Articles tagged with Motivation
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that acknowledging employees' efforts, rather than their abilities, boosts overall productivity in companies with remote workers. Praising effort-focused messages, especially those that are personally identifiable, can have a significant impact on employee motivation and performance.
New research from Hebrew University reveals that parents' understanding of their children's thoughts and feelings is crucial for providing effective emotional support. Parents who are good at mentalization can create a better homework environment, boosting children's independent learning and motivation.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed sensors that track physical changes experienced by exercisers while using VR headsets, allowing game designers to create immersive programs that adapt to a person's abilities and mood. This technology aims to increase user engagement and adherence to exercise.
New research finds that Dungeons & Dragons provides a friendly environment for autistic adults to engage in social interactions, build confidence, and feel included. The study shows that playing the game allows participants to relax without pressure and take on new personas outside of the game.
A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical are conducting a 12-week study to examine the impact of soy on blood sugar, mood, and energy levels. Participants will receive meals with or without activated soy flour and undergo various tests, including insulin sensitivity and bone density assessments.
A 15-minute gamified workplace wellness program increased participants' average daily physical activity levels by 12 minutes per day, with 95% meeting physical activity guidelines. Participants also reported improvements in fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood.
A new study by The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Birmingham found that organizational support policies do not reduce retaliation intentions among 'stuck' employees. Stuck employees, who want to leave their jobs but cannot due to barriers, are more likely to retaliate against perceived organizational injustice.
A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that evaluators who feel social pressure to avoid exhibiting prejudice deliver more positive feedback to women, even if it means holding them back from growth opportunities. This 'protective paternalism' can ultimately hinder career advancement.
A new study by UC Riverside demonstrates that calorie restriction does not significantly reduce voluntary exercise in mice. Researchers found that mice continued to run at similar levels regardless of the amount of food they ate, challenging the long-held belief that dieting drains workout energy. The study's findings have implications...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that repetition of climate-skeptical statements increased their perceived truth among climate science endorsers, including those who self-identified as 'Alarmed' by climate change. This effect holds true even for the strongest believers in climate science.
A recent study found that behavioral nudges in social media ads had limited ability to encourage COVID-19 vaccination across countries. Nudge ads with messages appealing to norms and family/ community protection performed better than placebo ads, but only in certain contexts.
A lack of adaptive equipment and trained staff in commercial gyms creates significant barriers to exercise for people with disabilities. The study highlights the need for more accessible options and awareness programs to encourage continued physical activity among this population.
Researchers found that witnessing community members engage in prosocial behaviors increases policymakers' willingness to support pro-social policies, such as syringe service programs. The study suggests that communities can exert a positive influence on authorities and contribute to the greater good.
A recent survey conducted by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that consumers prefer glass packaging for orange juice due to its perceived sustainability, but surprisingly, it is actually among the least sustainable options. The study ranked cartons as the most sustainable followed by plastic, aluminum, and then glass.
Researchers propose a novel hypothesis that exercise reduces depressive symptoms by boosting dopamine function and motivation. Studies found inflammation and disrupted dopamine transmission are linked to depression, while exercise reduces inflammation and enhances motivation.
Scenario-based discussions with adult learning theory improve patient engagement and motivation in lifestyle medicine. Patients reflect on their current lifestyles and identify areas for improvement through self-directed learning.
Researchers have developed Nano-MIND technology, which uses magnetism to selectively activate specific deep brain neural circuits, modulating complex brain functions such as cognition and emotion. The technology has been successfully tested in animals, demonstrating its potential to regulate feeding behaviors and maternal instincts.
The University of Toronto has introduced comprehensive guidelines for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults. These guidelines focus on assessment and harm reduction strategies to better support young individuals engaged in the use of these supplements. Healthcare professio...
Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
Researchers found that evoking feelings of gratitude in smokers decreases their craving for cigarettes and increases their likelihood of enrolling in a smoking cessation program. The study suggests that public health campaigns should consider inducing gratitude instead of negative emotions to promote effective smoking cessation.
Researchers found individuals with schizophrenia struggle to discriminate between reward levels, leading to apathy and motivation deficits. The study suggests potential treatments, including brain stimulation and targeted psychotherapy.
Researchers found that individuals with positive schizotypy are more likely to share false political information on social media, particularly when motivated to raise awareness. This study suggests that understanding the psychological characteristics of those who spread misinformation can inform targeted strategies to combat its spread.
A study published in Health Communication found that adults who looked to a person they knew, such as a friend or relative, for good health inspiration had greater motivation to reach their health goals. The women participants were more likely to choose a personal role model rather than a celebrity.
A new qualitative research project explores young adults' (18-30) leisure motivations for using cannabis, revealing a shift towards viewing it as a recreational activity. Participants describe cannabis as offering a leisure state of mind and a way to enhance socialization and pleasurable experiences.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that failure does not necessarily lead to success, with participants overestimating licensing exam pass rates for prospective nurses, lawyers, and teachers. The research highlights the importance of correcting misguided beliefs about failure, potentially shifting taxpayer dollars ...
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people with an optimistic outlook on the future are less likely to be severe procrastinators. The researchers surveyed nearly 300 young people and discovered that those who believed their stress levels would decrease in the future were more likely to overcome procrastination.
Researchers at OIST used a novel technique to study how activating the brain's serotonin center affects awake animals. They found that serotonin from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) activates brain areas influencing behavior and motivation, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.
A recent study reviewed and challenged Kurt Lewin's long-standing motivational conflicts theory, finding that avoidance-avoidance conflicts are more challenging in positive and neutral contexts. The results expand our understanding of decision-making conflicts, highlighting the importance of emotional context in resolving these challen...
