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When judging other people, first impressions last

A Cornell University study found that first impressions formed from photographs predicted how people felt and thought about the person after a live interaction. Participants consistently evaluated the same person differently after meeting in person compared to their initial impression.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 28, 2016

You are not as anonymous as you think online

A recent study published in Frontiers in ICT found that a person's online browsing behavior can reveal their unique digital signature, which can identify them. The research suggests that personality traits can be deduced by general internet usage, offering new avenues for understanding online behavior and its applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateJun 7, 2016

I want her to want me: Where men, sex and personality meet

A new study suggests that a man's attachment style may influence his perceptions of whether a woman is interested in him sexually. Men with higher attachment anxiety tend to imagine women as more interested, while those with higher attachment avoidance see themselves as less flirty.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 11, 2016

Outgoing behavior makes for happier humans

Research by Timothy Church at Washington State University found that extroverted behavior leads to more positive feelings and upbeat behavior in people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The study also showed that individuals feel more extroverted when given the freedom to choose their own behavior.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateApr 15, 2014

Research shows link between states' personalities and their politics

A recent study found a strong correlation between states' core political characteristics and collective personality traits. States with lower conscientiousness or higher agreeableness tend to have a positive view of government, while those with higher openness to experience are more likely to be ideologically liberal.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMar 31, 2014

Personality may be key risk factor in preventive health care

Conscientious personality traits appear to be a key risk factor for better health, with participants who were more conscientious having lower rates of obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Researchers suggest that incorporating personality assessments into preventive healthcare could lead to more effective care plans.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 11, 2014

'Gaydar' revisited

A recent study revisits the phenomenon of 'gaydar' in women, finding that lesbians are better at detecting sexual orientation, while straight women excel at identifying emotions and thoughts. The research also highlights differences in judgments between lesbian and straight judges.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateMar 4, 2014

Personality a key factor in health care use

Researchers found that certain personality characteristics, such as neuroticism and openness to experience, are correlated with increased use of expensive health care services like emergency room visits and nursing home stays. By understanding these patterns, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to reduce costs and i...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateSep 20, 2013

Chimpanzees have 5 universal personality dimensions

A new personality rating scale for chimpanzees has been developed to address limitations of previous scales. The scale includes 41 behavioral descriptors and was used to assess 99 chimpanzees, showing the personality ratings were associated with differences in behavior.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJun 3, 2013

Digital records could expose intimate details and personality traits of millions

A new study published in PNAS shows that automated analysis of Facebook Likes can accurately predict personal details such as race, age, and sexual orientation. The researchers analyzed a dataset of over 58,000 US Facebook users and found accuracy rates of up to 95% for distinguishing between African-American and Caucasian Americans. H...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013

'Universal' personality traits don't necessarily apply to isolated indigenous people

A study of an isolated Bolivian society found that five widely accepted personality traits may not be universal, instead revealing a unique 'Big Two' structure including prosociality and industriousness. Researchers suggest expanding beyond Western populations to better understand personality development.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 3, 2013

Marriage may make people happier

Researchers found that married people tend to be happier than single individuals, as marriage stabilizes happiness levels despite life changes. Personality traits do not play a significant role in adapting to major events like marriage or job loss.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 30, 2012

Expensive egos

Researchers found that unhealthy narcissism is more than twice as large a predictor of cortisol in males as in females, indicating chronic HPA axis activation. The study suggests that societal definitions of masculinity may contribute to the physiological effects of narcissism on men.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2012