Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
Researchers found that millennial parents, despite being younger, exhibited higher rates of reckless behavior while driving compared to their older counterparts. Despite this, most parents across all age groups reported reading and writing texts while driving in the past month.
A survey of 435 parents from 45 states found that most had read and written texts while driving, with millennial parents showing more reckless behavior. The study suggests potential intervention strategies, such as pediatrician conversations and app usage restrictions.
A school-based survey study in Iceland found that bullied students were more likely to use pain medications, despite controlling for pain levels. The study suggests that interventions aimed at reducing bullying may help reduce analgesic use in adolescents.
A large study found that fewer than half of men and women in Britain aged 16-44 have sex at least once a week. Declines in sexual activity were evident across all age groups for women, and for most age groups for men, with the largest declines among those aged 25 and over and those who are married or living together.
The survey found that nearly half of American workplaces, including small employers, now offer some level of health promotion or wellness programs. Comprehensive workplace health promotion programs are more common in larger employers with a budget, experience, and assigned responsibility.
A new study explores ideological belief bias, where people judge logical arguments based on their believability rather than sound premises. Liberals and conservatives showed varying levels of ability to identify flawed arguments supporting opposing views. The findings suggest that being open to the other side can lead to a better under...
A study found that state-level legalization of gay marriage led to a significant decrease in implicit and explicit anti-gay bias across the US. The effects were consistent across models, suggesting that legislation locality may moderate local biases.
A new analysis of national fertility survey data found increasing rates of heterosexual inexperience among young adults in Japan. The study, led by the University of Tokyo, estimated that 1 in 10 adults in their 30s remain virgin, with socioeconomic factors contributing to this trend.
Researchers found that a one-week recall period in public health surveys yields higher estimates of childhood diarrhea prevalence than the traditional two-week period. The study suggests that future versions of the Demographic and Health Surveys should use a one-week recall period to improve accuracy.
A nationwide survey analysis found that more Americans view e-cigarettes as harmful as, or more so than, traditional cigarettes. The shift in perception may have led to fewer smokers switching to e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for accurate risk communication.
A study found that sexual satisfaction among older people is influenced by factors beyond just health, including communication with partners, relationship quality, and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of a holistic approach for healthcare professionals when discussing sexual problems with older adults.
A new study by Cornell University professor Jessica Chen Weiss reveals that younger Chinese are more hawkish in their foreign policy beliefs compared to older generations. The majority of the Chinese public supports greater military reliance and increased defense spending. However, opinions are sensitive to broader information and stra...
A new study by University of Central Florida researcher Ramon Hinojosa reveals that veterans are more prone to cardiovascular morbidity and conditions earlier than non-veterans, possibly due to modern warfare, diet changes and increased rates of obesity and mental illness.
A comprehensive assessment of US democracy during the Trump presidency finds substantial areas of agreement among experts and citizens about critical democratic principles. However, there are concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, particularly regarding checks and balances and institutional resilience.
New research by University of British Columbia shows LGBTQ Americans dispersing and diversifying their living spaces beyond traditional gayborhoods. The study reveals a range of emerging neighborhoods catering to specific subgroups within the LGBTQ community, including queer communities of color and same-sex couples with children.
A study of 60 cultures from around the world identifies seven universal moral rules that promote cooperation and the common good. These rules, including helping family, returning favors, and respecting others' property, were consistently found in all societies, regardless of region or culture.
A new survey of 929 GPs found that workload is the most significant issue, with 51% reporting longer hours than in 2014. The survey also revealed a worsening crisis in general practice, with many GPs feeling demoralized and looking towards retirement or reducing their hours.
A recent study found that around 15% of people in the UK would object to having immigrants as neighbors, similar to other rich EU countries. The analysis also showed that tackling one form of prejudice improves tolerance towards all groups.
A Florida State University-led team of researchers has created a model to measure the differences between warrior and guardian policing approaches. The study found that officers can adopt both mentalities and that those with a guardian mentality value communication, while those with a warrior mentality prioritize physical control.
A new study suggests that social connectedness can act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health effects of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to cybervictimization.
