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New York Today: How Warm Weather Affects Our Behavior
The New York Times: Good morning on this beautiful Friday. This week, we’ve observed some odd behavior for February: people sunbathing in Washington Square Park, passers-by in shorts sipping iced coffee and commuters lining up near empty Citi Bike racks. Which got us thinking: How does warm weather affect our behavior? “Studies have shown that pleasant weather is associated with a few positive shifts in behavior,” said Vinita Mehta, a clinical psychologist practicing in Washington. We asked her to guide us through some of the research. ... Participants in a 2008 study in Germany kept a daily journal of their well-being, while data from nearby weather stations was collected.
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What Research Says About Humor in the Workplace
The Wall Street Journal: The use of jokes and comedy affects how confident we appear, how productive and creative we are and even how much status we achieve. Brad Bitterly and Maurice Schweitzer of the Wharton School join us with details. Read the whole story: The Wall Street Journal
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To Understand Others’ Minds, ‘Being’ Them Beats Reading Them
We may believe we can tell what others are experiencing by observing them – but new research shows we’d get a much better idea if we put ourselves in their shoes instead.
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Teens Drive More Safely in the Months After a Crash
Research involving actual driving data from over 250 teens suggests that involvement in a severe crash may prompt adolescents to engage in safer driving behavior.
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Workplace Bullying May Be Linked to Long-Term Health Issues
A new study links workplace bullying to negative health outcomes for employees, including increases in long-term sick leave and prescriptions for antidepressants.
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When You Need to Face Facts in Your Life
The Wall Street Journal: I’ve been having pain in my right knee. It hurts to exercise or sit cross-legged. Sometimes the pain wakes me up at night. I know I should see a doctor. But I worry he’ll tell me to stop doing yoga, which I love. And what if he says I need surgery? So I try to ignore the pain. Why do we sometimes resist the facts, even when we know they’re important? ... First, spend some time thinking about what you really value in life. Psychologists call this an affirmation invention.
