Articles tagged with Social Psychology
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.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...
Several common analogies used to model belief dynamics are examined for their conceptual mileage and baggage. The authors argue that while these analogies can provide useful concepts and methodologies, they have limitations and can lead to inaccurate inferences. To construct accurate models, researchers should consider multiple sources...
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when an AI is believed to be involved. Despite this, respondents were still less willing to follow AI-supported recommendations compared to advice from human doctors.
A study of 156,000 UK residents found that urban living is linked to lower levels of well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. Urban residents exhibit greater psychological inequality, particularly in terms of income and financial satisfaction.
This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.
A study of 2,001 American adults found that cryptocurrency ownership is associated with belief in conspiracy theories, support for political extremism, and the 'Dark Tetrad' of personality traits. Fringe social media sources are also a key predictor of crypto ownership.
A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that both amateur and professional dancers are less neurotic than non-dancers. They also exhibit higher levels of agreeableness, openness, and extraversion.
A study by JGU found that adolescents (14-20 years) are more satisfied with being single than their counterparts ten years ago. The researchers attribute this to the growing normalization of singlehood and changing attitudes towards romantic conventions among younger generations.
A social psychology study of US adults found that those with higher weights and high-quality interactions with heavier individuals exhibit reduced weight bias. The study highlights the role of social norms, intergroup contact, and ingroup favoritism in shaping weight stigma.
Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.
A recent study by the University of Sydney reveals that tight-knit communities can resist environmental initiatives due to the creation of echo chambers and groupthink. Strong local bonds can lead to resistance against sustainability programs and greenhouse gas reduction projects, making it challenging for policymakers to implement eff...
A study by Technical University of Munich found that Russian social media campaigns had a limited impact on the European public, with most people believing the disinformation being spread. The decisive factor in efficacy was whether a person is fundamentally receptive to conspiracy narratives.
A new study finds that people's attitudes are deeply linked to language and culture, with associations matching large AI models' outputs. The researchers used data from over 100,000 Americans and 53 languages to understand how biases are transmitted through language.
A study by the University of Toronto found that 43% of Canadians with a history of bipolar disorder were symptom-free and 23.5% had achieved complete mental health. Factors contributing to psychological flourishing included having a trusted confidant, using spirituality as coping mechanisms, and absence of disabling chronic pain.
A study of over 24,000 people found that mixed social networks with diverse friends improve social cohesion and personal well-being. People with heterogeneous friend groups reported higher levels of social cohesion within their neighborhoods, closely associated with increased life satisfaction.
A new study found that benevolent humour among medical assistants improves their job satisfaction and receives more positive feedback, while dark humour like sarcasm has negative effects. The study suggests using humour consciously and appropriately in patient interactions.
A study from Binghamton University reveals that men with 'toxic masculinity' tend to act on passive responses, regardless of consent. Men who display hostile masculinity view situations as more consensual and are more likely to escalate intimacy.
A recent study reviewed and challenged Kurt Lewin's long-standing motivational conflicts theory, finding that avoidance-avoidance conflicts are more challenging in positive and neutral contexts. The results expand our understanding of decision-making conflicts, highlighting the importance of emotional context in resolving these challen...
New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.
A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers suggests that most political debates occur among family and friends, rather than with strangers on social media. Participants reported positive emotions after discussions, even on divisive topics.
A study published in the Social Psychological Bulletin found that people who take revenge are morally condemned, but those who experience pleasure from doing so may be viewed as immoral. The researchers also discovered that when participants imagined themselves taking revenge, they perceived themselves as less moral than others.
A new Dartmouth study has found that prolonged contact between locals and migrants in Afghanistan did not reduce prejudice against migrants. The researchers tested psychologist Gordon Allport's 'contact theory' through a vocational training program, but found that structural changes are needed to address the issue.
Researchers found that politicians' affiliative smiles increased happiness and affinity in supporters, while reward smiles had a limited effect. The study highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in politics.
A study of 2,780 participants found that people generally trust scientists, but levels vary depending on the field. Trust is driven by perceptions of competence and morality, with controversy sparking greater importance of morality.
A recent study by psychologists from Simon Fraser University and the University of Sussex found that people are hesitant to reconnect with old friends, even when they want to. Despite having capacity and desire to do so, only about a third of participants send messages to rekindle lost friendships.
A study by van Leeuwen et al. found that cooperation theory can shed new light on the relationship between politics and morality. The researchers discovered nuanced differences in family and group values, as well as how they relate to conservative ideology.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that shared ancestry and transformative experiences can strengthen psychological bonding with humanity at large, motivating prosocial action on a global scale. The research suggests that fostering a shared global identity could facilitate cooperation on the global level.
Researchers found that teammates' supportive touches, like pats on the back, increased free throw accuracy after a missed first shot. The study, published in Psychology of Sport & Exercise, suggests that physical contact can help manage stress and improve performance in basketball.
A new study found that individuals underestimate the social connection they can make with a stranger who disagrees with them. Despite this, people tend to prefer avoiding hot-button issues and discussing their differences is surprisingly positively received.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.
