http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/relationships/ Research about healthy relationships. From friendships to love and marriage, articles explore human interactions. en-us Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:05:05 EST Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:05:05 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/relationships/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105401.htm A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173412.htm Researchers have shown that the brain regions that have long been recognized as a center in which spoken or written words are decoded are also important in interpreting wordless gestures. The findings suggest that these brain regions may play a much broader role in the interpretation of symbols than researchers have thought and, for this reason, could be the evolutionary starting point from which language originated. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161216.htm Millions of people are spending real money on virtual clothes in online hangouts, digital items in multiplayer games and presents for their friends in social networking sites. This digitalisation of consumption is an inherent consequence of the increasing involvement of communication technology in everyday social activities, says one researcher. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity. Yet, research suggests that fewer than half of pediatricians report screening patients for such at-risk behaviors. A new diagnostic test allows clinicians to quickly and accurately screen teens for high risk drug and alcohol use. Now, researchers have established that the same test can also identify teens who more likely to be engaging in high risk sexual behaviors. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090903.htm Last year, the United States provided asylum and resettlement assistance for nearly 80,700 people from other countries, an increase from 71,300 individuals in 2007, according to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Health experts say the increase has made issues of immigrant and refugee violence and the need for effective intervention strategies more apparent. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm Personal lubricants have long been recommended to women to improve the comfort of intercourse and to reduce the risk of vaginal tearing, which can increase risks for STIs and HIV. Public health professionals also recommend the addition of lubricant to condoms during sexual activity. Despite this routine advice, strikingly little is known about situations in which lubricants are used or whether there are any associated vaginal symptoms. These studies provide insight into lubricant use. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125044.htm New research suggests that regardless of sexual orientation, men prefer sexual dimorphism in faces. This study finds that gay men preferred the most masculine-faced men, while straight men preferred the most feminine-faced women. The findings suggest that regardless of sexual orientation, men's brains are wired for attraction to sexually dimorphic faces -- those with facial features that are most synonymous with their gender. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111915.htm A new study sheds new light on the relationship between race, body weight and sexual behavior among adolescent girls. The results suggest that a girl's ethnicity and her actual weight or perception of her weight may play a role in her participation in risky sexual behaviors. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019123009.htm Violence between couples is usually the result of a calculated decision-making process and the partner inflicting violence will do so only as long as the price to be paid is not too high, according to a new study. "The violent partner might conceive his or her behavior as a 'loss of control', but the same individual, unsurprisingly, would not lose control in this way with a boss or friends," she explains. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019123009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021101806.htm Researchers have discovered that a primitive region of the brain responsible for sensorimotor control also has an important role in regulating emotional responses to threatening situations. This region appears to work in concert with another structure called the amygdala to regulate social and emotional behavior. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021101806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125131.htm The Internet has spawned a virtual subculture of "johns" who share information electronically about prostitution, potentially making them harder to catch, according to a new study. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026105744.htm Young people mainly select their friends according to the image they have of another person, irrespective of whether the person concerned actually satisfies that image. A Dutch researcher has demonstrated that young people consider themselves to be the most important factor in a friendship. Nevertheless friendship can still exert a significant influence: boys become criminal and girls become depressed. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026105744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153641.htm The rates of non-familial sex crimes against children under the age of 12 are no higher during the Halloween season than at any other times of the year, according to a new study. The findings raise questions about the wisdom of law enforcement practices aimed at dealing with a problem that does not appear to exist. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101536.htm Midwives often struggle to meet the needs of pregnant women who are lesbians, according to a study of 30-46 year-olds just published. The majority felt that health-care staff focused more on their sexuality than their needs as pregnant women and prospective parents. Researchers are now calling for special training for midwives, more neutral health-care routines and forms and special education groups for pregnant women who are lesbians and their partners. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141024.htm Suppose you are at a busy playground and you hear an 11-year-old using language he didn't learn on Sesame Street. There are plenty of other adults around, but, apparently, not this child's parents. Do you intervene? Does anyone? Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102030.htm Laughter is an emotional expression that is innate in human beings. This means laughing at others is also believed to be a universal phenomenon. However, the fear of being laughed at causes some people enormous problems in their social lives. This is known as gelotophobia, a disorder that affects people in all cultures alike. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230456.htm Socially learned behavior and belief are much better candidates than genetics to explain the self-sacrificing behavior we see among strangers in societies, from soldiers to blood donors to those who contribute to food banks. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135504.htm Teenage boys in Sweden take less responsibility than girls for preventing the spread of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections, according to a new study. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008123224.htm The intense exchanges that human mothers share with their newborn infants may have some pretty deep roots, suggests a study of rhesus macaques. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008123224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161330.htm A recent study shows that individuals who have experienced violence at an early age may have trouble adjusting to healthy, adult romantic relationships and are at a higher risk to experience marital difficulties. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm Adolescents with psychiatric symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, hostility and depression may be more likely to develop an Internet addiction, according to a new report. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm New research looks at the specific ways parents and peers influence teenagers to smoke, drink and use marijuana in combination. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084600.htm Pre- and post-menopausal women who self-rated themselves as being sexually satisfied had a higher overall psychological well-being score and scores for "positive well-being" and "vitality," compared with sexually dissatisfied women in a study of 295 women sexually active more than twice a month. The study also uncovered a positive association between age and well-being, but a negative association for general health. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102528.htm Results of a new study warn against glamorizing celebrity suicides in the media. The study has found evidence that the increasing reach and influence of the media, combined with a growing number of people assigned celebrity status, could increase the probability of widespread suicide pandemics. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930175731.htm A study of female monkeys' grooming habits provides new clues about the way we humans socialize. New research reveals there is a link between the size of the brain, in particular the neocortex which is responsible for higher-level thinking, and the size and number of grooming clusters that monkeys belong to. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930175731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103428.htm A common nuisance, the fruit fly, is capable of intricate social learning much like that used by humans, according to new research. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131028.htm Parents in low-income environments are more prone to depression when there is a lack of social support. This is especially prevalent in rural regions, where mental health and social resources can be deficient. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191605.htm Juvenile delinquency may be a result of misunderstood social cues. Research shows that male juvenile delinquents frequently misinterpret facial expressions of disgust as anger, providing a possible cause for their aggressive behavior. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910103325.htm The quality of a person's social life could have an even greater impact than diet and exercise on their health and well-being. There is growing evidence that being a member of a social group can significantly reduce the risk of conditions like stroke, dementia and even the common cold. New research highlights the importance of belonging to a range of social groups, of hanging onto social groups, and of building new social groups in dealing with life changes. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910103325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213202.htm Prairie voles may be a useful model in understanding the neurochemistry of social behavior and how early life nurturing impacts later life relationships. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824141045.htm Medically, crying is known to be a symptom of physical pain or stress. But now an evolutionary biologist looks to empirical evidence showing that tears have emotional benefits and can make interpersonal relationships stronger. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824141045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082531.htm Sexual impairment is common among men with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy, according to a new study. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824205524.htm Computer scientists are using social networking tools to explore if individuals can enhance their personal and social wellbeing over time if they quickly share how they feel about issues such as their busyness, enjoyment, health and stress via these networks. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824205524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901091735.htm Researchers have found new evidence showing that parents play a key role in whether or not their adolescent children who experiment with tobacco progress to become daily smokers before they graduate from high school. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901091735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191852.htm Allowing teens to work too many hours in the wrong environment can be dangerous for their sexual health by fostering conditions that lead them to older sex partners, a new study shows. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115811.htm When it comes to potential mates, women may be as complicated as men claim they are, according to psychologists. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151307.htm More than a half billion people use online social networks, posting vast amounts of information about themselves to share with online friends and colleagues. A new study has found that the practices of many popular social networking sites typically make that personal information available to companies that track Web users' browsing habits, and allow them to link anonymous browsing habits to specific people. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142859.htm Psychologists have determined for the first time that a gene linked with physical pain sensitivity is associated with social pain sensitivity as well. The research gives weight to the common notion that rejection "hurts" by showing that a gene that regulates the body's most potent painkillers are involved in socially painful experiences too. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142855.htm A new study of nearly 1,000 low-income families in three major cities found that one in four children between the ages of 11 and 16 reported having sex, with their first sexual intercourse occurring at the average age of 12.77. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819064029.htm Research indicates that the social stigma that surrounds lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) teens leads to a variety of health risks such as substance use, risky sexual behaviors, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and victimization. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819064029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083222.htm It is widely understood that, ideally, schools and parents should work together to ensure that children can succeed as students and citizens. But what is the right balance? And how much do teachers want parents involved in the classroom? A new study identifies ways that schools and communities can work with parents to give children the greatest chance of success. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142144.htm What do flocks of birds have in common with trust, monogamy, and even breast milk? According to a new report in the journal Science, they are regulated by virtually identical neurochemicals in the brain, known as oxytocin in mammals and mesotocin in birds. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142133.htm Imitation, the old saying goes, is the sincerest form of flattery. It also appears to be an ancient interpersonal mechanism that promotes social bonding and, presumably, sets the stage for relative strangers to coalesce into groups of friends, according to a new study. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025247.htm Women who hold supervisory positions are more likely to be sexually harassed at work, according to the first-ever, large-scale longitudinal study to examine workplace power, gender and sexual harassment. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190932.htm Members of "sexual minorities" are around twice as likely as heterosexuals to seek help for mental health issues or substance abuse treatment. A model of treatment-seeking behavior, described in a new study, supports the idea that lesbian, gay and bisexual people may have specific treatment needs. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142502.htm Being a victim of sexual assault and seeking help is difficult for anyone, but when the victim is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer the thought of reporting a crime may well be laced with added layers of uncertainty and mistrust, according to a new study. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080749.htm Men are far more interested in casual sex than women. While men need to be exceptionally attractive to tempt women to consider casual sex, men are far less choosy. New research shows that men are more likely than women to report having had casual sex and they express a greater desire for it than do women. It is also thought that women but not men raise their standards of attractiveness for a casual sex partner. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805114616.htm Women tend to choose foods with a lower caloric value when dining with men, but not when they dine with other women. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805114616.htm