Articles tagged with Social Psychology
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults report fewer recent regrets than younger adults, with a greater focus on missed chances. This suggests that aging may change the experience of regret, potentially providing opportunities for reflection and meaning.
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.
Researchers have created a new scale to measure whether lactating mothers' psychological needs are being met, providing a tool to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study found that when all three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are satisfied, exclusive breastfeeding is more likely to persist.
Researchers found that portrayals in media lacked diversity, often focusing on white, socially awkward male characters. Autistic participants felt that such portrayals were exaggerated and simplified, limiting public understanding and self-understanding.
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.
New research examines how sexualized online dating profiles shape viewers' perceptions and relationship intentions. Sexualized profiles are judged more negatively and elicit less interest in long-term relationships. However, adding a human bio can soften the negative effect, particularly for men viewing women's profiles.
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...
Researchers found that dopamine signaling at event boundaries can distort time perception, making memories of distinct events feel more separate. This process allows the brain to construct a more organized format for memory retrieval.
Research suggests that cultural foreignness stereotypes can lead to job discrimination against Asian, Arab and Latino American applicants. In experiments, participants rated these groups as less hirable than Black American candidates with similar resumes.
Researchers found that exposure to aggressive diplomatic messaging reduces favorability towards China in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In contrast, perceptions of the US are less affected, with limited persuasive power.
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.
Researchers found that people follow a two-stage process, sampling behaviors at first and committing once enough evidence accumulates. The Tolerance Principle predicts when people have seen enough regularity to treat a pattern as a rule despite some exceptions.
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.
A recent study found that children from rural China are more prone to emotional issues, while urban children show more behavioral problems. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and underscore the impact of environment on mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that listening to one-minute recordings of forest sounds made people feel better, reporting more positive emotions and less stress. Local temperate forests produced the strongest effects, with familiar sounds triggering stronger feelings of awe and calm.
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.
A comprehensive study found that personal values are primary drivers behind how Israelis form and maintain opinions on hostage negotiations. The research suggests that these deeply held principles provide a cognitive foundation for navigating high-stakes dilemmas.
A new study analyzed thousands of textual descriptions of two-person social interactions using generative AI, resulting in a comprehensive taxonomy of categories. The findings provide a data-driven framework for understanding the structure of social situations, including associations with conflict, power, and duty.
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...
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.
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.
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.
A new study by Aldo Barrita found that affirming one's racial and gender identity can be a source of psychological strength, not just vulnerability. The research suggests that stronger cohesion with intersectional identities is positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.
Researchers found women devalue orgasm only when it's consistently absent across partners. This shift in expectations helps soften the effects of not experiencing an orgasm on relationships, but also contributes to the orgasm gap over time.
New Flinders University research highlights the struggles faced by incarcerated veterans in Australia, citing a lifelong pattern of hardship, trauma, and missed support. The studies recommend steps for governments to take immediately to address these gaps and reduce re-offending.
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, ...
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
Researchers explore human infant helplessness as a unique aspect of human development, highlighting its role in social collaboration and cultural innovation. Human infants' helplessness is characterized by well-developed sensory systems and weak motor skills, making them dependent on caregivers for extended periods.
A team-based buprenorphine clinic incorporated a trained chaplain into patient care, providing a psychologically safe space for conversation and supporting patients in identifying recovery capital. The clinic reported successful outcomes, with eight patients achieving at least 12 months of sobriety.
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.
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.
A new study by the University of Bristol found that the UK's disposable vapes ban may lead to an increase in cigarette smoking among young adults. The research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, suggests that some individuals may turn to cigarettes as an alternative to disposable vapes.
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
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.
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
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.
A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that entrepreneurs with a growth mindset are more resilient when faced with venture-related setbacks. They are also more optimistic about future success, less discouraged, and more likely to put in effort to find solutions.
A University of the Sunshine Coast study found that teens who avoid socializing due to fear of judgment report greater loneliness and lower trust in friendships. Parents and teachers are advised to help teens find low-pressure ways to connect with peers, as empathy is a valuable skill decreasing among this age group.
Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
A UBCO study found that all forms of touch with therapy dogs contribute positively to participants' emotional wellbeing, regardless of which part is interacted with. The research suggests that simple interaction with a therapy dog can make a difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Researchers warn that AI's friction removal could eliminate desirable difficulties, weakening learning and motivation. Effortful engagement strengthens learning and memory, while loneliness serves as a signal to form human connections.
The study found that people's everyday experiences with technology play a crucial role in shaping trust around the world. Human-centred approaches to AI design and governance are essential for building trust, as simply improving technical performance is insufficient if people feel disconnected or powerless.
A new study found that improvements in relationship confidence have the biggest impact on individual outcomes, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced substance use. Relationship confidence involves trusting that a partner can handle challenges and feeling assured of building a lasting future together.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
Psychotherapist Lynn Somerfield emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, work, and personal beliefs to promote emotional well-being. She advises that healthy boundaries strengthen connections with others while preserving individual identity and energy.
A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.
A global trend of uncommon names has been observed in various nations, including Germany, the US, UK, France, Japan, China, and Indonesia. This increase reflects broader sociocultural changes emphasizing individuality and distinction.
Dr. Ronald C. Kessler's decades-long research transformed international understanding of psychiatric disorders and suicide prevention. His work exposes the global scope of mental health challenges and highlights key factors in prevention.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
Researchers discovered that while older rats were as social as younger ones, a subpopulation preferred familiar peers. Altering neural communication reversed this preference, enhancing approach towards new peers. This suggests a distinct neural system underlying aging-related social behavior.
A recent study published in JAMA highlights the importance of effective communication of medical numbers, particularly in preventing nocebo effects. Researchers recommend using positive framing and clear strategies to present numbers in an understandable way, as vague verbal descriptors can amplify fear and unintended expectation effects.
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
A new study reveals that consumers who morally support companies hiring homeless individuals often drop purchase intentions due to irrational 'contagion concerns', triggered by emotional reactions linked to stereotypes about hygiene and safety. Social proof appeals can counteract this bias, increasing purchase likelihood.
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
A comprehensive review of 233 studies identifies the connection between workplace conditions and loneliness, highlighting the importance of job quality, stress management, and social support. Chronic loneliness harms emotional and cognitive well-being, while interventions such as mindfulness and volunteering can provide relief.
A new preventive intervention called REconnect has been developed to reduce loneliness among university students. The program aims to strengthen social ties and inclusion before loneliness becomes chronic, with encouraging results showing increased life satisfaction and reduced loneliness.
A Tel Aviv University study found that brain function can influence vaccine effectiveness by activating the brain's reward system, leading to a better immune response. The study used fMRI neurofeedback technology to train participants to modulate their brain activity in a key region responsible for dopamine release.