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Women smile more than men, except when they are in similar roles

A study by Yale researchers found that women do smile more than men, but the difference is modest and influenced by factors such as culture, ethnicity, age, and social role. When men and women think no one is looking, they smile similarly, and the sex differences disappear when they are in the same position of power or occupation.

SourceYale University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMar 18, 2003

Testosterone levels and marriage: High is not all bad

Penn State researchers found that wives with higher testosterone levels were more adaptive social support providers, while husbands with lower testosterone levels were more positive and less negative during discussions. Lower combined testosterone levels led to better social support givers and improved conflict resolution skills.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMar 17, 2003

Individuals' medical costs rise with increasing obesity

A new study by Dee W. Edington, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan found that individuals with obesity incur significantly higher medical costs than those with normal weight, with average annual costs rising from $2,225 to $3,753 for obese individuals. The economic burden of obesity is estimated to be substantial, with conservative e...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJan 10, 2003

Optimistic outlook may benefit lungs

A new study suggests that an optimistic outlook may improve lung function in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Optimism was linked to higher lung function and slower rate of decline in lung function compared to pessimistic individuals, even after controlling for smoking.

Influence of gender on upper airway structure and function during obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers investigated the influence of gender on upper airway structure and function, finding no gender differences in resistance and Pcrit. These findings contradict previous assumptions and suggest a possible explanation for the male predominance of OSA, potentially related to neurochemical control or other factors.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 30, 2001

When is a repeated request for a date harassment? It depends on who you are asking

A new analysis of 62 studies found that men and women agree on the seriousness of sexual coercion and propositions, but disagree on less extreme behaviors like sex-stereotyped jokes and repeated date requests. The study suggests that gender differences in perceptions of harassment may be influenced by socialization and value systems.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 4, 2001

Personality influences the brain's responses to emotional situations more than thought, according to new research

A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Neuroscience found that extraverts show greater brain reactivity to positive images compared to introverts. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain responses to negative and positive images, and found associations between personality traits and neural activity in response to emotion...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2001

Korean Americans at risk for high blood pressure

A Johns Hopkins study found that one-third of Korean Americans have high blood pressure, with almost 75% not controlling it. The prevalence is 32%, much higher than the American rate of 24% and Korean rate of 22%. English-speaking ability directly impacts hypertension control among Korean Americans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateNov 9, 2000

Boys' writing perceived worse than girls: study

A study by University of Toronto professor Shelley Peterson found that students perceive male authors as more competent if their stories are descriptive and well-written, while female authors are viewed as more capable if they write about relationships or emotional themes. This perceived incompetence can have long-term implications on ...

Left-handedness is not necessarily the kiss of death

A study of 1,277 elderly people found no correlation between left-handedness and mortality rate. Instead, factors such as pressure to switch hands, gender differences, and adaptation to a right-hand world influenced the prevalence of left-handedness among older adults.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Neuropsychology·DateSep 26, 2000

Gender bias in salaries among Pennsylvania M.D.'s, find University of Pittsburgh researchers

A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that female physicians in Pennsylvania earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with women earning 14% less per hour. Despite accounting for demographics and training, women are more likely to be in low-paying specialties and take time off due to child care.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 2000

People link career success with names, study finds

A new study found that people tend to predict career success based on the gender match between an applicant's name and occupation. The research suggests that women with feminine names are more likely to succeed in traditional female occupations, while men with masculine names excel in male-dominated careers.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 5, 2000

Study: Thoughts of fathers often trouble Vietnamese Amerasians

A new study at Ohio State University suggests that Vietnamese Amerasians' thoughts and feelings about their American biological fathers play a powerful role in how well they adjust to life in the United States. The study found that those who reported frequent thoughts of their biological father experienced higher levels of psychologica...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateApr 26, 2000