Articles tagged with Social Attitudes
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 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.
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 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.
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.
A new study by Dr. John Updegraff and colleagues found that tailored health messages are more effective when matching an individual's motivational orientation, leading to favorable attitudes and behavior change. Strong messages create more positive outcomes than weak ones, particularly for approach-oriented individuals.
A University of Alberta study finds Chinese and White immigrants have the highest adjusted homeownership rates, while Black immigrants face the lowest rates. The study suggests that differences in homeownership patterns are largely due to factors such as wealth, social networks, and knowledge of the real estate market.
A Penn State study tracked youth's attitudes for most of the school age and adolescent years, finding varying patterns of change according to gender, birth order, and parent influences. Most youth became less traditional over time, but firstborn boys with brothers and traditional parents remained more traditional.
A study found that adolescents who have friends with high-risk sexual attitudes are more likely to adopt similar behaviors, while those who believe sex has undesirable consequences choose new friends with similar attitudes. The effect of peer influence on adolescent behavior was stronger for females than males.
A new study found that specific, informative strategies are more effective than fear-based methods in changing people's intentions and behavior. The research identified the most frequently used strategies as prompting practice, setting goals, and generating self-talk.
Researchers found that multiracial congregations have dramatically different social ties compared to other Americans. Members in these congregations reported feeling accepted and having cross-racial friendships, which is lower than those in same-race or non-congregation groups.
The new non-invasive test allows for fetal sex determination at 5-7 weeks of gestation, sparking debates about the technology's implications. Experts warn that rapid policymaking is needed to address ethical concerns surrounding its use, particularly in cases where abortion is considered.
A new survey at UCSD reveals that sectarianism in conservative religious groups holds back coalition formation on the right. The study found that members of these groups who favor a larger role for religious leaders in politics are less sectarian, bringing good news for supporters of the religious right.
A study found that when participants shared negative attitudes about someone else, they felt closer to a stranger with the same dislike. In contrast, those who learned they shared positive attitudes with another person felt less connected. This research challenges traditional views of gossip and its impact on relationships.
A global study of over 27,500 adults aged 40-80 found that greater gender equality leads to improved sexual satisfaction. The research, led by the University of Chicago, compared sex lives across 29 countries and discovered that countries with more equal partnerships reported higher rates of sexual pleasure.
59% of general internists, 60% of subspecialists participated to improve professional image and update medical knowledge. The survey also found that 69% of general internists believed board-certified physicians are more competent than non-certified ones.
A Saint Louis University study found that genetics account for approximately 33-36% of how we feel physically and mentally. The researchers examined the health-related quality of life of 2,928 middle-age men using twins, revealing a strong genetic influence on our perception of health.
Researchers argue that one-size-fits-all treatment guidelines for abusive men are ineffective and recommend tailoring interventions to each individual's background and motivations. The new approach aims to address underlying issues such as anger control and childhood traumas to prevent reoffending.
This study shows that expressed attitudes can be modified by providing consensus information about the beliefs of others. The researchers found that a peer group's influence is more significant than a non-associated group in shaping attitudes towards obesity.
A new University of Cincinnati study reveals that white individuals' general racial attitudes towards people of other races affect their preferences for seeing a doctor of the same or different race. In contrast, African Americans are more likely to prefer a same-race doctor due to perceptions of white apathy and poor past medical care...
A study by Cornell University researcher Robb Willer found that men who feel insecure about their masculinity tend to display homophobic attitudes, support the Iraq War, and purchase SUVs. The research suggests that masculine overcompensation is a driving force behind these behaviors.
A recent study by George Y. Bizer found that individuals who report 'opposition' to a candidate show less attitude change than those who state 'support'. The study suggests that opposition can strengthen one's opinion, making it more difficult to change.
Researchers found couples to be highly similar on attitudes and values, but little to no similarity on personality traits. Personality similarity plays a significant role in marital satisfaction, whereas attitude similarity does not.