ScienceDaily: Relationship News

Monkey see, monkey do: Visual feedback is necessary for imitating facial expressions

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:29:29 EST

Research using new computer-based technology shows that our ability to imitate facial expressions depends on learning that occurs through visual feedback.

Students' online and offline social networks can predict course grades

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:29:29 EST

The information can be used to determine which students need the most help, as well as which ones excel and might be guided to further study or careers in that subject area.

Not all gamers are low scorers on friendships, relationships

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:41:41 EST

Not all video game players are destined for lives filled with failing relationships and dwindling friendships, according to researchers, who say that a lot depends on the role of the game-playing activity in the gamer's life.

Social networking strengthens boys' friendships

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:32:32 EST

Social networking sites may increase the bonds of friendship among 9- to 13-year-old boys, according to a new study.

Delusions of gender: Men's insecurities may lead to sexist views of women

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:43:43 EST

A new study suggests that men's insecurities about relationships and conflicted views of women as romantic partners and rivals could lead some to adopt sexist attitudes about women.

Children's meetings offline with people met online examined in new study

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:16:16 EST

Few parents feel entirely comfortable with their children meeting their online acquaintances in real life. But a new study sets out to put the risks and benefits of such meetings in perspective.

Oxytocin, social sharing and recovery from trauma

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:15:15 EST

Therapists have long known that people who’ve had a traumatic experience feel the need to talk about what they’ve been through. This process is called ‘social sharing’ and can take place for days, weeks, months or years after the event.

Speaking skills crucial for hearing impaired children in the classroom

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:07:07 EST

New research shows that the successful integration of hearing-impaired children into hearing classrooms is dependent upon how well the child can speak. Children with hearing loss, their parents, and their teachers can aid successful integration by focusing on speech development.

We are basically honest – except when we are at work, study suggests

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:45:45 EST

A new study has revealed we are more honest than you might think. The research suggests that it pains us to tell lies, particularly when we are in our own homes. It appears that being honest is hugely important to our sense of who we are. However, while it might bother us to tell lies at home, we are less circumspect at work where we are probably more likely to bend the truth, suggests the study.

Less partner abuse, substance abuse and post-partum depression among married women, study finds

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:23:23 EST

Women who are married suffer less partner abuse, substance abuse or post-partum depression around the time of pregnancy than women who are cohabitating or do not have a partner, a new study has found.

Social synchronicity: Research finds a connection between bonding and matched movements

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:42:42 EST

Humans have a tendency to spontaneously synchronize their movements. Although this type of synchronous body movement has been observed widely, its neurological mechanism and its role in social interactions remain obscure. In a new study, researchers found that body-movement synchronization between two participants increases following a short session of cooperative training, suggesting that our ability to synchronize body movements is a measurable indicator of social interaction.

Too big or just right? Optimal circle of friends depends on socioeconomic conditions

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:27:27 EST

Some people like to have a few close friends, while others prefer a wider social circle that is perhaps less deep. These preferences reflect people's personalities and individual circumstances -- but is one approach to social networks "better" than the other? New research suggests that the optimal social networking strategy depends on socioeconomic conditions.

Eating or spending too much? Blame it on social networking sites

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:03:03 EST

Participating in online social networks can have a detrimental effect on consumer well-being by lowering self-control among certain users, according to a new study.

Social ties help drive user content generation that leads to online ad revenue growth

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:31:31 EST

Study reveals that networking sites can drive advertising revenue by encouraging the density of social ties, or boosting the level of friendship or social connections between users.

Epigenetics may underlie homosexuality, study finds

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:18:18 EST

Is homosexuality genetic? It's a long-running debate. Now researchers say they've found a clue that may unlock the mystery. It lies in something called epi-genetics -- how gene expression is regulated by temporary switches.

Epigenetics may be a critical factor contributing to homosexuality, study suggests

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:32:32 EST

Epigenetics -- how gene expression is regulated by temporary switches, called epi-marks -- appears to be a critical and overlooked factor contributing to the long-standing puzzle of why homosexuality occurs. According to the study, sex-specific epi-marks, which normally do not pass between generations and are thus "erased," can lead to homosexuality when they escape erasure and are transmitted from father to daughter or mother to son.

Sexual and social behavior modified by serotonin system drugs

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:30:30 EST

Drugs that bind to specific serotonin receptors in the brain can both improve and impair female sexual function in non-human primates.

Feeling lonely linked to increased risk of dementia in later life

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:04:04 EST

Feeling lonely, as distinct from being/living alone, is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia in later life, indicates new research.

Teen dating violence linked to long-term harmful effects

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:51:51 EST

Teenagers in physically or psychologically aggressive dating relationships are more than twice as likely to repeat such damaging relationships as adults and report increased substance use and suicidal feelings years later, compared with teens with healthy dating experiences, reports a new study.

'Commitment-phobic' adults could have mom and dad to blame

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:35:35 EST

A study of the romantic history of 58 adults aged 22-28 found that those who avoid committed romantic relationships are likely a product of unresponsive or over-intrusive parenting, says a psychologist.