A new survey found widespread confusion among US consumers regarding food date labels, leading to unnecessary discards and increased waste. The study suggests that clear and consistent labeling is crucial to reduce food safety risks.
The Zwicky Transient Facility has identified thousands of new objects in the night sky, including binary star systems and black holes. The facility's automated alert system has successfully generated over 1.2 million alerts each night, sharing data with survey partners who are experimenting with machine-learning classification systems.
A one-hour workshop on houseplant-potting improved the moods of incarcerated women and provided a respite from their surroundings. The study highlights the value of interaction with nature for therapeutic and rehabilitative goals, suggesting that such activities can have a lasting impact on quality of life while in prison.
A study by researchers at the University of Colorado Denver found that fear of violence causes people to take fewer risks, which may hinder their lives and economy. The study used longitudinal survey data from Mexico's war on drugs to establish a causal link between fear and risk-taking attitudes.
A new smartphone app is being developed to help farmers in hot climates identify and record the spread of locusts on their land. The app uses advanced computer vision technology to recognize locusts through the phone's camera and record its location, enabling farmers to target pesticides more accurately and reduce crop damage.
A recent survey of 3,500 households in the North West UK found that 31% had attended A&E in the past year, with age being a significant factor. Other key predictors included lack of employment and poor housing conditions, which increased attendance rates by 38% and 34%, respectively.
A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that specific personality traits, such as neuroticism and conscientiousness, are directly related to attitudes toward others' bodies. Higher neuroticism is linked to negative body image, while higher conscientiousness is tied to fat phobia. These findings suggest that in...
A survey of 155 medical students found that lack of diversity, negative perceptions by residency programs, and socioeconomic factors were major barriers to pursuing a career in dermatology. The study highlights the need for active recruitment and mentoring of students from all backgrounds.
Researchers from the University of Turku found that people living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status ate less healthily, while those moving to more prosperous areas improved their diet. The study used a food index to measure adherence to dietary recommendations.
A study by researchers from UNIGE and Calcutta examines the reliability of a self-assessment question for evaluating health status in middle-income countries. The team found that the simple question provided a sound understanding of India's population health, with better variance captured compared to Switzerland.
A study found that 60-80% of people surveyed lied about their diet and exercise habits, and failed to disclose medically relevant information. This can lead to inaccurate medical advice and compromised health outcomes.
A new UBC study found that 55% of Canadians consider physical inactivity a serious public health concern. The social climate around physical activity is seen as a key factor in addressing the issue, with two-thirds believing it is both a private and public health matter.
A new study using national data suggests that many research studies on LGBQ health risks may be inflated due to respondents providing extreme and untruthful answers. Removing potentially mischievous respondents reduced estimated disparities in drug use, suicide attempts, and other outcomes.
This study examines the relationship between peer reactions, peer behavior, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the US. It finds that peer reactions more strongly predict student attitudes toward deviance in both countries, while peer deviance predicts student deviance in the US more strongly than in Japan.
A new study by Adrian Hoffmann and Jochen Musch found that people are significantly more prejudiced against women (37%) than initially thought (23%), as indirect questioning methods reveal honest responses. The study suggests that women are more reluctant to express prejudice, possibly due to societal expectations.
A new study found that cultural differences play a significant role in how young people cope with natural disasters. The research used a new method to assess coping among disaster-affected youths and found that middle-class teen girls in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, used different coping strategies than low-income, predominantly Afri...
A new study suggests that individual perceptions of safety and school quality play critical roles in how people define their communities. Researchers found that zip code remains the biggest predictor, but other factors have predictive power, especially for whites and Hispanics. The findings highlight the importance of considering lived...
A global online survey found that heat-related work productivity loss varies significantly between developed and developing countries. The study estimated average WPL losses of 3.5 days for developed countries and 6.6 days for developing countries under different warming scenarios.
A new study found that trusting others is associated with a 10-month increase in life expectancy. High levels of trust were linked to better social support and reduced psychosocial stress, which can contribute to health problems and shortened lives.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability can prevent or delay disability. The research suggests that older adults who engage in physical and mental training may slow down their physical decline and reduce the risk of future problems.
