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Recent study on how to get people to share a corporate post

A recent study by Sara Valentini and colleagues at Bocconi University found that consistency between online content and the values associated with a brand increases rebroadcasting frequency. Posts containing price promotions also perform well when aligned with the brand's identity, with followers being 109% more likely to share them.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateApr 26, 2023

Whether physical exertion feels ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ may be due to dopamine levels, study suggests

Researchers found that dopamine availability in the brain affects people's self-assessment of physical effort and willingness to undertake future exertions. The study, which involved Parkinson's disease patients, suggests that dopamine level is a critical factor in helping people accurately assess how much effort a physical task requires.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·DateApr 12, 2023

How fruit flies feast for pleasure as well as necessity

Researchers discovered that fruit flies have distinct hunger drives, one driven by need and the other by pleasure, which arise from unique neural mechanisms. The study found that hungry flies increase feeding event duration and total events, and identified specific brain regions activated by pleasurable food environments.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 7, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Physical activity and tailored support fails to deliver lasting benefits for smokers not ready to quit

A recent study found that promoting physical activity and behavioral support can help smokers reduce their smoking in the short-term, but delivering lasting benefits is challenging. The research, which recruited over 900 smokers, discovered that engaging with motivational support had some initial benefits, but only a small percentage o...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2023

Psychedelics may help people reinvent themselves

Researchers found that psychedelics combined with talk therapy can help people see themselves as nonsmokers, leading to a higher success rate in quitting smoking. The study suggests that psychedelics can reshape self-perceptions to help break free from old habits and addictions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalKennedy Institute of Ethics Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2023

Illinois Tech psychology researchers find communication is key in reducing prejudice in workforce

A team of Illinois Tech associate professors and an alumnus surveyed over 1,400 British police officers and found that autonomy-supportive communication practices reduced antagonism towards diversity initiatives. The study's lead researcher hopes that this approach will increase cooperation in professions where prejudice is high.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2023

Beating the odds: Research examines how leaders use underdog stories to motivate their teams

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Review explores the impact of underdog narratives on team behavior and motivation. The research suggests that adopting an underdog identity can lead to increased risk-taking and a greater sense of well-being, but also highlights potential drawbacks such as sabotaging competition.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Commonly used police diversity training unlikely to change officers’ behavior, study finds

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that day-long implicit bias-oriented training programs for US police departments are unlikely to reduce racial inequity in policing. Despite increased knowledge and motivation among officers, actual policing behaviors showed little change just one month after the training session.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Using running to escape everyday stresses may lead to exercise dependence instead of mental wellbeing

A recent study published in Frontiers found that recreational runners who use running as a means of escapism, particularly self-suppression, are more likely to develop exercise dependence. In contrast, those who prioritize self-expansion and positive experiences through running tend to have better wellbeing outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

How are your New Year’s exercise resolutions going? What goal motivation tips will — and won’t — help keep you on track

A new Edith Cowan University study found that engaging in exercise for autonomous and intrinsic reasons, like fun and enjoyment, promotes mental health and sustains exercise adherence. In contrast, pursuing New Year's exercise resolutions for extrinsic reasons can be detrimental to one's mental health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

The science of supermoms

Researchers found that dopamine-releasing neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the brain drive maternal instincts through reinforcement learning. This process creates an expectation of future rewards, influencing mothers to pick up their crying children again.

The value of people’s values: Study shows how relational values contribute towards sustainability

A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Gut microbes can boost the motivation to exercise, Penn Medicine study finds

A Penn Medicine study found that certain gut bacteria produce metabolites that stimulate sensory nerves, increasing dopamine levels in the brain during exercise. This increase reinforces the desire to exercise, boosting performance. The study suggests a new pathway for improving public health and potentially modifying motivation and mood.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2022

Co-workers can influence healthy eating choices

A study by University of Cologne scientists found that colleagues' encouragement and own healthy behaviors positively correlate with employees' fruit and vegetable consumption. However, explicit encouragement has a positive effect on physical exercise, while colleagues' behavior does not typically influence others' physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

‘Turning a blind eye’ a typical response to threatening managerial controls

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that employees who perceive managerial controls as restrictive and punitive may develop dysfunctional responses, including workplace deviance and deliberate ignorance. The study suggests that threatening managerial controls have different effects on skilled and non-skilled workers, w...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAccounting Forum·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2022

Smoking & drinking means higher surgery risks, but health coaching before surgery could help

A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Ambition to succeed despite adversity motivates people from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers, study shows

A new study suggests that a desire to succeed despite adversity is a key motivator for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers. The research, based on 650 UK tweets, found that financial support and positive careers advice are crucial in overcoming barriers to entry into the legal profession.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalResearch in Post-Compulsory Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2022

Wages trump safety standards for global apparel workers

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that wage and benefit violations are the primary reason for high turnover rates among global apparel factory workers. The study suggests that companies prioritize profit over worker well-being, leading to poor working conditions. As European governments develop new laws to regulate co...

SourceCornell University·JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations·DateNov 8, 2022

Effective communication in automobile recalls encourages corrective action among American drivers, finds Pusan National University researcher

A recent study by Prof. Yong-Kyun Bae found that recall letters with riskier defects and 'free of charge' notices prompt quicker corrective actions. The research highlights the need for effective, standardized communication in recall letters to improve public safety.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

Digital transformation in construction industry requires more support, study shows

A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEngineering Construction & Architectural Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 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