Oxytocin produces more engaged fathers and more responsive infants

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:06:06 EST

A large body of research has focused on the ability of oxytocin to facilitate social bonding in both marital and parenting relationships in human females. A new laboratory study has found that oxytocin administration to fathers increases their parental engagement, with parallel effects observed in their infants.

Skills that make us a good partner make us a good parent

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:17:17 EST

Being a good partner may make you a better parent, says a new study. The same set of skills that we tap to be caring toward our partners is what we use to nurture our children, researchers found.

Study of social network 'check-ins' shows we still make friends face-to-face

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:13:13 EST

Even in the age of social media, the closer you live to another persons, the more likely you are to be friends with them, according to a study that drew on data from a location-based social network provider.

Adolescents under pressure to speak 'properly'

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:18:18 EST

As adolescents transition to adulthood, the pressure to meet adult expectations -- such as speaking properly -- may be greater than expected, according to a new study.

Evolution: Social exclusion leads to cooperation

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:44:44 EST

Social exclusion as a punishment strategy helps explain the evolution of cooperation, according to new research.

Parents key to preventing alcohol, marijuana use by kids

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:55:55 EST

New research finds that parental involvement is more important than the school environment when it comes to preventing or limiting alcohol and marijuana use by children.

Social media may help fight childhood obesity

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:34:34 EST

Social media may be an effective way to help children overcome obesity, according to experts. Parental involvement and online interaction with counselors and peers led to greater success for overweight and obese children and teens in some studies.

Working couples face greater odds of intimate partner violence

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:20:20 EST

Intimate partner violence is two times more likely to occur in two income households, compared to those where only one partner works, a recent study found.

Technology use in the classroom helps autistic children communicate

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:33:33 EST

The use of technology in the classroom is nothing new, but one elementary school is breaking new ground by using technology to help pupils with autism communicate more effectively.

College students more eager for marriage than their parents are

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:21:21 EST

A national study found that U.S. college students think 25 years old is the "right age" to get married, while a majority of parents feel 25 is still a little too soon. So it's no coincidence that when Justin Bieber said he'd like to wed by 25, Oprah Winfrey urged him to wait longer in an interview aired Sunday.

Reducing sibling rivalry in youth improves later health and well-being

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:42:42 EST

Sibling conflict represents parents' number one concern and complaint about family life, but a new prevention program demonstrates that siblings of elementary-school age can learn to get along. In doing so, they can improve their future health and well-being.

More Facebook friends means more stress, says report

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:12:12 EST

A large number of friends on Facebook may appear impressive but, according to a new report, the more social circles a person is linked to online the more likely social media will be a source of stress.

Handaxes of 1.7 million years ago: 'Trust rather than lust' behind fine details

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:57:57 EST

Trust rather than lust is at the heart of the attention to detail and finely made form of handaxes from around 1.7 million years ago, according to a researcher.

Computer mediation can help combat bullying in schools

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:23:23 EST

Research has demonstrated how computer mediation could help combat bullying in schools.

Are social networking Internet sites a factor in psychotic symptoms?

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

Internet communication is exploding -- and so is the possibility of a related psychopathology called Internet addiction. Now a researcher says that a review of several case studies from his own practice shows a direct connection between psychotic episodes and participation in certain online social networking sites.

Comments, traffic statistics help empower bloggers

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:36:36 EST

Whether bloggers are writing to change the world, or just discussing a bad break-up, they may get an extra boost of motivation from traffic-measuring and interactive tools that help them feel more connected to and more influential in their communities, according to researchers.

Homophobia in sport: Sporting identity, authoritarian aggression, and social dominance

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:44:44 EST

Homophobia exists in many areas of life. It also seems to be particularly entrenched in sport, exercise and physical education (PE) settings of all kinds. But why is this the case?

Four family cultures of America identified

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:25:25 EST

Four types of family cultures – the Faithful, the Engaged Progressives, the Detached and the American Dreamers – are molding the next generation of Americans, a three-year study finds.

Mathematical counseling for all who wonder why their relationship is like a sinus wave

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:28:28 EST

Neuroinformaticians have provided a mathematical model for efficient communication in relationships. Love affair dynamics can look like a sinus wave: a smooth repetitive oscillation of highs and lows. For some couples these waves grow out of control, leading to breakup, while for others they smooth into a state of peace and quietness. The ‘relationship-sinus’ depends on the time partners take to form their emotional reactions towards each other, mathematicians show.

Why yawning is contagious in bonobos: As with humans, yawning Is more contagious when individuals are closely related

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:28:28 EST

Being socially close to another bonobo is more likely to make bonobo apes yawn in response to the other's yawns, according to new research. The researchers found that yawning in bonobos is more contagious when individuals are strongly bonded to one another as kin or close friends.

Research explores relationship-building program for male same-sex couples

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:29:29 EST

University of Cincinnati research is examining the effectiveness of a relationship education program that was created to specifically address the needs of male same-sex couples.

Hormone affects distance men keep from unknown women they find attractive: Oxytocin may promote fidelity

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:47:47 EST

Men in committed relationships choose to keep a greater distance between themselves and an unknown woman they find attractive when given the hormone oxytocin, according to new research. The findings suggest oxytocin may help promote fidelity within monogamous relationships.

