Articles tagged with Social Psychology
A study by Wake Forest University found that students who report a stronger sense of belonging in their first year are 3.4 percentage points more likely to graduate within four years. Fostering a sense of belonging is vital on campus, and institutions can improve graduation rates by removing barriers and building a culture.
A 32-country analysis shows that societies with strong upward disparity suffer sharper declines in subjective well-being (SWB) when perceived societal risk rises. Conversely, societies with a strong middle class are more resilient.
A comprehensive dataset detailing Japanese adults' responses to the pandemic offers unprecedented insights into public attitudes and behaviors. The 30-wave panel survey captures how risk perception, preventive behaviors, and psychological distress evolved over four years.
Researchers found a significant link between longer screen time and increased ADHD symptoms, as well as developmental abnormalities in brain structure. The study suggests that excessive screen exposure may contribute to delayed brain maturation patterns in children with ADHD.
A new longitudinal study found that young people who engage in gaming habits with gambling-like elements are more likely to gamble with real money. The research team urges policymakers to broaden regulations beyond loot boxes and includes social casino games, prize wheels, and gambling videos in the scope.
Research on 2009–2020 data from 509 US firms found lower AI adoption associated with reduced job satisfaction, while higher levels led to decreased morale. Moderate AI adoption, however, was linked to greater job satisfaction, with employees in high-exploration-oriented companies tolerating higher levels of AI adoption.
A new study examines the role of social approval in intercultural relationships, finding that supportive friends are a powerful protective factor. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by these couples and emphasizes the importance of building strong social networks to understand and respect their relationship.
A new study reveals that even seemingly well-intentioned initiatives to help the disadvantaged side of a conflict can produce negative consequences. When humanitarian aid is not coupled with genuine political change, it may lead to moral satisfaction and decreased support for meaningful concessions for peace.
A study from the University of Victoria suggests that humans can smell testosterone and associate it with dominance. The research found that participants rated men with higher testosterone levels as more dominant than those with lower levels, indicating a link between body odour and perceptions of social status.
Research from Colorado State University shows that faculty sharing internal sense of unease and inadequacy can shape students' perception of professors' overall competence, likeability, and effectiveness. Students found a hypothetical professor who publicly acknowledged feelings of being an impostor to be less hirable than an equally a...
Researchers found that humans have an evolutionary tendency to bias behavior against rare but mass mortality events, leading to intense dread and avoidance. This response is favored by evolution as it protects familial structures and genetic lineage.
A Duke University study shows that cultural norms influence gesture use, with Black and White Americans communicating differently. The research highlights the importance of considering nonverbal cues to improve understanding across racial groups.
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.
A new study found that individuals with narcissistic rivalry tendencies are more likely to damage team dynamics, leading to lower cohesion and poorer performance. In contrast, narcissistic admiration didn't seem to impact performance, but those individuals were increasingly viewed as less hardworking and arrogant by their teammates.
A study by Universitat Jaume I researchers found that long bus rides can lead to lower academic engagement among secondary and upper secondary students. The study, published in Revista de Educación, suggests that teachers can develop strategies to prevent disengagement by promoting positive attitudes and self-confidence.
A new study from the University of Houston reveals that outdoor fun with a focus on challenge, novelty, and guidance can promote positive youth development. The 'Four Types of Fun' model offers a theoretical framework for understanding fun and its role in character building.
A two-week gratitude journaling practice increased work engagement in Japanese employees, particularly in absorption and awareness of workplace resources. Journaling also showed benefits for overall well-being, life satisfaction, and competitive motivation.
A new study by Binghamton University reveals that individuals with narcissistic, psychopathic, and Machiavellian personality traits exploit touch as a means of control in romantic relationships. They tend to have short-term, tumultuous relationships, often accompanied by violence.
Longitudinal research found that severe stress caused by family structure changes like divorce or separation during infancy triples the risk of developing psoriasis. The study, published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, emphasizes the need to protect young children from stressful life factors.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...
Recent psychological research from Washington University in St. Louis found that anger, not fear, contributes to shifts in political attitudes. Anger causes people to lash out and seek retribution, leading to a shift towards conservative views on issues related to the threat. However, this effect is narrow, with no impact on unrelated ...
A new study from the University of Delaware found that LGBTQ+ adolescents in Delaware experience elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and underage substance use. By eighth grade, these students are already using alcohol and other drugs at higher rates.
A large-scale study examining the impact of testosterone on economic decision-making has found no significant effects. The study, which involved 1,000 men, used a double-blind trial to test the influence of testosterone on risk-taking, generosity, and competitiveness.
Researchers developed two new indices to analyze workplace chat data and identify employees at risk of loneliness. The study found a potential link between active online communication and stronger in-person social connections, but also noted that private messages may not accurately reflect feelings of loneliness.
New University of Virginia research explores the most common and effective types of counseling and support for people who have had a near-death experience. The study found that acceptance and validation, as well as support from groups or online sources knowledgeable about NDEs, are key to successful support.
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million online images and videos, finding that women are systematically presented as younger than men across various occupational and social categories. The study also found that mainstream algorithms amplify age-related gender bias in resume evaluations, rating older male applicants as more qualified.
A UBC study found that young adults identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ receive less affirming and inclusive sexual health education than their peers. Despite this, they demonstrate higher levels of sexual health literacy. The research highlights a gap in educational content and a wider public health issue.
A study by Oregon State University found that social media use is correlated with loneliness among US adults, including those aged 30-70. Frequent and extended periods of social media use were associated with increased feelings of loneliness.
A study by Israeli researchers found that people apply mechanisms of forgiveness towards technology, similar to human relationships. Participants described their experiences with technological malfunctions in emotional terms, describing paths to forgiveness such as cost-benefit calculation, placing responsibility on humans, and accepti...
