Social Relationships
Articles tagged with Social Relationships
60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily
Ground-breaking study finds immigrants face a host of hurdles in the workforce
Early institutional care lowers life expectancy
A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.
Digital reminiscence app could reduce grief and improve relationships between dementia patients and caregivers
A web tool called Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs facilitates collaborative reminiscence therapy, reducing feelings of pre-death grief and improving relationship quality. The app promotes well-being and connection between dementia patients and caregivers, leading to better care outcomes.
Feeling lonely? Try a walk in the great outdoors
A recent study found that strengthening one's sense of belonging to natural environments has a protective effect against loneliness. The study investigated the impact of outdoor activities on loneliness and discovered that noticing details in nature, such as sounds and patterns, can be beneficial for mental well-being.
Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
Research uses AI to examine social exchanges and interactions
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.
World's largest study of human flourishing opens its data to the public
The Global Flourishing Study dataset, spanning two waves and 200,000 participants across 22 countries, is now publicly available. Researchers can access the data without pre-registration, expanding the study's impact on understanding human flourishing.
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.
FAU study finds some dark web users share traits with those involved in crime
A recent FAU study found that individuals with prior criminal behavior, low self-control, and favorable attitudes toward deviance are more likely to access the dark web. The research highlights the importance of understanding who accesses this platform and why, particularly for those intending to engage in illicit activities.
Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?
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...
Frictionless AI comes at a human cost to learning, growth and connection
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.
Pets can help older adults’ health & well-being, but may strain budgets too
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
Sultan Qaboos University study examines quality of life of students with disabilities
The study found that students with physical disabilities reported higher overall quality of life scores compared to those with visual and hearing impairments. The research team recommends expanding inclusive sports programs and social activities tailored to sensory impairments.
Why U.S. middle-aged adults are falling behind peers abroad
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.
Believing or thinking that first impressions are fixed may ease social anxiety, Bar-Ilan University study finds
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals that individuals with social anxiety may feel better when they believe others' opinions are fixed rather than changeable. Adopting a fixed mindset reduced stress and improved performance in social interactions.
Smile and the world will trust you: How mimicry shapes first impressions
Researchers found that smiling faces are associated with higher trustworthiness, confidence, and attractiveness. Facial expressions play a crucial role in social judgments, with emotional mimicry influencing character trait evaluations.
Arts-based methods helped Afghan refugee youth in Iran express their hopes and struggles
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how Afghan refugee youth living in Iran make sense of their experiences. The research found that young people combine personal stories, social interactions, and cultural knowledge to reconstruct meaning from their lives.
New research shows how friends’ support protects intercultural couples
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.
Young adults say they’re happy with their friendships. So why do so many still feel disconnected?
A new study reveals that young adults' feelings of disconnection can coexist with rich social lives. Ongoing life changes and delayed intimacy contribute to social ambivalence among college-educated women. However, most young people have supportive friendships and strong social networks.
People with dark personality traits use touch to manipulate their partners
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.
Global study shows why the songs from our teens leave a lasting mark on us
A global study by the University of Jyväskylä found that our most emotionally resonant music comes from our teenage years, peaking around age 17. This 'reminiscence bump' helps explain why songs from adolescence remain meaningful even decades later.
Older adults can bounce back to thriving health, groundbreaking Canadian study finds
A new national study found nearly one in four older adults who started off in poor health and lower well-being can fully recover within three years. Strong psychological and emotional wellness, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and social engagement were key factors associated with recovery.
Moving abroad as a child becomes a professional superpower in adulthood
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
Centenarian neuroscientist inspires blueprint for vibrant longevity through mentorship and connection
A study by Dr. Esther Sternberg highlights the importance of social engagement, intellectual stimulation, purposeful activity, humor, and spiritual exploration in achieving exceptional cognitive and social functioning in advanced age. Dr. Reichlin's example challenges conventional assumptions about aging trajectories.
The importance of support networks for adolescent mental health
The study highlights the importance of support networks during adolescence, including family connectedness and school and peer relationships. Stronger connections are associated with better mental health outcomes, lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and increased resilience.
Teen loneliness triggers ‘reward seeking’ behaviour
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.
Phone snubbing more damaging to insecure partners, study finds
Researchers found that people with emotional insecurities react strongly to their partner's phone use, reporting lower self-esteem and greater resentment. Simple steps like creating phone-free zones can help protect relationships.
MSU study: What defines a life well-lived? Obituaries may have the answers.
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.
Sibling and friend game time key to keeping children safe in online video games
Researchers found that siblings, friends, and extended family play crucial roles in helping parents keep their children safe on online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Online safety risks include scams, anti-social behavior, and adult roleplays.
Is writing with AI at work undermining your credibility?
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.
Is the 'love hormone,' oxytocin, also the 'friendship hormone'?
A new study by the Beery lab at UC Berkeley suggests that oxytocin is essential for the formation of friendships and selective peer relationships. Oxytocin signaling delays the formation of relationships and creates deficits in long-term peer relationships, leading to a lack of social rewards and selectivity.
For Mexican American millennials, personal success includes providing for parents
A study by UC Merced sociology Professor Daisy Verduzco Reyes found that providing for parents is a defining goal for many first-generation Mexican American college graduates. The 'Latinx mobility bargain' or 'immigrant bargain' emphasizes the importance of fulfilling financial and emotional labor roles in families of origin.
