Articles tagged with Social Psychology
Research suggests that psychedelic drugs can help treat disorders such as social anxiety, depression, and PTSD when used in combination with psychotherapy. Studies have shown promising results for MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
Developmental prosopagnosia often occurs due to a neurobiological problem in the brain affecting visual recognition broadly. The study found that DPs had reduced responses to faces but normal responses to objects, scenes, and bodies across all face-selective areas.
A recent study found that asking individuals to set up a long-term screening schedule can increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. In the study, 62.6% of participants made decisions reflecting USPSTF's recommendations when asked to choose a screening schedule for the next 10 years.
A study by University of East Anglia found that vaping supports long-term smoking abstinence and even encourages those who don't want to quit. Vapers reported improved respiratory function, taste, and smell after switching from cigarettes.
New Cornell research finds that immediate rewards increase intrinsic motivation by increasing positive experience of a task. This can lead to improved persistence and motivation, with important implications for employee motivation and loyalty programs.
A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, research suggests. Poor carer stress, difficulty understanding health and social care packages, and psychological trauma contribute to high rates of return, the findings show. The study highlights the need for services to take into account com...
Research published in Psychological Science found that individuals who engaged in socially-focused strategies experienced increased life satisfaction, whereas those with nonsocial strategies showed no change. Time spent socializing with family, friends, and neighbors was particularly linked to improved well-being.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that white people perceive biracial individuals as less trustworthy and likeable when they contextually present themselves as one race or another. In a series of studies, hundreds of white participants rated bloggers who identified as biracial but presented themselves differently in different sit...
A study by University of Seville experts found that over-60s access online banking when they understand its usefulness and value social influence from younger family members. Banks can encourage acceptance by promoting online services through user-friendly designs, leaflets, and recommendations.
A new study found that couples do poorly at picking up on each other's soft negative emotions like sadness or loneliness. Couples need to be more attuned to their partner's feelings and communicate more effectively to avoid negatively affecting the relationship.
Researchers found that frequent use of first-person singular pronouns may indicate a tendency towards negative emotionality, rather than depression alone. High levels of 'I-talk' were linked to anxiety and other negative emotions, suggesting it could be a broader risk factor for mental health concerns.
Research shows that authenticity and perceived racial diversity significantly decrease major experiences of discrimination in the workplace. Inclusive schools can also affirm identity among members of negatively stereotyped groups, leading to improved academic outcomes and increased well-being.
People with Multiple Sclerosis who experience stigma are more likely to suffer from depression, according to researchers. Having a strong support system and sense of autonomy can help reduce the negative effects of stigma.
A new study from New York University found that college roommates tend to underestimate their roommate's level of distress, despite being able to detect certain changes over time. The researchers suggest that training roommates to recognize and respond to distress could lead to improved accuracy and support for college students.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who quickly disengage their attention from attractive partners are less likely to engage in infidelity. Conversely, those who take longer to look away from romantic alternatives have a higher risk of infidelity. Additionally, devaluing potentia...
A UK survey found that feelings of threat from immigration, distrust of politicians, and disidentification with Europe significantly impacted voting intentions for Brexit. The results suggest that perceived threats from immigration were a key factor in shaping the Brexit vote.
A new review of published studies suggests that levels of distress and neuroticism at cancer diagnosis are useful markers of vulnerability. However, more prospective research is needed to understand the relationship between these variables and identify psychological mechanisms maintaining distress.
A new study found that adolescents who experienced frequent psychosocial risks are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior and report unprotected sex. The longitudinal study of 850 African-American students from age 14 to 32 revealed a higher risk of HIV infection for those with co-occurring psychological and social risk factors.
Research found that entitled individuals are more likely to disregard instructions because they view them as an unfair imposition. To improve compliance, organizations should frame instructions in a way that makes them seem fairer or more legitimate, according to the study's authors.
A new study shows people accurately extract social category information from groups of faces, perceiving the sex ratio in half a second. The researchers found that as the number of men in the group increases, so does the perceived threat level, impacting group cohesion.
New research published in Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that basic communication breakdowns can lead to catastrophic failures in the NHS. The study revealed that 709,000 items of clinical correspondence failed to be delivered between 2011 and 2016, with potential harm suffered by around 1,788 patients.
Research finds contemporary eating disorder treatment in UK pays little attention to cultural contexts, such as gender, affecting women and girls disproportionately. A new treatment intervention addresses these issues by examining cultural expectations surrounding femininity.
Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.
A study presented at ESMO 2017 found that socio-psychological factors, such as anxiety and family concerns, are now more significant for cancer patients than previously thought. The study suggests that doctors should consider improving supportive therapies and providing stronger psychological support to address these issues.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that saying sorry when making a social rejection can have the opposite effect of its intention. Researchers found that apologizing can increase feelings of hurt and create pressure to forgive before being ready. The study's findings challenge popular beliefs about apologies in so...
A new study investigates the decision-making process in relationships, revealing common pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Participants weighed reasons such as emotional intimacy, investment, and personality traits, with married individuals citing more constraint-based reasons for staying.
A study by psychologists at the University of Kent found that people's confidence in their intuitions does not necessarily reflect their actual ability to perform well in tasks that require intuitive thinking. Despite claiming to be intuitive, participants did not exhibit superior performance or grasp of underlying rules.
Research shows that gift recipients are happier with a present when the giver also received the same present. This phenomenon is called companionizing, where the act of sharing the gift creates togetherness and increases liking for the gift.
Researchers found that low-dose diazepam increased social competitiveness in high- and medium-anxious rats by boosting dopamine release and mitochondrial function. The study suggests that this mechanism could be targeted through non-pharmacological interventions.
The study reveals that participants in a corridor setup exhibited lower crowd density than in a semicircle setup. Psychological aspects, including social norms and fairness, are believed to play a role in shaping the behavior of crowds. The findings suggest that purely physical models are insufficient for understanding crowd dynamics.
Researchers found that leaders who change their moral minds are perceived as hypocritical and less effective, but framing the change as a result of a transformative experience can mitigate this perception. The study suggests that taking a moral stance without underlying beliefs can backfire if a leader needs to change their mind later.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that organizations may want to select applicants with mid-range levels of charisma into leadership roles. Moderately charismatic leaders were rated most effective because they exhibited both strategic and operational behaviors.
A three-month contemplative training course improved participants' ability to identify and understand their own inner parts and those of others. The more negative inner parts identified, the better awareness of other people's frame of mind became.
Researchers used an indirect measurement technique to estimate atheism prevalence in the US, finding that it may be as high as 20-35%, which challenges prevailing theories. The study's findings suggest that people may be reluctant to disclose their lack of belief due to stigma, leading to underreported rates.
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.