Social & Behavior
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Dec-2025 19:11 ET (27-Dec-2025 00:11 GMT/UTC)
When helping hurts: Why acts of goodwill can stall peace
The Hebrew University of JerusalemPeer-Reviewed Publication
A new study reveals that even acts of help in conflict zones can lead to negative consequences. When members of a dominant group witness initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the disadvantaged side, without addressing underlying political issues, they may feel morally satisfied and, as a result, become less supportive of meaningful concessions for peace. The findings highlight the importance of coupling humanitarian aid with genuine political change to create lasting peace.
- Journal
- Peace and Conflict Journal of Peace Psychology
How social support impacts firearm carrying and secure storage
Rutgers UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Support from family, friends and partners can influence a person’s behaviors around firearms, with more support corresponding to a reduction in unsafe behaviors, according to a Rutgers Health researchers. Their study, published in Injury Prevention, examined how connections with others shape the ways that a person interacts with firearms.
- Journal
- Injury Prevention
FAU study finds small group counseling helps children thrive at school
Florida Atlantic UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Many students face anxiety, stress, or disconnection that can hinder academic and social-emotional growth. FAU College of Education researchers studied the Student Success Skills small group counseling program for sixth graders. Across six sessions, students strengthened anger management, goal-setting, and social problem-solving skills while fostering trust and community. Findings showed improved school connectedness, positive perceptions of school climate, and increased engagement, demonstrating that ASE-based small group counseling effectively supports students’ emotional well-being and academic success.
- Journal
- Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling
Beyond rent: Shared houses in Tokyo offer lifestyle, safety, and community
Shibaura Institute of TechnologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
Shared houses are redefining urban living in Tokyo. By analyzing 1,374 supplier-written property listings through text-mining, researchers identified 11 key promotional themes highlighting safety, community, and convenience as the main selling points. The study uncovers how shared houses are promoted not as low-cost options but as lifestyle-oriented spaces that foster social connection and urban comfort, reflecting Japan’s shifting housing values and evolving notions of city living.
- Journal
- Cities
100 years of menus show how food can be used as a diplomatic tool to make and break political alliances
FrontiersPeer-Reviewed Publication
What do hake fillet, port wine from 1890, and Azorean pineapple have in common? At some point, these dishes were served as part of diplomatic dinners hosted in Portugal. But is there a deeper meaning behind these choices? Portuguese researchers have examined menus from dinners hosted over the last 100 years. They found the dishes served at those dinners are vital parts of the execution of Portugal’s foreign policy and that national cuisines can be strategically used to strengthen a country’s global standing.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Political Science
Friendship bias in peer assessment of EFL oral presentations
Osaka Metropolitan University- Journal
- Assessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice