Personality Psychology
Articles tagged with Personality Psychology
Selling yourself short: new research shows how sexualized dating profiles can undermine long-term appeal
New research examines how sexualized online dating profiles shape viewers' perceptions and relationship intentions. Sexualized profiles are judged more negatively and elicit less interest in long-term relationships. However, adding a human bio can soften the negative effect, particularly for men viewing women's profiles.
What celebrity worship says about our own self-worth
A new international study suggests that people who feel less certain about themselves may look to celebrities for guidance and inspiration. The research found that celebrity worship can serve a compensatory role when people are struggling with their identity or autonomy.
Telling people they might lose motivates more than telling them they might win, research shows
Research by Virginia Tech researcher Phil Thompson and his colleagues found that when managers frame work problems as potential losses, employees are more likely to take action. Framing something as a loss yields employees to voice a work suggestion more than framing them as gains. This approach can influence employees' motivation to s...
Preschool children born with heart defects have greater risk of developing behavioral problems
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics has found that preschool children born with heart defects are at a greater risk of developing behavioral problems, including ADHD and peer relationship issues. The study suggests that a cognitively stimulating home environment may help reduce this risk.
University of Houston psychologist reveals how distraction breaks memory
Researchers at the University of Houston found that distraction disrupts memory consolidation primarily due to demands on central executive processing. To improve short-term memory, focus attention on a task for a few seconds before switching, and avoid multitasking.
Feeling good, feeling free – autonomy the key to happiness, says SFU study
A new Simon Fraser University study suggests that freedom is a better gauge of happiness than positive feelings or pleasure. Autonomy, the feeling of being free to make choices, was found to be a stronger indicator of life satisfaction.
Research uses AI to examine social exchanges and interactions
A new study analyzed thousands of textual descriptions of two-person social interactions using generative AI, resulting in a comprehensive taxonomy of categories. The findings provide a data-driven framework for understanding the structure of social situations, including associations with conflict, power, and duty.
Study finds narcissism and relationship satisfaction is more complex than expected
A study of over 5,000 couples found that narcissistic rivalry traits consistently linked to lower relationship satisfaction, while narcissistic admiration had no meaningful effect. The rate of decline was also found to be less severe for couples with high narcissism scores, suggesting a more nuanced impact.
When an orgasm is consistently absent, women may see it as less important
Researchers found women devalue orgasm only when it's consistently absent across partners. This shift in expectations helps soften the effects of not experiencing an orgasm on relationships, but also contributes to the orgasm gap over time.
AI set to transform personality testing, new research finds
New research from the University of East London suggests that machine learning can improve the accuracy and nuance of personality tests like DISC assessment. Using over 1,000 participants, researchers achieved accuracy rates of over 93% in predicting personality types and identified four clear clusters with subtle overlaps.
Struggling to identify emotions may increase vulnerability to TikTok addiction
A study published in Frontiers found that young people with attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying emotions are more susceptible to short video addiction. Mental training, such as mindfulness and attention regulation, can help prevent this addiction by strengthening emotional awareness and cognitive regulation.
Climate policy support is linked to emotions - study
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
Resilience profiles during adversity predict psychological outcomes
Research identifies four profiles of resilience that predict different psychological outcomes, including lower anxiety and depression. The study developed a new resilience model with proactive and reactive components, which are associated with better mental health outcomes.
CEOs who have lived through natural disasters tend to prioritize safer workplaces, Concordia study finds
A new Concordia-led study found that CEOs who experienced natural disasters in childhood tend to run firms with better workplace safety records. The research analyzed data from over 500 CEOs and found that these executives' companies reported significantly fewer work-related injuries.
What makes healthy boundaries – and how to implement them – according to a psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Lynn Somerfield emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, work, and personal beliefs to promote emotional well-being. She advises that healthy boundaries strengthen connections with others while preserving individual identity and energy.
Neuroticism may be linked with more frequent sexual fantasies
A new study found that people with neurotic personalities report having more frequent sexual fantasies. In contrast, those who are more conscientious or agreeable tend to have less frequent fantasizing. The study analyzed data from over 5,200 adults in the US and explored links between personality traits and sexual fantasies.
Psychological therapies for children who speak English as an additional language can become “lost in translation”, study warns
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
Cognitive bias modification for memory bias (CBM-M) may help reduce stress
A new study finds that cognitive bias modification for memory (CBM-M) training reduces both psychological and physical stress by altering biased memory processing patterns. Participants showed reductions in anxiety and depressive traits, as well as improved mood and reduced cortisol levels.