Researchers found men with low resilience scores experience a significant increase in depressive symptoms after losing their spouse, while women's responses differ depending on resilience levels. The study suggests external resources like social networks may play a role in the gender divide.
This study examined pod-based e-cigarette use among California adolescents and young adults, finding that most users also used other e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The average perceived risk of social and health risks from pod-based e-cigarettes was around 40%.
The 2018 survey revealed that government corruption remains Americans' primary concern, and the state of the environment represents fully half of Americans' top 10 fears. Most Americans do not currently share President Trump's immigration concerns.
A growing number of Australians question traditional gender boxes, with QUT research examining biological and sociological factors associated with non-binary gender identity recognition. The study found that taller female height is a statistically-relevant factor influencing self-identification as non-binary.
A new study found that more young people in England are choosing not to drink alcohol, with a rise in non-drinkers among 16-24 year olds. The trend is attributed to an increase in individuals who had never been drinkers, as well as decreases in excessive drinking and binge drinking.
A University at Buffalo sociologist's new study shows that neighboring interactions can positively affect residents' attitudes and behaviors, even in highly disadvantaged communities. The research reveals that community matters in the 21st century, with consistent interactions snowballing into neighborhood investment.
A survey of 271 acne sufferers found that negative perceptions of social stigma are associated with higher psychological distress and physical symptoms. Females in the study reported greater impairment of life quality than males.
A lidar survey of over 2,000 square kilometers in northern Guatemala has revalued aspects of ancient Maya society, estimating that up to 11 million people lived in the region during the Late Classic Period. The study also found extensive agricultural modification and networks of roadways connecting distant cities.
A 2016 survey of US students found nearly 1 in 11 middle and high school students used cannabis in e-cigarettes. Researchers suggest strategies to reduce cannabis use in e-cigarettes are crucial given the findings
A first-of-kind study by The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice assesses clinician and patient attitudes towards recording clinical visits. The study found that 28% of clinicians reported recording a visit, with oncologists and physical rehabilitation specialists more likely to have done so.
A new NOAA report finds that 49 million adults participated in ocean and coastal recreation, spending $141 billion and supporting 3.1 million jobs. The Pacific region had the largest participation, with nearly 14 million participants spending over $39 billion.
A recent study published in Health & Social Care in the Community found that over a quarter of patients want more information about their medicines, while nearly half are concerned about long-term adverse effects. The research also revealed that older patients feel using regular medicines is less burdensome than younger patients.
A new study by Lancaster University highlights the issue of men's invisibility in fertility research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys often exclude or unfairly represent men's experiences, leading to gender inequalities.
A survey by University of Michigan researchers found that only one in four people would be comfortable with companies getting access to their leftover specimens. Institutions should disclose what money from commercialization deals will be used for, as this can reengage trust and encourage participation.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals feel lonelier and less socially attractive, triggering a viral contagion of social isolation. Brain scans showed powerful social repulsion activity in neural networks activated when humans perceive personal space invasion.
A new study by Cornell University researchers will analyze how voters' views on issues like race, immigration, and gender influence the 2018 midterm elections. The survey will track nearly 1,400 likely voters across three waves, allowing for a nuanced understanding of shifting attitudes leading up to the elections.
Research on texting and sexting found that people who described their partner as having a similar texting style reported greater relationship satisfaction. Additionally, texting was shown to bring people closer or create distance depending on the motivations underlying its use.
A survey of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) reveals distrust in healthcare providers and a lack of emotional support as major contributing factors to negative medical experiences. Women with PCOS often wait years for diagnosis and receive limited information about the disorder, leading to arguments with physicians.
A survey of Sexual Medicine Society members found that only half routinely ask patients about their sexual orientation, with 40% of those who don't believe it's relevant to good patient care. The study highlights the need for more professional and patient education to address the LGBT community's unique health needs.
A study of youth opinions on guns and regulation found that most young people support stricter gun control laws to prevent mass shootings. The majority of survey respondents believed that these laws could help reduce the frequency and severity of such incidents.