subtle clues from their communities. The motivation for this reluctance varies among individuals, with some valuing tolerance and others responding to social pressure.
A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.
A new study in Psychological Science reports that thinking about a partner's support for goals can decrease motivation and increase procrastination. However, this phenomenon, known as self-regulatory outsourcing, can also lead to positive relationship outcomes if done consciously.