Articles tagged with Psychological Theory
A new study reverses the classic Dunning-Kruger effect, suggesting that high-ability people are more overconfident than low performers. The researchers argue that flawed statistical analysis led to the original finding, and when corrected, it reveals a universal human trait of overconfidence among the most capable.
Researchers have created a new scale to measure whether lactating mothers' psychological needs are being met, providing a tool to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study found that when all three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are satisfied, exclusive breastfeeding is more likely to persist.
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...
The EVApeCognition Dataset is the largest and most comprehensive collection of experimental studies of great apes' cognition and behavior available globally. Researchers compiled over 262 experimental datasets from 150 publications, enabling unprecedented examination of how great apes think, learn, and understand their environment.
A comprehensive study found that personal values are primary drivers behind how Israelis form and maintain opinions on hostage negotiations. The research suggests that these deeply held principles provide a cognitive foundation for navigating high-stakes dilemmas.
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.
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.
A recent study found that couples who prioritize savoring positive experiences in their relationship tend to have lower conflict levels, higher satisfaction, and increased confidence. This joint activity provides a buffer against stress, promoting stronger relationships.
Researchers developed a new approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using noninvasive brain stimulation, which significantly reduced intrusive memories in individuals with the condition. The treatment targeted the hippocampus and surrounding regions, showing promising results in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
New research from Aalto University clarifies the link between autonomy and well-being, finding it universally important but stronger in wealthier, more individualistic nations. The study suggests that policy-makers should focus on boosting autonomy in richer countries to improve overall well-being.
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.
A new study examines why some people excel at reading emotions from faces and context, while others struggle. The research finds that individuals use complex or simple strategies to weigh different types of information, with the latter being less cognitively demanding. This variation in integration strategies may contribute to differen...
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.
Researchers found a significant link between longer screen time and increased ADHD symptoms, as well as developmental abnormalities in brain structure. The study suggests that excessive screen exposure may contribute to delayed brain maturation patterns in children with ADHD.
Research from Colorado State University shows that faculty sharing internal sense of unease and inadequacy can shape students' perception of professors' overall competence, likeability, and effectiveness. Students found a hypothetical professor who publicly acknowledged feelings of being an impostor to be less hirable than an equally a...
A new study from the University of Houston reveals that outdoor fun with a focus on challenge, novelty, and guidance can promote positive youth development. The 'Four Types of Fun' model offers a theoretical framework for understanding fun and its role in character building.
A two-week gratitude journaling practice increased work engagement in Japanese employees, particularly in absorption and awareness of workplace resources. Journaling also showed benefits for overall well-being, life satisfaction, and competitive motivation.
A new study published in Psychology & Health found that two-thirds of our daily behaviors are initiated by habit, rather than conscious choice. The research suggests that people often form habits to support their personal goals, but may also disrupt habits that conflict with them.
Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...
A global study of over 5,000 participants from 11 countries reveals that the timing of past encounters significantly shapes perceptions of relationship risk. Those with less frequent past partners are more open to commitment.
Research found that video summaries in simpler language and presentation improve comprehension, but the 'easiness effect' increases perceived credibility and confidence in evaluation. The study suggests responsible strategies for science communication and optimizing video-based information transfer.
A multiyear study will assess individual differences in placekeeping, a cognitive ability crucial for complex tasks. The researchers aim to develop tools that can identify the right person for the right job at the right time, reducing procedural errors and improving personnel selection.
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.
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.
A study found that oral microbiota transmission between spouses partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Couples with one partner experiencing depression and anxiety showed significant changes in their oral microbiota, which correlated with alterations in salivary cortisol levels.
Generative AI agents powered by large language models meet three conditions of free will: goal-directed agency, genuine choices, and control over actions. Experts warn that as AI gains more power and freedom, moral responsibility may shift from developers to the AI agents themselves.
A study by Aalto University researchers found that people's perception of AI creativity increases with the amount of process and producer information revealed. This discovery has implications for designing creative AI systems, as well as understanding human biases towards creativity in others.
Research suggests people's need for 'significance' drives their actions, feelings, and thoughts. Conspiracies offer a sense of specialness, hope, and meaning to those feeling insignificant.
The authors propose expanding psychological contract theory to include non-human agents, such as algorithms, in digital labor platforms. They analyze how workers form contracts with these agents and explore the implications for understanding digitalized working relationships.
A Griffith University study reveals that reframing stress as a motivator can lead to improved problem-solving skills and personal growth. Participants who underwent a 15-minute online stress mindset intervention showed no negative impact on their willingness to support others.
Research suggests that dog ownership is connected to declining birth rates, as people turn to dogs for emotional support and companionship. The theory proposes that the popularity of dogs is rooted in biological evolutionary causes, but has culturally escalated as human relationships are often damaged or absent.
