A new study involving Danish high-performance coaches shows that compassion is a tool in sport psychology that focuses on alleviating athletes' distress. Coaches acknowledge the benefits of using compassion, but express uncertainty about its practical application.
A new Australian study found that social media interactions are linked to muscle dysmorphia in young men, who experience small and weak bodies despite having a good physique. The study suggests that taking less notice of social media posts may help combat this issue, along with targeted mental health initiatives.
Beauty can help us appraise our lives and build better ones, while its presence or absence critiques social and political structures. The concept of beauty is invoked across different situations, including wartime, refugees, and everyday occurrences of grief.
A new study by University of Eastern Finland researchers shows that life satisfaction remains high until very old age, but eudaemonic quality of life declines after 70. Having sufficient personal resources, such as health, financial, and social resources, can help maintain subjective well-being from age 50 to very old age.
Researchers found that AI doctors who recall patients' social information, with privacy control offered, increase patient satisfaction. Human doctors don't require social or medical information to establish a close relationship with patients.
A new study provides a clear definition of late-life homelessness, which is shaped by age-based structures, social relations, and intersecting forms of oppression. The researchers argue that policy makers and professionals need a comprehensive understanding of this issue to effectively address it.
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.
A study of 19,259 university students from 48 countries found that parental leave policies influence perceptions of social norms for equal childcare division among mothers and fathers. The degree to which participants believed childcare should be equally divided was stronger when parental leave was available in their country.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid reveals that indirect social connections have a significant impact on the adoption of innovations, influencing about two-thirds and one-third of direct contacts for the second and third circles of influence, respectively.
Scientists studying teenage socializing found that teenaged friendships lay essential foundations for wellbeing in later life. Perceived social acceptance in early adolescence and close friendships in late adolescence predicted adult wellbeing, with lower levels of social anxiety and romantic insecurity. Timing is critical, as self-per...
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
A new analysis found that satisfying friendships are a key factor for happiness among young single adults. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the importance of meaningful relationships in boosting well-being and finds that those with strong friendships tend to be happier than those without.
Researchers found that single-housed adult fish exhibited a longer egg-laying period and slower aging process compared to group-housed counterparts. The study suggests that early-life social environment may influence life-long attributes beyond the typical relationship between growth rate and lifespan.
Researchers from Penn and Princeton developed a method of judging behavior that sustains cooperation, called 'look twice, forgive once.' This approach looks at multiple actions and forgives some bad actions to maintain consensus, confirming the original hypothesis that public institutions are not necessary for reputation-based cooperat...
The study found that adherence to cultural myths about rape was the strongest predictor of assaultive behavior, even controlling for other factors. Men's personalities, such as rigid adherence to traditional gender roles and low empathy, were also linked to an increased risk of committing sexual assault.
Research suggests that people prioritize collaborating with higher-paid colleagues, assuming they possess greater knowledge and skills. In contrast, lower-paid subordinates are preferred for hiring due to the belief that salary differences reflect organizational rank.
A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University finds that maternal disapproval of children's friends damages their standing among peers, exacerbating behavior problems. Mothers who meddle in their child's friendships inadvertently worsen their behavior issues.
Researchers have found evidence for place cells in zebrafish brains, allowing them to create internal maps of their environment. The brain region, telencephalon, is also thought to be analogous to the mammalian hippocampus and plays a key role in spatial orientation, social networks, and memory.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that more communication with parents generally leads to better relationships, but parents should avoid always initiating it. Phone, text, video or in-person communication makes students feel better about their relationship with parents.
Vultures, like young humans, explore new sites and socialize frequently when they're young. However, as they age from around 10 years old, they scale back on socializing and prefer to stay at the same roosting site, similar to humans who tend to stay home.
A new study analyzed data from over 700 Swedish children, finding associations between gender nonconformity and autistic traits, behavioral difficulties, and peer relationship problems. Higher levels of nonconforming play were linked to increased behavioral challenges in both sexes.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.
A new study by The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Birmingham found that organizational support policies do not reduce retaliation intentions among 'stuck' employees. Stuck employees, who want to leave their jobs but cannot due to barriers, are more likely to retaliate against perceived organizational injustice.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study the evolution of social norms in subdivided communities. They found that these communities facilitate the emergence and stability of cooperative norms, which are essential for sustained cooperation.
Researchers at UCLA found that venting frustrations to a friend can make them more likable and create stronger bonds, but only when listeners don't perceive aggressive intent. This 'competition' for friends' affections can lead to improved health, happiness, and social support.
A study of 12,000 Canadian respondents aged 65+ found that socially independent older adults born in Canada are most satisfied when living solo, while socially dependent immigrants who live alone experience lower life satisfaction. Personality-based social dispositions play a key role in how older adults feel about their living arrange...
Researchers found that babies form strong expectations for a robot's responses within 10 minutes of interaction. The study suggests that contingency, or caregivers' timely reactions, is key to foundational learning in early development.
A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.
A new study found that meeting partners online is positively linked to relationship success among those who have social media presence on their relationships. However, the link was absent among individuals without this social media presence, particularly in marital relationships.
