Summary: A sense of purpose in life, irrespective of its nature, can be a robust defense against loneliness. A new study, involving over 2,300 Swiss adults, found fewer instances of…
Tag: social neuroscience
Six Degrees of Connection: A Mathematical Take on Social Ties
Summary: Scientists used mathematics to explain the social phenomenon of six degrees of separation. Their work suggests that the balance between the cost and benefit of maintaining social connections shapes…
Adolescent Stress Shapes Motherly Behavior
Summary: Stress during adolescence alters brain functions, influencing postpartum social behavior in mammals. The research utilizes optogenetics and calcium imaging techniques to understand neuronal communication in mice that experienced psychosocial…
Gender and Education, Not Politics, Shape Our Social Skills
Summary: Gender and education, rather than political beliefs, are significant factors in people’s social skills. Researchers analyzed qualities such as agreeableness, ability to pick up on subtle cues, and self-reflection…
The Power of Friendship Counters Early Life Stress
Summary: A new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced…
Context Matters: Oxytocin Influenced by Context of Social Touch
Summary: The hormone oxytocin, which is released in social bonding and touch, functions like a dimmer switch, influenced by the situation, according to researchers. A study of 42 women found…
Spread Happiness: Sharing Positive Emotions Can Help Combat Loneliness and Negativity
Summary: A new study suggests that sharing positive feelings with others may ease loneliness-based negativity, which can contribute to psychological issues and physical health problems. Researchers at the University of…
Children and Adults Process Social Interactions Differently: Study Reveals Key Differences in Brain Activation
Summary: A new study found brain differences between adults and children that potentially explain developmental differences in social interaction understanding. The study showed that children and adults might employ different…
Pandemic Pet Pals: Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Pet Ownership, Stress, and Loneliness During Lockdown
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, US dog and cat owners became closer to their pets, though pet ownership did not consistently alleviate stress and loneliness. The relationship between mental health…
Correlation Between Social Vulnerability and Elevated Suicide Risks Discovered
Summary: Social determinants of health are linked to suicide risk, with the suicide rate nearly doubling between the least and most socially vulnerable counties. The study proposes several public health…
