Articles tagged with Social Psychology
A series of studies shows that Black participants who hold suspicious views of Whites visualize White faces as less trustworthy, authentic, and sometimes more hostile. The authors suggest both potential advantages and drawbacks to these biases. Recruiting minority group participants is crucial to understanding intergroup dynamics.
The study found that social and personality psychologists are less likely to use questionable research practices and more likely to follow best practices, leading to an overall improvement in the field. Despite this progress, most respondents believe further improvements are needed, particularly in replicability.
A new report from social psychologists at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that people on both sides of the political aisle are motivated to dismiss opposing ideas and information. Approximately two-thirds of respondents declined a chance to win extra money to avoid reading statements that didn't support their position.
Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.
A study found that busy work lives are viewed as a status symbol in the US, while Italians prefer a life of leisure. The researchers discovered that conspicuous consumption of time, such as working long hours and avoiding leisure, can convey high status.
A series of studies published in Psychological Science found that listeners respond positively to familiar stories more than expected by speakers. The researchers attribute this to listeners' ability to fill in gaps in the speaker's story, making it more enjoyable to hear.
A new UCLA-led study found that people's political affiliations significantly impact their perception of credible information about potential hazards. Conservatives were more likely to find false statements about threats believable than liberals. The research suggests that liberals are less likely to dismiss warnings, while conservativ...
Research by Sarah Arpin found that supportive partners provide a buffer to loneliness and sleep deficits in military couples. Sharing good news with partners can improve overall health and workplace success.
Researchers identified paltering as a distinct form of deception where individuals tell truthful statements to create a mistaken impression. People tend to prefer paltering over lying by commission but face similar consequences when caught.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that people on both the left and right are motivated by promoting their preferred future, rather than fear of non-preferred policies. This moral investment leads to increased activism behaviors such as voting, donating, and volunteering.
A new study reveals that small, brief messages can significantly increase the completion rate of health care programs, with a 16% gain in retention. The 'meta-intervention' technique uses empowering and instrumental messages to motivate patients.
A University of Toronto study found that individuals who prioritize working on their sexual growth are more satisfied with their relationships, whereas those relying on 'sexual destiny' tend to use their sex life as a barometer for relationship success. The research showed that while both groups experience an initial honeymoon phase, t...
Research by Emily M. Zitek and Alexander H. Jordan found that narcissistic individuals are more likely to support hierarchies when they can rise through the ranks or when positions are open. In contrast, they were less likely to support a hierarchy without clear career advancement opportunities.
A study suggests that media contagion is a significant factor in the rise of mass shootings in America. The researchers propose that by withholding shooter names and details from the media, the number of mass shootings could be reduced by at least one-third.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that systematic thinking is more effective than intuition in accurately inferring another's feelings. The research involved over 900 participants and three out of four studies relied on professionals and managers, highlighting the importance of empathic accuracy in workp...
Research by Michigan State University scholars found that high-status individuals who don't feel they deserve their position are more generous. Generosity can alleviate feelings of inequity and promote a sense of fairness.
Researchers found that couples who perceive their partner as responsive experience higher levels of desire, feeling special, and valuing their partner. Responsive partners convey the impression that they are worth pursuing, promoting an already valuable relationship.
A national study led by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that living among people with opposing political viewpoints can affect ability to form close relationships and accept perspectives. The study also suggests that segregating into 'red' and 'blue' states may stifle healthy political discourse.
Researchers found that people who take photos of their experiences enjoy them more than those who don't. Photo-taking increases engagement, making the experience more pleasurable. However, the effect is limited to active participation and not when taking pictures interferes with the experience.
Researchers found that approximately 39% of adults who experienced major depression can attain complete mental health, characterized by happiness, life satisfaction, and well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with this outcome, particularly having close relationships.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that wisdom levels fluctuate based on situations and social factors. Researchers suggest that certain situations promote wisdom in daily life, challenging the idea that wisdom is rare.
Researchers discovered six VOCs responsible for bad smells on dirty clothes, which are significantly reduced after washing. The study provides new insights into the impact of washing temperatures and detergents on fabric smell, potentially leading to more environmentally friendly cleaning methods.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that eyewitness memories are biased against black suspects in drive-by shootings, with incorrect recall rates as high as 80%. This study highlights the potential for wrongful convictions and emphasizes the need to consider eyewitness testimony's limitations in the justice system.
A study by Sarah Buglass found that online troublemakers tend to be socially popular contacts who are known offline but not online. This led to users keeping an eye on these friends to avoid confrontation while also avoiding the risk of damaging their own reputation.
A study found that specific psychological and social work factors were consistently associated with sleep problems, both concurrently and two years later. The most consistent predictors of troubled sleep included quantitative job demands, decision control, role conflict, and support from a superior in the workplace.
New research from Oxford and Cornell Universities reveals that people's moral judgments are based on absolute rules, even when given more time. Those who adhere to these moral absolutes are seen as more trustworthy and valued in social situations, suggesting an evolutionary basis for this preference.
Research by Minjung Koo and Ayelet Fishbach found that giving something personal, such as blood or a signature, increases people's self-perception of generosity and commitment. This change in self-perception leads to increased likelihood of future donations.
Researchers found that thinking about how life might be worse if an event hadn't occurred led to increased faith and a stronger belief in God. This suggests that counterfactual thinking can play a role in shaping religious convictions, even for those who do not believe in a deity.
Researchers found that 'carefree' teams with few family responsibilities experience higher cohesion and lower social loafing. Mixed teams where the majority of teammates are 'carefree' can also benefit from increased virtuality, as 'busy' teammates learn from their peers.
