Articles tagged with Social Psychology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UC Berkeley researchers found that gossip can have positive outcomes, such as helping people police bad behavior and prevent exploitation. Gossiping also made volunteers feel better when they were able to pass on information to alert others.
A UK study reveals injuries have a much greater impact on people's lives than previously estimated, with a total of 1,771,486 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to injury in 2005. The researchers found that injuries account for up to one-quarter of global DALYs if the underestimation seen in the UK is mirrored worldwide.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that people tend to avoid learning about complex social issues like energy consumption and the environment. This avoidance can lead to increased dependence on and trust in the government to deal with these issues.
New research from Northwestern University and Texas A&M University suggests that ideal partner preferences can be flexible once meeting in person. People tend to focus on the whole person rather than individual traits, making preconceived notions less important.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that focusing on someone's body can alter perceptions of agency and experience. Both men and women tend to see individuals as more sensitive but less competent when wearing revealing attire, which may have implications for work and academic settings.
A new brain-imaging study by UCLA life scientists reveals that providing support to a loved one offers health benefits to the giver. The study found that women who gave support to their boyfriends in pain showed increased activity in reward-related regions of the brain, including the ventral striatum and septal area.
A new study finds that women who undergo advanced post-mastectomy breast reconstruction experience significant gains in psychological, social, and sexual wellbeing just three weeks after surgery. However, physical wellbeing at the abdominal location may not improve until later.
A study by Rotman School of Management researchers suggests people with seasonal depression avoid risk in fall and winter, increasing their risk tolerance in spring and summer. The findings have implications for financial planners and traders, highlighting the importance of considering emotional factors in financial decision-making.
A new study explains why leaders are often perceived as strong and dominant, despite their generosity. In non-competitive contexts, generous individuals are admired and respected, but in times of competition, they are seen as weak and submissive.
A recent study investigates how individuals respond to unexpected and unsettling events, suggesting that different threat-reduction approaches can be adaptive in various situations. The researchers propose a new framework for understanding responses to such events, highlighting the importance of considering individual perspectives on t...
This book explains a new, scientifically based approach called story editing that can make you happier and turn you into a better parent. Wilson argues that conventional approaches are ineffective and shows what works, highlighting the strategies outlined in his practical advice chapters.
A new experimental study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that spoilers don't spoil stories, but rather enhance enjoyment. People who flip to the last page before starting a book have better intuition and prefer spoiled versions of ironic-twist and mystery stories.
Researchers report that certain forms of narcissism can be beneficial for young people, helping them navigate adolescence and early adulthood. In contrast, older adults with similar traits may experience lower life satisfaction and a poorer reputation.
Researchers propose Positive Activity Interventions (PAI) as a new and less expensive approach to treating depression. PAIs include activities like gratitude, optimism, and acts of kindness, which have been shown to increase positive thinking, affect, and behaviors.
Researchers found that the threat of gossip suppressed selfish behavior, with people becoming substantially less selfish when their actions were public. The study suggests that the fear of being judged can lead to increased cooperation and generosity among group members.
A study found that some people continue to drink heavily due to perceived positive effects, despite experiencing negative consequences. The 'rose-colored beer goggles' phenomenon suggests that individuals who have experienced fewer bad effects are less deterred from drinking.
A holistic approach to treating cancer pain that addresses psychological, social, and spiritual needs can enhance treatment outcomes and ease suffering. Research suggests integrating palliative care from diagnosis can improve quality of life, reduce depression, and increase survival time for lung cancer patients.
A meta-analysis of data from 63 countries found that societal values of individualism are the best predictors of well-being. Higher income and social equality also contribute to higher well-being, but the effect of money on happiness plateaus once basic needs are met.
A study found that people threatened with poor performance are more likely to use credit cards to purchase luxury items, such as high-end jeans. Researchers discovered that the threat of negative self-evaluation drives consumers to seek status and value reassurance through material purchases.
Studies show that people judge urban neighborhood safety based on physical structures, but can be misled by ambiguities. Disordered neighborhoods tend to discourage cooperative behavior and negatively impact residents' self-esteem, highlighting the importance of community perception.
A new study reveals that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused significant social disruption and psychological stress among Gulf residents, similar to the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill. The study found that family health concerns, economic loss, and exposure to oil were key factors contributing to higher levels of stress.
Researchers found that people do reasonably well at judging their own first impressions, with accuracy tied to moderate levels of confidence. The study suggests that most people are like most people, and that recognizing this similarity leads to more accurate perceptions.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers are perceived as less competent than non-breasting mothers, with biases detected among both men and women. This prejudice may deter some women from breastfeeding, highlighting the need for greater support to overcome negative experiences.