Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A majority of New York City residents (56%) think federal assistance is insufficient to manage the COVID-19 crisis, while anxiety over job loss and housing issues continues to escalate. The pandemic's impact on mental health is stark, with 44% reporting feelings of nervousness or depression.
A recent survey of NYC residents found that nearly 3 in 10 reported losing their jobs due to coronavirus. Additionally, 80% experienced reduced ability to get food they need, and two-thirds lost social connections. The findings highlight disproportionate impacts on Hispanics, lower-income city residents, and middle-aged respondents.
A study of 5,780 individuals found that prior beliefs do not influence responses to uncertainty in news, but rather impact trust in facts. Communicating numerical uncertainty may not be counterproductive when it comes to increasing public trust in facts.
A study analyzing data from over 12,000 adults found that larger families are more likely to oppose abortion and same-sex marriage. The relationship between family size and conservative attitudes is largely driven by greater religiosity and lower educational attainment.
A new survey of 1,300 patients with chronic illnesses reveals a significant increase in concerns about COVID-19, with 36% discussing the virus with their healthcare providers. The ongoing series of surveys will track changes in their concerns over two weeks.
Most New York State residents (60%) believe their chances of contracting the novel Coronavirus are low or very low. A substantial majority also support current policies to contain the virus, including school closures and travel restrictions.
A recent survey found that people are more willing to donate genomic data if they have control over its use and can be compensated for their involvement. The study, which involved 2,020 survey respondents, also revealed that nearly half of participants would only provide their data in exchange for payment.
A study of over 2,800 Americans aged 50+ found that lonely individuals experience more burdensome symptoms at the end of life and receive more intense care. They are also more likely to die in nursing homes and use life support.
The American Physical Society's March Meeting explores the challenges women face in physics, including data on bachelor's and doctoral degrees, faculty positions, and career advancement. Programs like Women Supporting Women in the Sciences provide resources and support to empower women in STEM careers.
A Canadian survey of 2,300 people found that 30% of Canadians use condoms during penile-vaginal intercourse, with higher rates among young adults, men from visible minority groups, and those with education on condom usage. The study highlights the importance of condom education in reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies.
A new statistical method called distance multivariance can detect higher-order dependencies between multiple variables, even complex non-linear relationships. This method has been applied to a survey of school students, revealing a higher-order dependence including age and gender as influencing factors for missed school days.
Geographers from Staffordshire University developed virtual landscape visualizations to assess Welsh countryside quality. Over 70% of respondents were satisfied with the realism and representativeness of these digital landscapes, which could engage younger audiences in landscape assessments.
Daily e-cigarette users are more likely to be recent quitters than non-users, while vaping is rare among those who quit more than a decade ago. E-cigarettes appear to be helping smokers quit successfully, particularly among those who quit within the last two years.
A four-year project examined how schools use screening tools and factors influencing their use. The study found that school leader knowledge and attitudes are key to proactive screening approaches, leading to better outcomes for students.
A multinational study by University of Zurich researchers found that members of disadvantaged groups are less likely to support social change when interacting with privileged groups, but more willing to work in solidarity. The study suggests that actively acknowledging structural inequalities can prevent perpetuation of group disparities.
A study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that over 80% of youth do not use tobacco, and most vaping youth are also current or former smokers. The research suggests that while vaping rates have increased among youth, smoking rates have decreased, indicating a net harm reduction benefit to the population.
The study identifies six social tipping interventions that can trigger rapid change leading to decarbonization by 2050. These interventions include building carbon-neutral cities, divesting from fossil fuels, and increasing climate change education.
A survey across 42 countries found agreement on sacrificing one life to save many, suggesting cognitive processes underlie moral reasoning. Quantitative acceptability varied by country, with cautious cultures rejecting such sacrifices.
A survey of nearly 10,000 veterans found that most deal with chronic physical health conditions and a third report mental health issues. Despite this, most veterans have high vocational and social well-being, with many in relationships and employed.
A new study by Penn State and Ohio State researchers found that unwanted sexual attention is significantly higher at fun work events than during normal work hours, but can be reduced with specific measures such as guest participation and afternoon timing.