Snap judgments during speed dating

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:13:13 EST

For speed daters, first impressions are everything. But it's more than just whether someone is hot or not. Researchershave found that people make such speed-dating decisions based on a combination of two different factors that are related to activity in two distinct parts of the brain.

High-quality personal relationships improve survival in women with breast cancer

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:11:11 EST

The quality of a woman's social networks -- the personal relationships that surround an individual -- appears to be just as important as the size of her networks in predicting breast cancer survival.

Are 'hookups' replacing romantic relationships on college campuses?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:17:17 EST

"Hooking up" has become such a trend on college campuses that some believe these casual, no-strings-attached sexual encounters may be replacing traditional romantic relationships. However, a new study suggests college students are not actually hooking up as frequently as one might think.

Dynamics of Facebook: Structure of the network drives friends to congregate into many small, highly interconnected communities

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:14:14 EST

For the first time, the dynamics of how Facebook user communities are formed have been identified, revealing surprisingly few large communities and innumerable highly connected small-size communities. This work could ultimately help identify the most efficient way to spread information, such as advertising, or ideas over large networks.

Interventions needed to promote healthy behaviors among perinatally HIV-infected youth

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:40:40 EST

As youth infected at birth with HIV reach adolescence and young adulthood, a new study underscores the need to promote healthy behaviors as some of these young people become sexually active.

Republicans and Democrats can agree on some moral issues, study suggests

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:19:19 EST

A new study that asked U.S. conservatives and liberals to rate the most influential historical figures of the 20th Century finds that the two sides of America's "culture wars" share a surprising level of common moral ground. While the study reaffirms some conflicts between Republicans and Democrats – Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger divided participants most – it also offers new advice for bridging the political gap on controversial social issues, such as abortion and reproductive rights.

Virtual reality could help people lose weight, fight prejudice

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:21:21 EST

When an individual strongly identifies with the virtual reality representation of themselves, known as an avatar, the electronic doppelganger can influence that person's health and appearance, according to a new study. Harnessing the power of the virtual world could lead to new forms of obesity treatment and help break down racial and sexual prejudices.

'Social medicines' do benefit health and wellbeing

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:48:48 EST

'Social medicines' are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of individuals and the population. By combining social and biological information researchers have identified that the more ‘social medicines’ you have, the better your physical and mental health. These include a stable family life, stress-free childhood, alcohol-free culture for young people, secure and rewarding employment, positive relationships with friends and neighbors, and a socially active old age.

Women's body talk: Perception stronger than reality?

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:26:26 EST

How women think their friends feel about their bodies influences their own body concerns, according to a new study. Their work examines the role of friends in young women's body concerns.

Grandfathers play a prominent role with grandchildren

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:16:16 EST

Europeans spend much time with their grandchildren. And past 70, the grandfather takes the lead.

Confident beginning key to happy marriage: Don't ignore doubts, experts warn

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:53:53 EDT

Couples about to tie the knot shouldn't ignore nagging doubts about getting married, warns a researcher.

The ins and outs of in-groups and out-groups

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EDT

We humans organize ourselves in myriad kinds of social groups, from scout troops and sports teams to networks of colleagues and classmates. But how do these social groups work? How do we decide whom to trust and whom to follow? And how do we deal with people that don't fit the norms of our social groups? New research explores these issues by examining various facets of social perception and behavior.

Social factors trump genetic forces in forging friendships, study finds

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:55:55 EDT

Genetic similarities may help to explain why human birds of a feather flock together, but the full story of why people become friends is contingent upon the social environment in which individuals interact with one another.

Researchers to debate the call for sexual abstinence education in schools

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:14:14 EDT

Introducing abstinence education into UK schools could be a less effective substitute for comprehensive Sex and Relationship Education aimed at children and young adults, say a research team.

Higher education levels in women change relationship patterns

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:37:37 EDT

The number of couples in which the woman has a higher level of university studies than her male partner is growing steadily and in many countries this trend surpasses the opposite situation, which historically has been the predominant.

Women undergoing IVF report problems with sexual relationship, study finds

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:24:24 EDT

A new study has found that women undergoing in-vitro fertilization report that the process of infertility treatment has many negative impacts on their sexual relationship with their partner. Little attention has been given to the sexual dynamics of couples as they navigate infertility and treatments such as IVF, despite the important role that sex plays in a couple's attempt to conceive a child.

Distinct developmental patterns identified in children with autism during their first three years

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:24:24 EDT

Researchers have found a preclinical phase in children with autism that is not easily detected. Published in the journal Child Development, the study found that early in development, children who display early signs of ASD show greater initial delay across multiple aspects of development compared to children whose ASD symptoms emerge later.

Neurotransmitters linked to mating behavior are shared by mammals and worms

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 10:06:06 EDT

When it comes to sex, animals of all shapes and sizes tend behave in predictable ways. There may be a chemical reason for that. New research has shown that chemicals in the brain -- neuropeptides known as vasopressin and oxytocin -- play a role in coordinating mating and reproductive behavior in animals ranging from humans to fish to invertebrates.