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Fathers’ smoking habits influence teen vaping, new research shows

A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reveals that cumulative exposure to parental smoking over time significantly increases the likelihood that adolescents will view smoking and vaping more favorably and engage in those behaviors. Most surprisingly, a father's smoking habits were found to be more significantly linked to ...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 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

Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?

A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2026

Inclusive peer support groups are expanding at US colleges, but stable funding is needed

A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Social media pressures could make friendship a full-time job

Research highlights how social media expectations and visual content contribute to digital stress and friendships conflicts. Disappointment from unmet expectations is a stronger predictor of conflict than constant availability pressure. Setting boundaries and managing notifications can help reduce misunderstandings.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Body appreciation varies across cultures

A study published in PLOS ONE found that body appreciation varies across cultures, with significant differences between Western and non-Western countries. Black Nigerian women reported the highest level of body appreciation, while White Western women reported the lowest. The study also found that internalization of thin ideals and soci...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2024

‘Floating duck syndrome’ tricks people into working hard but failing to achieve their goals

A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

30-year risk of cardiovascular disease may help inform blood pressure treatment decisions

A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateJul 15, 2024

Ambitious workers park the office politics when employer is struggling, study suggests

A study by City University London found that employees in competitive industries modify their behaviors when facing threats or opportunities from rival firms. For example, replacement riders in MotoGP tend to overtake teammates more often when the team is doing well, suggesting they want to secure a permanent contract.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Vervet monkeys follow different social “norms” and respond to “peer pressure,” new long-term study shows

A new long-term study has found that vervet monkeys in neighboring groups have distinct social traditions, with some exhibiting more affiliative behaviors than others. The researchers observed that males adapted their social style to match their new group, suggesting a phenomenon akin to social conformity driven by peer pressure.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2023

Will the airline industry ever steer away from gender conformity?

A recent study found that the airline industry maintains feminine cabin crews through strict appearance standards and grooming guidelines. Researchers discovered that female flight attendants are expected to maintain a slim body and adhere to traditional gender norms, with subtle forms of resistance occasionally employed.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2023

The science of self-esteem: Past experience can predict teenage girls' self-worth, sense of belonging

A study led by Haley Skymba and Karen Rudolph found that teenage girls' past experiences with peer adversity directly impact how they perceive their own self-worth and belonging. The researchers designed a study to observe trends in a cohort of 89 girls, averaging 16 years old, and discovered patterns that demonstrate the connection be...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023

Do the negative ways that others treat us contribute to later self-harm?

A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Individual attitudes toward heavy alcohol use is a key predictor of college student drinking

A Rutgers study suggests that individual attitudes towards heavy alcohol use are a key predictor of college student drinking. The research found that students' own attitudes towards heavy drinking, rather than peer pressure or societal norms, were more closely linked to binge-drinking frequency and alcohol-related problems.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateMay 23, 2022

Persuading consumers to go green

Researchers found that using gain language, which highlights positive benefits, can increase eco-friendly behavior. Anthropomorphism, such as giving objects human characteristics, also boosts green compliance. The study suggests that businesses can save money by shifting customers' behaviors to be greener.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateApr 26, 2021

Virtual peer pressure works just as well as the real thing

Researchers at NYU Tandon found that virtual peer pressure can influence behavior among citizen scientists, with groups performing better when competing against a virtual peer. The study used an experiment with Brooklyn Atlantis, a citizen science project where participants view and tag images of the Gowanus Canal.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 25, 2016

Teens whose parents exert more psychological control have trouble with closeness, independence

A new longitudinal study found that teens whose parents exerted more psychological control at age 13 had problems establishing friendships and romantic relationships with balanced closeness and independence. The study suggests that parents' use of psychological control can hinder teens' development of autonomy in relationships.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 23, 2014

When it comes to peer pressure, teens are not alone

Researchers found that adolescent mice consume more alcohol when surrounded by peers, challenging the assumption that peer pressure is solely responsible for teen risk-taking. This study supports Steinberg's previous findings that peer influence primes the reward system in adolescents.

SourceTemple University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateDec 5, 2013

'Sexting' driven by peer pressure

A University of Melbourne study found that young men and women experience pressure to share sexual images via 'sexting', often due to societal expectations or peer group influence. The study highlights the need for meaningful dialogue to address the negative consequences of sexting among young people.

Stereotypes can fuel teen misbehavior

A study by Christy Buchanan found that adolescents whose mothers expected them to take more risks and be more rebellious reported higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Parents who expect their kids to become rebellious at a certain age may inadvertently contribute to negative behaviors.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateOct 20, 2009

Macho, individual qualities turning high-tech workplace into 'software mills'

Ó Riain's study reveals the high-pressure work environment of technical communities, where social relations are defined by common interests rather than employer ties. Technical workers experience strenuous deadlines, long hours, and frustration, limiting their civic engagement and advancement opportunities for women.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateNov 25, 2002