How Social Desirability Bias May Skew Important Research on Sexual Behaviors

Turner explains, “Everyone wants to be perceived well. Likewise, if the question is associated with feelings of power, answers seem to be inflated.” The same mindset applies to undesirable activities and behaviors." Carsten Goerling / Getty Images Given that such studies often inform policy decisions, oppressive sexual views may have lasting implications. The Influence of Social Desirability on Sexual Behavior Surveys: A Review.Arch Sex Behav. 1997;21(2):91-96. doi:10.1016/s1054-139x(97)00042-6

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 67 words · Tiffany Ortiz DVM

How Social Facilitation Can Improve Your Performance

While this might seem like a straightforward definition, it is actually a very complex concept with many nuances. History of Social Facilitation First, let’s consider a brief history of how the concept evolved. In its most basic form, it was first proposed by researcher Norman Triplett in 1898. Getty / PeopleImagesOwner Triplett first studied bicycle racing by looking at records from a cycling association. This wasn’t the first time that research revealed conflicting results related to social facilitation....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 270 words · Donna Wilson

How Social Isolation Can Damage Your Mental Health

Social isolation involves being cut off from contact with others. This can involve physical isolation but also refers to feeling emotionally disconnected from social interaction. People can become socially isolated both intentionally and unintentionally. Mario Arango / Getty Images However, extended periods of social isolation can harm mental and physical well-being. But why does it happen? And, more importantly, what can you do to break out of feeling socially isolated?...

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 502 words · Molly Smith

How Social Learning Theory Works

The theory accounts for the interaction of environmental and cognitive elements that affect how people learn. The theory suggests that learning occurs because people observe the consequences of other people’s behaviors. Actions that are rewarded are more likely to be imitated, while those that are punished are avoided. Verywell / JR Bee Basic Principles of Social Learning Theory What Is Social Learning Theory? During the first half of the 20th century, the behavioral school of psychology became a dominant force....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 365 words · Mark Waller

How Social Loafing Is Studied in Psychology

Social loafing describes the tendency of individuals to put forth less effort when they are part of a group. Here we discuss how researchers have studied social loafing and what we’ve learned from thesepsychology experiments. Here’s an example to consider. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend / Getty Images Imagine that you’re a student. You’re responsible for the entire assignment, so you begin taking the actions necessary to complete it....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 166 words · Karen James

How Social Psychologists Conduct Their Research

They rely on a few well-established methods to researchsocial psychologytopics. These methods allow researchers to test hypotheses and theories as they look for relationships among different variables. Why do people do the things they do? Trina Dalziel / Getty Images And why do they sometimes behave differently in groups? Which key in of research is best? Why Study Social Behavior? Why study social behavior? Stanley Milgram’s infamous obedience experimentsare examples of how the results of an experiment can defy conventional wisdom....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Dawn Lucas

How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database. JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images Social Support vs. Integration So, which aspects of our social environments are so vital to health? And how exactly do our social environments impact our overall well-being?...

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 400 words · Stephanie Adams

How Spirituality Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being

According to health experts, that connection can pay off in important ways for both your mind and body. Research has linked spirituality with well-being and health in the face of life challenges. People practice spirituality for various reasons, including finding community and fostering a greater sense of hope. Burak Karademir / Getty Images Finding an approach that has meaning for you is the best way to reap the rewards. What Spirituality Looks Like Spirituality is not a single path or belief system....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 245 words · Edward Castro

How SSRIs Compare to MAOIs

They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, causing an increase ofserotonin. The benefits of these increases are improved mood and an anti-panic effect. Examples of SSRIs include: Another medication called Viibryd (vilazodone) is not just an SSRI. Jonathan Nourok / The Image Bank / Getty Images The lowest dose of Emsam (6 mg), however, carries no dietary precautions. But any medication can cause side effects, especially at the beginning of treatment....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 266 words · Mary Diaz

How Stimulants Work to Reduce ADHD Symptoms

Hero Images / Getty Images Stimulants are the most common pop in ofmedicine used to treat ADHD. Stimulants lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take them. All brain and nervous system functions are based on how these neurons communicate across synapses. Hero Images / Getty Images The neurons relay information to each other by sending chemical messengers orneurotransmittersacross the synapses throughout the neural web link. Neurotransmitters are produced within a neuron....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 252 words · Alicia Barker

How Stonewalling Can Hurt Your Relationship

Stonewalling is broadly described by the following behaviors: Stonewalling is rarely effective. And, if it becomes a habit, it can reduce a couple’s ability toresolve conflictsor interact intimately. What Are Signs or Examples of Stonewalling? Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight Many times, stonewalling in a relationship is obvious. Signs of stonewalling can include: What Does Stonewalling Feel Like? Recap Stonewalling is not always easy to recognize. Causes While stonewalling can be hurtful, you shouldn’t necessarily assume that it is inherently ill-intended....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 464 words · Heather Smith

How Storytelling Is Good for Your Mental Health

Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images Storytelling is typically described as telling or writing stories. These narratives are often told for entertainment and to engage listeners or readers. Storytelling, however, is also powerful in shaping yourmental health. Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images We are storytellers when we share with a family member about a negative event that happened at the market. We also are storytellers when we describe the beginning of aromantic relationship....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 518 words · Robert Dorsey

How Stress Affects the Vagus Nerve

It is responsible for many different functions, including heart rate, digestion, and immunity. It is also one of the most critical nerves in the body for maintaining mental health. Can Stress and Anxiety Affect the Vagus Nerve? AsiaVision / Getty Images Stress and anxietycan both trigger the vagus nerve. When the vagus nerve is functioning effectively, it helps promote emotional balance. When impaired or disrupted, it can be difficult to calm down after experiencing a stressor....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Destiny Lee