Latest news with #FrontiersInPsychology
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Study Finds One Parenting Trait Strongly Reduces Risk of Internet Addiction
Every person is the product of many factors, including genetics, their environment and experiences, and their own personal choices. One of the most significant influences, though, through childhood and into young adulthood, will always be parenting. Though people can and do move far from what their parents have taught, those influences always have an effect. One parenting choice, more than any other, seems to make a difference in everything from self-esteem to, as the latest study shows, internet addiction. We're Talking About Warmth A study that's just now being published in Frontiers In Psychology examined internet addiction in college students and looked for a correlation with parenting choices. It turns out that when parenting is warm and loving, our kids are less likely to suffer out-of-control levels of internet addiction by the time they reach young adulthood. The study even found a connection that helps explain the link. The students who had warm, loving relationships with their parents and showed lower levels of tech addiction also tended to have higher levels of self-esteem and self-control. By contrast, there was a clear link between more negative or harsh parenting and internet addiction. There was also evidence of lowered self-esteem or self-control in these subjects, although the connection wasn't quite as strong as in the positive examples. Is Dopamine The Missing Puzzle Piece? We already know that the reason most of our internet usage, online gaming, and doomscrolling becomes so addictive is the dopamine hits. If you think of the places you spend the most time online or on your electronic devices, whether that's TikTok and social media, or your favorite merge or match-three style casual game, you'll notice that they all draw you in by the same methods. It takes only a few moments to get a dopamine hit; Oh, my friend is getting married, check out the funny dog video, there's another match, and look at those blocks tumble! — and there's another one waiting right behind it. If you find yourself saying, 'Just one more [scroll/level/post/video]' over and over, that's the dopamine holding you tight. We can all be susceptible to dopamine addiction, but it seems to be stronger when a person is lacking in human connection. A 2022 study in Frontiers In Psychology examined the connection, finding that individuals who had a sense of 'social exclusion' were more subject to smartphone addiction. Does Internet Addiction Really Matter? Even in high school, our kids are using the internet constantly, not just for entertainment, but for education. In many schools, the textbooks are now e-books, the tests are online, and even the classes might be done over distance. By college, this amps up. Research is done on a laptop, rather than in the library. Outside school, most of our kids are destined for jobs that rely on internet skills, whether that means managing a company, running computer diagnostic programs in a mechanic shop, or operating microcomputers that carry out less invasive surgical procedures. Everything in our kids' lives may rely on tech, but rather than negate the need for temperance, that only amplifies it. Increasingly, we see that internet addiction has a severely negative impact on mental health, relationships, and life satisfaction. It's imperative that we teach our kids how to use this tech and the ability to step away from it. What Does All That Mean For Parents? This means that the efforts we put into actively teaching our kids self-control and limiting electronics are not the whole story. We do have to encourage our kids to find 'slow dopamine.' Slow dopamine is the pleasant feeling when you've learned something new through effort, or when you've completed a project, or after exercise or meaningful social connections. Slow dopamine is associated with long-term happiness, with overall well-being, and as an ingredient in the recipe for success. (By contrast, that quick dopamine we get from scrolling is associated with, you won't be surprised to know, addictive behaviors, dissatisfaction, and the craving for more, more, more.) However, this new data reaffirms that social connection, and a warm connection with parents, is a key. While we're instructing our kids on the 'right' way to engage with their screens, the lesson seems to last more if we're also engaging with them warmly and lovingly. If you're still raising younger children, check out this article from a leading pediatrician who explains how to handle screen time for children. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
01-08-2025
- General
- Forbes
Happy Relationships Have These 4 Ingredients — By A Psychologist
New research reveals how relationship satisfaction is closely tied to four distinct qualities in relationships. Here's what helps couples go the distance. getty A lot goes into laying the foundation of a satisfying, long-lasting relationship. However, many of us are left scratching our heads, wondering if we've really got it all. What are the core ingredients of love that keep couples happy as years pass by? Is there really a simple blueprint to help them through it all? A new July 2025 study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that there is. Researchers surveyed over 500 women and 300 men to learn what truly created the conditions for a satisfying relationship. Here are the four qualities researchers found were most strongly connected to relationship satisfaction, according to the 2025 study. First, researchers found that the more