A major international study found that 3% of adults have a real problem with pornography, with men more likely to experience issues than women. The research also highlights the need for support and understanding among those affected by problematic porn use.
A UC Riverside-led study found that moderately anxious children from minoritized groups are hypervigilant to threats, exacerbating their general state of anxiety. The study used MRI scanners and involved preadolescent Latina girls from low-income families.
A new study from Stanford University evaluates the effectiveness of patient mindset training on provider learning and behavior. The training aimed to improve care teams' ability to shape patients' mindsets about their treatment, care team, body, and illness. Participants reported a better understanding of mindset and increased apprecia...
A study of 62 Swedish children's books found that most depict death through metaphors, making it difficult for children to understand. Rakel Eklund's research highlights the need for more books that openly discuss death and grief from the child's perspective.
The project seeks to understand the impact of climate change, energy poverty, and indoor environmental quality on diverse populations, including people of color, renters, and low-income individuals. Proposed solutions include weatherization coupled with electrification and microgrid technology.
Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.
A survey-based study found that exposure to news clips of immigrant deaths decreased white individuals' belief in the American dream, while increasing their views on systemic racism. In contrast, Latinx individuals increased their belief in the American dream and decreased their beliefs in systematic racism.
Researchers at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that AI-driven products with human-like features, such as eyes and speech, can influence consumers' perceptions and decision-making. The study suggests that complex products are more likely to trigger anthromorphism, leading to increased willingness to pay.
A recent study found that people are more satisfied in relationships where they feel like they are being supported, rather than when they feel like they know their partner. By highlighting what you want to be known by a potential partner, you can increase your appeal on dating sites.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology reveals that men are more jealous of sexual infidelity, while women are more jealous of emotional infidelity. People surprisingly accurately perceive jealousy responses within their own sex but struggle to understand the opposite sex.
A new study from Rice University reveals that white students who acknowledge discriminatory behavior in STEM settings are more likely to intervene when their psychological standing is enhanced. Allyship plays a critical role in combating prejudice, particularly in STEM fields where minorities face significant barriers.
A new study from the University of Surrey reveals that exposure to body-positive images on social media increases body satisfaction in both men and women, while idealized imagery decreases it. Body positivity is perceived as promoting plus-size bodies more than other characteristics, but can still be beneficial for all body types.
A new study found that self-compassion within romantic relationships can improve both partners' relationship satisfaction. Men in particular benefit from their partner's self-compassion, leading to higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact inspires them to allocate more wealth to collective causes like charities. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Andrew Carnegie Effect', has significant societal benefits. Future research will track participants over time to determine its lasting impact.
A recent study by Tokyo University of Science has identified central emotions across languages through word association-based colexification networks. The researchers found that concepts like GOOD, WANT, BAD, and LOVE are associated with many other words representing emotions.
A recent study from Drexel University explored an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and body image, with participants also experiencing decreases in BMI and blood pressure.
A recent US study challenges the notion of a replication crisis in psychology, arguing that flawed intuition and low power in replication studies are to blame. The researchers propose using formal models to estimate expected replication rates, rather than relying on intuitive assumptions.
A study found that 64% of students did not engage in problematic behaviors, while 26% let participants take part despite knowing the hypothesis. Supervisors underestimated the prevalence of certain behaviors, highlighting the need for improved communication and Open Science education.
A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.
A recent US study found that parents overestimate the value of free play in children's learning, while undervaluing guided play. Guided play is more effective for teaching skills like mathematics, language, and STEM subjects. By educating parents on this approach, they can create engaging 'learning' moments during everyday activities.
A new relationship app, developed by a University of Rochester psychologist, has been shown to improve romantic relationships. The app sends daily prompts that encourage meaningful conversations, enhancing awareness and promoting moments of connection among couples.
Environmental and social factors greatly influence individual behavior, according to Professor Wilhelm Hofmann of Ruhr University Bochum. Traditional approaches focus on personal autonomy but neglect structural factors, leading to ineffective decisions.
Research reviews 98 articles worldwide, finding suicide rates among men increase during and after economic crises. The study highlights the need for governments to fund health services and social support systems to mitigate mental health impact.
A national Australian astronomy centre achieved gender parity in just five years by implementing evidence-based strategies and creating a supportive culture. The Centre's program reached a tipping point when there were 40% women in leadership positions, resulting in accelerated student enrolments by women.
Researchers found that using natural hazards instead of disasters increases intentions to prepare and actual behavior, suggesting a potential solution to improve public response. The study suggests that the terms 'natural hazard' and 'natural disaster' have little impact on key perceptions.
A study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that crowdfunding platforms create a sense of democracy, but backers often come from similar groups and give to projects they find cool. This limits the democratizing potential of crowdfunding.
New Cornell University research reveals that morality plays a central role in judging individuals within one's own group more harshly than those from other groups. The study found that people are more likely to judge ingroup members who engage in morally wrong behavior, as it threatens the social glue of the community.
A recent study found that Black adolescents are underrepresented in suicide research, with only 13% inclusion rate. Another study suggests cultural consensus modeling can elevate Black youth's voices and improve prevention strategies.