A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that American adults have an average of four to five friends, similar to numbers from the 1970s to 2015. Many participants expressed a desire for closer friendships and more time spent with friends, despite being generally satisfied with their current relationships.
The study used social network analysis to examine the impact of social connections among NAPCRG members on their scientific success. The research found that strong professional networks are crucial for driving scientific advancements, emphasizing the need for continued support and development of these connections.
Research by University of Nottingham and Queen's University Belfast found that mental health training for line managers is associated with better business outcomes, including lower sick leave and improved customer service. The study suggests that providing such training could hold strategic value for companies.
A new study highlights the importance of friendships in supporting young people who self-harm, while also considering the potential negative impact on friends' own mental wellbeing. The review recommends that adults should extend support to young people who disclose a friend's self-harming behavior.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights the critical role of family support in maintaining the mental health of transgender youth following gender identity milestones. Without a supportive family environment, these young individuals are at a higher risk of attempting suicide or running away from home.
A new study reveals that people with autism are overrepresented in board gaming compared to the general population, and playing modern board games provides a social outlet in a structured space. The research also shows that board games take pressure off meeting and interacting with others, offering a form of escapism.
New volunteers seek flexibility and opportunity, often showing a weaker sense of affiliation with organizations. Organizations can effectively cultivate these relationships by establishing physical infrastructure, providing training and competence-building activities, and communicating a compelling narrative.
A UNIGE team has successfully determined the exact moment when the brain detects another person's gaze direction. The study enhances our understanding of autism spectrum disorders and offers therapeutic prospects for people affected by Alzheimer's disease.
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 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.
Researchers found a consistent positive relation between social media use and vaccination across all major political parties. For Democrats, social media exposure predicted greater vaccine uptake due to increased information about new pathogens. For Republicans, believing others were vaccinated was the key factor.
A new study by Khanh Duong found that family conditions have a significant impact on upward social mobility, with parental dependency having the largest negative effect. Gender inequality also affects mobility, but its effect is smaller and decreasing across generations.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2024
A new study reveals that physiological synchrony significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Super Synchronizers, who naturally synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, are perceived as more romantically appealing. This study integrates experimental and observational methods to investigate the mechanisms of romantic...
Researchers from UBC introduced a website and podcast series to answer the question of how men can better support their peers' mental health. The initiatives aim to address the lack of effective support for men's mental health challenges, which often lead to depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Surveyed Neighbours fans exhibited intense emotional responses, including grief and loss, indicating a deep parasocial connection with the show. The study suggests that these strong relationships can lead to feelings of abandonment or uncertainty when the series concludes.
A study by Zachary Estes and colleagues found that constricted pupils (smaller irises) enhance physical attractiveness by making eyes appear brighter. This contradicts previous research suggesting dilated pupils make people more attractive.
Research from Cambridge University Press found that perceived unfair treatment by teachers is strongly associated with populist attitudes among teenagers. Girls were less likely to hold such attitudes than boys, while those with migration backgrounds and higher family affluence showed stronger populist tendencies.
A Swiss research team surveyed 400 Portuguese immigrants to understand how their desire for citizenship influences their attachment to home and host cultures. The findings suggest that acquiring citizenship can lead to a decrease in attachment to the immigrant's original group, while increasing identification with the host culture.
A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.
Researchers will design a digital intervention to harness existing social relationships and promote sustained behavior changes related to physical activity. A five-year R01 grant will be used to study the effectiveness of this approach in increasing long-term increases in physical activity among U.S. adults.
A University of Leeds academic argues that changes to word definitions are causing 'hermeneutical disarmament', leaving people without specific words to describe useful concepts. This phenomenon is particularly concerning when it affects specific phenomena like emotional abuse and women's work.
A new study using wearable Bluetooth devices found that staff members dominated social interactions in four UK care homes, with residents having limited social contact. The findings suggest that wearable technology can be used to improve quality of care by reducing isolation and increasing interaction between staff and residents.
New research found that maternal grandmothers' investment in grandchildren who experienced adverse early life experiences can significantly reduce emotional and behavioral problems. The study suggests that supportive caregiving from grandparents can protect children from negative effects of early adversity-induced behavioral issues.
Researchers propose forming a network of sister cities to track and raise awareness about the spread of climate-related impacts and responses to urban disasters globally. This network aims to foster ideas and best practices for coping with consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events.
Researchers at Northwestern University used statistical physics to corroborate Austrian psychologist Fritz Heider's 1940s social balance theory, which states that enemies of an enemy are friends. The study successfully integrated both constraints of the theory, confirming it for the first time in real-life social networks.
A new study found no correlation between increased social media use and decreased interaction with friends offline, contrary to previous assumptions. Children with symptoms of social anxiety who used social media excessively were at risk of developing poorer social skills.
Researchers found that popular teens sleep less than their peers, with popular girls experiencing more insomnia symptoms. This study suggests that social context and emotional investment may contribute to sleep difficulties in popular teenagers.
A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.
New research reveals that women entrepreneurs face significant biases in startup financing, with higher loan rejection rates and poorer credit terms. The study found that societies with greater women's empowerment actually exacerbate these gaps, suggesting a need for policy interventions to address the issue.