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Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

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.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 18, 2026

Feelings upon learning of pregnancy, child developmental delays, and the role of social support

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...

SourceToyama Regional Center for the Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Toyama·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2026

Does a “calculative mindset” lead to ethical compromise?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalPsyCh Journal·DateSep 9, 2026

Americans are more likely to support religious exemption requests that align with their political beliefs

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.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2026

With true grit program, researchers help young adults with spinal cord injuries build confidence

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 21, 2026

Too much information - or not enough? New study reveals how self-disclosure in online dating profiles shapes the kind of relationship people want to pursue with you

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.

SourceReichman University·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateAug 13, 2026

New research turns the Dunning-Kruger effect on its head: Rethinking the confident incompetent

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychological Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 27, 2026

Crowd reactions influence whether people receive controversial political messages positively or negatively

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.

SourceAston University·JournalFrontiers in Political Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adoption of plant-based diets, Stirling study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPsychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

For consumers, distrust outweighs trust

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2026

When work and family collide, job flexibility helps shape who adjusts

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.

SourceRice University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Residential environment linked to subjective well-being through life-domain satisfaction

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...

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

How culture shapes the way we care for other people's emotions

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2026

Horse owners' personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses

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...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnthrozoös·DateJun 12, 2026

Politics plays a role in finding a partner

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Too much proximity may affect team well-being

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2026

Young people are aware of and normalize hidden design features of video games that encourage spending

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...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEntertainment Computing·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

GPS data reveals why pedestrians in Phnom Penh rarely walk the shortest route

Research reveals that pedestrians in Phnom Penh prefer shorter, simpler routes with fewer turns due to factors like path efficiency, street vitality, and perceived comfort. The study also found that high-traffic streets are often preferred over crowded footpaths, reflecting a desire for clarity, predictability, and ease of movement.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalTravel Behaviour and Society·DateMay 12, 2026