A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.
Research from the University of Birmingham finds that party tourism creates an environment for sexual assault by normalizing extreme behavior and prioritizing economic revenue over women's safety. The study highlights how destinations silence victims to protect their reputation, reinforcing a culture of silencing survivors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity promotion interventions have minimal overall effectiveness. However, the
The study found that higher stages of behavioral change toward lifestyle improvement and high levels of physical activity positively associated with exercise habit acquisition. In contrast, daily alcohol consumption of ≥60 g had a negative effect on the acquisition of exercise habits.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
Digital religion among millennials provides important spiritual spaces, enriching existing religious experiences. A new study found that digital forms of communication stem secularization and facilitate a 'spiritual revolution', but are not attracting new participants.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...
New research published in eNeuro found that sharing happy stories increases feelings of closeness and synchronizes brain activity between the speaker and listener. Brain synchrony was linked to increased interpersonal closeness, particularly in regions involved in emotional processing and theory of mind.
A study led by NTU Singapore found that combining transparency with kinder management styles reduces collusion attempts among employees. The researchers conducted a roleplaying experiment in Amsterdam, assigning participants as managers or employees and observing the effects of increased transparency on collaboration.
LSU Health has been awarded funding to support community health workers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, enabling them to serve as liaisons between healthcare services and under-resourced communities. The grants will promote health equity and provide essential public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research suggests that fostering positive workplace social relationships between men and women can improve gender equity and inclusion in STEM. Even small gestures of social inclusion, such as chatting with female teammates during breaks, can reduce stereotypes and increase feelings of engagement.
Researchers outline a four-stage process to facilitate pleasurable social atmospheres, including preparation, activation, unification, and memory storage. The study highlights the importance of cooperation between firms and consumers in creating successful social atmospheres.
A Dartmouth study reveals that gossip creates social connections and enables learning through indirect information sharing. The research finds that participants who engaged in private chats with their group members felt more connected and shared similar impressions of others.
Researchers analyze social distance continuum, categorizing influences as distal (larger groups) or proximal (individuals with strong ties). Joint journeys involve interdependent utilities and decision-making among multiple consumers.
Researchers found that personal contact between police officers and citizens encourages a positive attitude towards the country's central authority. The study suggests building relationships may help a new government earn legitimacy in the eyes of citizens, potentially preventing violence in the future.
Researchers found that country music songwriters employ two strategies to co-write songs with less talented but more famous artists: bespoke facilitation, where they take a backseat, and the manipulation dance, where they pre-write most of the song. This approach helps create good songs while avoiding alienating their partner.
A study found that people eat up to 48% more food when dining with others than alone. This 'social facilitation' effect is driven by ancient hunter-gatherer instincts that still influence modern dietary behavior, leading to overeating in the presence of others.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that people eat more and rate food as tasting better when eating with a mirror, not just another person. The study suggests a possible approach to improving the appeal of food for older people who frequently eat alone.
A study comparing citizenship programs in four European nations found that multiculturalism policies are still in place and being expanded to support ethnic minority integration. Researchers argue that the term 'multiculturalism' is being used less frequently with a positive connotation, but actual policies have not been repealed.
Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.
A review of 160 reports found that common mental health interventions, such as counselling and child-friendly spaces, often lack rigorous scrutiny. The authors call for increased research into these interventions to improve their effectiveness and sustainability in humanitarian settings.
Researchers found that when people believe another person cannot see, the effects of adaptation are greatly reduced, suggesting a bi-directional relationship between gaze processing and mental-state attribution. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of what goes wrong in individuals with autism.
Researchers found that oxytocin increases the encoding of positive social memories, allowing individuals to better recall happy faces. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating psychiatric disorders related to social isolation.
A study by María Luisa Jiménez Rodrigo explores the reasons behind women's rising cigarette consumption in Spanish society over the past 50 years. Women use cigarettes as a tool for stress relief, social interaction, and to control appetite and body weight, reinforcing traditional feminine norms.