Shame on us
Thomas Scheff's research aims to define basic emotions, particularly shame, using historical and linguistic analysis. He identifies two types of shame: overt and bypassed, which are often hidden or misnamed in modern societies.
Social Psychology
Articles tagged with Social Psychology
NYU researchers find silver lining playbook for performance
A novel silver lining theory establishes that believing a weakness can be a strength leads to increased productivity in that domain. In experiments, impulsivity was found to be related to creativity when participants believed it, but not when they disbelieved it.
Denying problems when we don't like the political solutions
A new Duke University study finds that people evaluate scientific evidence based on its policy implications, leading to denial of problems even when faced with strong evidence. The study sheds light on why conservatives and liberals disagree so vehemently over issues like climate change.
Harnessing a personal rivalry can boost an individual's athletic performance
Researchers found that runners who had rivals in local races ran faster and trained harder, motivated by the desire to outperform their rivals. The study identified factors like similarity, repeated competition, and closely-decided contests as key characteristics of rivalries.
Study reveals that many people are oblivious to how they come across to counterparts and colleagues
Research from Columbia Business School finds most people misjudge their assertiveness, often thinking they're seen as appropriate when others see them as too hot or too cold. The study also reveals that those who get assertiveness right often mistakenly think they've gotten it wrong, leading to costly repairs and missed deals.
Back away, please
Researchers from University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that humans have a general tendency to fear things approaching, regardless of their threat level. This 'approach avoidance' phenomenon is rooted in our survival instincts and can be observed in various daily situations.
Study discovers the downside of African-American success stories
A recent study by Clayton Critcher and Jane L. Risen found that exposure to African-American success stories can lead to a misguided perception that these individuals simply need to work harder to achieve their goals. This misinterpretation can have significant implications for perceptions of race relations in America. The study's find...
Study suggests fast food cues hurt ability to savor experience
A study from the University of Toronto suggests that exposure to fast food can undermine one's ability to savor pleasurable activities. Participants who were shown pictures of meals on regular ceramic tableware showed higher levels of enjoyment when experiencing savoring activities, whereas those shown pictorial reminders of fast food ...
Buying a BMW: How do social expectations influence your purchases?
A new study found that when consumers focus on internal feelings of power, they are less likely to purchase luxury items like BMWs. However, when focused on expected behavior, people in powerful roles are more likely to buy status-signaling products.
Just keep your promises: Going above and beyond does not pay off
Researchers Ayelet Gneezy and Nicholas Epley found that keeping a promise is valued highly, while exceeding it confers little benefit. Exceeding a promise may not be worth the effort as long as the initial promise is kept.
Why interest is crucial to your success
Research from Duke University shows that interest in pursuing goals enhances performance while reducing mental exhaustion. The study found that individuals who experienced activities as enjoyable and personally significant performed better and were less exhausted than those who did not.
Study examines mental health toll exacted on civilians working with military in war zones
Researchers found that exposure to life-threatening experiences led to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger among US military civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. Civilians faced frequent threats, including IEDs and rocket attacks, which took a toll on their mental health.
Diets high in animal protein may help prevent functional decline in elderly individuals
A diet rich in animal protein has been linked to lower odds of functional decline in elderly individuals. Men who consumed the most animal protein had a 39% reduced risk of experiencing declines in activities of daily living and higher-level cognitive functions.
Telling the whole truth may ease feelings of guilt
Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.
Prisoners believe they are just as law abiding as non-prisoners
Research from the University of Southampton shows that prisoners rate themselves similarly to community members on pro-social traits, despite being incarcerated. Prisoners also overestimate their law-abidigness and underestimate their propensity for future crime.
Blacks happier at work than whites despite fewer friends, less autonomy
A study found that blacks experience more positive emotions in the workplace than whites, contrary to expectations. The percentage of minority workers in a workplace affects the friendships of whites, with more minorities leading to fewer close white friends.
U of T study finds that fear of being single leads people to settle for less in relationships
A University of Toronto study reveals that fear of being single is a predictor of settling for less in relationships among both men and women. People with stronger fears about being single are more likely to stay in unhappy relationships or date individuals who aren't good for them.
Gratitude or guilt? People spend more when they 'pay it forward'
A UC Berkeley study found that shoppers spend more money when engaged in a 'pay-it-forward' chain of goodwill than when they can name their own price. The results shed light on the psychological and social forces guiding consumer decisions beyond getting the best deal.
Back to the future: Nostalgia increases optimism
Research from University of Southampton reveals that nostalgic thoughts increase optimism and self-esteem, providing a positive outlook on the future. The studies also highlight music's role in evoking nostalgia, further supporting its capacity to promote psychological comfort.
Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
UC Riverside researchers found that recipients prefer to hear bad news first, while news-givers prefer good news. However, the timing of good news can impact behavior change, with a good-bad-good delivery strategy potentially undermining its effectiveness. The study suggests a good-then-bad news order may be more beneficial for recipie...
