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Virtual workout partners spur better results

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMay 18, 2011

This new year, how motivated are you?

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that personal motivation is a crucial factor in determining how quickly patients return to work following total knee replacement surgery. Motivated patients were able to return to work an average of 8.9 weeks after surgery, while those with lower motivation took longe...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 5, 2011

For macaques, male bonding is a political move

Research finds that unrelated male macaques in the wild form close relationships with select males, resembling human friendship. These bonds are linked to future social dominance and successful mating, suggesting a role of politics in shaping male social dynamics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2010

How reasonable it is to deceive yourself?

Researchers Prof. Dr. Albert Newen and Christoph Michel propose that self-deception can be a motivating factor in certain situations, while maintaining basic rational evaluation processes intact. However, excessive self-deception can lead to reality distortion and harm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateSep 28, 2010

Relying too much on e-mail bad for business, study says

A University of Illinois study found that relying too much on e-mail and videoconferences can lead to a lack of trust among team members, which is critical for successful collaboration. The research suggests that businesses should balance the use of technology with face-to-face meetings to recharge relationships and maintain trust.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 16, 2010

What happens when we get angry?

A new investigation reveals that anger provokes profound changes in the state of mind of individuals, as well as psychobiological parameters. Heart rate, arterial tension, and testosterone increase, but cortisol levels decrease. The study also highlights the complexity of emotions, with anger exhibiting unique patterns.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateMay 31, 2010

The sound of seduction

A study by Susan Hughes found that both sexes use lower-pitched voices when speaking to more attractive partners, indicating a potential means of demonstrating attraction. The researchers suggest that altering one's voice may be a learned behavior based on cultural stereotypes rather than actual vocal characteristics.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateMay 20, 2010

Focusing on appearance may reduce tanning in young women

A study found that focusing on the negative effects of indoor tanning on appearance can reduce tanning behavior in young women, even those motivated by health concerns. The appearance-focused booklet also showed promise in reducing tanning behaviors among those with pathological motives for tanning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 17, 2010

Race and empathy matter on neural level

A new Northwestern University study finds that African-Americans show greater empathy for other African-Americans facing adversity than Caucasians do for Caucasian-Americans. The study suggests that identifying with a racial group can dramatically change one's ability to feel and respond to the pain of another person.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 26, 2010

Consumers: Why do you like what I like, but I don't like what you like?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Cat-calls are detrimental to everyone

Women who witness sexism may experience negative emotions and feel motivated to take action against men in general. Research by Chaudoir and Quinn found that catcalls can shape women's feelings and attitudes towards men, with bystander sexism impacting how female observers view all men more negatively.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 18, 2010

When mom has an eating problem

A Norwegian PhD candidate's study sheds light on the struggles of mothers with eating difficulties, including feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Despite being kept under wraps, these women face significant challenges in maintaining a double life, affecting their relationships and daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Stavanger·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing·DateMar 17, 2010

Underdogs have more motivation? Not so fast, study says

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people work about 30 percent harder when their group is competing against a lower-status group. The motivation gains were observed when students felt their group's superior status was threatened, and not when competing against similarly ranked teams or higher-ranked colleges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2010

School burnout

A recent study by the Academy of Finland has found a correlation between school burnout and parental work burnout. Children of parents experiencing burnout are more likely to experience school burnout, with shared experiences often occurring between adolescents and parents of the same gender.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJan 19, 2010

Those less motivated to achieve will excel on tasks seen as fun

A new study by University of Illinois psychologists suggests that individuals with low achievement motivation actually perform better on tasks when they are framed as enjoyable. This finding challenges the common assumption that motivation is essential for success and highlights the importance of considering individual goals and prefer...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2010

Worth the effort? Not if you're depressed

Researchers discovered that individuals with anhedonia, a core symptom of major depressive disorder, are less willing to make choices requiring greater effort in exchange for greater reward. This finding suggests a plausible connection between dopamine deficiency and reward processing in depression.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2009

If you do good, you look good

A study by Dr. Anat Bracha of Tel Aviv University found that participating in charitable events in public settings boosts donations due to positive recognition from the community. In contrast, monetary incentives are more effective in private settings, where social judgment is less present.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 11, 2009

Motivational readiness for alcohol/drug treatment is more about self-evaluation than consequences

New research on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) finds that motivational readiness is more about individual self-reflection than avoiding negative consequences. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that motivation and readiness to change are influenced by personal ...

Balzan Foundation announced 2008 prize winners

The Balzan Foundation has awarded four prestigious prizes in 2008 for outstanding contributions in Visual Arts, Moral Philosophy, Preventive Medicine, and Science of Climate Change. Maurizio Calvesi, Thomas Nagel, Ian H. Frazer, and Wallace S. Broecker received the awards with a total prize money of one million Swiss Francs.

Study examines motivations for tattoo removal

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that women are more likely to remove their tattoos due to social stigma and embarrassment, with 69% of participants being women. The study also revealed that societal support for women with tattoos is limited, leading to increased dissatisfaction with their tattoos over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 21, 2008

Motivation of small business managers affects firm growth

A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.

SourceWiley·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateJun 5, 2008