Add BrightSurf on Google Email

People with hypothyroidism and type D personality may be more likely to experience poor treatment outcomes

Researchers discovered that people with hypothyroidism are more likely to have a type D personality, which is characterized by pessimism and negative emotions. Those with both conditions experienced high levels of anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction with treatment, highlighting the need for further research to improve outcomes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 9, 2024

Why we hate to wait

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Online versus reality: social media influences perceptions

New Cornell University research examines how people form impressions about individuals from social media posts. The study found that viewers' ratings of Facebook users often differed significantly from the users' self-perceptions, particularly when updates included photos or links. Cultural norms also played a role in shaping these per...

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

Founder personality could predict start-up success: study

A recent study reveals that start-up founders' core Big Five personality traits significantly differ from the general population and are more important for success than previously thought. Successful entrepreneurs tend to have preferences for variety, novelty, and being the centre of attention, while also exhibiting high activity levels.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Physiology: Classical symphonies may lead to synchronised physical responses

A study of 132 people found that classical music induces synchronisation in physical responses among concert audience members. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness are associated with increased likelihood of synchronisation. Synchronisation was observed in movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023

No simple answer for why people believe in conspiracy theories

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people believe in conspiracy theories due to a need to understand and feel safe in their environment. Additionally, certain personality traits such as a sense of antagonism toward others and high levels of paranoia are more prone to believing conspiracy theories.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Cultural threats can lead to violent extremism

A study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that violent extremism is largely driven by a perception of cultural threat, particularly among individuals with specific personality traits. The researchers identified the 'Need for Cognitive Closure' (NFC) as a key psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 23, 2023

Are you prone to feeling guilty? You may be less likely to take a bribe

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that guilt-prone people are less likely to accept bribes, especially when the act would cause obvious harm to other people. The study highlights the importance of assessing candidates' guilt proneness in personnel selection, particularly for leadership positions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Psychopathic traits behind the rise and fall of Madoff

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that Madoff's business dealings, trial, and prison time revealed a high score on psychopathy scales. The research warns companies to identify and prevent corporate psychopaths who can bring down organizations and economies through recklessness and greed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

If it pays to be a jerk, why isn’t everyone that way?

Research on 28 male chimps found that certain personality traits like dominance and low conscientiousness are linked to high rank and reproductive success. The study suggests that the best personality for males varies depending on environmental or social conditions, rather than being a fixed trait.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 24, 2023

Charismatic CEOs lead to higher IPO prices

A new study published in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal found that more charismatic CEOs result in higher IPO prices and smaller offer price ranges. In contrast, humility among CEOs leads to uncertainty among investors and lowers IPO prices.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

The real benefits of walking in a winter wonderland

Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2022

Blood pressure highly likely to cause neurotic personality trait

Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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

Did the pandemic change our personalities?

A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

US presidential narcissism linked to longer wars

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that US presidents who scored high on a measure of narcissism spent an average of 613 days at war, compared to 136 days for those below average. Narcissistic leaders tend to extend wars to declare victory and maintain their self-image.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

Brothers and sisters shape character less than thought

A large-scale study of over 80,000 adults from nine countries found no systematic relationship between sibling gender and personality traits such as risk-taking or emotional stability. The results suggest that siblings have a limited influence on personality development in adulthood.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

Erotophilia and sexual sensation–seeking are good predictors of engagement with sex robots, according to new research

A study by Simon Dubé examines the personality traits of people willing to engage with sex robots, revealing that erotophilia, sexual sensation-seeking, and enthusiasm for new experiences are key drivers. The research highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to cater to a female customer base as technology improves and becomes more ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Gifted dogs are more playful

Researchers found that gifted word learners, a rare breed of dogs capable of learning multiple toy names, exhibit even higher levels of playfulness than typical border collies. The study suggests a correlation between playfulness and giftedness in learning object verbal labels.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 15, 2022

After breakups, people feel less in-control – but only at first

A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 3, 2022

Uncovering links between grit and cognitive function

Researchers found that people with higher grit scores showed different patterns of cognitive performance, characterized as cautious control, but not necessarily enhanced cognitive ability. Grit was linked to low impulsivity and high mindfulness, related to self-regulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2022

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Too impatient to get vaccinated?

A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 30, 2022