Add BrightSurf on Google Email

For decision-makers who want the best, focus on the strategy

Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2017

Older adults embracing 'living apart together'

Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 9, 2017

Is shotgun marriage dead?

Research from Duke University finds shotgun marriages increasing among certain groups of women, including young mothers and those with less education. The study suggests that shotgun marriages are not as unstable as thought, with divorce rates comparable to other marriages.

SourceDuke University·JournalDemography·DateNov 1, 2016

'Culture of affluence' complicates women's help-seeking for domestic violence

A new study suggests that affluent women's ability to seek help for domestic violence is hindered by societal expectations of perfectionism and social status. Women who 'bought in' to the culture of affluence reported feeling pressured to maintain a happy family image, preventing them from disclosing abuse.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateOct 3, 2016

Study finds bias, disgust toward mixed-race couples

Research from University of Washington suggests that despite high levels of reported acceptance, bias against mixed-race couples persists in the US. The study found a strong negative correlation between bias and disgust, as well as activation in the insula brain region when viewing images of interracial couples.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 17, 2016

Why is female sexuality more flexible than male sexuality?

A new evolutionary theory suggests women's sexual desires can change based on partner, reproductive status, and circumstances, reducing conflict in polygamous marriages. This theory may explain puzzles in human sex research, such as differences in female and male homosexuality.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 16, 2016

Relationships in distress find support in web-based program, OurRelationship.com

A nationwide study found that a web-based program improved relationship satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in 300 couples. The program, developed by University of Miami psychologists, was completed online with minimal calls with project staff, offering an affordable alternative to traditional counseling.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 4, 2016

New research shows quasars slowed star formation

A team of astronomers has found evidence that quasars' energy feedback may have slowed down star formation in the universe about 11 billion years ago. The study used data from multiple telescopes to detect the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect, a phenomenon caused by high-energy electrons disturbing the Cosmic Microwave Background.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Saying I do

A study by UC Santa Barbara demographer Shelly Lundberg and economist Robert Pollak finds that marriage rates have declined among those with lower education levels, while college-educated couples marry earlier and their marriages are more stable. High-income parents invest more time and resources in children, making long-term commitmen...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Future of Children·DateNov 9, 2015

Is marriage good or bad for the figure?

A comparative study of 9 European countries found that married couples have a higher body mass index than singles, with differences attributed to changes in eating behaviors. However, the study also shows that married couples tend to eat healthier, with increased consumption of regional and organic products.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015

Acceptance of working moms at all-time high

Research from San Diego State University reveals that societal acceptance of working mothers is at an all-time high among millennials. Attitudes towards women's work and family roles have changed significantly since the 1970s, with only 22% of 12th graders in the 2010s believing a preschool-aged child would suffer if their mother worked.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJun 29, 2015

Kissing cousins, arranged marriages and genetic diversity

A study examines the effects of arranged marriages on genetic diversity, finding that Rindi people's relaxed compliance with their marriage rules produces a genetic diversity similar to random mating. The researchers developed an open-source tool called SMARTPOP to analyze other marriage rules worldwide.

Educated women choosing to be mothers without marrying their spouses

A study led by Benoît Laplante finds that consensual unions have become increasingly popular among higher-income groups in Latin America. University-educated women are no longer limited to having children out of wedlock, as fertility rates correlate with living in a conjugal relationship rather than its legal nature.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 19, 2015

A more tolerant America?

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...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 16, 2015