Two types of underconfidence linked to anxiety and gender
A new study by University College London researchers found that women and people with anxiety are prone to two distinct types of underconfidence. Women initially show underconfidence but confidence grows as time elapses, while those with anxiety become less confident with more reflection.
‘Personality test’ shows how AI chatbots mimic human traits – and how they can be manipulated
Researchers developed a scientifically validated personality test framework for AI chatbots, showing that larger models accurately emulated human traits and could be reliably shaped through prompts. The study raises concerns about AI safety and ethics, highlighting the need for regulation to prevent misuse.
Holding back laughter
A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.
Anxiety is reversed for lab mice rehomed in fields
Researchers found that lab mice rewilded for two years showed reduced and even reversed fear response to the elevated plus maze. The study suggests that a range of experiences can increase a sense of agency, reducing anxiety in animals and humans alike. After living in fields, mice returned to their original levels of anxiety behavior.
What your Hogwarts house reveals about your inner entrepreneur
A new study using the Harry Potter Personality Quiz found that regions with more Gryffindors and Slytherins have higher start-up activity. This suggests that rule-challenging behavior, driven by moral conviction or ambition, is closely linked to entrepreneurial action.
Research explores effect of parental depression symptoms on children’s reward processing
A study found that parental anhedonic depressive symptoms are associated with a reduced neural response in children to positive and negative feedback. This suggests a specific risk factor for developing depression in children of parents with this symptom, potentially impacting their ability to engage in activities.
Does mental illness have a silver lining? New paper says yes
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
Structural racism and cultural misunderstanding compound grief for Black British and Black Caribbean communities, study finds
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights how bereavement experiences and support needs among Black British and Black Caribbean communities are poorly understood. The research found that structural racism, cultural misunderstanding, and lack of tailored end-of-life support intensify grief, leading to mistrust in services.
Most people struggle to spot pain in horses - study
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.
The Einstein Foundation Berlin awards €350,000 prize to advance research quality
The Einstein Foundation Berlin has awarded €350,000 prizes to recognize researchers advancing research quality and promoting methodological rigor. The Individual Award honors Simine Vazire for pioneering rigorous research methods in psychology.
Football draft season raises concerns for young player welfare
The study gathered measures of wellbeing, anxiety, depression, sleep, eating behaviours, social support and self-compassion across the draft year, at pre-, mid- and end-of-season. Players with higher self-compassion and stronger social support reported far better mental health overall.
Touching your face may reveal hidden stress, University of Houston study finds
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
UBCO study finds sex ed fails 2SLGBTQIA+ students
A UBC study found that young adults identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ receive less affirming and inclusive sexual health education than their peers. Despite this, they demonstrate higher levels of sexual health literacy. The research highlights a gap in educational content and a wider public health issue.
Instability in foster care doubles the risk of mental health problems, UK study shows
A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.
Chatbots the new ‘doc?’ FAU researchers explore AI in health behavior coaching
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine conducted a scoping review on AI-driven systems designed to deliver motivational interviewing. The study found that most used AI tools were chatbots, with varying levels of fidelity to core principles like empathy and autonomy.
Could your next job interview be with a chatbot? New study seeks to help bring fairness into AI-powered hiring
A new study aims to develop more fair and transparent AI interview systems using psychological measurement principles. Researchers will examine bias at three levels: predictors, outcomes, and perceptions of job seekers.
Researchers reveal how autism-linked mutation triggers PTSD-like fear
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
What do our words say about our minds?
Researchers are developing AI tools to analyze speech patterns and detect personality traits and signs of mental health concerns. The tools could provide more accurate and thorough assessments than human clinicians alone.
New research uncovers link between perfectionism and pain
A new study published in Psychology and Health journal found that individuals with chronic pain experience higher levels of perfectionism and lower levels of self-compassion. Researchers suggest that increasing self-compassion and addressing perfectionistic tendencies may be beneficial for managing chronic pain.
“Cracks in the system” driving high suicide rates for autistic people
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
Competition in the classroom: When incentive systems change character
A study found that intense competition for four years significantly reduced helpfulness and trust among students, affecting their personality development. The researchers suggest changing the rules of competition or creating cooperation instead to potentially counteract these negative consequences.
People with sensitive personalities more likely to experience mental health problems
A recent study has found a significant positive relationship between sensitivity and common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Highly sensitive individuals are more likely to benefit from treatment plans involving applied relaxation and mindfulness.
Your morning coffee really does make you happier
A new study by Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick found that morning coffee significantly improves mood and enthusiasm in young adults. The researchers also discovered that caffeine's effects on mood are consistent across individuals with varying levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms.
