Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A new study found that 87% of Millennials use paid content for entertainment or news, with popular services including movies and TV, music, and Facebook. Socioeconomic differences were not a major indicator of paid content usage.
A new study reveals that Millennials are not a monolithic group, but rather four distinct types with different information consumption habits. The study identifies key characteristics of each group, including their age, interests, and media use.
New research questions prevailing theory on female genital cutting as a social norm, finding no correlation between community norms and cutting practices. Alternative forces like sexual fidelity benefits may sustain the practice, highlighting the need for more effective policy interventions.
A new RAND Corporation study found that the number of young female anesthesiologists is increasing, but their wages are lower than those of their male peers. Female anesthesiologists worked fewer hours and were more likely to work part-time, leading to a wage gap of 13%.
A Johns Hopkins University study found that Obamacare led to a decline in support for government health-care spending among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Before the law's passage, about two-thirds of independents and Republicans supported increased health spending, but this dropped significantly after its enactment.
Researchers found that young black men who feel powerless are more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence. These individuals often experience racial discrimination, institutional biases, and limited opportunities for social change.
University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.
A study of 78,000 people found that arts participation is linked to educational attainment, not social status or wealth. Higher-income individuals are less likely to participate in arts activities than those with lower incomes.
A new study found increasing support in the USA and Canada for smokefree laws in playgrounds, school grounds, and other areas. Most residents welcome these regulations, with majority support seen across various locations.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals significant differences in Americans' understanding of various science topics, with educational level being a major factor. Adults with higher education tend to perform better on science-related questions, while gender also plays a role, with men generally outperforming women.
A study of over 4,000 European men found that those earning the majority of household income are most likely to want to work fewer hours. Men in partnerships and without children also desire shorter working weeks. The researchers suggest businesses should prioritize work-life balance for male breadwinners to reduce overwork.
A University of Texas at El Paso study found that fourth and fifth graders exposed to toxic air pollutants at home have lower GPAs. The researchers used data from 1,895 children living in El Paso, estimating their exposure to air pollutants like diesel exhaust.
A recent survey found that fewer than 1 in 3 Americans are aware of Pope Francis's efforts to publicize global warming as a priority issue for the Catholic Church. Most Americans support the pope's stance on the issue, despite few considering it a religious or social justice concern.
A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that people's spiritual awareness varies throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and during engaging activities. Spiritual awareness was lower during work-related tasks and watching TV.
Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that single people with high 'avoidance social goals' were equally happy whether single or in a relationship. In contrast, those with low avoidance goals who prioritized relationships experienced lower happiness when single. The study analyzed over 4,000 New ...
Most social surveys in the US conflate sex and gender, ignoring current gender theory and lived experiences. Researchers suggest changing binary categories, incorporating self-identified gender, and asking separate questions for sex at birth and current gender identity.
A new study by Jennifer B. Kane found that a woman's weight at birth, education level, and marital status before pregnancy can impact the birth weight of her daughters and granddaughters, with biological and social factors influencing this cycle across generations.
A new study found that 77% of dentists ask patients about illicit drug use and 54% believe screenings should be their responsibility. Dentist attitudes toward substance misuse screening vary by age, gender, and prior training, but more educated and younger dentists are more likely to accept such screenings.
A study linked household survey data with New York state administrative records to better measure government transfers and their impact on reducing poverty. The analysis identified widespread underreporting of social welfare program payments, resulting in overstated poverty rates and ineffective policy decisions.
Research published in BMJ Open found that successful aging is associated with harmful drinking among older adults. Analysis of over 9000 responses from the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing showed that higher income, better health, and social activity levels are linked to increased risk of hazardous drinking.
A new survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults found that nearly 90% recognize the role of calcium and vitamin D supplements in supporting bone health when dietary intake is insufficient. Consumers also understand that multivitamins should not replace healthy eating habits.
A new study reveals that adults in the US provide over a billion hours of unpaid caregiving every week, primarily provided by women. The researchers project a rise in the need for such care, with the value of unpaid care projected to increase to $839 billion by 2050.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Colorado at Boulder found that adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged cities are more than two times more likely to die by suicide. The research suggests that broader social climate factors influence suicide risk, rather than individual characteristics alone.
A new nationally representative survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans believe they waste less food than the national average, despite 31-40% of the American food supply being wasted. The top foods wasted are fruits and vegetables, with food waste costing Americans $161.6 billion annually.
Researchers found that pre-election polls can influence voter behavior, leading to biased electoral results. A study on French elections showed that exit polls influenced voters in territories, resulting in higher turnout and a 'bandwagon effect'. This insight suggests that polling errors can sway election outcomes, even in the UK.
A survey of nearly 3,000 low-income adults in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas found that state policies significantly affect awareness, application rates, and successful enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Latinos were less likely to complete the application process compared to non-Latino whites.
A study of 7,000 participants from 75 countries found that most people want access to genes linked to serious conditions and want to be 'forewarned' about their future health risk. Participants also expressed interest in having raw genomic data, despite its limited usefulness for predicting health outcomes.
A national survey found that most Americans disclose their personal data for discounts because they believe marketers will harvest the data anyway. The study's lead author argues that marketers misrepresent consumers' behaviors as rational acceptance of 'tradeoffs,' which is not true.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that cynical individuals tend to earn lower incomes due to their distrust and skepticism towards others. Adopting a more idealistic view of human nature and trustful attitude can help achieve life goals and promote life satisfaction.
A new survey by Lappeenranta University of Technology found that companies consider wage-related costs and a lack of competence among supervisors the biggest barriers to increasing productivity. Researchers recommend prioritizing supervisor education and creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who moved to more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods gained additional weight. The study used data from over 3,000 Dallas County residents and found a significant association between moving to a higher-NDI neighborhood and increased weight gain.