Can putting your child before yourself make you a happier person?
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that more child-centric parents experience higher happiness and a sense of purpose from having children. This contradicts popular media claims, suggesting that prioritizing children's well-being can actually improve parental well-being.
Surviving -- then thriving
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that second-generation Holocaust survivors had consistently lower levels of post-traumatic growth than non-second generation survivors, contrary to expectations. The researchers suggest that this may be due to inherited trauma and guilt from their parents' experience.
Interventions by non-mental health specialists may improve perinatal mental health disorders
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychological and health promotion interventions by non-mental health specialists improved symptoms in women during the perinatal period. The study, conducted in middle-income countries, suggests promise for psychosocial interventions in low- and middle-income settings.
Crying wolf: Who benefits and when?
A new study found that higher-ranking group members manipulate perceived threats to preserve their rank, while average individuals may underestimate real threats. This study highlights the dark side of cooperation and self-sacrifice in groups.
Washing your hands makes you optimistic
A University of Cologne study found that washing hands after a task increases optimism after failure, but hampers future performance in the same task domain. The subjects who washed their hands were more optimistic initially, but performed similarly to those who didn't wash their hands when faced with the same challenge again.
Social psychologists say war is not inevitable, psychology research should promote peace
Researchers from the UMass Amherst Psychology of Peace and Violence program argue that social psychology can be used to promote nonviolence and peace. They emphasize the importance of increasing empathy and understanding of others in reducing conflict, and highlight the need for more research on constructive approaches to violence.
Dishonest deeds lead to 'cheater's high,' as long as no one gets hurt, study finds
A new study by the American Psychological Association finds that people who cheat without causing harm experience an emotional boost, contrary to expectations. The research involved over 1,000 participants and revealed that cheating can lead to feelings of satisfaction, even when the payoff is small.
Men feel worse about themselves when female partners succeed, says new research
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that men subconsciously feel worse about themselves when their female partner succeeds, regardless of whether they excel or fail in a specific area. Women's self-esteem, however, is not affected by their male partners' successes or failures.
In the face of trauma, distance helps people find clarity, study shows
Researchers found that considering the larger picture helps diffuse negative emotions and provides a sense of direction for action. Participants who perceived the event as farther away in time were more confident in their understanding about why it happened.
Irrelevant information in medical testimonials may lead to poor consumer choices
Researchers found that distracting similarities in testimonials can result in less medically appropriate treatment recommendations. They suggest consumers recognize the potential for 'gut feel' decisions based on credibility rather than accurate data.
Strong grandparent-adult grandchild relationships reduce depression for both
A study by Boston College researchers found that grandparents and adult grandchildren have a measurable impact on each other's psychological well-being. An emotionally close relationship is associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both, while tangible support affects grandparents' psychological health.
Mobile at university -- Fit for life
German students who study abroad exhibit increased openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion compared to their peers. A year-long online study revealed that international experiences foster personal growth, including improved emotional stability.
Healthy habits die hard: In times of stress, people lean on established routines -- even healthy ones
Researchers found that individuals tend to default to positive habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast or going to the gym, even when stressed. This suggests that the underlying routine is more important than self-control in meeting goals.
Nobody likes a 'fat-talker,' Notre Dame study shows
College-age women rate overweight peers with positive body talk as most likeable, while those engaging in 'fat talk' are deemed less likable. The study highlights the negative impact of self-abasing remarks on social perception and potential eating disorder risks.
People care about source of money, attach less value to 'tainted' wealth
A new UC Berkeley study suggests that morality plays a significant role in shaping our perception of money, with those who perceive money as 'tainted' viewing it as having less purchasing power. The research findings also shed light on why people avoid ill-gotten gains and the psychology behind socially responsible investing.
Trust makes you delusional and that's not all bad
Research from Northwestern University and Redeemer University College found that trusting partners remember transgressions as less severe, while low-trust partners recall them as more severe. This distorted memory affects how individuals think about their partner and relationship.
In rich and poor nations, giving makes people feel better than getting, research finds
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that spending on others provides a psychological reward, regardless of cultural or economic context. The researchers surveyed over 234,000 individuals across 136 countries and found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others.
JSCM publishes issue on NIDRR-funded project on practice-based evidence in SCI rehabilitation
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine published the final phase of the SCIRehab Project, which investigated inpatient rehabilitation practices for acute spinal cord injury. The study found associations between interventions and patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making and guiding clinicians in selecting interventions.
Poor sleep can leave romantic partners feeling unappreciated
A UC Berkeley study found that poor sleep can leave couples feeling unappreciated, making it harder to show gratitude and value their partners. The study suggests that sleep deprivation can increase selfishness and decrease emotional attunement.
'Universal' personality traits may not be universal after all
Researchers found that Tsimane indigenous population in Bolivia does not exhibit the traditional Big Five personality traits, but rather a 'Big Two' of prosociality and industriousness. The study's findings suggest that lifestyle and ecology shape human psychology more broadly.
