Human Relations
Articles tagged with Human Relations
Ground-breaking study finds immigrants face a host of hurdles in the workforce
New UH tool measures whether lactating mothers’ psychological needs are being met
In mafias, marriages are strategic tools
Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.
Long-term study of COVID lockdown and family life shows unexpected, lasting effects on fatherhood
A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...
Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals
A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.
Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.
Hat wars of early modern England revealed
A new study by Bernard Capp reveals that refusing to doff one's hat was a potent act of political defiance during the civil war era, with elite men both adopting and resisting the practice. In contrast, an 18th-century Englishman's hat remained a powerful symbol of personal protection.
Female veterans faced steeper well-being declines after COVID-19, study finds
A new study found that female post-9/11 veterans experienced a more significant decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts after the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported lower work satisfaction, higher underemployment, and less emotional support, with the sharpest difference appearing in work strain.
New book explores small talk, big silence in Evangelical communities
A new book by sociologist Amy McDowell examines how small talk can be used to block meaningful conversation in evangelical churches, leaving members feeling isolated and alienated. The study reveals that enforced 'biblical sameness' stifles diverse discourse and convinces minorities to conform to a restrictive majority view.
Common relationship survey measures may capture overall relationship appraisal more than distinct relationship facets
Researchers found that a single general factor, called the 'Q-factor', captures how people rate their relationship across multiple facets. This means that many prominent self-report relationship measures may not be as empirically distinct as assumed.
Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves
Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.
Parenting programs can improve wellbeing for families from diverse backgrounds
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.
Beyond the obstetrical dilemma: Why are humans helpless at birth?
Researchers explore human infant helplessness as a unique aspect of human development, highlighting its role in social collaboration and cultural innovation. Human infants' helplessness is characterized by well-developed sensory systems and weak motor skills, making them dependent on caregivers for extended periods.
Hairdressers could be a secret weapon in tackling climate change, new research finds
Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.
Routine helps children adjust to school, but harsh parenting may undo benefits
A study found that consistent routines in the home can reduce the likelihood of children struggling with school transitions, but harsh parenting can undermine these benefits. Parents who demonstrated flexibility in their parenting style were less likely to parent harshly.
When safety starts with a text message
A study by the University of Texas at Arlington found that digital hotlines are providing anonymity, easy access, and a lower-pressure way for survivors to seek help. Advocates tailor their guidance to each person's situation, building a plan together while ensuring the survivor is in a safe space.
Kicking off the “Year of Diversity”
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is signing the Diversity Charter, a nationwide initiative promoting diversity in the workplace. The 'Year of Diversity' aims to anchor diversity and inclusion in everyday working life through participatory activities and regular dialogue.
Savoring pleasurable moments strengthens couples’ bonds
A recent study found that couples who prioritize savoring positive experiences in their relationship tend to have lower conflict levels, higher satisfaction, and increased confidence. This joint activity provides a buffer against stress, promoting stronger relationships.
Psychosocial safety pressures across Australian universities
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.
How tech-dependency and pandemic isolation have created ‘anxious generation’
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion programs in health care institutions
Programs promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in healthcare institutions are associated with an increased workforce. These programs support a more inclusive and equitable health care culture, according to the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Why parents turn to social media about kids’ drug use
A study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas at Arlington found that parents seeking advice on substance use from online peers can be misled by misconceptions. The research suggests that while social media offers a unique window into parental concerns, it should complement evidence-based guidance rather than replace it.
Why a crowded office can be the loneliest place on earth
A comprehensive review of 233 studies identifies the connection between workplace conditions and loneliness, highlighting the importance of job quality, stress management, and social support. Chronic loneliness harms emotional and cognitive well-being, while interventions such as mindfulness and volunteering can provide relief.
Being close to someone with a gambling problem raises your own risk – new study
A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.
Fathers’ early interactions with babies may affect child health years later
Fathers' warmth and developmentally supportive engagement with their babies at 10 months old were associated with better child health markers at age seven. In contrast, mothers' behavior had little predictive value on the child's physical health.
Has progress stalled on gender equality at work?
The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.
Overly involved parents may hold their kids back professionally
A recent study found that young people with highly involved parents tend to have occupations with less prestige. The study suggests that excessive parental involvement can hinder a child's ability to launch into independent careers.
After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and “like the living dead”
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
Pinochet’s prisoners were tormented with music but still found solace in it, a new book reveals
A new book, 'Music and Political Imprisonment in Pinochet’s Chile', exposes the brutal realities of torture during the dictatorship through the power of music. Survivors like Ana María Jiménez recount how they used songs to comfort each other and resist their captors.
How does grandparental care affect children’s health?
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
Jeonbuk National University study shows positive parenting can protect adolescents against self-harm
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
Marriage, emotional support may protect against obesity through brain-gut connection, study finds
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
Before the party starts: Parental attitudes linked to college binge drinking
A Washington State University-led study suggests that college students who binge drink have more permissive parents and join fraternities or sororities. Parents with less restrictive attitudes toward drinking are also more likely to have children who engage in heavy episodic drinking.
Authoritative parenting styles are associated with better mental health and self-esteem among adolescents, while authoritarian parenting styles are associated with depression and lower self-esteem and permissive parenting styles are associated with stress
A Nepalese study of 583 adolescents found that authoritative parenting is associated with improved mental health and self-esteem, while authoritarian parenting is linked to depression and lower self-esteem. Permissive parenting styles are also connected to increased stress levels among adolescents.
New Reichman University study finds: Babies begin forming expectations of their parents as early as the first year of life
Infants develop expectations about parental responsiveness from daily interactions, influencing their perception of the world. Consistent, calm, and supportive responses shape a sense of security, while inconsistent or distant responses lead to uncertainty. The study found that infants' preferences for responsive or unresponsive caregi...
