Articles tagged with Social Attitudes
A Mayo Clinic study found that a gene linked to Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes becomes less important to quality of life once people reach their 90s. Researchers discovered that good friends, a positive attitude, and social connectedness have a bigger impact on well-being than the gene in question.
Research suggests that authoritarian parenting practices and fearful temperaments in childhood are associated with conservative attitudes, while egalitarian parenting and higher levels of activity or restlessness are linked to liberal values. The study provides new insights into the developmental antecedents of political ideology.
Research finds that liberals and conservatives exhibit prejudice against groups with opposing values, while abstract thinking can reduce prejudice towards outsider groups. Studies show that ideological differences drive prejudices rather than other characteristics.
A study found that nearly half of college students hold egalitarian conservative attitudes, judging men and women with similar sexual histories equally. Women are more likely to lose respect for peers who hook up frequently, while men's attitudes vary by demographic factors such as athletic involvement and religious affiliation.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sociology found that 93% of football fans oppose homophobia and would support openly gay players. The research identifies conservative clubs and agents as major barriers to change in the sport's culture.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that managing negative thoughts and emotions is crucial for a successful job search. Effective self-management strategies, such as seeking social support and developing daily routines, can increase the likelihood of landing employment and sustaining motivation over time.
Research suggests that thinking about death can motivate positive changes and promote tolerance, egalitarianism, compassion, empathy, and pacifism. Additionally, increased awareness of mortality can lead to better health choices, such as using more sunscreen or increasing levels of exercise.
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that pride directly influences racist and homophobic attitudes. Authentic pride boosts empathy, while hubristic pride exacerbates prejudice. The findings offer insights into the attitudes of leaders and shed light on human psychology.
The Lancet report emphasizes the importance of transforming old attitudes towards aging and addressing non-communicable diseases in older adults. Effective interventions like hypertension management and promoting healthy lifestyles can improve health status with relatively cheap treatments.
A recent University of Washington study found that pediatricians who exhibit unconscious racial bias tend to prescribe better pain-management for white patients than they do for African-American patients. The study suggests that incorporating awareness of personal bias into medical education and training is necessary to avoid unintende...
A new study by BUSM researchers found that most medical students in Yemen believe khat chewing is harmful to health, but they won't advise patients to quit. The study highlights conflicting attitudes towards khat use among Yemeni medical students, with cultural factors possibly influencing their views.
A new scientific report concludes that online dating offers some benefits but falls short of its potential. The authors suggest that existing matching algorithms neglect crucial factors in predicting long-term relationship well-being, leading to limited effectiveness.
A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.
A Baylor University study finds that people who vote near churches report more conservative attitudes and negativity toward non-Christians. This suggests that the location of polling places can shape voter behavior and may impact election results. The study's findings have implications for how our surroundings influence our attitudes.
A University of Leicester study found that individuals with extreme antisocial personality are more likely to join gangs. Gangs provide a sense of belonging and acceptance for these individuals, who struggle with social connections due to their behavior.
Cornell researchers analyzed 2.4 million Twitter tweets from 84 countries, tracking daily mood patterns influenced by work, sleep, and daylight. Positive tweets peak early morning and midnight, with increased abundance on weekends, and follow a seasonal pattern tied to daylight hours.
Public attitudes toward gays and lesbians are changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations at the forefront. A significant trend toward greater tolerance regarding homosexuality has emerged, particularly in support for same-sex marriage.
A study at Washington University in St. Louis found that highlighting war casualties can sway people's pro-war attitudes rather than discouraging them. The 'sunk-cost effect' makes individuals more likely to stay committed to a cause due to the emotional investment, even if it no longer serves their best interest.
A review article finds that men who are prone to anger and have hostile attitudes toward women are more likely to commit sexual aggression when intoxicated. The study suggests that alcohol primarily influences the circumstances under which some men commit sexual assault, rather than who becomes sexually aggressive.
A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that Tea Party supporters in North Carolina and Tennessee hold strong cultural and political beliefs. Researchers identified four primary traits: authoritarianism, libertarianism, fear of change, and negative attitudes toward immigrants.
A new study finds that working mothers who expect they can't do it all are at a higher risk for depression. The study reveals that women who have a supermom attitude, believing their work and family life can be combined with ease, actually experience more depression symptoms than those with a more realistic view.
A new article models work engagement as a cyclical process, where high-quality performance boosts engagement, which in turn increases productivity. Job resources, such as social support and autonomy, are essential for worker satisfaction and workplace effectiveness.
A new study by researchers at Northern Illinois University found that family members' negative attitudes can hinder the recovery of mentally ill relatives. The study, which examined 129 mothers of adult children with schizophrenia, revealed that stigmatizing views can lead to increased symptoms and lower self-confidence.
A study by University of Strathclyde researchers found EU flag exposure on public buildings has little effect on public opinion, but affects attitudes in Scotland and Wales at passport controls. The research suggests that unfounded beliefs about the flag's impact drove a split in the UK Coalition.
Researchers found that implicit racial biases predict disparities in perceived trustworthiness of Black and White faces, as well as differences in willingness to risk money with partners. These findings suggest that unconscious attitudes may drive rapid evaluations in the absence of additional information.
A new study of people from 128 countries found that those who are satisfied with their country tend to have better lives, especially those with low incomes or living in poor countries. For people with high incomes and Western countries, well-being is linked to personal factors like health, standard of living, and job satisfaction.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that viewers' fears and attitudes about crime are influenced by the type of TV show they watch. Non-fiction documentaries increase fear of becoming a victim, while fictional dramas boost support for the death penalty.
Research at the University of Granada warns that benevolent sexist attitudes in men can lead to justifying sexual violence within couples. The study found that such attitudes are rooted in the assumption that men need to protect and care for women, perpetuating sexism and inequality.
Researchers found that horticultural activities provide psychological benefits such as increasing positive mood, relaxation, and tranquility. Additionally, the study revealed a new dimension of attitudes toward horticultural activities, emphasizing the importance of environmental improvement and escape from worries.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that dire warnings about global warming can backfire, making people skeptical and resistant to change. However, presenting solutions and less apocalyptic ways of communicating findings can overcome skepticism. The research suggests fear-based appeals can undermine efforts to address climate change.
A study by Harvard University psychologists found that bilingual individuals' opinions of ethnic groups were affected by the language they spoke. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to show that language can create and shape implicit attitudes, challenging the view that attitudes are stable.
A study by Ryotaro Uemura found that people without a religious affiliation hold less favorable opinions about the US. In contrast, ethnic minority groups and first-generation US citizens do not necessarily exhibit significant differences in national attitudes.
A nationwide study found that nearly a quarter of women between 25 and 45 consider themselves 'OK either way' when it comes to getting pregnant, contradicting the long-held notion that women are always trying to get or not get pregnant. This ambivalence was linked to higher numbers of ideal children and slightly more religious attitudes.
A recent study in Hawaii found that tourists and recreation enthusiasts strongly support protecting coral reef ecosystems due to their exceptional beauty. The research suggests that public attitudes toward management are largely driven by the perceived health of coral reefs, with environmental conditions being more important than human...
The study of self-knowledge has expanded beyond determining internal states to include memory and predicting the future. Psychologist Timothy D. Wilson suggests that becoming an excellent observer of oneself and considering multiple perspectives can help individuals gain a better understanding of themselves.
A two-year grant from NIMH will support the adaptation and assessment of an HIV intervention designed for young, heterosexual Latino couples. The program aims to increase condom use, monogamous relationships, and decrease risky sexual behaviors.
A study found that exposure to small branded promotional items influenced medical students' unconscious attitudes toward marketed products. Students at schools with stricter marketing policies showed less favorable attitudes, while those at more lenient schools responded more favorably. The study suggests institutional policies can imp...
A new UCSF study found that negative attitudes towards the tobacco industry are associated with lower rates of smoking among young adults. The study, which surveyed 1,528 people aged 18-25, suggests that anti-tobacco advertising campaigns can be effective in reducing smoking rates by portraying the industry in a negative light.
Research finds that whites react more negatively to strongly identified minority individuals than weakly identified ones. This study provides an alternative explanation for why some minorities report experiencing more prejudice.
