Behavior4226 articles archived since 1845

Carrying On in Difficult Times

New ways to cope with the unpredictability of life

The Pandemic Generation

Child development researchers are investigating whether the pandemic is shaping early brain development and behavior

Pamplona Bull Runs Reveal Dynamics of Crowds in Danger

Thousands running alongside bulls in Spain speed up as density increases

A High-Speed Scientific Hive Mind Emerged from the COVID Pandemic

The pandemic pushed researchers into new forms of rapid communication and collaboration

How a Virus Exposed the Myth of Rugged Individualism

Humans evolved to be interdependent, not self-sufficient

Mind from Matter

Schoolkids Are Falling Victim to Disinformation and Conspiracy Fantasies

Although children are prime targets, educators cannot figure out how best to teach them to separate fact from fiction

Mindfulness Can Improve Your Attention and Health

A focus on the present, dubbed “mindfulness,” can make you happier and healthier. Training to deepen your immersion in the moment works by improving attention

Why the Secrets You Keep Are Hurting You

It may not be what you think

How to Stop Doomscrolling News and Social Media

“Doomscroll Reminder Lady” Karen K. Ho explains how to step away from the screen

Racism in Health Care Isn’t Always Obvious

As physicians, we believe that recognizing it begins with understanding our own privilege and biases

We Learned the Wrong Lessons from the Tuskegee ‘Experiment’

It’s understandable that Black Americans are wary of vaccines, but that despicable episode involved the withholding of treatment, whereas vaccines actively prevent disease...

Why Do Couples Use Baby Talk with One Another?

This style of speech helps infants learn, but romantic adults use it as a way to show affection

How COVID Is Changing the Study of Human Behavior

The pandemic is teaching us key lessons about how people respond to crisis and misinformation, and it is spurring changes in the way scientists study public health questions

Family Traditions Boost Happiness

The holidays can bring joy or dread, but family rituals make them enjoyable, research suggests

Why People Won’t Rethink Holiday Plans during a Pandemic

One reason: we’re deeply attached to familiar rituals

Embracing the Mess

Individuals often overestimate how harshly others judge a messy, chaotic life

This Protein Could Boost Brain Function without Exercise

An exercise pill might one day produce health gains without the exertional pain

The Psychological Differences between Those Who Love and Loathe Black Friday Shopping

Some people are more “task-oriented,” while others focus more on making social connections

Personality Type, as well as Politics, Predicts Who Shares Fake News

Highly impulsive people who lean conservative are more likely to share false news stories. They have a desire to create chaos and won’t be deterred by fact-checkers