Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Social support may not ease menopause symptoms

A study of over 2,700 women found that social support does not moderate the impact of stressful events on menopause symptoms. Women who experienced stressful events had a significant increase in symptoms, regardless of their level of social support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2021

Marriage or not? Rituals help dating couples decide relationship future

A University of Illinois study found that rituals in dating relationships can magnify normative experiences and provide a preview into family life and couple life. Rituals have the power to bond individuals and serve as diagnostic tools for where the relationship is going.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 15, 2020

Social bonds in adulthood don't mediate early life trauma

A study of wild female baboons found that early life trauma had a significant negative impact on adult glucocorticoid concentrations, which are a measure of health. Despite having strong social relationships as adults, the stress hormone levels were still significantly higher in those who experienced trauma in early life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

'Playing hard to get' really works; here's why

Researchers found that making the chase harder increased a potential mate's desirability, as those who are selective in their partner choices are perceived as more valued. Participants who exerted efforts to see a potential partner were also rated as more sexually desirable than those with little effort.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 8, 2020

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Men who receive home care from spouse more likely to feel burdensome than women

A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that men who receive caregiving from their spouses are more prone to feeling guilty and depressed due to negative spousal exchanges. In contrast, wives in caregiving relationships show less susceptibility to these effects, suggesting a difference in gender dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateNov 11, 2019

Bound by blood

A study by researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that vampire bats form lasting social bonds, even when released back into the wild. The bats' social networks were tracked using miniaturized computers weighing less than a penny, showing daily changes in their relationships.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Live better with attainable goals

A study of over 970 participants found that perceiving personal goals as attainable is crucial for later cognitive and affective well-being. Life goals also hold predictive power for specific domains, such as social relationships and health.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateFeb 15, 2019

How friendly mice can affect their lonely cagemates

A novel video-based behavioral analysis system, MAPS, shows that group-housed mice form stronger social relationships and are closer in proximity to isolated mice than those reared separately. This study provides insight into the effects of early social experience on adult social behavior.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 23, 2019

Research affirms the power of 'we'

Researchers analyzed 30 studies of nearly 5,300 participants to find that couples who frequently use first-person pronouns like 'we' and 'us' tend to have healthier and happier relationships. The study's findings support the idea that interdependence is key to relationship success, and 'we-talk' is a strong indicator of this.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 4, 2018

Our perceived birth status can affect our adult relationships

Research found that people who believe they were unwanted or unplanned pregnancies tend to have more insecure relationship styles as adults. This perceived birth status affects attachment styles, leading to increased anxiety and avoidance in relationships. The study suggests that revealing such information can increase insecurities and...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 15, 2018

Are you really into me?

A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that uncertainty about a potential partner's romantic intentions decreases their sexual desirability. In contrast, feeling confident about a partner's interest and acceptance predicts higher levels of sexual desire. The research suggests that certainty serves as a gut-feeling i...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJun 7, 2018

Adult chimpanzees play more than adult lowland gorillas in captivity

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adult chimpanzees exhibit more frequent and longer play sessions compared to adult lowland gorillas in captivity. This suggests a difference in their level of social cohesion, with chimpanzees living in highly cohesive groups and gorillas having lower levels of social affiliation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2018

Study reveals high relationship quality in same-sex couples

A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 13, 2017

How listening to music in a group influences depression

New research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group music listening can either exacerbate or alleviate depression, depending on the individual's coping style. Younger individuals with tendencies towards rumination are more susceptible to negative outcomes from group interactions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2017

That's what friends are for

A new study by Dr. Rebecca Graber reveals that best friendships play a vital role in building resilience to adversity and surviving difficult times. The research found that participants who had high-quality best friendships experienced improved psychological resilience over time.

People matter

A new study by Arizona State University reveals that changes in cooperation among communities and households are more impactful on system connectivity than the loss of key animal species. The researchers used a multiplex network analysis approach to understand how social relationships influence resource sharing and exchange.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2016