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Can performance brands cause a placebo effect?

A study by Frank Germann and colleagues found that strong performance brands can improve performance in tasks such as golf putting and math tests. Participants who believed they were using a high-performance brand performed better than those who did not know the brand, even when using the same product. The effect is strongest among nov...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 20, 2016

Self-esteem gender gap more pronounced in western nations

Research by American Psychological Association found that self-esteem tends to increase with age, but the gender gap is more significant in Western industrialized countries. The study analyzed data from over 985,000 men and women ages 16-45 from 48 countries, revealing that specific cultural influences shape self-esteem development in ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

Self-weighing may be a hazardous behavior among young women

A study of over 1,900 young adults found that increases in self-weighing were associated with increased weight concern, depression, decreased body satisfaction, and lower self-esteem among females. This behavior may be a predictor of eating disorders, highlighting the need for obesity prevention programs to consider its impact.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 9, 2015

The shame of psychology

UCSB sociologist Thomas Scheff argues that psychology's scientific method is blind to the insights of intuition, leading to misconceptions about catharsis, stigma, and self-esteem. Future studies could split scales into cognitive and emotional components to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalReview of General Psychology·DateJun 23, 2015

How parents may help create their own little narcissists

Researchers surveyed parents and children to identify factors leading to inflated views of self. Overvaluing parents were associated with higher levels of child narcissism, while parental warmth predicted children's self-esteem. Parental overvaluation was linked to narcissism even after accounting for the children's narcissism levels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

Our relationship with God changes when faced with potential romantic rejection

Researchers discovered that individuals with high self-esteem enhance their relationship with God when faced with romantic rejection threat. However, low self-esteem individuals do not leverage this resource. The study also found similar trends when threatening the individual's relationship with God versus a romantic partner.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 17, 2014

Boosting self-esteem prevents health problems for seniors

A Concordia University study found that maintaining or improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems in seniors. The research team measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress, and symptoms of depression in 147 adults aged 60 and over, revealing a strong association between declining self-esteem and increased cortisol levels.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 12, 2014

Men feel worse about themselves when female partners succeed, says new research

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that men subconsciously feel worse about themselves when their female partner succeeds, regardless of whether they excel or fail in a specific area. Women's self-esteem, however, is not affected by their male partners' successes or failures.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 29, 2013

Young soccer players show signs of burnout

Research finds that junior male soccer players experience chronic stress, exhaustion, and disillusion with their sport at a young age. Players under external pressure from others are most vulnerable to burnout. The study suggests that perfectionism can be both a potent energizing force and a costly force for athletes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateJan 29, 2013

When identity is tied to former employer, unemployed report higher well-being

A study by San Francisco State University Assistant Professor Jennifer Tosti-Kharas found that unemployed individuals who strongly identified with their former employer reported feeling more confident and having a greater sense of purpose. This strong sense of self appeared to offset the isolation common during job loss, particularly f...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateNov 9, 2012

Princess by proxy: When child beauty pageants aren't about the kids

A new study suggests that high-glitz child pageants are more about satisfying parents than the children's needs. Participation can lead to harm in children's health and self-esteem due to pressure for physical perfection and objectification. The author warns of 'princess by proxy' distortion where parents prioritize their own achieveme...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Facebook makes us feel good about ourselves

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that editing social media profiles on Facebook increases self-esteem, while using MySpace leads to higher levels of narcissism. Researchers also discovered that the differences in site format between MySpace and Facebook may contribute to these findings.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJun 26, 2012

Is coming out always a good thing?

A study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science found that coming out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual increases emotional well-being, particularly in accepting environments. However, in judgmental contexts, the costs and stigma of identifying as minority outweigh the benefits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 20, 2011