The Society for Risk Analysis announced the 2019 winners of Best Paper and Best Poster awards. Terje Aven, Sayanti Mukherjee, Christian Blanco, Edward Oughton, and others won top honors for their significant contributions to risk analysis theory and practice.
A growing segment of Americans travels farther to worship, but frequent attendance makes them more committed to their neighborhood. Researchers found that attending services less frequently due to distance does not necessarily lead to a stronger sense of community.
Intergenerational occupational mobility in the US has declined since 1850, with relative decline in status of many occupations. Only a few high-status occupations retained stable percentile ranks, while recent generations face reduced upward mobility.
A new report reveals that Americans have consistently trusted scientists over the past several decades, with a majority expressing confidence in scientific institutions. Despite concerns about science becoming partisan, recent surveys show stable trust levels, particularly among Democrats and Republicans alike.
Two studies by ISGlobal found that the quality of green spaces influences physical activity, social contacts and emotional well-being. The presence of green space was associated with a higher frequency of physical activity, more time spent performing health-related activities, and increased social contacts with neighbours.
A team of researchers led by Ben Wilkowski analyzed goal-related words used by English speakers to categorize human goals. They identified four components: prominence (social status), inclusiveness (acceptance of diversity), negativity prevention (avoiding negative outcomes), and tradition (upholding cultural institutions).
A Queensland University of Technology study reveals that one in six young drivers use Snapchat while driving, often to share videos or photos. Despite this, most drivers do not think they will be caught by police, but the introduction of mobile phone detection camera technology may act as a strong deterrent.
Researchers develop method to count whales from space, revolutionizing stranding detection in remote areas. The technique provides early insight into whale mortality, enabling rapid response and conservation efforts.
A study examining sociodemographic factors associated with passing American Board of Surgery board exams found that women and family-salaried physicians were more likely to pass. General surgeons who identified as Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander also had higher board exam passing rates.
Researchers found that Germans in eastern and western regions showed a similar willingness to provide everyday help for refugee integration. The study, published in the Social Psychology journal, used a unique method of depositing stamped envelopes with different addresses to measure responses.
A recent study analyzing national survey data found significant breastfeeding disparities among US children based on race/ethnicity. Breastfeeding rates were lower for black infants compared to white infants, especially when sociodemographic factors were considered.
A study published in Psychological Science found that when asked to answer questions quickly and impulsively, people tend to respond with a socially desirable answer. The researchers argue that the 'quick-answer' technique may be flawed as it can lead participants to misrepresent themselves.
A Yale-led study found that total fertility rates (TFRs) increased across all educational groups in Generation X women, with the greatest increase seen in college-educated women. College-educated women tend to have a three-child norm, driven by a larger proportion of those with two children having a third child.
A study of academic radiology departments found that there is no uniform approach to handling outside imaging studies, with some requiring formal reports and others allowing them in the institutional PACS. This lack of consensus may impact patient care and radiation safety.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reveals that nearly 40% of Americans report politics as a source of stress, with one in five experiencing lost sleep. The research also found that exposure to media promoting opposing views can drive individuals crazy and damage friendships.
The survey found significant disparities in health conditions, insurance coverage, and access to care across Harris County neighborhoods. Black residents were more likely to experience economic hardship and face food insecurity, with areas such as Aldine and Settegast reporting the highest percentages of residents living in poor health.
Research at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting explores geoheritage, a concept that connects people, landscapes, and geological processes. By preserving America's geoheritage, communities can experience local economic benefits through geology-related tourism.
The prevalence of past month nicotine vaping among teens has more than doubled since 2017, reaching alarming rates. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 25% of 12th graders and 20% of 10th graders now vape nicotine within the past month.
A national survey found that only about 22% of US hospitals and physician practices regularly screen patients for social needs. Social determinants such as food insecurity, housing instability, and utility needs are often overlooked despite their significant impact on patient health
A study conducted in New Haven found that community-oriented policing improves attitudes toward police with brief, friendly door-to-door visits. The research showed that a single positive nonenforcement-related encounter enhanced the legitimacy of police officers and increased people's willingness to cooperate with the police.
