Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New research reinforces impact men can have as gender equality allies in the workplace

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that men who express support for gender equality can significantly reduce women's anticipation of workplace harassment and hostility. The presence of an ally also increases feelings of identity-safety, such as a sense of belonging and trust in the group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Is right-wing authoritarianism a cognitive conservatism?

A new study published in the Social Bulletin of Psychology found that right-wing authoritarianism is more closely tied to how people acquire positive attitudes than changing them. The researchers suggest that individuals with RWA tend to be more sensitive to negative information, leading them to stick to positive information and avoid ...

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateAug 2, 2021

We are more forgiving when people close to us misbehave

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals are more forgiving towards loved ones who misbehave, but this leniency comes at a cost. Participants reported feeling more shame and guilt when someone close to them committed an unethical act, while also feeling less anger and contempt towards family me...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Studies reveal that social isolation and quarantine throughout the COVID-19 pandemic may have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health of people living with pre-existing conditions

Two studies found that social isolation and quarantine can cause significant psychological and/or physical distress on individuals with diabetes and hypocortisolism. These effects include increased anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, weight gain, and decreased physical activity.

Once we're past the fear stage, where do we place the blame for the COVID-19 pandemic?

A study published in Social Psychological Bulletin found that Polish adults blamed the government more for COVID-19 incidence rates than personal responsibility or anxiety levels. Political views played a significant role in attributing blame, with liberal-leaning individuals blaming the government more than conservatives.

SourceSocial Psychological Bulletin·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 10, 2021

Fans prefer teams that built success over time more than with purchased super

Researchers at the University of Kansas found that fans tend to favor teams that build success through time and effort over those assembled from free agency. Fans appreciate the backstory behind a team's success, including hard work and dedication to player development. This preference is strong and reliable across various studies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateMar 22, 2021

Addressing power differences may spur advantaged racial groups to act for racial equality

Research suggests that communicating openly about group differences in power can motivate advantaged racial groups to join historically disadvantaged racial minority groups to strive for racial equality and social justice. A UMass Amherst study tested this proposition, supporting the idea that greater communication about power differen...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Relations·DateFeb 2, 2021

COVID-19: 1 in 3 adults anxious, depressed

A recent study found that COVID-19 is associated with increased psychological distress among adults, particularly women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study suggests that outreach programs targeting these groups are crucial for mental health support during the pandemic.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2021

Why people become defensive and how to address it

Research at Flinders University found that defensiveness increases when people feel stigmatised or rejected, but decreases when they feel valued and included. The study suggests that emphasizing respect and value for the person, even if you disagree with their views or actions, can reduce defensiveness.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateDec 1, 2020

One in four older refugees are in psychological distress -- even decades after resettlement

A new study of Canadians aged 45-85 found that 24% of refugees were in psychological distress compared to 13% of non-refugee immigrants and those born in Canada. The researchers believe pre-migration traumas, lack of social support, and chronic health conditions are contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychology Revista de Psicología Social·DateNov 19, 2020

Can mobile tech offer new pathways to improve recovery from serious traumatic injuries?

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing demonstrates the potential of mobile technology in improving recovery from serious traumatic injuries. The research showed that mobile health monitoring was feasible and acceptable for tracking biometric indicators of physical activity and sleep among Black men recovering ...

The key to happiness: Friends or family?

A recent study by SMU psychology professor Nathan Hudson found that people experience higher levels of happiness when socializing with friends compared to spending time with family members. The research revealed that being around romantic partners predicted the least amount of happiness among these three groups.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 17, 2020

Familial incarceration negatively impacts mental health for African American women

Research reveals familial incarceration has a significant impact on mental health for African American women, leading to elevated psychological distress and depressive symptomology. Employment and social roles can alleviate the burden, contrary to previous studies that only examined parents or children of incarcerated individuals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 2, 2020

New alcohol genes uncovered

Researchers identify 29 genetic variants associated with problematic alcohol use, revealing a strong link to depression, insomnia, and other psychiatric diseases. The study provides new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol dependency and offers hope for developing new medicines to combat it.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2020

A one-hour exercise early in college improves career outcomes for black students years later

A one-hour exercise increasing feelings of social belonging in college students appears to significantly improve their lives and careers up to eleven years later. The study found that targeted psychological intervention can be an important tool to interrupt generational sociocultural disadvantages.

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

New research confirms lingering mood benefit of psychedelics

A recent Yale study found that people who recently used psychedelics report sustained improvements in mood and feelings of social connectedness. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 festival attendees, confirms previous laboratory research indicating psychedelic substances enhance mental well-being.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

For restricted eaters, a place at the table but not the meal

Research at Cornell University found that food restrictions predict loneliness among children and adults, causing increased feelings of exclusion. Participants experienced 'food worries' and fretted about their dietary choices, leading to a degree of loneliness comparable to that reported by unmarried or low-income adults.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 23, 2019

Husbands' stress increases if wives earn more than 40% of household income

A new study from the University of Bath found that husbands are most stressed when their wives earn more than 40% of household income, and that this can lead to increased psychological distress and decreased mental health. The study also showed that traditional gender norms about male breadwinning can be harmful to men's mental health.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 19, 2019

Right or left, Americans value hard work to achieve success

A recent study found that people on both sides of the political spectrum value proportionality in achieving success, with liberals caring more about equity and conservatives valuing proportionality. The researchers aimed to understand the moral foundations behind political partisanship and how it influences policy support.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Over-claiming knowledge predicts anti-establishment voting

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that individuals who overclaim their knowledge are more likely to vote against the establishment, with a 1.62 times higher likelihood for radical right voters. However, increased actual knowledge decreases this likelihood by 0.85 measurement points.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 18, 2019

In romantic relationships, people do indeed have a 'type'

A University of Toronto study reveals that individuals often repeat patterns with the same personality traits in their current and past partners, indicating a strong tendency to date similar types. This finding suggests that people may indeed have an innate 'type' when it comes to romantic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Why creative experts may be better at imagining the future

Research by Dartmouth College and Princeton University researchers finds that creative experts are better at imagining distant experiences due to a unique neural system. They use the dorsal medial system default network, associated with empathy, to think about other people and perspectives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 8, 2019