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is critical for prosocial behaviors, including helping others. Participants with vmPFC damage exhibited reduced motivation to help, exert less effort, and earned less money compared to control groups.
A cluster randomized trial found that at-school HPV vaccination significantly increased vaccination coverage, but training general practitioners and education had limited impact. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a school- and primary care-based HPV vaccination intervention.
A new study by University of Florida researchers finds that U.S. voters are more likely to support granting noncitizens the right to vote locally if it benefits their own party. The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about partisan motivations behind voting rights debates.
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.
Researchers found that large language model-based chatbots fail to recognize users' motivational states when they are hesitant about making healthy behavior changes. However, the chatbots can provide relevant information and support users who have established goals and a commitment to take action. The study highlights the limitations o...
A survey conducted by Binghamton University found that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at checkout, with women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 being top-giving demographics. The total raised from checkout campaigns has increased yearly since 2012, but the frequency of donation requests may lead ...
A field experiment found that exercising with a friend increases visits by 35% and boosts overall gym attendance. Social incentives also foster stronger social bonds and create greater accountability, making goals more attainable. This study suggests using joint-incentive programs can boost employee engagement and motivation.
Researchers surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, finding they are motivated to exert effort while high and not lazy. Chronic use also affects self-regulation, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased thoughtfulness.
Research from the University of Florida shows that leaders reflecting on family gratitude experience higher levels of prosocial impact, motivating them to engage in helpful behavior towards employees. This reflection practice can be incorporated into daily routines, promoting a positive work environment.
A new study published in PNAS found that AI-generated messages made recipients feel more 'heard' than messages generated by untrained humans, and that AI was better at detecting emotions. However, recipients reported feeling less heard when they learned a message came from AI.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that Republicans who support childhood vaccine mandates tend to be less outspoken due to the false consensus effect and fear of online conflict. The study found that these individuals are more likely to believe their views are in the minority, leading them to self-censor on social media.
Research found female Democrats and non-white male Democrats have a fundraising advantage when running against white male Republicans. Democratic donors give more when their party nominates a white female or non-white male candidate against a white male Democrat.
A new study published in JAMIA found that large language models (LLMs) respond variably to users' motivations, with better results for committed individuals. LLMs struggle to provide relevant information and support for those hesitant to change behavior, highlighting a major gap in their capabilities.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified six barriers to consistent home physiotherapy exercises in vestibular rehabilitation, including motivation, increased symptoms, and psychosocial factors. The study offers actionable recommendations for clinicians to overcome these barriers and improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study found a significant association between COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and political party affiliation. The more Republican states were, the higher the reported adverse events among vaccine recipients and clinicians.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that fostering social connections among volunteers can help organizations recruit and retain scarce volunteers. Researchers analyzed data from a Chinese crowdsourcing platform and found that social connections were a powerful predictor of volunteer behavior, with findings appl...
A new telerehabilitation program has shown promising results in improving lower extremity recovery post-stroke. Participants experienced improvements in mobility and strength, as well as gained self-management skills to empower themselves and maintain their achievements.
A new study aims to understand how family dogs influence children's physical activity levels, with researchers exploring ways to promote healthy habits in young people. The study found that about 20% of daily physical activity comes from time spent with the dog.
A WVU study found that treating work like a game improves workers' productivity and engagement, but also increases stress levels. Gamification can boost completion times for repetitive tasks, but may push employees past their tolerance threshold, leading to frustration and physical demands.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that virtual reality evokes stronger emotions and motivates climate action more effectively than traditional video. Loss-framed messages were most effective in VR, while gain-framed messages performed better in video format.
The study reveals that two neural pathways in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus participate in dynamic regulation of goal pursuits, with PVT+ neurons encoding execution and termination of actions, respectively. Activity in these neurons mirrors motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety.
A study of 69 people across 12 teams found that prioritizing individual needs over team wellbeing can lead to burnout, while prioritizing team needs at the expense of individual wellbeing increases risk of burnout. Effective communication and reflection are key to striking a balance between individual and team wellbeing.
A study published in International Journal of Science Education found that minimizing pupil numbers in classrooms does not lead to better grades. Instead, high-quality teachers with discipline standards and effective teaching methods increase the odds of pupils from low-income families achieving academically.
A new study in Japan explores the motivations of undergraduate students pursuing a teaching career, finding that positive school experiences and intrinsic value are major drivers. The research also highlights the challenges faced by aspiring teachers, including demanding skills and social pressures.
A University of Ottawa study found that older adults understand emoji meanings but are hesitant to use them due to low confidence and technical expertise. The research suggests promoting emoji use can combat ageism and reduce loneliness.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that people with negative attitudes tend to delay tackling unpleasant tasks due to valence weighting bias. This phenomenon can be shifted towards neutrality to reverse procrastination.
A recent study found that quality-based incentives increase the quality of medical treatment, particularly for severe illnesses. However, financial incentives do not necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that doctors' altruistic motivations play a crucial role in providing high-quality care.
Scientists develop a new mathematical principle to understand cooperation among individuals with different characteristics. Their model suggests that a more equal distribution of resources is necessary for diversities to sustain cooperation, but not for maximum general welfare.
A new study suggests that teachers' growth mindset is more influential than their warmth in shaping students' attitudes towards their classes. Students responded positively to instructors with a growth mindset, even if they were described as 'cold', while those with fixed mindsets fared worse, regardless of their demeanor.
A study by Annabelle Roberts explores the internal negotiations that occur when people feel impatient, including the desire for closure. The research finds that people become more impatient as their wait nears an end and offers lessons for marketers to make waiting less annoying.