A University of Bath study shows many parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but struggle to live low-carbon lives. Despite feeling a strong responsibility to safeguard their children's future, most parents find it difficult to consistently model low-carbon behaviors at home.
A University of Georgia-led study surveyed over 18,000 people across 68 nations, finding that those in countries with historically higher disease risks believe the human species is headed in a good direction. This positive outlook may be an evolutionary adaptation that enhances resilience against disease and stress.
A recent study found that people who attribute extreme weather events to climate change are more likely to support climate regulations. The study analyzed data from 68 countries and found significant differences in public support depending on the type of climate action. Protecting forested and land areas was a popular policy option, su...
Researchers found that bullying activates social and emotional brain networks, as well as autonomic threat response systems, leading to increased risk of mental and somatic health issues. Viewers with previous bullying experiences show stronger neural responses to bullied individuals, highlighting the long-term effects of bullying.
A new study published in Psychology & Health found that two-thirds of our daily behaviors are initiated by habit, rather than conscious choice. The research suggests that people often form habits to support their personal goals, but may also disrupt habits that conflict with them.
Research from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercising in nature improves mood, reduces stress levels, and boosts heart rate. Participants who exercised outdoors reported greater joy, satisfaction, and optimism than those who exercised in urban or indoor environments.
This cohort study found that receiving encounters with behavioral health clinicians and psychotropic prescriptions was associated with reduced psychosocial symptoms. The results suggest that expanding integrated pediatric behavioral health care could improve outcomes among vulnerable child populations.
A new study at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that Israeli men with emotional regulation difficulties were more likely to develop gambling problems after the October 7 attacks. Gambling became a coping mechanism for fear, grief, and uncertainty during the war.
A new, free screening tool was designed to help kindergarten teachers quickly identify students who need extra academic or social-emotional support. The tool takes just 10-15 minutes per class and provides a baseline of what each student might need, helping teachers pinpoint areas for additional resources and training.
Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...
A study found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation, which can be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction. However, limited opportunities for connection may lead to pursuing less healthy rewards.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
A study found that loneliness incurs an extra £850 in annual healthcare costs to the NHS, as well as experiencing worse mental and physical health. Loneliness affects health more significantly in younger adulthood and later life.
A meta-analysis of 92 studies worldwide found that nearly one in three people avoid or are likely to avoid medical information. The strongest predictors of this behavior were not related to demographic factors but rather social and structural environment. Restoring trust in the medical system could lead to greater engagement with medic...
A new MSU-led study analyzed 38 million US obituaries to examine values people are most remembered for, cultural events' impact on memory, and legacy reflections. Researchers found that tradition and benevolence are the most prevalent personal values in obituaries.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that social media engagement flips from hostility to solidarity after a major crisis, such as the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and Joe Biden's suspension of his re-election campaign. This 'ingroup love' effect is seen in Republican and Democrat posts expressing unity a...
Researchers found that attending live events in person, with active participation and recurring attendance, can help combat loneliness and build social connections. These characteristics were key predictors of stronger feelings of social connection during events.
A new online assessment tool, developed by Penn State, assists veteran-serving organizations in identifying individualized risks and providing targeted support. The tool, called the Veteran Transition Screener (VTS), uses predictive models to match a veteran's demographic profile with risk factors linked to poor transition outcomes.
Parents and men in particular may be susceptible to infidelity-related risk factors during high-stress life events. A new study reveals that parents reported a higher desire for and engagement in infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with similar patterns observed across genders.
A study of 1,100 professionals reveals that AI tools can make managers' emails more professional but also undermine trust when used for routine communication tasks. Employees perceive AI-generated content as less sincere and question their leadership abilities.
A study published in Perception found that people consistently overestimate the steepness of a hill when viewed at an angle, regardless of their eye height. The researchers tested participants' ability to estimate the slope of a wooden ramp while seated, standing on a step ladder, or lying down.
A cross-national study of 5,474 participants from eight European countries found that people tend to view their own population as 'victim-heroes' who resisted Nazi rule with courage. Historical records show that governments or segments of the population actively cooperated with the Nazis in many countries.
A new study shows that higher levels of hope are linked to reduced bullying and cyberbullying, with students with more hope being less likely to engage in these behaviors. Strengthening hope could be a powerful strategy in preventing bullying by helping young people build resilience and invest in their futures.
A global study of over 5,000 participants from 11 countries reveals that the timing of past encounters significantly shapes perceptions of relationship risk. Those with less frequent past partners are more open to commitment.
A new study found that those in power are more likely to act fairly when it's easy for others to collectively push back against unfair treatment. The researchers used a multiplayer version of the Ultimatum Game and found that Proposers were more generous when rejection was easy, but less so when it was hard.
A five-year study found that social connections among conspiracy theorists are recruiting diverse participants and providing a sense of belonging. Participants were drawn to events and groups where they could share ideas and feel part of a community.
A new study by Binghamton University reveals that 97.5% of women in STEM graduate programs experience moderate to severe impostor feelings, which can lead to poorer mental health and increased burnout. Strategies such as shifting mindset and social support may help alleviate these feelings.
Studies found that leaders are less likely to empower employees who raise concerns about workplace decisions, instead favoring those who praise the status quo. Employees who exhibit challenging voice are seen as threats to leadership, while supportive voice is viewed as an indicator of shared goals.
Researchers propose a 'Geographic Model of Meaning in Life' that examines how humans perceive and understand their surroundings. This model suggests that meaning in life emerges from the combination of lived experiences and attitudes towards life.
A UN-backed study highlights the lasting effects of Gambia's state-sponsored witch hunt, including stigma, social exclusion, and trauma. Researchers found a strong desire for official recognition and reconciliation, with recommendations for reparations and rebuilding social roles.