http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/social_psychology/ Love, altruism and affection. Read current news articles on how animals can be altruistic, how social networks can protect us and more. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/social_psychology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142959.htm As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is revised for the first time since 1994, controversy about psychiatric diagnosis is reaching a fever pitch. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215342.htm Cognitive stimulation therapies have beneficial effects on memory and thinking in people with dementia, according to a systematic review. Despite concerns that cognitive improvements may not be matched by improvements in quality of life, the review also found positive effects for well-being. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm Researchers have found that teammates in a team-based weight loss competition significantly influenced each other's weight loss, suggesting that weight loss can be contagious. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122038.htm Though cellphones are usually considered devices that connect people, they may make users less socially minded, finds a recent study. The researchers found that after a short period of cellphone use subjects were less inclined to volunteer for community service when asked, compared to control-group counterparts. Talking on a cell phone reduces the desire to connect with others, they explain. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121734.htm Members of the modern workforce might be surprised to learn that if they use the word “weekend” in a workplace email, chances are they’re sending the message up the org chart. The same is true for the words “voicemail,” “driving,” “okay”—- and even a choice four-letter word that rhymes with “hit.” However a new study shows that certain words and phrases indeed are reliable indicators of whether workplace emails are sent to someone higher or lower in the corporate hierarchy. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185826.htm If the one you love usually forgets Valentine's Day, but this year makes a romantic effort, you should give him credit for trying. A new study shows that the more you believe your partner is capable of change and perceive that he or she is trying to improve, the more secure and happy you will feel in your relationship. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133106.htm Blogs are more than a tool to publish on the web, they are also a way to build and maintain communities between people who share interests online. New research analyzes how weblog communities are formed and differ from one another. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133454.htm People visit social networking sites such as Facebook for many reasons, including the positive emotional experience that people enjoy and want to repeat, according to a new article. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095535.htm There’s a dark side to puppy love. Teen dating: it’s a subject that causes many parents to shudder and shy away, but parents can use Valentine’s Day to start important conversations with their teens or pre-teens. There are ways to make dating and relationships safer for them – not just now but throughout their lives. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143948.htm Researchers have found a way to study how our brains assess the behavior -- and likely future actions -- of others during competitive social interactions. Their study is the first to use a computational approach to tease out differing patterns of brain activity during these interactions, the researchers report. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092552.htm Online dating has not only shed its stigma, it has surpassed all forms of matchmaking in the United States other than meeting through friends, according to a new analysis of research on the burgeoning relationship industry. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203101153.htm Understanding the human mind is the key to social robotics, and researchers describe what we can expect from this field in the future. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203101153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181459.htm In theory, the social networking website Facebook could be great for people with low self-esteem. Sharing is important for improving friendships. But in practice, people with low self-esteem seem to behave counterproductively, bombarding their friends with negative tidbits about their lives and making themselves less likeable, according to a new study. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181453.htm What does being committed to your marriage really mean? A psychology professors answer this question in a new study based on their analysis of 172 married couples over the first 11 years of marriage. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092420.htm For those with few social advantages, college is a prime pathway to financial stability, but it also unexpectedly lowers their odds of ever marrying, according to a new study. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131155.htm Divorce at a younger age hurts people's health more than divorce later in life, according to a new study. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093921.htm Scientists have created a new algorithm to detect virtual communities, designed to match the needs of real-life social, biological or information networks detection better than with current attempts. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129232827.htm Attentiveness in kindergarten accurately predicts the development of "work-oriented" skills in school children, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129232827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135938.htm Girls are not as good at playing football as boys, and they do not have a clue about cars. Instead they know better how to dance and do not get into mischief as often as boys. Prejudices like these are cultivated from early childhood onwards by almost everyone, a researcher asserts. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126143656.htm Psychologists have found that buying experiences makes people happier than possessions, but who spends their spare cash on experiences? Extraverts and people who are open to new experiences are more likely to make a habit of "experience shopping" and are happier as a result, according to new research. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126143656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126133959.htm Could depression in adulthood be tied to a parent's level of education? A new study by a medical sociologist suggests this is the case. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126133959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123703.htm Measuring brain activity in infants as young as six months may help to predict the future development of autism symptoms. In their first year of life, babies who will go on to develop autism already show different brain responses when someone looks at or away from them. The findings suggest that direct brain measures might help to predict the future development of autism symptoms in infants as young as six months. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115937.htm "Stand by me" is a common refrain when it comes to friendship but new research demonstrates that the concept goes beyond pop music: keeping friends close has real physiological and psychological benefits. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125151841.htm Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a new research paper. The study focused on whether genes are likely to cause a person to become a life-course persistent offender, which is characterized by antisocial behavior during childhood that can later progress to violent or serious criminal acts later in life. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125151841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125143115.htm Children with autism spectrum disorders tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology. A new study found that adolescents with autism (64.2 percent) spend most of their free time using solitary, or non-social, screen-based media (television and video games) while only 13.2 percent spend time on socially interactive media (e-mail, Internet chatting). Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125143115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125142210.htm Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) tend to be preoccupied with screen-based media. A new study looks at how children with ASDs spend their “screen time.” Researchers found a very high rate of use of solitary screen-based media such as video games and television with a markedly lower rate of use of social interactive media, including email. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125142210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091053.htm Researchers in Italy have used two high-speed computer algorithms to analyze the connections between a large sub-set of the more than half a billion users of the social networking site Facebook to reveal that the system has a very strong structure. The study shows that Facebook has a well-defined community structure that follows a statistical power law in which there are a huge number of people with few connections and a much smaller number with a large number of connections. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183755.htm When it comes to the well-being of married versus cohabitating Valentines, wedded couples experience few advantages in psychological well-being and social ties, according to a new study at Cornell University. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113053.htm Prejudice against people from groups different than their own is linked to aggression for men and fear for women, suggests new research. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm In cultures that permit men to take multiple wives, the intra-sexual competition that occurs causes greater levels of crime, violence, poverty and gender inequality than in societies that institutionalize and practice monogamous marriage. That is a key finding of a new study that explores the global rise of monogamous marriage as a dominant cultural institution. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamous marriage is rapidly replacing polygamy because it has lower levels of inherent social problems. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123917.htm Nurturing mothers have garnered accolades for rescuing skinned knees on the playground and coaxing their children to sleep with lullabies. Now they're gaining merit for their offspring's physical health in middle age. While children raised in families with low socioeconomic status frequently go on to have high rates of chronic illness in adulthood, a sizable minority remain healthy across the life course, new research shows. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm A spoonful of medicine goes down a lot easier if there is a dog or cat around. Having pets is helpful for women living with HIV/AIDS and managing their chronic illness, according to a new study. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201240.htm A neuro-imaging study shows that personal values people refuse to disavow, even when offered cash, are processed differently in the brain than those values that are willingly sold. The experiment found that the realm of the sacred -- whether a strong religious belief, national identity or code of ethics -- is a distinct cognitive process, and prompts greater activation of a brain area associated with rules-based, right-or-wrong thought processes, as opposed to regions linked to costs-versus-benefits thought. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201215.htm Research has found that small-group dynamics -- such as jury deliberations, collective bargaining sessions, and cocktail parties -- can alter the expression of IQ in some susceptible people. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120121120112.htm According to a recent study by evolutionary psychologists, the tendency to fall asleep first after sex is associated with greater partner desire for bonding and affection. Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120121120112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010447.htm Psychological research has found that religious people feel great about themselves, with a tendency toward higher social self-esteem and better psychological adjustment than non-believers. But a new study finds that this is only true in countries that put a high value on religion. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133745.htm Adults who participated in a high quality early childhood education program in the 1970s are still benefiting from their early experiences in a variety of ways, according to a new study. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118123143.htm Psychology textbooks have made the same historical mistake over and over. Now the inaccuracy is pointed out in a new article. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118123143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101335.htm Married couples experience few advantages for psychological well-being, health, or social ties compared to unmarried couples who live together, according to a new study. While both marriage and cohabitation provide benefits over being single, these reduce over time following a honeymoon period. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust. But a new study suggests rumor-mongering can have positive outcomes such as helping us police bad behavior, prevent exploitation and lower stress. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144226.htm Whether it's investing in stocks, bungee jumping or public speaking, why do we often plan to take risks but then "chicken out" when the moment of truth arrives? Scientists argue that this "illusion of courage" is one example of an "empathy gap" -- that is, our inability to imagine how we will behave in future emotional situations. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095821.htm Millions of online human interactions were assessed during a new study which included actions such as communication, founding and ending friendships, trading goods, sleeping, moving, however also starting hostilities, attacks and punishment. The game does not suggest any rules and everyone can live with their avatar (i.e. with their “game character” in the virtual world) as they choose. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113211028.htm A new book, "Two Plus Two: Couples and Their Couple Friendships," presents findings based on more than 400 interviews in which couples share experiences over the lifespan that readers can emulate to improve their own marriages. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113211028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm The perception that women are scarce leads men to become impulsive, save less, and increase borrowing, according to new research. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134332.htm Racial discrimination may be harmful to your health, according to new research. In the study, the authors examined data containing measures of social class, race and perceived discriminatory behavior and found that approximately 18 percent of blacks and 4 percent of whites reported higher levels of emotional upset and/or physical symptoms due to race-based treatment. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112637.htm Research shows that English is strongly biased toward being positive. This new study complements another study showing that average global happiness, based on Twitter data, has been dropping for the past two years. Combined, the two studies show that short-term average happiness has dropped -- against the backdrop of the long-term fundamental positivity of the English language. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223744.htm Why are the faces of primates so dramatically different from one another? Biologists serving as "evolutionary detectives" studied the faces of 129 adult male primates from Central and South America, and offer answers. These faces evolved over at least 24 million years. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093742.htm A new study describes how workshops to teach Google’s 3D modeling software to kids with autism have benefited the intergenerational relationships within the participants’ families. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105154653.htm A new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders has just been announced. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105154653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145714.htm Stating that you don't care if you land a partner who is "hot" or "sexy" is relatively commonplace. But what people say they want and what they actually want are often two very different things when it comes to romantic attraction. A new methodology that measures people's implicit, split-second responses gets around this problem. New research measures whether people's implicit preferences actually predict how much you like the hotties. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143846.htm A new study assessed the tools employees are using to cope with the stress of abusive treatment from a supervisor and how effective those tools are in terms of employee well-being. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105142811.htm Today, one-in-five Americans finds his or her spouse via online dating websites, but according to researchers, marriage isn’t the only measure of success among people looking for love in cyberspace. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105142811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115104.htm Blogging may have psychological benefits for teens suffering from social anxiety, improving their self-esteem and helping them relate better to their friends, according to new research. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111906.htm Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits. While you are more likely to do something if you plan it in advance, research suggests. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135504.htm Imagine listening to music while carrying on a conversation with friends. This type of multi-tasking is fairly easy to do, right? That's because our brains efficiently and effectively separate the auditory signals -- music to the right side; Conversation to the left. But what researchers have not been able to do in humans or animals is to see a parsing of duties at the single neuron level -- until now. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111230134836.htm A study of 20 elementary schools in Hawaii has found that a focused program to build social, emotional and character skills resulted in significantly improved overall quality of education, as evaluated by teachers, parents and students. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111230134836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114119.htm That cartoon scary face -- wide eyes, ready to run -- may have helped our primate ancestors survive in a dangerous wild, according to a new article. The authors present a way that fear and other facial expressions might have evolved and then come to signal a person's feelings to the people around him. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222161213.htm Changes in social structure and cultural practices can also contribute to human evolution, according to a new study. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222161213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140627.htm Where does prejudice come from? Not from ideology, say the authors of a new article. Instead, prejudice stems from a deeper psychological need, associated with a particular way of thinking. People who aren't comfortable with ambiguity and want to make quick and firm decisions are also prone to making generalizations about others. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220205212.htm Humans have evolved to become the most flexible of the primates and being able to live in lots of different social settings sets us apart from non-human primates, suggests new research. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220205212.htm