Increased empathy towards minority groups can reduce prejudice and promote positive inter-group relationships when viewed in abstract contexts. However, the effect is negative during actual interactions with minority group members due to increased self-consciousness about being perceived as prejudiced.
Research suggests that positive contact between groups can lead to improved attitudes towards the advantaged group, but also reduces awareness of inequality and decreases support for social change. Encounters emphasizing both common connections and problem inequalities can promote intergroup understanding and recognition of change.
New research reveals that power protects people from influence, enabling them to generate creative ideas and express their underlying attitudes. High-power individuals are more likely to resist conformity pressure and counter opposing views, suggesting that power can be a catalyst for change rather than corruption.
A new study finds that racial prejudice in Britain has been declining since the 1980s, with younger generations showing greater tolerance towards ethnic minorities. The study also reveals significant generational changes in attitudes, with women and more educated individuals expressing less prejudice.
A longitudinal study found that frequent moves during 2nd to 5th grade can lead to declines in academic performance and classroom participation. However, having a supportive teacher who encourages peer acceptance can help children make a smooth transition. The study suggests that teachers play a critical role in mitigating the negative...
A large study of physicians found that doctors tend to mirror the attitudes of the majority and implicitly favor whites over blacks. This suggests that subtle race bias may affect healthcare quality, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
Patients with generalized social phobia show increased blood flow in medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala when reading negative statements about themselves. This context-dependent response may guide future therapeutic formulations for the disorder.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that advergames with a high thematic connection to the brand elicit stronger positive relationships between consumers and the brand. This suggests that advertisers can use themed advergames to develop favorable consumer attitudes towards their brand.
Researchers found that emphasizing opposition to the other party can transform attitudes towards different groups and drive coalition building. The study used experiments with Asian and Latino students, showing that highlighting negational racial identity increased support for a Black Presidential candidate.
A recent study found that white Americans' attitudes towards blacks were affected when exposed to video presentations blaming the government's response on racism or incompetence. Whites displayed strong positive attitudes towards themselves rather than negative ones towards blacks, according to the research.
Research among 187 women from the general population found that younger women are more willing to become surrogate mothers. Women who value families and parenthood are also more likely to be willing to help others become parents. The study aims to overcome stigma by linking surrogacy to positive family values.
A new study in Political Psychology reveals that people's future voting decisions are influenced by their unconscious automatic mental associations. Researchers found a clear relation between implicit attitudes and subsequent voting behavior, with undecided voters' automatic preferences predicting their vote four weeks later.
A study found that Mexican-American men are more likely to endorse traditional masculine roles than European-American or black men. High SES is linked to a stronger adherence to these roles, even at the expense of emotional pressure.
A study by Bryan Gibson found that people are more likely to choose a brand they associate with positive images when distracted. Even if participants couldn't remember the pairing, this effect occurred. The findings suggest implicit product attitudes play a significant role in impulse purchases.
A study of 700 participants found that young men and women look for complete opposites when it comes to relationships, with men preferring open women and women preferring men with potential for long-term relationships. Facial features such as squarer jaws and smaller eyes are associated with masculinity.
Researchers identified four distinct indoor tanning behavior patterns, including special event, spontaneous/mood, regular year-round, and mixed behaviors. These classifications enable physicians to develop targeted health messages for their patients, increasing the effectiveness of cancer prevention efforts.
A new study by UC Irvine psychologists reveals that viewing doctored photos can affect people's memories and attitudes toward public events. Participants recalled events as being bigger and more violent than they really were when presented with digitally altered images.
Research published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doctored photos of past events can change people's memories and attitudes. The study showed significant differences in responses between those who viewed original and doctored images, highlighting the impact of manipulated media on our recall of history.
A recent issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Development explores how cross-group friendships affect intergroup attitudes in children and adolescents. The findings suggest a positive relationship between dual identity and positive intergroup attitudes, highlighting the importance of promoting social inclusion.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that negative opinions cause the greatest attitude shifts, both positive-to-negative and negative-to-worse. Consumers are more susceptible to influence when others have negative opinions, especially if they initially held positive attitudes.
A survey of adults displaced by war in northern Uganda found high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also showed that individuals with PTSD symptoms were more likely to favor violent means to end the conflict, while those with depression symptoms were less likely to identify nonviolence as a solution.