The BBVA Foundation has awarded Icek Ajzen, Dolores Albarracín, Mahzarin Banaji, Anthony Greenwald, and Richard Petty for their groundbreaking contributions to attitude theory. Their research has influenced fields such as psychology, sociology, education, and health.
New research finds that individuals are more likely to believe and endorse conspiracy theories if their psychological needs are not met. The study suggests that satisfying these needs through informative communication and community empowerment can mitigate the spread of conspiracy theories.
The university plans to recruit an outstanding researcher for a professorship focused on psychoanalytical approaches, combining psychology and social sciences. This will enable exploration of new research fields and innovative combinations of expertise between Goethe University's Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences and Sigmund Fr...
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
A study published in Psychological Science found that 2-year-olds rely on grammatical information to understand the meaning of new words. The researchers used focus signals in sentences to manipulate children's responses, showing that young kids can absorb grammatical cues and leverage them to learn new words.
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.
Approximately half of Russian adults back the Ukraine war due to loyalty to Putin and his government. The study suggests that misinformation plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on the conflict.
Researchers identify 'illusion of information adequacy' bias, where people assume their knowledge is sufficient for decision-making. This bias can lead to poor recommendations and misunderstandings in personal and professional life.
Researchers at UCLA found that venting frustrations to a friend can make them more likable and create stronger bonds, but only when listeners don't perceive aggressive intent. This 'competition' for friends' affections can lead to improved health, happiness, and social support.
A study of 156,000 UK residents found that urban living is linked to lower levels of well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. Urban residents exhibit greater psychological inequality, particularly in terms of income and financial satisfaction.
A study of 2,001 American adults found that cryptocurrency ownership is associated with belief in conspiracy theories, support for political extremism, and the 'Dark Tetrad' of personality traits. Fringe social media sources are also a key predictor of crypto ownership.
A recent study by D'Or Institute for Research and Education highlights the importance of cultural adaptation in behavioral interventions aimed at the population. Community engagement throughout the entire adaptation cycle is key to success, according to researchers.
Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.
A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Jyvåskilö can predict and respond to human emotions, improving user experience. The model simulates cognitive evaluation processes to assess emotional responses to events, enabling computers to preemptively predict and mitigate negative emotions.
A new Dartmouth study has found that prolonged contact between locals and migrants in Afghanistan did not reduce prejudice against migrants. The researchers tested psychologist Gordon Allport's 'contact theory' through a vocational training program, but found that structural changes are needed to address the issue.
Researchers at NeuRA and UniSA found that early detection and comprehensive treatment can lead to significant recovery for most people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) within 12-18 months. The study reviews the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
A study by van Leeuwen et al. found that cooperation theory can shed new light on the relationship between politics and morality. The researchers discovered nuanced differences in family and group values, as well as how they relate to conservative ideology.
Researchers at the University of Cologne found that training can optimize word recognition, leading to improved reading efficiency. The 'Lexical Categorization Model' uses behavioral findings to predict brain activation and separates known words from unknown letter combinations.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that Americans are poor at identifying conspiracy theories when they personally believe in them. Despite this, the study's author argues that recognizing the prevalence of conspiracy theories can help alleviate feelings of isolation and disconnection.
A recent study found that mimicking participants' actions or words increased feelings of guilt, contradicting the assumption that it fosters social bonding and reduces negative emotions. The researchers suggest that therapists carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using mimicry in therapy.
Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.
According to Amy Muise's research, the Five Love Languages theory doesn't hold up, as people tend to rate all expressions of love highly. Instead, she suggests a 'balanced diet' approach, where partners need multiple expressions of love simultaneously.
A recent study by Tokyo University of Science has identified central emotions across languages through word association-based colexification networks. The researchers found that concepts like GOOD, WANT, BAD, and LOVE are associated with many other words representing emotions.
A recent US study challenges the notion of a replication crisis in psychology, arguing that flawed intuition and low power in replication studies are to blame. The researchers propose using formal models to estimate expected replication rates, rather than relying on intuitive assumptions.
A new study by York University's Faculty of Health found that Christians are more willing to take 'morally neutral' risks when thinking about God as a benevolent protector. The study, led by Cindel White, confirms the theoretical link between faith and risk-taking, suggesting a perceived safety net.
A large international sample of single women aged 18-67 years was surveyed on their ideal partner characteristics, revealing links between age and preferences. Most attributes were consistently important across ages, but higher age correlated with a preference for confident partners and greater acceptance of younger partners.
Environmental and social factors greatly influence individual behavior, according to Professor Wilhelm Hofmann of Ruhr University Bochum. Traditional approaches focus on personal autonomy but neglect structural factors, leading to ineffective decisions.