Articles tagged with Social Psychology
The PEERS Clinic at UCLA offers a 20-week dating program called PEERS for Dating, aiming to demystify social rules and empower participants to form lasting connections. Participants will learn practical strategies for initiating and maintaining romantic relationships with support from trained coaches.
A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
A new study challenges music critics' perception of the 'sophomore slump', a phenomenon where a band's second album is panned. Critics are found to be exceptionally harsh on second albums, while fans show no evidence of this bias.
Bentham Science journals Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry and CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets accepted for PsycInfo database indexing, enhancing global visibility of research. PsycInfo provides extensive coverage of behavioral and social sciences, making this move a significant step forward.
A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.
In 2024, 20 cases of femicide were reported in Israel, with half of the victims being Israeli Arabs. The majority of victims knew their perpetrators, often husbands or family members. Stabbings were the most common method of killing, and only 20% of victims had sought police assistance for prior domestic violence.
Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
Prof. Tamar Saguy, a full professor at Reichman University's School of Psychology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on reconciliation processes between groups. Her work highlights the importance of addressing power imbalances in dialogue initiatives and proposes effective strategies to promote social change.
The University of Missouri's College of Education and Human Development is giving free online training and coaching to 110 middle school teachers in rural Missouri. The goal is to create a safe learning environment, with the potential to reduce stressors for teachers and improve student engagement.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.
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.
Researchers developed a tool to assess narcissistic grandiosity among job candidates, evaluating their approach to teamwork and decision-making. The Narcissism Interview Scale for Employment (NISE) aims to prioritize finding the right candidates for a healthy work environment.
A recent Canadian study reveals that transgender populations in Canada experience a significantly higher prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. The study, published in JAMA, is based on data from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older.
A study analyzing 1.6 million social media posts found that Ukrainian solidarity posts received significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about Russia. After the invasion, posts celebrating unity gained a 92% increase on Facebook and a 68% increase on Twitter.
A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...
A new study by North Carolina State University found that Black women who witness online microaggressions are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. The study suggests that health practitioners should consider a patient's stress experiences related to sex and race when treating sleep disorders.
A long-term study of over 11,000 German adults found that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships and that the two factors influence each other. The study showed significant correlations over time, with changes in sexual satisfaction leading to changes in self-esteem.
Researchers discovered that video backgrounds, particularly those with motion, increase cognitive load leading to fatigue. Blurred images and nature-themed backgrounds were found to be less tiring than static images or office settings.
New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The Abundance Index for Workers (AIW) measures psychological wealth and well-being in the workplace. The study validates its effectiveness using data from the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study, demonstrating a more accurate assessment of worker well-being.
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.
A recent study from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that people who express ambivalence about political topics are disliked by those who disagree and those who agree but feel their position isn't strong enough. The study exposes a mismatch between expectation and social reality, suggesting that nuanced positio...
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.