insecure a partner's attachment style is, the lower their relationship satisfaction tends to be. Partners with avoidant and anxious attachment styles tend to fear rejection and abandonment, but react to this fear in different ways. An anxious attachment style often shows up as a higher need for reassurance and lower self-esteem in relationships, while an avoidant attachment style is reflected in behaviors that create emotional distance, including avoiding emotional intimacy, being hyper-independent and struggling to be vulnerable with one's partner. However, no one is limited by these labels. Attachment styles are simply ways to understand one's tendencies in a relationship. These approaches to romantic connection are malleable , rather than fixed personality traits. Cultivating attachment security involves being trusting, vulnerable and open to emotional intimacy. It's reflected in a comfort with closeness, open communication and independence in relationships. Securely attached partners tend to strike a healthy balance between self-reliance and intimate connection with their partners, and this is a skill that can be learned with time. Partners leaning toward insecure attachment may need time to learn that they're safe in their relationships. This requires a fair amount of self-awareness, learning to regulate and soothe one's emotions as well as reassurance from their partners through consistent positive action. Such partners may also need more evidence than most that their relationship is right for them and that they will be treated well, but when they do receive it, it's absolutely possible for them to experience the joy and stability of a more secure connection. 2. Creating A Foundation Of Trust Experiencing trust in a relationship refers to feeling like you can count on your partner, no matter what. It means knowing they'll be there when you need them, believing that they will be faithful and loyal to you and accepting their need for space and individuality without fearing abandonment. In happy relationships, individuals trust that their partners are being authentic and truthful about their behavior and intent. They also trust that their partners will show up, day in and day out, to make their relationship work and that they love them for who they are. Additionally, such individuals also trust their partner not to demean them, control them or completely 'switch up' on them — this means finding safety and stability in their thoughts, emotions and behavior. Researchers found that higher levels of trust are clearly tied to relationship satisfaction, as a trusting relationship is one you can relax in, feel assured about and believe in. This foundation sets couples up for success and longevity. 3. Knowing That Both Partners Pull Their Weight Believing in your relationship often begins with believing in yourself. When partners have faith in their own ability to be 'good' partners and contribute positively and meaningfully to the trajectory of their relationship, they experience higher ' relationship self-efficacy .' This involves being confident in one's ability to communicate effectively, overcome challenges and enhance the quality of the relationship. Self-efficacy in relationships is a core aspect of the trait of 'mutuality,' which researchers of the 2025 study found is strongly tied to relationship satisfaction. Mutuality refers to thinking of each other as a unit and engaging in mutually beneficial behavior in the relationship. When there is mutuality, it means both partners prioritize cooperation, commitment, support and true reciprocity in their connection. The higher the perceived mutuality in the relationship, the more satisfied couples feel. This is because they know that they are capable of both caring and being deeply cared for in their relationship. 'Individuals with a conviction of being able to mutually provide and receive emotional support within a romantic relationship are concurrently more satisfied with it,' the researchers affirm. This sense of mutuality ties back into trust and attachment security — knowing that your partner is reliable, present and truly in it with you. 4. Having A Satisfying Sex Life On the surface, it might seem obvious that higher sexual satisfaction is associated with higher relationship satisfaction. But when we look deeper at why that is, the answer is a lot more emotional than it is physical. Your sexual relationship is often an indicator of the levels of attraction and passion between you, but it's also an indicator of emotional closeness and intimacy. A 2023 study published in Scientific Reports shows that even affectionate touch, by itself, is associated with enhanced feelings of love. In fact, research from a nationally representative survey also shows that emotional connection is the most highly valued aspect of partnered sex for Americans, over and above physical pleasure. While a fulfilling sex life looks different for different couples, when they find what works for them, it can unlock deeper connection. Through their sexual relationship, partners can feel loved, wanted and cared for. So, it appears that the key to satisfying relationships may be deceptively simple in theory, but essential to commit to in practice. Happy couples focus on staying close, remaining a unit through life's ups and downs and creating an unshakeable sense of warmth, trust and security that carries them through years to come. Are you satisfied in your relationship or left longing for something more? Take this science-backed test to find out: Relationship Satisfaction Scale
Medscape
24-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Is Your Personality Sabotaging Your Workout?
