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Teen consumer patterns in China and Canada

A study published in the Journal of Business Research found that Chinese adolescents are heavily influenced by their parents, while Canadian teens are more likely to make independent decisions. Parenting practices and cultural values play a significant role in shaping teen outlooks and decision-making patterns.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMay 3, 2011

New research from Psychological Science

Researchers discovered that when a person's personality matches the prevalent personalities of others in a culture, it enhances positive effects on self-esteem and well-being. Additionally, social threats induce bodily freeze-like behavior in humans, while cultural differences in spatial representations affect time perception.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 10, 2010

Personalities judged by physical appearance alone

Observers can accurately judge aspects of a stranger's personality from photographs, with self-esteem and ratings of extraversion being correctly identified. The study found that spontaneous poses provided more insight into personality traits such as agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 10, 2009

Ethnic pride key to black teen mental health

A new study by Northwestern University found that ethnic pride is crucial for the mental well-being of young African-American adolescents. The research discovered that increased feelings of ethnic pride are associated with reduced depressive symptoms in both male and female students.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 1, 2009

The problem with self-help books: Study shows the negative side to positive self-statements

A recent study in Psychological Science found that repeating positive self-statements can have the opposite effect on individuals with low self-esteem. Those with high self-esteem experienced slight improvements, while those with low self-esteem felt worse about themselves. The researchers suggest that unreasonably positive self-statem...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2009

Why saints sin and sinners get saintly

A new study by Northwestern University suggests that individuals with abundant moral self-worth may engage in immoral behavior to balance out their perceived level of goodness, while those who experience a moral-cleansing effect tend to engage in good work to restore their ideal level of moral self-worth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 26, 2009

Shaken self-confidence? Certain products and activities can fix it

Researchers discover that subtle manipulations like using non-dominant hands can lower self-confidence, but purchasing products or affirming unrelated values can restore it. Participants who chose healthier options after being shaken out of their confidence were more likely to have been given the opportunity to bolster their self-view.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 26, 2009

TV: Not the only channel to early sex

A study of 273 adolescents found that those who had early sex were more likely to have lower academic achievement, depression, ADHD, and ODD. Parents' positive influence was also shown to reduce risky sexual behavior during adolescence.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 24, 2008

Admiring celebrities can help improve self-esteem

A study published in Personal Relationships found that people with low self-esteem can use parasocial relationships with celebrities to view themselves more positively. These relationships, which involve admiration without actual contact, offer a low-risk alternative to real relationships and can help reduce self-discrepancies.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateJun 5, 2008

Meaningful leisure can mean many things

A study by Yoshi Iwasaki explores the role of enjoyable and expressive activities in promoting quality of life across cultures. The findings suggest that culturally-based leisure-like pursuits can enhance well-being, self-esteem, and resilience, particularly in less-privileged populations.

SourceTemple University·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateJun 21, 2007

Study explores 'manic' thinking

A study found that inducing fast thinking can lead to feelings of happiness, energy, creativity, power, and grandiosity. The speed of cognitive processing was as important as the content of thoughts in determining mood. Researchers suggest simple manipulations of thought speed could improve mood and self-esteem.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 26, 2006

The mystery behind love-hate relationships

Research by Yale University's Margaret Clark and Steven Graham found that individuals with low self-esteem are slower to respond when judgmenting partners due to their tendency to idealize or devalue them. The study also introduced the I-TAPS scale, a tool to measure the extent of segregated thoughts about partners.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 8, 2006

Why and when we lie

A study using social comparison theory found that individuals are more likely to lie to those they know, particularly when their public image is threatened. This behavior is driven by a desire to protect one's self-image and self-worth, rather than purely strategic reasons.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 11, 2006