Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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

Logical reasoning: An antidote or a poison for political disagreement?

A new study explores ideological belief bias, where people judge logical arguments based on their believability rather than sound premises. Liberals and conservatives showed varying levels of ability to identify flawed arguments supporting opposing views. The findings suggest that being open to the other side can lead to a better under...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 17, 2019

Insecurities may drive people to save more

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel threatened to their positive self-image are more likely to save money. The researchers conducted a series of experiments involving over 2,400 participants and found that those with lower social connections also reported saving less.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 8, 2019

When tempers flare, nurses' injuries could rise

A study by researchers at Michigan State University found that social factors can contribute to muscle and joint pain in nurses. When support is perceived as uneven, tempers rise, leading to increased risk of injuries. Implementing strategies to improve the social environment for nurses may reduce stress and promote physical health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMar 26, 2019

Ethnic minorities not 'hypersensitive' to microaggressions, research shows

A new study by Dr. Keon West found that ethnic minorities and majorities experience similar decreases in happiness and life satisfaction after microaggressions. The researcher argues that the 'hypersensitivity hypothesis' has undermined the severity of microaggression effects, suggesting a shift towards eliminating these experiences.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 24, 2019

Social connectedness may help victims of cyberbullying

A new study suggests that social connectedness can act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health effects of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to cybervictimization.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateFeb 21, 2019

Measuring immigrant integration

Researchers developed a pragmatic survey tool to measure immigrant integration across six dimensions: psychological, economic, political, social, linguistic, and navigational. The tool's validity was tested with empirical tests, showing it can differentiate between levels of integration and track with commonly used predictors.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

When you are unhappy in a relationship, why do you stay? The answer may surprise you

A new study suggests that people tend to stay in unsatisfying romantic relationships because they consider their partner's needs and wants. The more dependent the partner is on the relationship, the less likely the person is to initiate a breakup. This altruistic component highlights the complexity of relationship decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 22, 2018

'Terrorism does not terrorize' claims new study

A major review of 400 research articles found no significant association between acts of terrorism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that 'terrorism isn't terrorising' in terms of causing increased PTSD. The study argues that the focus on PTSD has overshadowed other impacts, such as social and economic effects.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2018

People can die from giving up the fight

Researchers describe five stages of give-up-itis, a condition characterized by progressive psychological decline and apathy, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. The condition is triggered by severe trauma and affects the anterior cingulate circuit, governing motivation and goal-directed behavior.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateSep 27, 2018