The hardest part of exercise may not be physical effort, but motivation. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that aligning workouts with an individual's personality can significantly boost enjoyment and reduce stress, potentially improving long-term adherence. 'The most important part about exercising is finding something we enjoy and not being discouraged if we don't immediately find it.' 'It's ok if we don't enjoy a particular session,' said lead author Flaminia Ronca, PhD, professor of exercise physiology and neuroscience at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, England. 'We can try something else,' said Ronca in a press release. Study Design This study included 132 healthy adults with a range of fitness levels. At baseline, participants underwent fitness tests to assess strength (eg, push-ups, plank hold, and jumping power) and endurance (person's ability to absorb oxygen during peak exertion on a cycle ergometer). Participants were divided into two groups: Intervention group: Completed an 8-week home-based cycling and strength training intervention. Control group: Participants maintained their usual daily routines. The participants also completed the surveys at baseline, during the first week, and after the intervention. Participants completed questionnaires in which they rated their enjoyment of the respective training sessions, stress levels (rated on a 1-10 scale), and personality using the established Big Five personality traits: extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness. The findings revealed clear connections between personality traits and preferred workout style. 'We found some clear connections between personality traits and the type of exercise participants enjoyed most,' Ronca said. 'I think this is important because this knowledge can potentially be used to tailor exercise recommendations more individually — and thus help people become and stay more active.' The analysis showed the following patterns linking personality traits and training preferences: Extroverted participants were mostly drawn to high-intensity sessions involving social interactions, such as team sports or high-intensity interval training. Participants high in neuroticism also responded well to high-intensity exercise but preferred shorter sessions with built-in breaks and valued privacy. They tended to avoid tracking performance metrics, such as heart rate. Those who were high in conscientiousness or openness to experience were the most consistent in completing the program, regardless of enjoyment. Their motivation stemmed from their health goals or intellectual curiosity. Stress Response Although both groups began the study with comparable stress levels, participants with high neuroticism in the intervention group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress by the end of the 8 weeks. 'It is fantastic news, as it highlights that those who benefit the most from a reduction in stress respond very well to exercise,' Ronca said. Key Takeaways Although all 86 participants who completed the training showed improved physical fitness, those who enjoyed the workouts were more likely to remain consistent. According to the researchers, these findings provide insights into how personality traits influence exercise-related behaviors, exercise enjoyment, long-term motivation, and stress management. These results demonstrate the potential utility of monitoring personality traits in future exercise studies and may aid in the design of training programs tailored to participants' needs. This story was translated from Medscape's German edition.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
YouTube, TikTok, And Short Video Addictions Among Emerging Adults
Social media applications According to a 2025 report on a website dedicated to search engine optimization, YouTube is consistently a top-rated online search term. Some professionals have warned against the excessive use of YouTube Shorts. For example, an outline site for mental health articles, released a report in 2023 describing how the compulsive urge to watch videos on YouTube can lead to disruptive sleep, neglecting personal responsibilities, and diminished interest in offline activities. This report acknowledged that 'YouTube Addiction' is not an official clinical term but stated that excessive use can lead to symptoms such as heighted anxiety, loss of self-control, and even withdrawal. Short Video Addiction (SVA) is a term used by researchers, and this is separate from excessive general internet use. A 2025 report in the journal of NeuroImage highlighted how SVA represents an uncontrolled use of short-video platforms (e.g. YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels) to consume rapid information in which the content is personalized by algorithms. According to this report, SVA has a negative impact on brain functioning, including increased reward processing and decreased top-down cognitive control, which could affect attention and emotional regulation. Why SVA Awareness Is Important For Emerging Adults A 2024 report by Frontiers in Psychology described college students as the primary users of internet applications and digital apps. According to this report, nearly half of emerging adults visit social websites daily and spend more than one hour per day viewing short videos. However, it's a misconception to think that the dangers of SVA are limited to excessive waste of time. As stated, studies suggest that SVA can alter brain and neural functioning, which is especially alarming for emerging adults whose brains are still developing. For example, a 2025 study by Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that SVA among college students was associated with higher risk-taking tendencies, greater sensitivity to loss, and a heightened sensitivity to video cues. The report in Frontiers of Psychology also revealed a connection between SVA and personality traits among college students and found that depression and anxiety were critical meditators of this relationship. The Role Of Misinformation In SVA A special consideration with SVA is the amount of misinformation found on short-video platforms. Producers of short videos are usually not rewarded by the quality of their content but rather by the number of consumers. Thus, the temptation to sensationalize and exaggerate reality is high. This is reflected in a 2023 report by Capitol Technology University, which explained that roughly a fifth of TikTok videos contain significant misinformation. Perhaps more concerning are results from studies, such as a 2025 study in Computers in Human Behavior, which consistently show that young adults often struggle to detect misinformation on digital platforms, even though they tend to express high confidence in their ability to do so. Preventing SVA In Emerging Adults Encouraging emerging adults to assess their use of short-video platforms is an essential first step in preventing SVA. Not only should the time on these platforms be measured, but also any emotions that follow. Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or regret are signs of maladaptive use. It's also important for emerging adults to be intentional about their use of short-term platforms. Having consistent and scheduled times to view short videos is the antithesis of impulsive use. Furthermore, emerging adults will likely benefit from vetting information and prioritizing offline activities. Those with significant struggles will likely find help from a mental help professional who is well-versed in treating SVA. Short-video platforms provide emerging adults with the opportunity to access unlimited information and better connect with the world. For some, the rapid consumption of content that has been personalized by an algorithm can result in excessive use that takes a toll on brain functioning, emotions, and behavior.