A new study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge shows a significant change in attitudes about sex and sexuality among different generations, with Millennials being the most accepting of premarital sex. The study also found that acceptance of same-sex relations has increased substantially over time.
Researchers at British American Tobacco developed a new smoking-specific survey, TQoLIT, to assess the impact of next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on 'otherwise healthy' smokers. The tool improves upon existing general health questionnaires by reducing ceiling effects and detecting specific smoking-related health changes.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that California residents experiencing psychological distress face high levels of perceived stigma and discrimination, discouraging help-seeking. The survey found nearly 9 in 10 reported discrimination based on their mental health problem, with most experiencing it in intimate social relationships.
A UCLA study found that 77% of California physicians understand the basics of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with 59% supporting it. The survey also revealed a correlation between doctors' political affiliations and medical specialties.
The USPSTF completed a systematic evidence review to inform an upcoming update of Task Force recommendations on screening asymptomatic adults for type 2 diabetes. Screening was found to help delay progression to diabetes by identifying those who could benefit from treatment, but did not improve mortality rates.
A recent study by Penn State psychologists found that college students often disregard social norms when texting, with many admitting to sending texts during funerals, in the shower, or while having sex. The researchers suggest that breaking with these norms is too tempting for most students, who prioritize checking their texts over pr...
A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that despite egalitarian efforts, many people still believe their destiny is tied to their station in life. Children and adults who were more influenced by caste were also more likely to believe that their own natural aptitude, academic success, and personality traits were fixed or set in stone.
A new study found that people who transitioned to same-sex attraction in early adulthood reported more depressive symptoms than those whose sexual orientations did not change or changed in the opposite direction. The study highlights the need for social support during periods of sexual identity transition.
A study of 215 clinicians found that implicit race and social class biases were present in most respondents, but these biases were not associated with clinical decisions. However, the study suggests that existing biases may still influence the quality of care received by minority patients and those of lower socioeconomic status.
A recent study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans are increasingly tolerant of people with different views and lifestyles, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, atheists, and have differing political beliefs. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey, also found a decrease in toleranc...
Research from UCL's ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies found direct biological effects of stress during unemployment contribute to higher levels of inflammatory markers, predicting atherosclerosis and heart disease. Unemployed men and women had higher levels than employed counterparts, with stronger effects in Scotland.
A recent ATS membership survey found that 89% of respondents believe climate change is happening, while 68% attribute its causes to human activity. The survey also reported adverse health effects such as worsening asthma and increased cases of acute and chronic lung conditions due to climate change.
A recent study analyzed two large surveys to gauge the use of approved and unapproved hormone therapy among US women at menopause. Women taking compounded hormones often lack understanding about the risks associated with these treatments, which are not tested in clinical trials before dispensing.
A University of Minnesota study reveals that hunger increases intention to acquire nonfood objects, resulting in higher spending. Hungry shoppers opt for 70% more products and spend 64% more money than satiated counterparts.
A new study found that experiencing financial difficulties at university may increase the risk of female students developing an eating disorder. The study also found a 'vicious cycle' where negative attitudes towards food and eating can lead to short-term financial difficulties, further exacerbating negative eating attitudes.
A survey by Pew Research Center in collaboration with AAAS found that 87% of scientists believe they should take an active role in public policy debates. Scientists use various methods to connect with the public, including social media and blogging, with 47% using social media to talk about science or read about scientific developments.
A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.
A study by Ohio State University suggests that confidence in government is a key factor in public willingness to vaccinate. People with high trust in the government were more likely to take the swine flu vaccine, while those with low trust had lower vaccination rates. The research also found that individuals who watched more news and h...
A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.
A new analysis of seven years of bird sightings by volunteer birdwatchers found increasing trends for 14 species, including cormorants and harlequin ducks. The study suggests that these birds may be turning the corner, with positive trends also reported in nesting surveys.
A recent study found that poorer parents participate in a wide range of good parenting practices, including reading to their children, helping with homework, and playing sports. Despite lower incomes, these parents are equally likely to engage in such activities as better-off families.
Researchers rely on imputation methods to estimate immigrant populations' legal status and insurance coverage, but these methods may deliver inaccurate results. Inaccurate estimates can lead to planning and implementation of policies with unintended consequences for local groups.
A new study estimates that up to two-thirds of never-smoking teens are exposed to secondhand smoke inside and outside their homes, highlighting the need for smoke-free environments. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from over 350,000 teens across 168 countries.
The All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) has successfully detected 89 bright supernovae and is expanding its scope to study other local sky events. The project uses six 6-inch telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, as well as amateur telescopes worldwide, to capture hundreds of bright objects in the nearby universe.
A nationwide survey of 2200 French adults reveals significant knowledge gaps about lung cancer, including misconceptions about screening, treatment options, and prognosis. The study emphasizes the need for public education to address these gaps and improve outcomes.
A UCLA-Columbia study found that direct conversations with individuals affected by an issue can build lasting support, as seen in a conversation about gay marriage. The study also showed that the effect can spill over to friends and family members, leading to sustained increases in support.
Researchers found that left-wing individuals spend more time engaging in vigorous physical activity and walking compared to political centrists. Meanwhile, those who don't reveal their political beliefs are the most physically inactive.
A recent study found that the number of US medical schools with student-run free clinics (SRFCs) has increased by more than half, with 106 institutions participating in the program. The SRFCs provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations and offer valuable educational opportunities for medical students.
A nationwide survey of American adults reveals that healthy individuals react strongly to hypothetical genetic risk information, wanting to take various actions such as seeking information and managing risk. The study's findings suggest that the experience of living between health and disease is not limited to those already patients.