Articles tagged with Social Psychology
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that employees who perceive managerial controls as restrictive and punitive may develop dysfunctional responses, including workplace deviance and deliberate ignorance. The study suggests that threatening managerial controls have different effects on skilled and non-skilled workers, w...
A new study found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life have a lower risk of death from any cause, regardless of race or gender. The association was strongest among women, who may benefit more from the health-protective effects of purpose.
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
A new study found that people's favourite songs about relationships reflect their attachment style, with anxious themes dominating. On the other hand, secure and avoidant styles are represented in lyrics, indicating a strong connection between music and relationship experiences.
New research finds that believing COVID-19 is a hoax can lead to increased belief in conspiracy theories and even suspect the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. The study proposes the 'gateway conspiracy' hypothesis, suggesting that one conspiracy theory triggers distrust in institutions.
A new study from The Primals Project at the University of Pennsylvania challenges the long-held assumption that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals. Instead, researchers found that both conservatives and liberals view the world as similarly dangerous, with a hierarchical worldview playing a significant role in s...
A new study reveals that middle-aged women are held back in their careers due to a perceived lack of 'niceness', with evaluations decreasing after the age of 40. The research, led by UC Berkeley's Jennifer Chatman, found that both men and women become more capable with age but only women are seen as less warm, leading to harsher judgme...
A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...
Researchers found that people tend to choose familiar activities even when given the chance to try new things, especially when they feel like they don't have much time left. This preference for familiarity is driven by a desire for psychological closure and personal meaning, rather than just seeking safety.
A new study found an association between college student FoMO and maladaptive behaviors such as academic misconduct, drug and alcohol use, and breaking the law. Brief FoMO assessments may be valuable risk prediction tools for counselors assisting students in transition to college.
A new research paper has demonstrated that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one's biological age, significantly impacting overall health and longevity.
A new report reveals that both Democrats and Republicans personally value core democratic principles, but severely underestimate opposing party members' support for those same characteristics. This biased underestimation leads to a willingness to subvert democratic principles, particularly among Republicans.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that employees' relationships with coworkers significantly impact their sense of purpose and drive at work. The researchers discovered that employees who receive advice and support from their peers are more likely to feel a strong connection to the company.
A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.
Research shows that COVID-19 pandemic, murder of George Floyd, and contentious presidential election may have hindered young adults' social development. Studies found decreased intimacy and relationship satisfaction among those affected.
A new study across 67 countries reveals that people who believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories are less likely to support public health efforts, but a strong sense of morality can weaken this effect. The study suggests that appeals to moral foundations could be an effective strategy to reduce such beliefs.
A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
A study from the University of Gothenburg finds that individuals who invest in sustainable pension funds are motivated by altruistic values such as equality and environmental protection. They prioritize authority and have a lower value for money and ownership compared to those investing in traditional funds.
A USC study of eligible voters in the 2020 election highlights how many Americans overlook external factors like child care constraints and transportation difficulties that affect voter turnout. In contrast, participants cited beliefs as a major driver of turnout, with only 12% mentioning friction.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that short animations can help people recognize and resist misinformation. The experiment, conducted on YouTube with over 30,000 participants, suggests a potential solution for fighting disinformation.
A new Princeton University study found that Americans widely underestimate their fellow citizens' support for climate policies, with conservatives and liberals alike mistakenly believing a minority supports action. The research suggests this underestimation can lead to weaker actual support and stifled public discussion.
New research reveals that social rejection can drive individuals to prioritize disease protection. When people experience social pain, they become more likely to take concerted efforts to safeguard against COVID-19. Conversely, when social interactions are less painful, people may be less vigilant in protecting themselves.
Researchers examine voting decisions when favored candidates commit moral transgressions, identifying key factors affecting support. Strong ideological identity and severity of transgression influence voter loyalty, with significant differences between conservatives and liberals.
A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
The article in Journal of Management Studies explores how organizations can use spectacularization to bring stigmatized individuals into the spotlight, creating a new reality. The authors examine Nike's marketing campaign on Colin Kaepernick, highlighting the tension between stigma reduction and social awareness.
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
A new study found that children from Kyoto, Japan, waited three times longer for food than for gifts, while those from Boulder, Colorado, waited nearly four times longer for gifts. The study suggests that cultural upbringing plays a significant role in shaping children's self-control and habits.
Research from the University of Georgia found that feminist mothers and daughters have more positive body images, with less shame about their bodies. The study also shows how mothers' negative body talk affects daughters' body image.
Research by American Psychological Association finds a small, gradual increase in cooperation across the US since the 1950s, linked to urbanization and societal wealth. The study's findings suggest that increased cooperation may help tackle global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and immigrant crises.
