Add BrightSurf on Google Email

ASMR fans are hypersensitive to the world

Research reveals that ASMR enthusiasts are hypersensitive to their environment, easily overstimulated by noise and movement. They also possess heightened bodily awareness, noticing physical changes when experiencing emotions.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Machine learning to predict if you'll leave your partner

A Bocconi University study used machine learning to analyze data on 2038 couples in Germany, finding that life satisfaction and housework are key predictors of union dissolution. The analysis also revealed complex interactions between variables, including the impact of personal traits like openness and extraversion.

SourceBocconi University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

Self-​motivation helped pro­fes­sional mu­si­cians main­tain their prac­tice dur­ing the COVID-​19 pan­demic

A study found that self-motivated musicians were more resilient to pandemic threats and maintained their practicing routines, while externally motivated musicians experienced a reduction in dedicated practice time. The research suggests that professional support can help musicians develop coping strategies and redirect focus towards in...

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2022

Study outlines ways to help children learn forgiveness

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that teaching children to understand others' perspectives can make it easier for them to forgive. Children are more likely to forgive someone who has apologized and is part of their in-group. The study also highlights the importance of helping kids develop Theory of Mind skills...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Men experience more emotional pain during breakups

A new study of online relationship support finds that men tend to experience emotional pain more than women when their relationship takes a turn for the worse. The study analyzed over 184,000 people who posted their relationship problems online and found that communication problems were the #1 most frequent issue, with nearly 1 in 5 pe...

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

People may prefer climate change policies that give incentives, find energy alternatives

Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Rates of infectious disease linked to authoritarian attitudes and governance – study

A new study reveals a strong connection between infection rates and strains of authoritarianism in public attitudes and politics. The research found that the more infectious US cities and states had more authoritarian-leaning citizens, with correlations between higher disease rates and conservative voting patterns.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Epilepsy brain implant does not transform patients’ sense of self or personality but offers them new insights into illness, study shows

A new study found that a next-generation brain implant for treating refractory epilepsy does not induce changes to patients' personalities or self-perceptions. The study follows 12 patients and their family caregivers over two years, providing reassurance for patients implanted with this device.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAJOB Neuroscience·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021

New research reinforces impact men can have as gender equality allies in the workplace

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that men who express support for gender equality can significantly reduce women's anticipation of workplace harassment and hostility. The presence of an ally also increases feelings of identity-safety, such as a sense of belonging and trust in the group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Conspiracy beliefs could increase fringe political engagement, shows new study

New research suggests that conspiracy beliefs can lead to more willingness for non-normative political actions, such as illegally blocking public entryways. In contrast, those who accept a low-conspiracy worldview are more likely to engage in typical political activities like voting and participating in rallies. The study's findings ha...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 28, 2020

Church, couch, couple: Social psychological connections between people and physical space

Research by Benjamin Meagher highlights the importance of ecological psychology in understanding how people shape their environments to support their personalities. By examining couples' homes and community designs, scientists can identify patterns that promote healthier behavior and positive experiences among occupants.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateMay 30, 2019

Researchers examine social identity threat and religion in the US

A new US study examines how social identity threat affects religion and finds that highly religious individuals, particularly Christians, feel targeted and experience prejudice. The study reveals that religious minorities like Jews and Muslims also face heightened threat, likely due to prejudice and discrimination.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 14, 2017

People find it difficult to judge how good their intuitions are

A study by psychologists at the University of Kent found that people's confidence in their intuitions does not necessarily reflect their actual ability to perform well in tasks that require intuitive thinking. Despite claiming to be intuitive, participants did not exhibit superior performance or grasp of underlying rules.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 31, 2017

Trump's political success was a triumph of style over substance: UBC research

A UBC study analyzing Trump's speech style and Twitter usage found grandiosity, informal language, and vocal pitch variation as statistical predictors of his success in the Republican primaries. The researchers suggest that these communication styles helped Trump win the nomination despite being shocking to many viewers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 8, 2016

Messages of individual blame for black Americans perpetuate racial inequality

A recent CDC report challenges the notion that Black fathers are more absent in their children's lives than White fathers. Researchers found that messages of individual blame for Black Americans perpetuate structural racial inequalities and reinforce the idea that Blacks are ultimately responsible for their own disadvantage.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2015

Rethinking the rebound: Unexpected effects of rejection

A new study found that rejection by an attractive man led women to derogate and reject unattractive men, highlighting the importance of assurance in social connections. The researchers replicated the effect, suggesting that immediate acceptance may not be the primary goal after rejection.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2015

Power psychs people up about... themselves

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are more likely to be inspired by their own experiences, whereas less powerful people are equally inspired by both their own and others' stories. The researchers found that people with high power tend to prioritize themselves over others in social interactions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 3, 2015

E-signatures less trusted than handwritten signatures

A new study finds that people are more likely to distrust e-signatures than hand-signed documents, with those having fewer personal characteristics perceived as less valid. This lag between technological advancement and psychological reaction highlights the need for caution in adoption.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 2, 2014

Executive scandal hurts job prospects even for entry-level employees

Research finds that moral suspicion from higher-ups' wrongdoing can spill down to people lower in an organization, damaging job prospects. The study suggests that emphasizing the individual's personal flaws or values rather than their organizational status can help reduce this effect.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 16, 2014

Social benefits of regret, ethics of gift giving in business, humor after a hurricane

A new study reveals that publicly expressing regrets can provide emotional support from others, highlighting the social benefits of regret. Additionally, professionals who believe they are least vulnerable to gift-biasing effects are most likely to accept gifts, while peer pressure can easily lead to unethical behavior. Research also s...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 17, 2013

Where entrepreneurship is at home

Researchers found that entrepreneurial personality structure is more prevalent in Western US states, Germany's Berlin-Hamburg axis, and Great Britain's East of England region. This correlation suggests a link between regional personality traits and entrepreneurial activity.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 31, 2013

Believing the impossible and conspiracy theories

A study found that conspiracy theorists endorse contradictory beliefs, such as believing Princess Diana faked her own death and also thought she was assassinated. People who distrust authorities are more likely to hold these inconsistent views due to their perception of deception.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 26, 2012

Male acts of bravery, risk display honor, increase accidental death

Men who live in states with a strong culture of honor are more likely to take risks and engage in aggressive behavior, leading to higher rates of accidental death. In rural areas, this culture can be even more deadly, with a 19% higher rate of accidental deaths compared to non-honor states.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 15, 2011

The threat of gossip can rein in selfishness

Researchers found that the threat of gossip suppressed selfish behavior, with people becoming substantially less selfish when their actions were public. The study suggests that the fear of being judged can lead to increased cooperation and generosity among group members.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 11, 2011