Articles tagged with Social Psychology
A new study found that couples who receive emotional support from their partners experience reduced stress spillover from financial worries. Emotional support was a key factor in managing financial stress, while problem-solving alone was less effective. The study suggests that a supportive partner can act as a buffer against financial ...
A secure sense of attachment within a group enables members to express dissenting opinions more effectively, leading to better decision-making. This approach can help organizations tap into the knowledge and insights of their most critical employees, who often remain silent due to fear of backlash.
A new special issue explores how and why we express emotions, and how humans and animals shape their behavior and social worlds through smiles, glances, and body language. Researchers examine the origins and development of emotional expressions, their roles in behavior and social lives, and their commonalities across species.
Children are extremely excited about robots and AI, believing what the AI robot tells them is true. Interactive toys like Miko can help with education, conversation, and vocabulary skills, while raising concerns about privacy and age-appropriate safeguards.
A new study found that eating with a companion reduces blood glucose spikes and improves glucose recovery, suggesting that human physiology is inherently social. The researchers call this principle Social Physiology, which states that the human body regulates itself more efficiently in the presence of social partners.
University students with higher levels of mindfulness had lower self-stigma and fewer depressive symptoms. Mindfulness was also associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms, contradicting previous research, and may be applied to improve mental health outcomes for minority groups.
A new study from Bournemouth University surveyed 2,112 UK adults engaged in matched betting, finding that many perceived it as risk-free despite losing over half. Participants attributed losses to mistakes rather than risk, highlighting the need for greater research on matched betting's effects.
Girls from multilingual and immigrant families are more likely to be delayed in ADHD diagnosis due to language and cultural barriers. This delay can have devastating consequences, including struggles in school, poor mental health, and problems with relationships.
New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.
Researchers found that people with power are more readily blamed for wrongdoing, as others perceive them as having an advantage and being able to 'get away with anything'. This study analyzed over 100,000 Reddit conflicts and four experimental studies to confirm this pattern.
A Texas A&M University study found that employees who consumed more negatively perceived political information experienced higher anxiety and lower work engagement. Conversely, consuming positive political information was associated with greater hope, stronger engagement, and higher helping behavior towards co-workers.
Researchers found that people with social anxiety have amplified brain activity that improves learning under low demands but hinders learning under higher demands. This sensitivity to the social context may be helpful when learning is easy, but becomes disadvantageous as demands increase.
A study by UC Irvine psychologist Paul Piff found that drivers of expensive vehicles were more likely to cut off other cars and engage in aggressive behavior. The research also showed that wealthier individuals were more likely to take candy meant for children.
A trial testing out-of-body experiences found no correlation with target identification, but participants unexpectedly described researchers' locations and activities. The unexpected findings may lead to the development of better evaluation methods and potentially support the case for out-of-body remote viewing.
Research in the PsyCh Journal found that individuals with a calculative mindset are more likely to ignore moral rules and make ethical compromises for personal gain. The study suggests that reducing this type of thinking may help prevent moral disengagement and promote a more principled approach.
A nationwide birth cohort study found that negative feelings about pregnancy are associated with child developmental delays, while social support reduces risks. Mothers who reported 'no specific feelings' when learning of their pregnancy had the strongest association with developmental delays, highlighting the importance of identifying...
Researchers found that Americans tend to support religious exemption requests from those who share their political views, but are skeptical of requests from those who hold opposing views. This study highlights the potential for ideological biases to influence perceptions of religious freedom protections.
A recent study analyzing 3.7 million menu options from 340 German university canteens reveals a significant shift towards more plant-based food environments. Vegan options increased by 275%, while meat-based dishes declined, leading to estimated annual reductions of 8,000 to 40,000 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that only 13% of workplaces in Denmark are ready to introduce more plant-based lunches, while 42% are resistant to change. Workplaces with high tertiary activities and employees who eat less meat tend to be more open to change.
A new study by the University of Birmingham reveals that TikTok's design can make it difficult for young people to distinguish between trustworthy and misleading mental health advice. The study found that young people tend to rely on relatability rather than reliability when seeking mental health advice on the platform.