Binge gaming was associated with depression, anxiety, and poor sleep, with boys more likely to report binge gaming than girls, in Hong Kong survey of 2,592 children and adolescents
A survey of 2,592 Hong Kong children and adolescents found a strong association between binge gaming and mental health issues. Boys were more likely than girls to report binge gaming habits, which was linked to depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.
Study uncovers alarming anxiety rates among autistic college students
A new study reveals that autistic college students face dramatically higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their non-autistic peers. The research highlights the need for more mental health support for this underrepresented population.
Understanding readers’ imaginations could enhance mental health therapies
A new tool called the ReaderBank Imagination Quiz identifies four forces of imagination linked to mental imagery and immersion in stories. This diversity of imagination skills may help refine treatments for similar traits in mental ill health.
Why forgiving yourself is harder than it sounds
A new study from Flinders University explores why self-forgiveness can be difficult for some, even when it may benefit mental health. Researchers found that people who struggled to forgive themselves often replayed the moment, felt stuck in the past, and experienced intense emotions like guilt and regret.
Trauma psychology transformed: Professor Philip Hyland reshapes global understanding of PTSD diagnosis
Leading trauma researcher Professor Philip Hyland's work on Complex PTSD fundamentally changed World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, impacting how clinicians worldwide assess and treat trauma survivors. His innovative measurement tools, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire, challenge decades of clinical tradition and...
How the brain learns to care
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences found that empathy can be trained by associating someone's happiness with personal reward. This effect was subtle but meaningful and lasted even when no rewards were involved.
Most women in STEM feel like frauds, new study shows
A new study by Binghamton University reveals that 97.5% of women in STEM graduate programs experience moderate to severe impostor feelings, which can lead to poorer mental health and increased burnout. Strategies such as shifting mindset and social support may help alleviate these feelings.
EmoWELL
The EmoWELL video game has been shown to improve emotional management in young university students by helping them identify, understand, and manage their emotions. Participants who played the game demonstrated reduced use of strategies that worsen emotional distress and improved self-acceptance.
Study challenges prejudice: Heredity only explains part of mental illness
A major study by researchers at Aarhus University found that most cases of depression and schizophrenia occur in people without a family history of the condition. The study used data from over 3 million Danes to estimate absolute and relative risks of mental disorders in families.
Scientists unravel how a tiny region of the brain helps us form distinct memories, opening new avenues for PTSD, Alzheimer’s research
A small collection of neurons in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus, acts like a 'memory reset button' during meaningful changes. This region predicts later memory separation and influences the hippocampus to map experiences. Chronic stress may weaken this neural signal.
Can one video change a teen's mindset? New study says yes - but there’s a catch
A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.
New UK population-based study highlights the strengths of LGBT adolescents
A new UK population-based study reveals that LGBT adolescents exhibit unique strengths, particularly in social connections and caring attributes. The study applies the 5Cs model to compare experiences across different gender and sexuality groups, highlighting the importance of emphasizing challenges faced by minoritised groups.
Why Human empathy still matters in the age of AI
A new study reveals that human-attributed responses are perceived as more supportive and emotionally resonant than identical AI-generated responses. Participants consistently rated 'human' responses as more empathic and satisfying, especially when emphasizing emotional sharing and genuine care.
Machiavellianism boosts CEO pay, study finds
A study by the University of Florida found that CEOs exhibiting more Machiavellian traits are likely to secure higher executive pay, severance pay, and bonuses. This suggests a positive relationship between CEO personality and compensation outcomes, highlighting the potential for biases in pay decisions.
Hope is the key to a meaningful life, according to new research
A new study by the University of Missouri researchers demonstrates that hope is a powerful emotional force that gives life meaning. The team found that only hope consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning, which is linked to various positive outcomes, including happiness, quality relationships, and better physical health.
University of Houston researchers find that females with flexible personalities have fewer eating disorders
Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Personality disorder pioneer reveals half-century journey transforming psychiatric classification
Dr. John Oldham's contributions have fundamentally reshaped personality disorder classification, moving from rigid categories to a more nuanced dimensional system. His Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) has marked the most significant epistemological shift in psychiatric diagnosis for decades.
Effects of psilocybin on religious and spiritual attitudes and behaviors in clergy from major world religions
A study found that psilocybin increased overall psychological well-being, including positive changes in religious practices and attitudes. Clergy who received psilocybin reported sustained improvements in their behavior and attitudes up to 16 months after treatment.