A survey of over 4,200 Russian-speaking self-employed individuals found that freelancers often work long hours, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends. While some reported feeling satisfied with their work-life balance, others struggled to maintain it due to the demands of non-standard schedules. The study also found that c...
A national survey found more public support for genetically modified gene drive systems targeting non-native insects, rather than native species. The study suggests that controlled systems, which alter an insect's ability to carry a pathogen without eliminating it, receive greater support.
A national public opinion survey found strong support for over twenty gun violence prevention policies among Americans, including extreme risk protection orders and universal background checks. Gun owners and non-gun owners alike showed broad agreement on these measures.
A national survey study found that 92% of Chinese transgender teens who reported their parents' knowledge of their gender identity experienced parental abuse or neglect. Additionally, 76.6% of all surveyed teens reported abuse or bullying at school from classmates or teachers.
Researchers analyzed costs of trachoma surveys in 11 countries from 2012 to 2018, finding a median survey cost of $8,298 USD. The studies also showed economies of scale from implementing surveys in a single year, with training and fieldwork accounting for major proportions of costs.
A new JAMA paper encourages doctors to screen for social determinants of health and refer patients to relevant programs. The authors argue that addressing these factors is crucial for optimal patient health and reducing health disparities.
A recent study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that parental burnout can lead to increased neglect, violence, and thoughts of escape. The research suggests that self-care is essential for parents and that health professionals need to be aware of parental burnout to provide accurate diagnosis and care.
A new study by researchers at the University of Warwick and others found that living within 300m of urban green space is associated with greater happiness, sense of worth, and life satisfaction. The study used data from 25,518 people in London and found that proximity to green space was more important than lifestyle factors.
A new University of Washington study finds that firearm retailers are willing to learn about suicide prevention and train their employees to spot warning signs. However, a lack of awareness and reluctance to discuss personal issues inhibit greater progress in suicide prevention.
The use of gender-neutral pronouns is associated with favorable views about the roles of nonmales in public life. Researchers found that participants who used gender-neutral pronouns were less likely to assign a male name to a subsequent character, suggesting a reduction in mental bias.
A University of Washington study explores what motivates people to join and stick with citizen science projects like COASST. The analysis of survey responses from 310 new participants and 623 long-term contributors reveals that outdoor activities, a sense of place, and social interactions are key drivers of participation.
A survey conducted in Spain found that people who believe their moral opinions are objectively correct tend to discriminate more against those with different political sympathies. The study also reveals a disconnect between how we perceive our disagreements with opponents, which may contribute to alleviating tension.
A survey of 1,263 people found that discussing global warming leads to increased learning of key facts about the scientific agreement on global warming. This knowledge in turn influences beliefs and promotes more climate-related conversations.
A survey of UK parliamentarians found that they are more likely to have mental health issues, including depression and low self-worth, compared to the general public. The survey also revealed a lack of awareness about confidential support services, making it difficult for MPs to seek help.
A survey study found that YouTube, WhatsApp, VSCO, and Photoshop users had lower self-esteem scores. In contrast, Tinder and Snapchat users showed a higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery. The study's findings suggest an association between social media and photo editing app use and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery.
A study of young gay and bisexual men found little evidence of addiction or psychosocial problems associated with alkyl nitrite use. Poppers are now available over-the-counter in pharmacies with safety standards to be met.
The Finnish healthcare system has seen increased use of e-services, including electronic appointment bookings and data viewing, improving citizen experience. Healthcare professionals also benefit from enhanced clinical decision support systems, but face challenges with information management tools.
A survey shows a wide variation in UK heart failure care, with some areas having fewer than seven nurses per 1,600 patients. Many services lack administrative support and mental health professionals, despite updated guidelines recommending best practice for diagnosis and management.
A recent study published in PNAS found that people can adapt to societal diversity and actually benefit from it. Researchers analyzed data from multiple surveys across 100 countries and found that religious diversity was initially negatively associated with quality of life but later became neutral when measured over longer spans of time.
Researchers found many Democrats overstated mental stress after the 2016 election, particularly for party loyalty rather than Trump specifically. They discovered a 'reverse' cheerleading phenomenon where people reported negative sentiments to show support for fellow Democrats.