Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A new way out of the cycle of rejection

A study found that emotional messages are more effective in motivating people to pursue social activities again, especially for those who feel socially excluded. Emotional appeals can help counteract the cycle of rejection and isolation, making it easier for individuals to take care of themselves.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJun 29, 2017

How self-regulation can help young people overcome setbacks

A recent study found that self-regulation skills are a significant predictor of resilience in young people at risk of social exclusion. Helping these students acquire self-regulation skills, such as setting goals and coping with adversity, can equip them to do better in school and life.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 29, 2017

Better a 'no' than no answer at all

Researchers investigated how social exclusion affects individuals and found that even small indications of integration and attention can reduce distress. Receiving minimal attention via a letter or email can make rejection more bearable.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 11, 2017

Penn study finds linkage between social network structure and brain activity

A Penn study found a link between social network structure and brain activity, revealing that individuals with diffuse friend networks show more dynamic brain responses than those with close-knit social circles. The research used fMRI to examine the brain's response to social exclusion, finding that participants with sparse networks ex...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2017

Workplace climate, not women's 'nature,' responsible for gender-based job stress

A study by an Indiana University sociologist suggests that conditions associated with male-dominated professions cause token women to experience high levels of stress in the workplace. Men and women exhibit similar physiological responses to stressful workplace conditions, contradicting theories that women are more sensitive to exclusion.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 12, 2016

The economic crisis has worsened the hard lives of homeless people

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that the economic crisis has worsened the lives of homeless people, especially those who are foreign. The research revealed a rise in homelessness, primarily due to difficulties accessing jobs and cuts to financial aid, leading to increased duration of integration into society.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Work·DateApr 13, 2016

Why do chronically lonely teens stay lonely?

A study found that chronically lonely adolescents interpret social inclusion as coincidental and social exclusion as personal failure, leading to increased emotional distress. These self-defeating interpretations can perpetuate loneliness, making it harder for them to take advantage of opportunities for social inclusion.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 16, 2015

Assumptions of equality lead to poorer group decisions

New research from University College London suggests that people with differing competence give each other's views equal weight, preventing optimal group decisions. This 'equality bias' affects decision-making processes in various contexts, including everyday situations and high-level policy decisions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

The pain of social exclusion

A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that social exclusion activates the same brain circuits responsible for physical pain. The research used real people in videos to simulate social exclusion and physical pain, revealing activation of the posterior insular cortex in both conditions.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2014

Feeling left out can lead to risky financial decisions, research finds

A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that people who feel isolated are more likely to make risker financial decisions. The research, led by Rod Duclos, discovered that socially excluded individuals prefer longer odds for bigger lottery payoffs and take greater risks with their finances.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 1, 2013

Social exclusion on the playground

A study by Concordia researcher Holly Recchia found that children's experiences of exclusion are more diverse than previously thought, with some trying to numb negative feelings and others searching for alternatives. The study suggests age-specific interventions to help kids take responsibility for their actions and weigh different goals.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCognitive Development·DateSep 5, 2012

Who cleans the welfare state?

Migrant domestic workers face exploitation and social exclusion in Sweden's formal labor market. The report highlights the dual consequences of tax deductions on processes of inclusion and exclusion. Key findings reveal the persistence of informal services despite tax deductions and the vulnerability of undocumented migrant workers.

Rich people don't need friends

A study published in Psychological Science found that reminders of money can reduce feelings of pain and social exclusion. The researchers suggest that acquired symbolic value of money can influence responses to both emotional and physical pain.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 16, 2009

Poverty in Northern Ireland

A new ESRC report reveals that a higher proportion of families in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line compared to Britain or the Republic of Ireland. The report also highlights severe child poverty in Northern Ireland, with many households struggling to access basic necessities like heating and clothing.