Research found that hunger is strongly associated with feelings of anger, irritability, and lower levels of pleasure. The study tracked participants' emotions and hunger levels over 21 days, finding a significant link between hunger and negative emotional states.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists highlights a significant rise in health anxiety among those who shielded at home, growing with time spent indoors. This contrasts with the general population, where anxiety decreased over time, indicating a pressing need for increased psychological support for 'shielders'.
A new study found that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized and end up in emergency departments due to opioid use. The study also shows a significant gap in opioid-related deaths between low-income and high-income Canadians, with those living in lower-income areas still at higher risk.
Researchers found that partisans tend to justify their own party's falsehoods and view those of opposing parties as unacceptable. The study suggests that this partisan charitability can be driven by a desire for trustworthiness within one's own group, but not necessarily outside it.
Researchers analyzed 47,112 Reddit comments to identify elements of tone and style linked to hyperpartisan echo chambers. Language features such as strong emotion, familiarity pronouns, and face-to-face conversation markers are common in hyperpartisan comments.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Himba pastoralists in Namibia are more likely to form long-lasting relationships with others who share similar desirable traits. This suggests that people's actual preferences may differ from their stated desires, and that similarity in desirability is key to successful relationships.
Researchers found that transparent face masks facilitate communication by not occluding facial expressions, unlike surgical masks. The study used digital images and showed that transparent masks did not disrupt the perception of facial emotions in both male and female faces.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
Researchers found that the brain's gestalt cortex helps people make sense of ambiguous information and dismiss alternative interpretations. This phenomenon, called naive realism, leads to irrational confidence in one's own understanding of the world.
Research finds that business-case justifications for diversity can undermine belonging among LGBTQ professionals, female STEM-job seekers, and Black students. Fairness-case explanations may also induce social identity threat, although to a lesser extent.
Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.
A recent analysis found that simple media exposure has a very small effect on radicalization, even in individuals with aggressive predispositions. Exposure to radical content online is associated with a higher risk of turning to violence among already radicalized individuals.
Researchers found no general population-level trends supporting the 'boys will be boys' phrase. Instead, girls and boys showed variation in domains such as values, cognitive ability, and grades. The study's results highlight the importance of considering individual domains when assessing gender differences.
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
New research found that seeking ideas and perspectives from fellow group members can boost collective action among racial and ethnic minorities. Positive everyday experiences with fellow minority group members are a key driver of collective action, contrary to the focus on unjust treatment.
Researchers examine the role of Machiavellianism in alliance partnerships, finding it harms performance by weakening collaborative learning and increasing power use. However, situational knowledge can mitigate these effects, and firms may benefit from partnering with a Machiavellian partner if they offer a good fit of capabilities.
Scientists found that colour-coded CO2 labels and changed default options on restaurant menus nudged guests to more climate-friendly dish choices, resulting in an average of 300g less CO2 per meal. Participants chose veggie burgers more often when presented as standard options.
Researchers developed a time-efficient single item measure to assess self-control, confirming its interchangeability with 'will-power' and 'self-discipline'. People with lower self-control also report boredom and lower socioeconomic status.
A new study found that individuals high in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are less likely to wear masks or get vaccinated. However, those who do choose to participate may be more likely to encourage others to do so. Researchers suggest using unique messaging strategies to tap into these personalities.
A study by Berkeley Haas researchers found that people in advantaged positions perceive equality as harming them, leading to opposition to policies that reduce disparities. This cognitive mistake causes individuals to prioritize their relative advantage over absolute gains, even if it means voting for policies that cause economic harm.
New research suggests that collective grief is a critical component of the Black grief experience, influenced by America's history of racialization and racial violence. This collective grief can be felt deeply due to strong community ties and kinship bonds formed during enslavement and historical trauma.
Young people aged 18-30 fear influence and control, crime and security, changes in life pace, negative technological consequences, and social inequality. Digital fears reinforce traditional concerns and emerge from uncertainty and growing forces beyond human control.
A UTD professor's study found that men's rudeness toward others, including women, can obscure the recognition of sexism. The study suggests that a perception of gender blindness can lead observers to view the perpetrator as not sexist, even when they are displaying sexist behavior.
Research found that people are less likely to collaborate with those who signal their wealth and social status. In contrast, modesty can be a strategic advantage in cooperation-based social situations.
A study from the University of Georgia suggests that middle-aged men are commonly perceived as manipulative, aggressive and entitled targets of insults. The research also found that most people believe these individuals are aware of their behavior's impact but don't care enough to change.
A recent study of 280 mother-infant pairs found that prenatal exposure to social disadvantage and psychosocial stress was associated with reduced infant brain volumes at birth. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the brain volumes of the infants at birth.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.