A new study from the University of Michigan shows that if directions for a task are presented in a difficult-to-read style, the task will be viewed as being difficult, taking a long time to complete and lead to decreased motivation for completing the task. Click here to read the article.

Psychological Science, October 2008

During times of intergroup conflict a male leader  is sought while during intragroup conflict a female leader  is sought. Click here to read article.

Psychological Science, November 2008

Research shows that men find women dressed in red more attractive. Click here to read article.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, October 2008

Participants attending a seminar via videoconference are more influenced by the likeability of the speaker than by the quality of the arguments presented, whereas the opposite pattern is true for participants attending in person. Click here to read the article.

Management Science, October 2008

New research has found that spirituality protects against depression more than attending church. Click here to read the article. 

 Psychological Medicine, October 2008

Socially rejected individuals are better at distinguishing fake smiles from real smiles compared to individuals who feel socially accepted. Click here to read the article.

Psychological Science, October 2008.

It is well known that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease frequently suffer from depression and anxiety, but according to new research, depression and anxiety may actually cause increased hospitalizations and exacerbations. Click here to read the article.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, November 2008.

It might shrink your brain and shred your liver, but alcohol could be the key to inner happiness. Click here to read the article.

Is happiness good for your health? It appears that happiness does not predict longevity in the sick, but it does predict longevity among the healthy. So, happiness does not cure illness but it does protect against becoming ill. The effect of happiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking or not.

Journal of Happiness Studies, Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2008, Pages 449-469

Researchers have found that people who score high in narcissism tend to take control of leaderless groups. Narcissism is a trait in which people are self-centered, exaggerate their talents and abilities, and lack empathy for others. Click here to read the article.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, October 2008