DR. GREGORY R. HODSON, M.D.

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This study looked at how interacting with Black and gay individuals affects people's attitudes toward these groups and even towards other groups. Researchers followed 456 white, heterosexual Americans over several weeks and found that people who had more positive interactions with Black individuals also had better attitudes towards gay individuals. This matters because it shows that positive experiences with one marginalized group can lead to more favorable views of other groups, helping to reduce overall prejudice. Who this helps: This helps patients and society by promoting understanding and acceptance among different social groups.

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This research looked at how major life changes, like starting university or studying abroad, affect how people interact with others from different backgrounds and how these interactions shape their attitudes toward those groups. The study found that when individuals experienced significant increases in positive contact with people from other nationalities, their opinions improved—specifically, positive interactions increased attitudes by notable levels, while negative interactions led to declines in those attitudes. This matters because it shows that serious changes in our social environments can lead to real shifts in how we feel about others, countering the idea that our beliefs are fixed. Who this helps: This helps individuals facing transitions, like students, improve their relationships and attitudes toward diverse groups.

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This study looked at how certain variables can hide or distort the relationships between other variables in research, specifically focusing on topics like religion and prejudice, as well as people's desires for successful individuals to fail. The authors pointed out that in some cases, findings were misinterpreted due to this "suppression" effect, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Understanding these effects is important because it helps researchers accurately interpret data and avoid confusion in their studies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists who analyze data in their work.

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This study examined whether interacting with people from different backgrounds changes individual attitudes towards those groups over time. Researchers found that while there were differences in attitudes between individuals—those who were less dominant and more open-minded had favorable views—there was no change in attitudes for the same person over time despite increased contact with outgroups. This is important because it challenges the idea that simply having contact with diverse groups automatically leads to reduced prejudice. Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers aiming to create effective programs to reduce discrimination.

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This study explored how people view different types of sex work, like prostitution and webcamming, and whether they see these as empowering or harmful for cisgender women. Researchers surveyed 298 US residents and found that sex work was rated along a hierarchy: webcamming is viewed more positively as empowering, while prostitution is seen as more harmful. Factors like personal beliefs (such as right-wing authoritarianism and sociosexuality) significantly influenced these views, particularly among women. Who this helps: This research benefits women engaged in or considering sex work, as well as advocates and policymakers working to support their rights and agency.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed psychological research, focusing on what questions psychologists should ask and how they should conduct their studies. The researchers noted that the pandemic has changed important social behaviors and mental health issues, suggesting that psychology should adapt to these new realities. They believe that by understanding and addressing these changes, psychological research can become more effective and relevant in helping people post-pandemic. Who this helps: This helps psychologists, patients, and mental health professionals.

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This research studied how different types of news media influence people's political views. The findings showed that people who watched right-leaning news tended to develop more right-wing views, while those who consumed left-leaning news adopted more left-wing views. For instance, after three months, those who primarily consumed right-leaning news had stronger right-wing stances, even if they had previously held different views. This is important because it shows that the type of news people consume can deepen political divides and influence public opinion on important issues. Who this helps: This helps the general public and policymakers understand how media affects political beliefs.

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This study looks at the practice of asking research participants for consent multiple times throughout a study, especially after they've learned more about its goals and methods. It finds that when participants can withdraw their data after being informed, it may create bias and threaten the accuracy of the research results. For example, participants with strong biases might choose to withdraw from studies if they don’t like what they learn, which could distort findings and undermine research integrity. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and the integrity of scientific studies.

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This study looked at how feelings of threat from COVID-19 changed in the UK as the vaccination program rolled out and how these changes affected people's attitudes toward immigrants. Researchers found that as people felt less threatened by the virus, they also showed less tendency to avoid groups they view as different, with avoidance dropping significantly alongside threat perception. However, people’s actual prejudiced beliefs did not change much during this time. This matters because it shows that reducing health threats can lead to more positive social interactions and less avoidance of different groups. Who this helps: This benefits communities and public health officials aiming for better social cohesion during health crises.

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This study looks at how prejudice is defined and measured in research, showing that there's a trend where right-leaning viewpoints are taking precedence over the perspectives of disadvantaged groups. It raises concerns that if researchers overlook real-world complexities and the broader social environment, the findings might not reflect the actual experiences of those affected by prejudice. This matters because bias in research can lead to ineffective solutions and further marginalization of vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps disadvantaged groups and advocates for social justice.

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This study looked at how well premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) tolerate the rotavirus vaccine (RV5) when given during their hospital stay. Researchers found that there was no increase in serious health issues after the vaccine was given compared to the time before vaccination, after a standard 2-month vaccination, or compared to historical cases that did not receive the vaccine. This is important because it shows that giving the rotavirus vaccine to premature infants in the NICU is safe and does not lead to significant health problems. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how butchers and deli workers cope emotionally with handling meat compared to people who don’t work with meat. They found that within the first one to two years, workers reported less disgust and empathy when seeing images of animals, showing a stronger separation between the animals and the meat they process. This matters because it highlights how regularly handling meat can change people's feelings about it and their beliefs around meat consumption. Who this helps: This helps butchers, deli workers, and others in the meat industry understand their psychological adaptation.

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This study looked at what influences support for LGBT rights in 77 countries, focusing on how personal connections to gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, as well as the laws in a person’s country, affect attitudes. The findings showed that people who know someone who is gay or transgender, and those living in countries with stronger rights for these groups, were more likely to support their rights—71,991 participants supported gay/lesbian rights and 70,056 supported transgender rights. This matters because it demonstrates that both personal experiences and the legal environment can significantly shape attitudes towards LGBT rights, which can guide future advocacy and policy efforts. Who this helps: Advocates and policymakers working to improve LGBT rights.

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This study looked at the relationships between vegans and vegetarians, who both don’t eat meat but have different views on using animal products. Researchers found that vegans often see themselves as better than vegetarians and prefer those with strong animal rights or environmental beliefs. This rivalry can create stress, as vegetarians reported feeling anxious when interacting with vegans who are very strict about their diet. Who this helps: This information is useful for both vegan and vegetarian communities to understand and improve their relationships.

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This research looked at how people's feelings about eating meat affect their understanding of pandemic risks from factory farming. The studies found that British adults are less likely to blame factory farms for causing epidemics, especially if they eat a lot of meat, with only 27% acknowledging factory farms as a risk compared to 51% pointing fingers at wild animal markets. Understanding these attitudes is important for creating effective ways to prevent future pandemics. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers who are working to prevent pandemics.

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This paper looks at how psychological researchers are struggling to address racial microaggressions, which are subtle forms of discrimination faced by Black people and other marginalized groups. The research highlights three main issues: the expanding definitions of harm, increasing conservative influences in moral judgments, and a tendency to treat biases from both sides of the political spectrum as equal, which can detract from understanding the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups. These findings are important because they call for psychology to focus more on the real experiences of those affected by discrimination, or risk becoming less relevant in addressing social justice. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially Black individuals and others facing discrimination, by pushing for more accurate understanding and support in psychology.

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This study looked at how the way we talk about groups of people affects how we see them as human. They found that when people are described as a faceless group instead of individuals, others tend to feel less empathy and are less likely to help them; in fact, people showed a significant drop in willingness to assist when they viewed them as a collective rather than as individuals. This matters because how we frame discussions about people in need can influence public support and social change. Who this helps: This helps social advocates and organizations working to promote empathy and support for marginalized groups.

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This study looked at whether white people in the U.S. actually face more discrimination compared to black people, as some political groups claim. The researchers found that white people experience less discrimination than black people and that improvements for black individuals do not lead to increased discrimination for white individuals. Additionally, there are different beliefs about discrimination among various racial and political groups. Who this helps: This helps people trying to understand racial dynamics and discrimination in society.

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This study looked at a way to manage pain for an elderly patient with many broken ribs, which can lead to serious health issues. They used special catheters placed at two different levels of the spine to deliver continuous pain relief, which helped the patient recover better despite her high risk, with a potential 20% chance of death from her injuries. This research is important because it shows that using a dual approach for pain management can significantly improve outcomes for patients with multiple rib fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple rib fractures, particularly elderly and high-risk individuals.

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This study looked at how women perceive and react to other women who dress in a sexualized way. Researchers found that when a woman was dressed more provocatively, other women rated her as less human and were more likely to behave aggressively toward her. In fact, women who felt more competitive with other women showed the most aggression, suggesting that how a woman dresses can trigger negative feelings and actions from other women. Who this helps: This research benefits women, as it highlights the social dynamics and pressures surrounding female sexuality and competition.

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This study looked at how attending religious services affects people's attitudes towards gay rights and antigay bias. Researchers analyzed data from over 215,000 participants across the U.S. and 96 other countries, finding that those who attended religious services more often showed greater antigay bias, especially in countries where gay rights were recognized. This matters because it highlights that religious justifications can increase negative attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community, and addressing these justifications may help reduce prejudice. Who this helps: This helps LGBTQ+ individuals and advocates working to promote equality and understanding.

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This study looked at why people who choose vegetarian or vegan diets sometimes go back to eating meat. Researchers found that individuals with more conservative beliefs were more likely to return to meat consumption. Specifically, 1313 participants showed that those with higher conservatism were significantly more likely to be former vegetarians or vegans because they were less motivated by social justice concerns, like animal rights, and felt less socially supported in their dietary choices. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals trying to maintain vegetarian or vegan diets, as well as those developing support strategies for them.

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This study examined how contact with different groups of people can change our thinking and attitudes beyond just improving interactions. It found that having these experiences not only makes people more accepting of others but also helps them think more flexibly and creatively, which leads to new ways of solving problems. Specifically, contact can alter beliefs about social order and regulation, promoting openness over the long term. Who this helps: This benefits everyone, especially patients and communities looking to improve relationships and understanding among diverse groups.

