Articles tagged with Social Psychology
Canada ranks highest in the G7 for happiness due to its strong social safety nets and pro-social behavior. The World Happiness Report also highlights the importance of assuming the best of others, as people underestimate the kindness of others and their own well-being is impacted by what they expect from others.
A study found that pro-life people are partly motivated to prevent casual sex, contradicting the common assumption that sanctity-of-life concerns drive their views. The researchers suggest that pro-life positions are also influenced by a desire to discourage loose sexual norms and promote social values.
The USPSTF has concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for food insecurity on health outcomes. Nearly one-third of households with incomes below the federal poverty threshold experience food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern.
New research by psychologists from Staffordshire University and the University of Birmingham identifies spite as a key factor that underlies conspiracy theory belief. Higher levels of spite are associated with a stronger belief in conspiracy theories, and it mediates the relationship between conspiracy theory belief and established pre...
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that coordinated, community-wide primary prevention efforts can significantly reduce child sexual abuse rates. The study showed a 17% decrease in substantiated cases and a 34% drop in unsubstantiated cases compared to a control group.
A Cornell University study found that people who go against their better judgment feel greater feelings of control and culpalibility, even if they received input from an adviser. This effect may extend beyond small decisions to major life choices.
Individuals with grandiose narcissism are more sensitive to exclusion cues, leading them to perceive ostracism frequently. This can contribute to escalating tensions in workplaces or social groups.
A study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Hanyang University explores how AI service quality affects retail employees' innovation, job fit, and job satisfaction. The results suggest that employees are more likely to engage in innovative behaviors when they perceive benefits from AI interactions.
A recent study by Bar-Ilan University researchers found that even brief periods of aloneness can significantly weaken group identity and esteem. This can lead to individuals feeling less connected to their groups and devaluing them.
A new analysis found a 50% higher rate of hate speech on X after Elon Musk purchased the platform, with bot accounts remaining unchanged. The study contradicts previous claims of reduced hate speech and bot activity on X.
New research highlights the connection between income inequality and health and education disparities, increasing support for economic reform. The study reveals that understanding these disparities can lead to a greater willingness to reduce inequality.
Researchers found women tend to speak more words per day than men between ages 25 and 65. This disparity is likely due to women taking on primary caregiving roles during child-rearing years. Meanwhile, overall conversations are becoming less talkative, possibly linked to digital communication.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.
A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.
The study shows that liberals and conservatives often support different types of leaders due to differences in moral priorities. Conservatives tend to favor dominant leaders who employ assertiveness and formal authority, while liberals prefer prestigious leaders who lead through knowledge and earned respect.
A new study from UCLA and Oklahoma State University found that people may trust cheaters who benefit them, rather than just those who have betrayed in the past. This challenges traditional notions of trustworthiness and suggests that relationships are influenced by self-interest.
The PEERS Clinic at UCLA offers a 20-week dating program called PEERS for Dating, aiming to demystify social rules and empower participants to form lasting connections. Participants will learn practical strategies for initiating and maintaining romantic relationships with support from trained coaches.
A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
Bentham Science journals Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry and CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets accepted for PsycInfo database indexing, enhancing global visibility of research. PsycInfo provides extensive coverage of behavioral and social sciences, making this move a significant step forward.
A new study challenges music critics' perception of the 'sophomore slump', a phenomenon where a band's second album is panned. Critics are found to be exceptionally harsh on second albums, while fans show no evidence of this bias.
A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.
In 2024, 20 cases of femicide were reported in Israel, with half of the victims being Israeli Arabs. The majority of victims knew their perpetrators, often husbands or family members. Stabbings were the most common method of killing, and only 20% of victims had sought police assistance for prior domestic violence.
Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
The University of Missouri's College of Education and Human Development is giving free online training and coaching to 110 middle school teachers in rural Missouri. The goal is to create a safe learning environment, with the potential to reduce stressors for teachers and improve student engagement.
Prof. Tamar Saguy, a full professor at Reichman University's School of Psychology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on reconciliation processes between groups. Her work highlights the importance of addressing power imbalances in dialogue initiatives and proposes effective strategies to promote social change.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.
A major international study involving 56,968 adults found that levels of nature connectedness are associated with socioeconomic factors such as financial security, education, and racial majority status. The UK scored higher on the Nature Exposure Scale, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led in this aspect.
Researchers developed a tool to assess narcissistic grandiosity among job candidates, evaluating their approach to teamwork and decision-making. The Narcissism Interview Scale for Employment (NISE) aims to prioritize finding the right candidates for a healthy work environment.
A recent Canadian study reveals that transgender populations in Canada experience a significantly higher prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. The study, published in JAMA, is based on data from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older.
A study analyzing 1.6 million social media posts found that Ukrainian solidarity posts received significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about Russia. After the invasion, posts celebrating unity gained a 92% increase on Facebook and a 68% increase on Twitter.
A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...
A long-term study of over 11,000 German adults found that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships and that the two factors influence each other. The study showed significant correlations over time, with changes in sexual satisfaction leading to changes in self-esteem.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that Black women who witness online microaggressions are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. The study suggests that health practitioners should consider a patient's stress experiences related to sex and race when treating sleep disorders.
Researchers discovered that video backgrounds, particularly those with motion, increase cognitive load leading to fatigue. Blurred images and nature-themed backgrounds were found to be less tiring than static images or office settings.
New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The Abundance Index for Workers (AIW) measures psychological wealth and well-being in the workplace. The study validates its effectiveness using data from the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study, demonstrating a more accurate assessment of worker well-being.
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.
A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.
A recent study from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that people who express ambivalence about political topics are disliked by those who disagree and those who agree but feel their position isn't strong enough. The study exposes a mismatch between expectation and social reality, suggesting that nuanced positio...
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...
Several common analogies used to model belief dynamics are examined for their conceptual mileage and baggage. The authors argue that while these analogies can provide useful concepts and methodologies, they have limitations and can lead to inaccurate inferences. To construct accurate models, researchers should consider multiple sources...
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when an AI is believed to be involved. Despite this, respondents were still less willing to follow AI-supported recommendations compared to advice from human doctors.
A study of 156,000 UK residents found that urban living is linked to lower levels of well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. Urban residents exhibit greater psychological inequality, particularly in terms of income and financial satisfaction.
This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.
A study of 2,001 American adults found that cryptocurrency ownership is associated with belief in conspiracy theories, support for political extremism, and the 'Dark Tetrad' of personality traits. Fringe social media sources are also a key predictor of crypto ownership.
A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that both amateur and professional dancers are less neurotic than non-dancers. They also exhibit higher levels of agreeableness, openness, and extraversion.
A study by JGU found that adolescents (14-20 years) are more satisfied with being single than their counterparts ten years ago. The researchers attribute this to the growing normalization of singlehood and changing attitudes towards romantic conventions among younger generations.
A social psychology study of US adults found that those with higher weights and high-quality interactions with heavier individuals exhibit reduced weight bias. The study highlights the role of social norms, intergroup contact, and ingroup favoritism in shaping weight stigma.
A recent study by the University of Sydney reveals that tight-knit communities can resist environmental initiatives due to the creation of echo chambers and groupthink. Strong local bonds can lead to resistance against sustainability programs and greenhouse gas reduction projects, making it challenging for policymakers to implement eff...
Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.