Humans bring gender bias to their interactions with AI – new study
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that people exploit female-labelled AI and distrust male-labelled AI equally, as they do human partners of the same gender. The study's findings have significant implications for AI design, deployment, and regulation to prevent harmful gender discrimination.
Trends in prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among children
The study found a positive shift in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S. children between 2016 and 2023, with an increase in individuals reporting 0 ACEs and a decrease in severe ACEs. This trend suggests a reduction in severe ACEs among specific racial and ethnic groups and low-income families.
From stadiums to cyberspace: How the metaverse will redefine sports fandom
Researchers from Edith Cowan University explore how the metaverse transforms sports fandom, offering new opportunities for inclusion, innovation, and engagement. The metaverse promises to bring society closer together through collective identity and experiences, but also raises concerns over privacy, security, and user safety.
Rise in ADHD diagnoses can leave parents confused about ‘typical’ behavior for kids
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
Doctor exposes critical treatment gap leaving eating disorder patients “stuck in the cracks” of healthcare system
A doctor warns of critical treatment gaps in eating disorders, highlighting the dangers of ignoring physical warning signs and behavioral indicators. Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani advocates for integrated medical and psychological care to address the urgent need for effective treatment.
Personalized interactions increase cooperation, trust and fairness
A new study found that when people can tailor their actions to different individuals in their networks, they become significantly more cooperative, trusting, and fair. This contradicts standard experimental setups of cooperation, which underestimate people's prosocial potential.
A husband’s self-esteem may protect against preterm births, study finds
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.
Social identification with a team boosts fans’ social well-being
A new study suggests that organizations can enhance their supporters' health and well-being by bolstering their social identification with the group. Researchers found that in-group trust acted as the antecedent of social well-being, transmitting the indirect effects of progroup norms and purpose and meaning.
‘Slums’ of Victorian Manchester housed wealthy doctors and engineers, new study reveals
A new study reveals that middle-class Mancunians, including doctors and engineers, lived alongside working-class residents in the same buildings and streets. The research found that over 60% of buildings housing wealthy occupational classes also housed unskilled laborers.
50+ couples’ (un)happiness is interrelated
A longitudinal study found that factors like health and socioeconomic status do not alter the association of life satisfaction between spouses. The study suggests that women with broad social networks may be emotionally less dependent on their partner, but men's social networks have little effect on their partner's life satisfaction.
Youth screen use can cause family conflict, exacerbate mental health problems
Studies from the University of Georgia found that excessive screen time among young girls can lead to increased family conflict and widened gaps in emotional sharing between parents and kids. Delaying smartphone ownership or placing time limits on screentime may help mitigate these issues.
Housing associations more effective than government in supporting unemployed in deprived areas
A new study by University of East Anglia finds that housing associations are more effective than government work programmes at helping the long-term unemployed in deprived areas. The research suggests a person-centred approach with strength-based and long-term support is key to success.
Does your child have social anxiety? Here’s how you can help
A new study from the University of Georgia found that both mothers and fathers influence their children's social confidence, but in different ways. More warmth and affection from both parents were linked to fewer social anxiety symptoms, while rejection and coldness increased anxiety levels. Parents should balance setting age-appropria...
Job demand, not just skills, shapes public attitudes on immigration
A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies found that public attitudes towards immigration are shaped by job demand rather than just skill level. The research showed that citizens in both England and Japan were more likely to grant visas to workers in high-demand occupations, regardless of their skill level.
Traditional and “existential” wellness vary significantly between US regions
A study published in PLOS One found that US regional differences in traditional and existential wellness are linked to early colonization settlement patterns. Northeastern and Midwestern regions tend to have higher traditional wellness, while Southern residents exhibit higher existential wellness. These findings suggest that systemic d...
UTA researcher builds blueprint to combat trafficking
Dr. Kathleen Preble is creating a comprehensive resource guide to address human trafficking in Texas, building on her previous work in Missouri. The project aims to strengthen the state's response to human trafficking and provide a framework for other states to follow.
Feeling good about yourself
Researchers found that self-efficacy is essential for positive emotions and flourishing, with a strong association between life meaning and feeling good about oneself. Despite differences in passion and self-efficacy, the sexes are remarkably similar in most areas.
Shared memories, different emotions. How Polish families talk about their migration to Germany
A study by Polish researchers explores how parents and adult children construct shared narratives about their lives in Germany, with different emotional tones. The findings highlight the importance of intergenerational support and preparation for children before departure.
Parents may have been more likely to cheat than non-parents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Parents and men in particular may be susceptible to infidelity-related risk factors during high-stress life events. A new study reveals that parents reported a higher desire for and engagement in infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with similar patterns observed across genders.
Strained relationships may make foster parents quit
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that the quality of relationships between foster caregivers has a direct impact on their desire to continue fostering. Couples with lower satisfaction in their relationships are less likely to want to continue fostering, especially mothers.
Child mental health crisis tied to immigration enforcement
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
Gender disparities in Italian medical academia have persisted or worsened since 2014, with a continued "leaky pipeline" of women not progressing to senior roles
A study examining Italian medical academia over the last decade reveals a persistent 'leaky pipeline' of women not advancing to senior roles. The research highlights significant gender disparities in academia, affecting women's career prospects and opportunities.
Teenage diaries from Stalin’s Russia reveal boys’ struggles with love, famine and Soviet pressure to achieve
A new study reveals the personal diaries of teenage boys in Stalin's Russia, offering insights into their daily lives, family struggles, and experiences under Soviet rule. The diaries, written between 1930 and 1941, provide a unique perspective on life during this tumultuous period.