How tickling builds trust: Scientists identify oxytocin’s role in human-rat bonding
Researchers found that repeated tickling increases oxytocin receptor expression in a rat brain region, mediating social bond formation across species. Pleasant tactile stimulation drives affinity-like behavior, indicating the formation of social bonds.
Global study of more than 100,000 young people latest to link early smartphone ownership with poorer mental health in young adults
A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.
Parenthood not lessening loss for widowed people, 25 years of interviews suggest
A recent study of over 5,500 widowed individuals found that emotional loneliness increases significantly after a spouse's death and continues for years. Despite stronger parent-child relationships, particularly among mothers who act as kin-keepers, social and emotional loneliness persists.
Friendship promotes neural and behavioral similarity
Researchers found that friends tend to perceive products similarly and exhibit synchronized brain activity when viewed together, even predicting each other's purchasing intentions. As friendships deepen, this similarity strengthens.
New study reveals link between social relationships and intentions to use steroids among boys and men
A new University of Toronto study reveals that over one-third of boys and men know someone who uses steroids, increasing their own intention to use them. The research highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts considering social environments and identity factors.
Echoes of grief: Do macaques mourn their loved ones like humans?
Researchers from The University of Osaka found that Japanese macaques remain close to and care for their dying companions, displaying human-like reactions. The study reveals strong social bonds can affect behavior even after death, suggesting emotional capacities in non-human primates.
1 in 4 LGBTQ+ singles say the political climate is reshaping their dating lives
A new survey by the Kinsey Institute and DatingNews found that 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ singles are changing their dating habits due to the political climate. Gen Z ages 18-25 are particularly affected, with older generations appearing more resilient to its effects.
Aggressiveness responses in mice depend on the instigator
Male mice displayed increased aggression when the instigator was a novel individual or one with whom they had no established dominance relationship. In contrast, aggression was not observed when the instigator was a familiar opponent with a known hierarchical relationship.
How late college students go to sleep is influenced by the need to belong
College students who delay bedtimes for social activities have shorter sleep duration and stronger desire for belonging. The need to belong is a key driver of social bedtime procrastination and short sleep, according to a new study presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting.
Want better cooperation? Practice niceness
A study conducted in collaboration with researchers from SWPS University found that practicing niceness can increase the propensity to cooperate by strengthening social bonds. The researchers conducted two studies, one measuring everyday niceness and its association with social connectedness and attitudes towards cooperation, and anoth...
How social media influencers impact FOMO in young consumers
A new study at Ohio State University found that young consumers who shop online and experience fear of missing out (FOMO) tend to feel lower levels of social, psychological, and financial well-being. However, having a stronger attachment to a social media influencer is linked to improved feelings of well-being in those areas. The study...
Cyberbullying in any form can be traumatizing for kids
A national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.
Addressing hearing loss may reduce isolation among the elderly
A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.
Couple satisfaction linked to fewer cognitive issues with chemo
A study found that satisfying intimate relationships and general social support can reduce cognitive problems experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The research suggests that couples therapy could be a helpful option for partnered patients, while oxytocin levels decreased significantly during treatment.
New study finds link between green spaces and police violence
A novel research project found that greener areas have fewer fatal police shootings, particularly in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that higher levels of greenness can reduce violence through mechanisms such as reduced crime, improved mental health, and increased civic engagement.
Family dynamics shape body image differently across cultures
A new international study reveals that cultural and family influences shape body image differently across societies. Middle-Eastern women reported stronger body appreciation compared to their Western counterparts, potentially reflecting cultural values and close relationships that promote self-acceptance.
Blends of child and best friend, with power imbalance: How dogs fit into our social networks
A study found that dog owners rate their bond as the most satisfying, with dogs scoring high in nurturing and relationship security. However, there is a power imbalance towards the owner, with full control over the dog's decisions.
Study: middle-aged Americans are lonelier than adults in other countries, age groups
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
How Florida’s Guardian ad Litems build trust, bond with youth in foster care
A study explored how GALs form relationships with youth and the role of training in this process. Findings highlight the critical role of trust and suggest that enhanced training programs, including trauma-informed care and advanced communication skills, can empower GALs to build meaningful connections.
An app can change how you see yourself at work
A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.
New Reichman University study: can a robotic dog choose our next leader?
A study from Reichman University's School of Communications found that a robotic dog can influence leadership dynamics between humans by displaying clear preferences for team members. This can lead to spontaneous emergence of leadership, with the favored participant taking charge without explicit guidance.
New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.
Are dogs the new children?
Research suggests that dog ownership is connected to declining birth rates, as people turn to dogs for emotional support and companionship. The theory proposes that the popularity of dogs is rooted in biological evolutionary causes, but has culturally escalated as human relationships are often damaged or absent.
Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end
Researchers found that relationship satisfaction declines over time, leading to a terminal phase with a rapid deterioration in satisfaction. The transition point marks the beginning of this phase, which lasts 7-28 months and is characterized by accelerated decline.
Canada the happiest G7 country: International report edited by SFU expert
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.
Dance your stress away: New research unveils the secrets of movement in stress management
A new study reveals that dance can facilitate emotional expression and foster social bonds, creating a powerful buffer against stress. By incorporating dance into weekly routines, individuals can enhance their resilience and improve overall wellbeing.