A new study suggests that hearing messages of hope from Palestinians, regardless of their affiliation, can instill greater sense of hope among Jewish Israelis. In contrast, similar hopeful messages from outside experts had no effect. The findings have implications for protracted intergroup conflicts beyond the Israeli-Palestinian confl...
A special issue of Pediatric Blood & Cancer establishes evidence-based standards for pediatric psychosocial care, addressing topics like monitoring psychosocial health and supporting siblings. The standards aim to improve quality of life outcomes for children with cancer and their family members.
Childhood socioeconomic status may influence people's food choices as adults, with those from lower SES environments more vulnerable to unhealthy weight gain. Serving order and labels also play a role in convincing people to make healthier food choices.
Researchers found that people living in self-oriented cultures are less emotionally complex than those in other-oriented cultures, which prioritize feelings of duty and familial bonds. People in various parts of Asia and Russia showed more emotional complexity.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that nearly 40% of formerly suicidal Canadians reach complete mental health. Social support was identified as a crucial factor in achieving this state, with those having someone to confide in seven times more likely to succeed.
Researchers found that both Blacks and Whites prefer lighter-skinned candidates when the government is unstable, but show stronger interest in voting for a darker-skinned candidate when it's stable. The study used photographs of a hypothetical candidate to measure mental images and voting intentions.
A new study by UTSA professor Max Kilger delves into the human component of cybersecurity, highlighting the unique motivations of cyberterrorists. The research reveals that financial gain is a primary motivator for these attacks, making them a significant and growing threat.
A new meta-analysis of e-excellence reveals that online businesses need to adjust almost every aspect to local culture, regulatory environment, and industry-specific factors. The study found that the relative importance of quality dimensions varied according to cultural attributes, regulatory environments, and industry contexts.
A recent study found that cities fared better during the 2008-09 recession in regions with stronger emotional stability and entrepreneurial personality profiles. Cities like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif., and Jackson, Tenn., exhibited higher scores for entrepreneurial personality and emotional stability, while others struggled.
A Rutgers study found that people tend to allocate scarce transplant organs across groups instead of prioritizing individuals with the best chance of a successful transplant. When presented with individual-level information, participants were more likely to make efficient decisions, but when grouped, they allocated resources based on p...
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that people who sleep six hours a night or less are four times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who spend more than seven hours in slumber. The study used objective sleep measures and found that short sleep was the most significant factor in predicting illness.
Researchers aim to identify morally exceptional individuals through competitions, conferences, and research projects to foster moral attributes. The project's goal is to understand the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that contribute to moral excellence.
A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science finds that patients who require immediate medical attention tend to view their doctors as 'empty vessels,' lacking emotions. These patients expect their physicians to empathize with them and contain their emotions, which can lead to better care if acknowledged.
A new study finds that perfectionistic concerns can lead to stress, burnout, and health problems. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings, which involve setting high standards and working towards goals, may help maintain a sense of accomplishment and delay burnout.
Research reveals that schools with more black and minority students tend to prioritize punishment over medical or psychological interventions, leading to higher rates of expulsions, suspensions, and referrals to law enforcement. This trend is linked to centralized governance and zero-tolerance policies in disadvantaged districts.
Research from University of Toronto psychologists explores how self-other overlap affects relationships, finding those with high overlap protect their partner from comparisons and maintain positive perceptions.
A recent CDC report challenges the notion that Black fathers are more absent in their children's lives than White fathers. Researchers found that messages of individual blame for Black Americans perpetuate structural racial inequalities and reinforce the idea that Blacks are ultimately responsible for their own disadvantage.
A new study found that attributing a natural disaster to climate change leads to skepticism, causing individuals to justify withholding aid from victims. This phenomenon highlights the importance of separating discussions on climate change and humanitarian aid.
A UNSW Australia-led study found that people eat less when their companion consumes a small amount of food, due to the social modelling effect. This psychological influence leads individuals to rely on external cues rather than internal hunger and fullness signals.
A study by Dr Pam Ramsden found that nearly a quarter of participants who viewed violent news events on social media scored high on clinical measures of PTSD. Those with outgoing personalities were also more at risk. The study highlights the need for support and awareness about the risks of viewing traumatic content online.
A University of Oregon study found that Spanish-speaking residents responded at a 32-percent higher rate than English-speaking residents when receiving letters written in their primary language. The study suggests that communicating with supporters in a culturally competent way can lead to increased response rates and potentially more ...
A study by Rutgers University-Newark researchers found that emotional disclosure reduces victim blaming, with witnesses who express disturbing thoughts and feelings blaming victims less than those who suppress their emotions. The research suggests people can best help victims by addressing their own emotional needs.
A recent study by Leuphana University and Saarland University found that using wording that emphasizes the benefits of a proposal can lead to better outcomes. Researchers investigated this effect in eight studies involving over 650 subjects and discovered that parties who focus on their own gains are less willing to make concessions. B...
A new study from Columbia Business School suggests that using range offers in negotiations can lead to better settlements for the offer-maker without harming their relationship with the other party. Bolstering and bracketing range offers were found to be effective strategies, while backdown range offers were less successful.
A study found that publicly tweeting about sexism can increase women's wellbeing by allowing them to express themselves and feel like they're making a difference. The study, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, involved 93 female undergraduate students who tweeted about sexism for three days.
A Yale University study reveals that strong neighborhood ties can shield community members from gun violence, reducing chronic trauma and stress. Community-based participatory research empowered 17 community members to gather data, showing a connection between social bonds and reduced exposure to gun violence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.