Social Psychology
Articles tagged with Social Psychology
Disposable vapes ban could lead young adults to switch to cigarettes, study finds
A new study by the University of Bristol found that the UK's disposable vapes ban may lead to an increase in cigarette smoking among young adults. The research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, suggests that some individuals may turn to cigarettes as an alternative to disposable vapes.
First degree female relatives’ suicidal intentions may influence women’s suicide risk
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
Nearly half of UK adults happy to use ChatGPT as a counsellor, study finds
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
Apocalyptic beliefs are no longer fringe—and they’re shaping how people respond to global threats
A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.
Having a ‘growth mindset’ helps entrepreneurs adapt to setbacks
A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that entrepreneurs with a growth mindset are more resilient when faced with venture-related setbacks. They are also more optimistic about future success, less discouraged, and more likely to put in effort to find solutions.
Loneliness linked to fear of embarrassment: teen research
A University of the Sunshine Coast study found that teens who avoid socializing due to fear of judgment report greater loneliness and lower trust in friendships. Parents and teachers are advised to help teens find low-pressure ways to connect with peers, as empathy is a valuable skill decreasing among this age group.
Hairdressers could be a secret weapon in tackling climate change, new research finds
Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.
Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
Heads or tails: Does it matter what part of a therapy dog gets patted?
A UBCO study found that all forms of touch with therapy dogs contribute positively to participants' emotional wellbeing, regardless of which part is interacted with. The research suggests that simple interaction with a therapy dog can make a difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Frictionless AI comes at a human cost to learning, growth and connection
Researchers warn that AI's friction removal could eliminate desirable difficulties, weakening learning and motivation. Effortful engagement strengthens learning and memory, while loneliness serves as a signal to form human connections.
Relatedness and positive attitudes drive trust in AI and its developers
The study found that people's everyday experiences with technology play a crucial role in shaping trust around the world. Human-centred approaches to AI design and governance are essential for building trust, as simply improving technical performance is insufficient if people feel disconnected or powerless.
Confidence in your relationship can improve individual well-being
A new study found that improvements in relationship confidence have the biggest impact on individual outcomes, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced substance use. Relationship confidence involves trusting that a partner can handle challenges and feeling assured of building a lasting future together.
FAU study finds teen ‘sexting’ surge, warns of sextortion and privacy risks
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
What makes healthy boundaries – and how to implement them – according to a psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Lynn Somerfield emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, work, and personal beliefs to promote emotional well-being. She advises that healthy boundaries strengthen connections with others while preserving individual identity and energy.
How cultural norms shape childhood development
A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.
Uncommon names are increasing globally: Reflecting an increase in uniqueness-seeking and individualism
A global trend of uncommon names has been observed in various nations, including Germany, the US, UK, France, Japan, China, and Indonesia. This increase reflects broader sociocultural changes emphasizing individuality and distinction.
Political division in the US surged from 2008 onwards, study suggests
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
Mental health crisis: Global surveys expose who falls through the cracks and how to catch them
Dr. Ronald C. Kessler's decades-long research transformed international understanding of psychiatric disorders and suicide prevention. His work exposes the global scope of mental health challenges and highlights key factors in prevention.
Psychological therapies for children who speak English as an additional language can become “lost in translation”, study warns
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
Exploring how age influences social preferences
Researchers discovered that while older rats were as social as younger ones, a subpopulation preferred familiar peers. Altering neural communication reversed this preference, enhancing approach towards new peers. This suggests a distinct neural system underlying aging-related social behavior.
Landmark FAU/CSU study: More paid time off keeps US workers from quitting
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
One in 1,000 dies: communicating medical numbers
A recent study published in JAMA highlights the importance of effective communication of medical numbers, particularly in preventing nocebo effects. Researchers recommend using positive framing and clear strategies to present numbers in an understandable way, as vague verbal descriptors can amplify fear and unintended expectation effects.
Support stops at the checkout line: Consumer stigma undermines ‘impact hiring’ initiatives
A new study reveals that consumers who morally support companies hiring homeless individuals often drop purchase intentions due to irrational 'contagion concerns', triggered by emotional reactions linked to stereotypes about hygiene and safety. Social proof appeals can counteract this bias, increasing purchase likelihood.
Why U.S. middle-aged adults are falling behind peers abroad
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
Why a crowded office can be the loneliest place on earth
A comprehensive review of 233 studies identifies the connection between workplace conditions and loneliness, highlighting the importance of job quality, stress management, and social support. Chronic loneliness harms emotional and cognitive well-being, while interventions such as mindfulness and volunteering can provide relief.
Encouraging students to socialize at an early stage can prevent loneliness
A new preventive intervention called REconnect has been developed to reduce loneliness among university students. The program aims to strengthen social ties and inclusion before loneliness becomes chronic, with encouraging results showing increased life satisfaction and reduced loneliness.
Tel Aviv University and Tel Aviv Medical Center (Ichilov) study finds that brain function can influence vaccine effectiveness
A Tel Aviv University study found that brain function can influence vaccine effectiveness by activating the brain's reward system, leading to a better immune response. The study used fMRI neurofeedback technology to train participants to modulate their brain activity in a key region responsible for dopamine release.
Being close to someone with a gambling problem raises your own risk – new study
A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.
News language and social networks: how do they affect the spread of immigration attitudes?
Researchers found that people living in areas connected to those most affected by the AP's ban on labeling people held less restrictive immigration policy preferences. Media language plays a significant role in shaping political attitudes and can extend to individuals' social networks.
Reporting workplace sexual harassment ‘not worth it’
A recent study suggests that two in five Australians who experienced workplace sexual harassment did not report it. Researchers argue that fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the system and feelings of powerlessness are major barriers to reporting. Despite legal reforms, most people still feel uncomfortable coming forward.
Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it
Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
Having autonomy in your life is more important in wealthier countries, says new research on well-being
New research from Aalto University clarifies the link between autonomy and well-being, finding it universally important but stronger in wealthier, more individualistic nations. The study suggests that policy-makers should focus on boosting autonomy in richer countries to improve overall well-being.
Believing or thinking that first impressions are fixed may ease social anxiety, Bar-Ilan University study finds
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals that individuals with social anxiety may feel better when they believe others' opinions are fixed rather than changeable. Adopting a fixed mindset reduced stress and improved performance in social interactions.
Socializing alone: The downside of communication technology
A review of over 1,000 studies found that technology communication reduces engagement and positive emotional responses compared to in-person interactions. In-person communication has been shown to have health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved educational outcomes.
Facial expressions mimicry is not just politeness – It is part of the decision-making system
A new study from Tel Aviv University reveals that participants consistently preferred options with more positive facial expression mimicry during conversations. Facial mimicry is found to predict choices even when personal taste is not explicitly stated.
Why we talk to people who think differently – or why we don’t
A recent study published in Political Psychology explored the willingness of people to engage in discussions with others who hold different opinions. The researchers developed a measuring tool called WEDO to assess this willingness and found that open-minded individuals tend to think analytically and are more willing to engage in dialo...
The untold story of life with Prader-Willi syndrome - according to the siblings who live it
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
New study finds historic buildings contribute to urban scenicness as much as trees and water
A new study found that historic buildings in English cities enhance scenicness, with scores 25% higher than the average urban score. The study's findings suggest that heritage designations and architectural significance are key factors influencing scenic beauty.
Climate policies can backfire by eroding “green” values, study finds
A study published in Nature Sustainability finds that climate policies targeting lifestyle changes can erode existing 'green' values, leading to unintended negative effects. Researchers surveyed over 3,000 Germans and found a 52% greater negative response to climate mandates than COVID-19 mandates.
How we decide when to shut out information and when to insist on knowing it all
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers uncovers the psychology behind seeking or avoiding information, revealing a common emotional mechanism. The findings suggest that both behaviors stem from regulating emotions and managing psychological overload, rather than moral responsibility.
How greener bus stops can help people beat the heat
A University of British Columbia study found that visually pleasant bus stops are more likely to make riders feel thermally comfortable, despite high temperatures. The research highlights the importance of integrating experiential design into urban planning to improve public spaces during extreme heat.
Worrying about money and food ages the heart faster than traditional risk factors
A novel analysis found that financial strain and food insecurity accelerate biological aging and increase mortality risk, surpassing traditional risk factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted preventive interventions and patient-centered care to address social determinants of health.
New study explores why open water swimming feels so powerful for midlife women
A new study published in European Journal of Ecopsychology explores how open water swimming impacts middle-aged British women's wellbeing, confidence, and coping during menopause. The research reveals four consistent themes: emotional steadiness, confidence, and coping through outdoor swimming.
Holding back laughter
A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.
How does grandparental care affect children’s health?
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
Study puts spotlight on assessment tool used to predict deadly domestic abuse
A risk evaluation tool aimed at protecting women from domestic violence has been found to be an effective predictor of deadly domestic abuse. However, the researchers emphasize that no scheme can perfectly predict the future and that continued improvement is necessary to safeguard victims.
Not everyone reads the room the same. A new study examines why.
A new study examines why some people excel at reading emotions from faces and context, while others struggle. The research finds that individuals use complex or simple strategies to weigh different types of information, with the latter being less cognitively demanding. This variation in integration strategies may contribute to differen...
Neutrality isn't a safe strategy on controversial issues, new research shows
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that people view neutrality on controversial issues as less moral than expressing an opposing viewpoint. Opting out completely from a conversation may be a socially successful strategy in certain situations, but context matters.
Reciprocity matters--people were more supportive of climate policies in their country if they believed other countries were making significant efforts themselves
A survey of 4,000 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and US citizens found that people were more supportive of climate policies in their own country if they believed other countries were also taking action. The study's findings suggest that reciprocity plays a significant role in shaping public opinions on climate policy.
University of Stirling study paves the way for patient-centred treatment of vulvodynia
A University of Stirling-led study aims to improve care for vulvodynia patients by prioritizing patient-centered treatment and addressing knowledge gaps. The research found that education for healthcare providers, improved care pathways, and multidisciplinary support are top priorities.
Research explores effect of parental depression symptoms on children’s reward processing
A study found that parental anhedonic depressive symptoms are associated with a reduced neural response in children to positive and negative feedback. This suggests a specific risk factor for developing depression in children of parents with this symptom, potentially impacting their ability to engage in activities.
Does mental illness have a silver lining? New paper says yes
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
Event aims to unpack chaos caused by AI slop
The ARU symposium delves into the effects of consuming mass-produced low-quality content, reshaping art, media, politics, and the internet. Dr Tina Kendall discusses the psychological and societal implications of AI-generated material, including its environmental costs.
Evidence from professional golf shows political divides undermine focus and hurt performance at work
Research by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business found that professional golfers outperform when grouped with like-minded individuals. The study, which analyzed over 25,000 rounds, discovered a significant performance gap when golfers play alongside those holding opposing political views. This proximity-based anxiety disrupts focus and ...
Arts-based methods helped Afghan refugee youth in Iran express their hopes and struggles
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how Afghan refugee youth living in Iran make sense of their experiences. The research found that young people combine personal stories, social interactions, and cultural knowledge to reconstruct meaning from their lives.
Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot
In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.
Most people struggle to spot pain in horses - study
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.