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Some single people are happy on their own, research finds

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 ...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 21, 2015

Cheating amoebas reveal key to successful societies

A recent study published in Current Biology found that while cheaters do not take over populations, they also cannot ever fully be removed. By identifying how diverse societies prevent or cope with cheating, researchers can identify general principles about how to promote cooperation and prevent conflict.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 2015

New guidelines aim to resolve conflicts in treating critically ill patients

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early and intensive communication between healthcare teams and families to prevent conflicts. In cases where disputes remain unresolvable, a fair process of dispute resolution involving expert consultants and mediation is recommended.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 15, 2015

Does a competent leader make a good friend?

Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2015

Bird battles promote unity on the front line

Research from the University of Bristol found that bird groups unite at nightfall after territorial conflicts, strengthening their defense of valuable roost sites. This cooperation between group members is favored by conflict with outsiders, highlighting a link to human societal evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

With distance comes greater wisdom, research finds

A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 9, 2014

What cooperation and conflict in an insect's society can teach us about social acceptance

A new study by University of Miami biologist Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy explores the acceptance of non-related individuals in highly organized and adaptable societies. Young, unfamiliar individuals were accepted more frequently than old ones and those in late-stage colonies, suggesting that social context and immediate needs mediate accepta...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 18, 2014

A clinician's guide to managing moral distress

A new framework provides guidance for clinicians to manage moral distress, which can interfere with patient care and clinician well-being. The framework aims to create a healthy work environment supporting clinicians to practice with integrity and reduce the toll on caregivers and patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateSep 12, 2013

Attractive and successful

Researchers found that female motivation to help offspring and attractiveness significantly influence the outcome of intersexual conflicts in wild bonobos. Attractive females are more likely to win conflicts against males, with males displaying reduced aggression during times of elevated fecundity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 15, 2013

Health costs of income inequality in marriage, jealousy and parenting, humor and conflict

A new study finds that men whose wives earn more income are more likely to use erectile dysfunction medication, while wives who outearn their husbands suffer from insomnia. Humor can also be a double-edged sword in relationships, with some types of humor helping to diffuse tense conflicts and others eliciting negative responses.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 7, 2013

Human-tiger conflict: Are the risks overestimated?

A new study published in Springer's Human Ecology journal explores the complex web of factors increasing perceived risk of tiger attack in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh. The researchers found that poverty-related issues, such as low incomes and poor infrastructure, significantly influence villagers' perceptions of risk from tigers.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJan 21, 2013

Climate variability and conflict risk in East Africa measured by Boulder team

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder team analyzed extensive climate datasets and violent conflicts in East Africa, finding moderate increases in temperature reduce conflict risk slightly, while very hot temperatures increase it. Socioeconomic factors have a much greater impact on conflict risk than climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Work-family conflict translates to greater risk of musculoskeletal pain for hospital workers

A study by George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services suggests that work-family conflict is linked to a higher risk of neck and shoulder pain in hospital workers. Researchers found that employees with high work-life imbalance were nearly three times more likely to report arm pain.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateSep 27, 2012

MIT research: The power of being heard

A new study from MIT neuroscientists found that sharing stories about one's life with members of the opposing group improves attitudes and reduces prejudice. The benefits were greatest for members of the less empowered group, who reported improved attitudes towards the other group after sharing their own perspectives.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 15, 2012

Chimpanzees have policemen, too

In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers observed chimpanzee groups and found that high-ranking individuals intervene in conflicts to ensure group stability. This behavior is driven by a community concern interest, with more parties to a conflict resulting in greater policing.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2012

Chimpanzees have policemen, too

Researchers found that chimpanzees intervene in conflicts to preserve group peace, exhibiting prosocial behavior based on community concern. This policing activity was rare and limited to high-ranking individuals, who were more willing to intervene if several quarrelers were involved.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2012

Youth report favorable impressions of community street outreach workers

A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that youth generally perceive community street outreach workers positively, regardless of personal experience. The majority of respondents reported successfully resolving conflicts and needing help with employment, education, and healthcare needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateDec 8, 2010

Street outreach workers an important tool for violence prevention and intervention

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds that street outreach workers are a crucial tool for preventing and intervening in youth violence. The program, run by the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), incorporates elements like peacemaking, resource provision, and community partnerships to achieve success.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action·DateAug 20, 2010