A new book argues that adult children are cutting ties with their families of origin in favor of creating a chosen family environment. Research by Ohio State University professor Rin Reczek found that adult children who go 'no contact' with one or both parents elect estrangement as a last resort. The data shows that estrangement is dri...
The True Grit program, a Rutgers Health study, evaluates a model for supporting independence in young people with spinal cord injuries as they transition from high school to adulthood. Participants in the 2024 cohort demonstrated progress toward their individual goals, with gains seen in participation scores and emotional resilience.
A comprehensive study found a consistent decline in Japanese people's extraversion from 2010 to 2021, contrasting with global increases. The trend held true for both men and women across different age groups.
A study by Michigan State University found that individual demographic characteristics are more strongly associated with being childfree than state factors. California and Michigan have the highest percentages of childfree people, but reducing cost of living or changing abortion laws won't lead to an increase in births.
A new study found that moderate self-disclosure in online dating profiles creates a more favorable impression and leads to greater romantic interest. The 'Goldilocks principle' suggests that not too little or too much information is ideal, striking the right balance between openness and curiosity.
Researchers found that people's perception of technology as natural predicts their support, with a shift in framing prompting higher levels of trust and acceptance. Climate solutions like nuclear energy face resistance due to perceived unnaturalness, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies.
New research in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that single people can find personal growth through solitude and non-romantic relationships. Up to 82% of singles leverage close relationships to engage in self-expanding experiences, while 18% do so alone.
A study suggests that overconfidence persists not due to its costs but because of them, serving as a reliable signal for ability. Only the most capable individuals can afford to sustain high self-belief without severe consequences.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of educational psychologists reported a backlog of over 220 EHCNAs, limiting their capacity for early intervention. The profession faces rising demand, a 40% workforce shortage, and a surge in tribunal appeals.
Researchers developed a method for generating personality assessment questionnaires with ChatGPT from any source text, including the DSM-5 and an astrology textbook. The generated questionnaires showed high internal consistency within personality clusters and could predict life outcomes like depression, anxiety, and well-being at level...
Research found that social media influences travel plans across all age groups, but millennials were the most impacted. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, gravitated toward posts about less common locales.
Teaching children emotional regulation and healthy friendships can provide a crucial buffer against social media's risks to mental health and self-worth. Strong childhood friendships are better equipped to navigate digital spaces, reducing the likelihood of online validation-based identity and self-worth issues.
Researchers will examine whether online support strengthens brain development linked to emotional and mental health in prematurely born infants. The scalable intervention could transform how families receive support after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit, bringing evidence-based support into the home.
A new study found that conspiracy beliefs are more likely to translate into real-world behavior when held with greater certainty or regarded as personally important. The researchers also discovered that viewing conspiracy theories as 'actionable' further amplifies this tendency.
Researchers at UCLA found a statistically significant relationship between cellphone ownership and lower reading scores in third and sixth graders. Children who owned cellphones had poorer comprehension regardless of whether they brought the phone to school or not.
A new study reverses the classic Dunning-Kruger effect, suggesting that high-ability people are more overconfident than low performers. The researchers argue that flawed statistical analysis led to the original finding, and when corrected, it reveals a universal human trait of overconfidence among the most capable.
Researchers found that live sporting events stimulate oxytocin dynamics, leading to increased heart-rate synchrony among casual spectators. This physiological response is linked to greater enjoyment, unity with players and spectators, immersion, and intention to reattend future events.
A new study by Aston University researchers suggests that positive crowd reactions like applause and laughter can make controversial political messages more acceptable to viewers. The research found that mixed laughter and booing were particularly damaging to the message, reducing ratings compared to other conditions.
A new study found that nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adopting plant-based diets, with personal experiences and cultural identities playing a significant role. Researchers suggest recreating nostalgic or culturally significant dishes using vegan ingredients can make dietary change feel more accessible.
A recent study by Annabelle Roberts found that consumers tend to distrust others after a negative experience, and this distrust can be difficult to overcome. The researchers conducted 21 studies involving nearly 12,000 people and discovered that people learn attitudes from a single trust interaction, whether positive or negative.