Companies should use caution when using unpopular puzzle interviews
Researchers from San Francisco State University found that puzzle interviews are perceived as unfair and unrelated to job skills. However, some students rated candidates better in puzzle interviews due to their poise and relatively decent answers.
Seeing fewer older people in the street may lead low-income adults to fast-track their lives
A study by Newcastle University found that witnessing fewer older people in the street can lead to faster life strategies among younger generations. In deprived neighborhoods, more young adults were observed on the streets, despite actual age distribution indicating a higher proportion of residents over 60.
Social psychologists espouse tolerance and diversity -- do they walk the walk?
A study found that social psychologists exhibit a liberal bias, with conservatives self-selecting out of the field due to perceived hostility. Despite this, the authors highlight the importance of addressing ideological diversity to promote healthy intellectual inquiry.
Marriage has different meanings for blacks and whites
A large national study found that marriage does not boost longevity for black Americans in the same way it does for white Americans. Black couples who live together without marrying have similar mortality rates as married black couples.
Yankee fans keep enemy Red Sox closer, NYU study shows
Researchers found that Yankees fans estimated Fenway Park as closer to Yankee Stadium than Camden Yards, while non-Yankee fans accurately perceived the actual distance. This suggests that social categorization and identity threat play a role in shaping our representations of physical distances.
Want to lose weight? Join a weight management group that is meaningful to you
A new model predicts the effectiveness of weight-loss groups based on their psychological meaningfulness to members. The study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of group participation's impact on health and contribute to future development of weight-management programs.
Robbing banks: Crime doesn't always pay, econometrics study shows
A new econometrics study shows that bank robberies yield modest proceeds, often lower than the cost of security devices. The average UK bank robbery generates £20,331, while US robberies yield $4,330. Firearms presence increases rewards, but also raises costs.
Highly religious people are less motivated by compassion than are non-believers
A recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that highly religious individuals are less driven by compassion when helping strangers. In contrast, atheists, agnostics, and less religious people were more inclined to show generosity due to their emotional connection with others.
Consumerism and its antisocial effects can be turned on -- or off
Research reveals that materialism activates problematic patterns in wellbeing, including negative affect and social disengagement, regardless of personality. By framing consumerism, people show decreased pro-social activities and increased competitiveness.
MIT research: The power of being heard
A new study from MIT neuroscientists found that sharing stories about one's life with members of the opposing group improves attitudes and reduces prejudice. The benefits were greatest for members of the less empowered group, who reported improved attitudes towards the other group after sharing their own perspectives.
Recent generations focus more on fame, money than giving back
Recent generations, including millennials, are less interested in community issues, politics, and environment. A 40-year study of young adults found a decline in political participation, concern for others, and interest in saving the environment.
Controversial study promoting psychic ability debunked
A new study has failed to replicate a controversial experiment suggesting the existence of precognition, thereby debunking claims of psychic ability. The researchers, led by Stuart Ritchie, found no statistically significant effects in their attempts to replicate the results.
Improving the experience of dying
Researchers found that palliative care staff use multifaceted approaches to provide physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential care. These caregiving activities can improve the quality of death for both patients and their families.
End-of-life care is complex but aims to provide care and comfort
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that end-of-life care activities prioritize individualized care and communication with patients and families. The researchers identified the importance of creating a comfortable environment and being present with patients, especially near the end of life.
Are you a happy shopper? Research website helps you find out
A study by San Francisco State University found that people who prefer experiences over possessions tend to be extraverted and open to new experiences. These 'experiential shoppers' reported greater life satisfaction due to their spending habits.
Believing the impossible and conspiracy theories
A study found that conspiracy theorists endorse contradictory beliefs, such as believing Princess Diana faked her own death and also thought she was assassinated. People who distrust authorities are more likely to hold these inconsistent views due to their perception of deception.
Does the military make the man or does the man make the military?
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that German conscripts exhibit reduced agreeableness after military service, while those who chose civilian service showed no significant changes. The study suggests that the military may shape personality traits, particularly among non-combatant soldiers.
Are religious people better adjusted psychologically?
A new study found that religious people tend to have higher social self-esteem and better psychological adjustment. However, this effect is only seen in countries with a high value on religion, such as devoutly Catholic Poland. The researchers suggest that the reason for this lies in the societal values of these countries.
Study finds few well-being advantages to marriage over cohabitation
A new study reveals that married couples experience fewer benefits in well-being, health, and social ties compared to unmarried cohabiting couples. Over time, the advantages of marriage decrease, while cohabiting couples report greater happiness and self-esteem.
Good intentions ease pain, add to pleasure: UMD study
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people perceive good intentions as having a positive impact on their physical experience. The research demonstrated the power of benevolence in reducing pain, increasing pleasure, and making things taste better.