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Social media and self-harm: Study finds need for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that potential harms co-exist with opportunities for crisis support on social media platforms. Researchers are calling for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed online choices.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 11, 2026

A well-liked best friend can reduce an isolated child’s exclusion but not their withdrawal, Concordia study finds

A new study by Concordia researchers found that well-liked friends can help reduce peer exclusion, but not social withdrawal in isolated children. The study tracked 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students over eight weeks and found that friendships with high-status peers reinforced existing social status, rather than improving inclusion.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Early institutional care lowers life expectancy

A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 30, 2026

The Institute of New Imaging Technologies at the UJI leads the European FAIR GAME project to protect children in online gaming environments

The European FAIR GAME consortium aims to create participatory mechanisms that foster digital literacy, strengthen mental wellbeing and embed practices grounded in children's fundamental rights in online gaming environments. The project seeks to bring about cultural and structural change in gaming platform policies and standards.

Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism is an interdisciplinary laboratory fostering critical training and collective knowledge production. Up to 100 students will be selected for the course, which will feature internationally renowned researchers as speakers.

Between solstices and equinoxes

A Portuguese theatre company collaborated with doctors and patients to develop a play about bipolar disorder, which was performed in front of an audience of over 300 people. The play's emotional engagement helped facilitate the assimilation of scientific information and contributed to reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2025

Barriers prevent everyone enjoying nature equally

A major international study involving 56,968 adults found that levels of nature connectedness are associated with socioeconomic factors such as financial security, education, and racial majority status. The UK scored higher on the Nature Exposure Scale, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led in this aspect.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 25, 2024

Does physical isolation increase loneliness?

A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2024

People's moral values change with the seasons

A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Dance, dance revolution: New Drexel research shows dance and movement therapy can increase emotional and social intelligence in middle school students

A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences & Humanities Open·DateAug 5, 2024

Strong friendships in adolescence could offer a long-term measure of resilience

A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that high-quality friendships among adolescents are strongly associated with resilient functioning in early adulthood. The researchers used brain imaging scans to examine neural responses to social exclusion, revealing a link between better friendship quality and po...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 25, 2024

Ethical burden, restricted resources and poor management cause home care workers to leave their jobs

A new study by University of Eastern Finland identifies four main drivers for home care worker turnover: mismatch between client needs and available resources, digital systems taking up time, inflexible work demands, and ethical burden. Home care workers seek personal management and consideration of employee and client needs.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateFeb 19, 2024

Black Americans, low-income Americans may benefit most from stronger policies on air pollution

A new study found that stronger air pollution rules would lower premature death risks for all Americans, but particularly those from marginalized communities. Lowering PM2.5 levels to 8 μg/m3 could reduce mortality rates by 4% for White higher-income adults and up to 7% for Black higher-income and low-income adults.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023

The science of self-esteem: Past experience can predict teenage girls' self-worth, sense of belonging

A study led by Haley Skymba and Karen Rudolph found that teenage girls' past experiences with peer adversity directly impact how they perceive their own self-worth and belonging. The researchers designed a study to observe trends in a cohort of 89 girls, averaging 16 years old, and discovered patterns that demonstrate the connection be...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023

Study uncovers how blind and visually impaired individuals navigate social challenges

A recent study highlights uncomfortable social situations people with blindness face, as well as strategies they use to navigate them. Researchers found techniques for avoiding awkward encounters, recovering from them, and even constructive ways allies can support individuals with visual impairment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2022

Safety first: How stigma may impact health

A new theory suggests that lack of perceived safety in marginalized communities can have a direct impact on physical and mental health. This concept challenges decades-old thinking that minority stress is the primary cause of health disparities in the LGBTQ community.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Loneliness, shame and other effects on people with disabilities at mealtimes

Researchers found four large groups of social and emotional effects resulting from difficulty eating in groups among people with disabilities. Difficulty eating can lead to feelings of loneliness, shame, and reduced self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of considering these issues in healthcare.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeCase study·DateJun 13, 2022

Building bridges after crime and self-punishment

Research found that self-punishment can garner sympathy for offenders by signaling their commitment to shared social norms. The study suggests that prolonged social exclusion and self-harm can be destructive, highlighting the need for support in making amends to society.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Poverty divide unchanged in decades

A new study by Flinders University highlights the systemic forces driving poverty and social exclusion among Australian young people. The research reveals that schools' current systems are ineffective in addressing the needs of marginalized children, pointing to a need for sweeping reforms and stronger policymaking.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social Policy·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Water as a precious commodity: Competition for natural resources prevents sustainable development and excludes entire communities from water resources

A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2022

The health of homeless people improves with socialisation

A new study from the University of the Basque Country found that social interaction and contact with family members have a significant positive impact on homeless people's perception of their health. Conversely, longer periods of homelessness and reduced social connections are associated with poorer health perceptions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 3, 2021

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021

Social inclusion of women by male colleagues in STEM fields can improve their workplace experience

Research suggests that fostering positive workplace social relationships between men and women can improve gender equity and inclusion in STEM. Even small gestures of social inclusion, such as chatting with female teammates during breaks, can reduce stereotypes and increase feelings of engagement.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

Neuroimaging shows social exclusion spurs extremism in those vulnerable to radicalization

A study using neuroimaging found that social exclusion strengthens willingness to defend non-sacred values, making them more radicalized. The neural activity associated with sacred values was also increased, suggesting a process of sacralization. These findings have implications for understanding and addressing extremism.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 10, 2019

Your Facebook friends don't mean it, but they're likely hurting you daily

Research from University at Buffalo suggests that unintentional social exclusion on Facebook and other social media sites can hinder thought processes, leading to negative emotions and increased susceptibility to advertising messages. The study's findings highlight the importance of critical thinking when interacting with these platforms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·DateSep 26, 2018

Gentle touch soothes the pain of social rejection

Researchers at University College London discovered that gentle touch can soothe the effects of social exclusion, one of the most emotionally painful human experiences. The study found that slow, affectionate touch reduced feelings of negativity and social exclusion induced by social rejection, even though general mood remained the same.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2017