Health Line
10-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Matching Your Workouts to Your Personality Could Help You Enjoy Exercise
Your personality may play a role in the type of exercise you prefer, according to a new study. Some personality traits were associated with greater baseline fitness levels, while others predicted greater enjoyment of specific types of exercise. The research could help to tailor exercise programs to individual preference, leading to greater satisfaction and consistency. If you find it difficult to stay motivated at the gym, a new study suggests that matching your workouts to your personality type could lead to more consistent, more rewarding sessions. Researchers at University College London found that personality traits influence exercise enjoyment and preference. The study was published on July 7 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. 'We could potentially use this knowledge to tailor physical activity recommendations to the individual — and hopefully help them to become and remain more active,' said Flaminia Ronca, PhD, first author of the study, in an accompanying press release. The study compared participants' baseline fitness levels and fitness outcomes, along with enjoyment and exercise preferences, across the five major personality trait domains. The ' Big Five ' personality traits include: conscientiousness agreeableness neuroticism openness extraversion While everyone's personalities are unique, these core traits have been widely used by researchers for decades. 'It's an innovative study because they are exploring a novel idea: How someone's personality could indicate how they exercise,' said Brad Donohue, PhD, a professor of psychology and creator of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. 'The findings really get you thinking. If someone is introverted or extroverted, maybe that is something they should consider when it comes to a workout routine,' he added. Donohue was not involved in the research. How personality impacts exercise preference The researchers examined how the Big Five personality traits influence key aspects of an exercise routine. For example, do certain traits correlate with a preference for higher- or lower-intensity workouts? They recruited 132 volunteers from the general public, representing diverse backgrounds and fitness levels. Participants were randomly assigned to an eight-week exercise program — combining cycling and strength training — or to a control group that performed brief stretching sessions. Baseline fitness was measured via tests such as push-ups, planks, and VO2 max. Participants also reported their perceived stress levels. Personality traits were measured with a standard Big Five survey, asking respondents to rate statements such as whether they make friends easily or consistently complete tasks. A total of 86 participants completed the study. Regardless of personality type, all who finished the exercise program improved their fitness, doing more push-ups and achieving higher VO2 max than at baseline. Stratifying participants by personality resulted in intriguing associations between those traits and exercise behaviors. At baseline, both extraversion and conscientiousness predicted higher baseline fitness. Neuroticism, on the other hand, was associated with poorer heart rate recovery. Extraverts preferred higher-intensity workouts, such as HIIT sessions and VO₂ max cycling tests. Participants scoring high in neuroticism — which describes a proclivity to be anxious or insecure — preferred light exercise at home, rather than being observed in a lab. They were also less likely to record their heart rate data, which also suggests a potential preference for private workout conditions. Participants high in agreeableness preferred an 'easy long' cycling ride. Interestingly, conscientiousness wasn't associated with a preference for any particular form of exercise. Since this trait is a sign of persistence, grit, and goal-setting, the authors suggest that these individuals are strongly motivated by the fitness and health outcomes of exercise and less concerned with enjoyment. Personality also predicted stress-related outcomes, but only neuroticism showed an effect. Participants high in neuroticism were the only group to experience reduced stress from the exercise intervention. 'Exercise reduces stress. If someone is anxious, we know exercise is going to help them. So it would make sense that they would show greater improvements than someone that's not demonstrating those characteristics,' said Donohue. Motivation is key to workout consistency While the study makes a compelling case for the role that personality can have in exercise enjoyment and preference, Donohue notes that it's just one piece of the puzzle to helping people find satisfaction with their workouts. 'The task at hand becomes how do we get you motivated? It could be that certain types of personality traits are more motivated to work out under certain circumstances. But at the end of the day, those are generalizations,' Donohue said. Importantly, he noted, that individuals would rarely only embody a single dominant personality trait. Instead, people exist on a spectrum of these traits, which makes it more difficult to predict how this would affect exercise preference. Would an individual with apparently contrary traits, such as high extroversion and high neuroticism, enjoy a workout in a crowded gym class? It's not clear from identifying these traits alone. Instead, Donohue suggests, people can assess what type of exercise works for them by asking other general questions about their preferences. For example: What types of exercise have worked for you in the past? Do you prefer to workout with a partner or alone? What is your current routine? How would you describe your fitness or athletic goals? 'The best predictor is past behavior. When it comes to someone's workout routine, I really emphasize the things that they've already had success with. If someone has already been very successful with a certain type of exercise, that shows they are motivated by that particular type of workout,' Donohue said.
