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Residential environment linked to subjective well-being through life-domain satisfaction

A new study by Keio University researchers explores the association between residential environments and subjective well-being, finding that better living conditions are linked to higher satisfaction with important life domains, which in turn is associated with greater overall well-being. The study suggests that housing design and poli...

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

How culture shapes the way we care for other people's emotions

A global study reveals that culture influences how people try to regulate the emotions of others, with individualistic cultures prioritizing comforting and expressing care, while collectivistic cultures often view unpleasant emotions as valuable. This finding highlights the importance of cultural context in emotional support.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2026

Horse owners' personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses

A new study found that horse owners' psychological characteristics, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses. Owners who spent more time with their horses tended to be more emotionally connected, while those with higher avoidant attachment styles...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnthrozoös·DateJun 12, 2026

Politics plays a role in finding a partner

A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that political orientation significantly impacts romantic interests, with young Americans showing reluctance towards dating across party lines. The study suggests that people use politics as a filter to determine compatibility and social circle approval.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Too much proximity may affect team well-being

A study by Jan Schmutz and Andrea Cantisani found that frequent contact didn't necessarily lead to positive social relationships. In fact, increased proximity was linked to conflict, mistrust, and reduced performance. The researchers also observed subgroups forming within the team based on language or nationality.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2026

Young people are aware of and normalize hidden design features of video games that encourage spending

A study by UOC researchers reveals that young people are not fooled by monetization systems in video games; they often accept them as part of the gaming experience. The study highlights various systems that encourage consumption, such as loot boxes and virtual currencies, and shows a consistent relationship between these mechanisms and...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEntertainment Computing·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

GPS data reveals why pedestrians in Phnom Penh rarely walk the shortest route

Research reveals that pedestrians in Phnom Penh prefer shorter, simpler routes with fewer turns due to factors like path efficiency, street vitality, and perceived comfort. The study also found that high-traffic streets are often preferred over crowded footpaths, reflecting a desire for clarity, predictability, and ease of movement.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalTravel Behaviour and Society·DateMay 12, 2026

New research suggests sexual arousal could blind people to rejection cues

A new study found that sexual arousal can make people more likely to interpret ambiguous interactions optimistically, even when there is uncertainty. This phenomenon can serve a purpose in early courtship by providing optimism, but also comes with costs as it may overshadow sensitivity to another person's actual wishes.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

How honor cultures and shame societies shape mental health

Atimiaphobia is a culturally specific psychological concept tied to honor cultures and shame societies, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and compulsive conformity to social norms. Researchers validated the Atimiaphobia Scale, revealing positive correlations between atimiaphobia and anxiety, as well as lower social intelligence.

SourceWiley·JournalPsyCh Journal·DateMay 6, 2026

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2026

TikTok’s muscle dream is a nightmare for young men

A new study found that young men who viewed idealized fitness or supplement videos on TikTok reported lower fitness satisfaction and stronger intentions to use creatine, a popular muscle-building supplement. The researchers highlight the need for targeted media literacy education and responsible social media practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Why do some people act on climate change while others stay silent?

The study found three distinct types of climate supporters: activists, anxious individuals who want to help but struggle with motivation, and hierarchy enhancers who use radical tactics for competitive reasons. Understanding these differences can inform effective communication strategies for climate movements.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2026

Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals

A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2026

Study of Tommy Robinson’s social media reveals how online influencers mobilise supporters without direct calls to action

Researchers found that far-right influencer Tommy Robinson used his Telegram channel to comment on events and legitimise violence during anti-immigration protests in 2024, shaping followers' interpretations of events without issuing direct instructions. The study identifies key tactics used by influencers to create emotional conditions...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2026

Can optimism protect against dementia?

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with higher optimism have a lower risk of developing dementia. After analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, researchers discovered a 15% lower risk associated with a one-standard-deviation increase in optimism.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 8, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Should emojis be used in workplace communications?

A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCollabra·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Why feeling alone may matter more than being alone

Two studies suggest that loneliness is not just a lack of connection, but how people experience those connections, with increased risk of disease and death associated with feelings of lonelier-than-objective isolation. Daily life perceptions of social threat also contribute to self-reinforcing sequences of emotional states, behaviors, ...

SourceCornell University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2026

Why a canceled meeting feels so liberating

A study by Gabriela Tonietto and colleagues found that unexpectedly gained time feels subjectively longer, leading people to choose longer activities. Participants in the study opted for longer tasks or leisure activities when given extra time, as they perceived it as more abundant.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMar 23, 2026

The dehumanization effect: New PSU research examines how abusive supervision impacts employee agency and burnout

A new study by PSU researchers finds that abusive supervision can fundamentally alter how employees perceive their humanity, leading to severe burnout and decreased collaboration. In contrast, employees with a strong sense of self-efficacy are less susceptible to the dehumanizing effects of a toxic manager.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMar 13, 2026

Apocalyptic beliefs are no longer fringe—and they’re shaping how people respond to global threats

A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2026

Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals

A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026