Research reveals that job characteristics, including schedule flexibility and indispensability, influence how couples balance work and family responsibilities. The study found that women were more likely to make adjustments to support family needs, but this effect was attributed to differences in job characteristics rather than gender.
A University of Stirling study found that most people in the UK don't fully understand dog laws and often believe stronger protections exist than actually do. Dog owners were consistently more confident but not more accurate in their knowledge, raising concerns about improving legal understanding.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found that revealing visual elements sequentially and matching each element with the speaker's narration improves attention and learning. Participants in a cumulative presentation format showed higher test scores compared to whole-slide presentations.
A new study by Keio University researchers explores the association between residential environments and subjective well-being, finding that better living conditions are linked to higher satisfaction with important life domains, which in turn is associated with greater overall well-being. The study suggests that housing design and poli...
A global study reveals that culture influences how people try to regulate the emotions of others, with individualistic cultures prioritizing comforting and expressing care, while collectivistic cultures often view unpleasant emotions as valuable. This finding highlights the importance of cultural context in emotional support.
Researchers have developed the 'Youniversalism' scale to measure people's belief in subjective and experiential truths. The scale reveals that individuals who view themselves as 'spiritual' tend to score higher on Youniversalism and lower on trust in science.
A recent study by Adelaide University researchers highlights the critical role of unemployment in driving suicide risk. The project's findings emphasize the need for a fundamental shift in suicide prevention efforts, acknowledging that work, unemployment, and financial insecurity are key factors. The research recommends stronger recogn...
Observing resilient coworkers can boost performance and well-being, but also lead to anxiety if employees feel they can't replicate the same level of resilience. To make stories of resilience motivational, it's essential to highlight how the individual is similar to other employees.
A new study found that horse owners' psychological characteristics, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses. Owners who spent more time with their horses tended to be more emotionally connected, while those with higher avoidant attachment styles...
A new study found that a low-cost, simple intervention using a self-help workbook paired with brief phone support significantly improves the mental health of displaced refugees. The program reduced psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improved wellbeing and daily functioning among participants.
A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.
A new analysis of NFL draft data reveals that higher-drafted players do not perform significantly better than lower-drafted ones, especially those chosen in the same round. Researchers found a distinct advantage for teams trading down for draft picks compared to those trading up.
UJI researchers recognized for their work in social psychology and psychosocial prevention, with focus on occupational health psychology and development of diagnostic tools. Researchers from various departments rank among the top 300 women scientists in Spain.
A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that political orientation significantly impacts romantic interests, with young Americans showing reluctance towards dating across party lines. The study suggests that people use politics as a filter to determine compatibility and social circle approval.
Research from University of East Anglia finds that TikTok content glamorizes illicit vaping, attracting young people and exchanging tips on bypassing age restrictions. The study suggests that legislation alone may not be enough to combat the issue, highlighting the need for platforms to take action.
A longitudinal study of 12,000 German participants confirms that high emotional well-being is associated with being single compared to enduring a poor or moderate-quality relationship. The quality of the relationship is the ultimate deciding factor in determining emotional health.
A new study found that participating in awe-inspiring natural phenomena, like a solar eclipse, increases people's identification with science and sense of belonging. The researchers also discovered that awe plays a powerful role in this process.
A study by Jan Schmutz and Andrea Cantisani found that frequent contact didn't necessarily lead to positive social relationships. In fact, increased proximity was linked to conflict, mistrust, and reduced performance. The researchers also observed subgroups forming within the team based on language or nationality.
A new EdUHK study shows that adolescents with lower digital literacy levels are more vulnerable to cyberbullying. Those who develop stronger digital literacy skills after experiencing cyberbullying tend to navigate threats and protect themselves effectively.
A study by UOC researchers reveals that young people are not fooled by monetization systems in video games; they often accept them as part of the gaming experience. The study highlights various systems that encourage consumption, such as loot boxes and virtual currencies, and shows a consistent relationship between these mechanisms and...