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This study explored whether playing video games together with members of a different group can improve how people feel about each other, even if the games are violent. In one experiment with 77 participants, those who cooperatively played a violent game showed a significant increase in positive feelings towards the other group, while those who played alone did not. A second experiment involving 239 participants found the same positive effects for both violent and nonviolent games. This shows that teamwork in games can help reduce biases and build better relationships between different groups. Who this helps: This benefits players, community organizations, and educators looking to foster cooperation and understanding across diverse groups.

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This study looked at how being seen as less than human by another group, called "metadehumanization," can lead to conflict and aggression. Researchers conducted 10 studies with over 3,400 participants across the world and found that if a group feels they have been dehumanized, they are more likely to respond by dehumanizing the other group in return. This cycle of dehumanization can contribute to support for aggressive actions, such as torture, against those perceived as an enemy. Who this helps: This research benefits policymakers and communities by highlighting the importance of addressing perceptions and humanization in reducing conflict.

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This research looked at how certain beliefs about groups of people can help us understand prejudice. The study found that combining two views—seeing groups as unified and believing they are unchangeable—makes it much easier to predict racism. Specifically, using this combined view doubled the effectiveness of predicting racist attitudes based on previous surveys. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and psychologists studying prejudice and discrimination.

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This study looked at whether American states with more religious or conservative people search for sexual content online more than other states. The researchers found that states with higher levels of religiosity had more general searches for sexual content, and those with higher conservatism specifically searched for sexual images more. This matters because it highlights a contradiction where people in traditionally conservative areas may engage with sexual content privately, despite public opposition to non-traditional sexual behavior. Who this helps: This information could help researchers, mental health professionals, and social scientists understand behavioral patterns related to sexuality and conservatism.

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This study looked at how children perceive differences between races and how that connects to their views on animals. The researchers found that White children saw Black children as having fewer qualities that make us uniquely human, which is a form of racial dehumanization. Specifically, when kids believed in a strong divide between humans and animals, it increased their prejudice, which was also influenced by their parents' beliefs. The positive takeaway is that children can change their views about humans and animals with the right information. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators looking to reduce prejudice in children.

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This study looked at how liberals and conservatives react differently to negative situations and whether their thinking abilities vary based on their political beliefs. The researchers found that these differences in political ideology can influence cognitive skills and preferences, meaning some people may be more likely to avoid threats while others see opportunities. Understanding these differences is important for improving communication and reducing conflicts between groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and anyone interested in how political beliefs affect thinking and behavior.

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This study looked at whether people who are homophobic might actually have hidden feelings of attraction to the same sex. Researchers tested this idea using a new method to measure these implicit attractions and found no signs that homophobia was linked to hidden same-sex attraction. Instead, they discovered that women who showed implicit attraction to the same sex viewed gay men and lesbians more positively, while men showed that their open same-sex attraction also led to more positive views of gay individuals. Who this helps: This research helps psychologists and counselors understand the complex relationships between feelings of attraction and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals.

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This study looked at how lower cognitive ability in childhood is linked to greater prejudice in adulthood, with a focus on factors like conservative beliefs and limited interaction with different social groups. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 16,000 people in the UK and found that those with lower intelligence were more likely to hold racist views later in life; similar results were seen in the U.S. regarding prejudice against homosexuals. Understanding the connection between cognitive abilities and prejudice is important because it highlights areas where intervention can help reduce discriminatory attitudes. Who this helps: This benefits educators, mental health professionals, and organizations working to combat prejudice in society.

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This study investigated how people's beliefs about how they and others see different racial groups affect their willingness to interact with those groups. The researchers found that while white participants wanted to engage positively with Black individuals when they felt threatened, they actually avoided those interactions significantly more when they thought the Black individuals perceived them as biased. Specifically, this avoidance was much stronger in these situations than in other circumstances. Understanding these dynamics is important for developing better strategies to reduce prejudice. Who this helps: This helps individuals looking to improve race relations and reduce prejudice.

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This study discusses how interacting with different groups of people can lead to better understanding and positive feelings toward each other. The researchers warn that pushing for conflict in the name of social equality might actually be harmful and counterproductive. They emphasize the importance of maintaining positive contact between groups to avoid negative outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits communities, social activists, and anyone working toward greater social equality.

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This research studied how people's beliefs about humor can influence their attitudes toward jokes that target certain groups, focusing on marginalized groups, like Mexicans. The researchers found that individuals with a strong belief in "carefree" humor were more likely to find jokes about low-status groups funny, correlating with their social dominance orientation. Specifically, people with higher social dominance scores preferred jokes belittling Mexicans, which shows how humor can justify negative attitudes toward these groups. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and organizations aiming to understand prejudice and promote inclusivity.

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This study looked at how interactions between white inmates and Black inmates in two British prisons could change attitudes about racial groups, particularly among those who believe in social hierarchies. The researchers found that white inmates with a strong belief in social dominance showed less bias against Black inmates when they had positive interactions with them and when they felt that the prison supported these interactions; in fact, their empathy increased, leading to a decline in prejudice. This is important because it helps us understand how fostering positive relationships in prisons can reduce racial biases. Who this helps: This benefits inmates and prison staff working towards improved racial harmony in correctional facilities.

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This study explored how feelings of disgust can influence people's negative attitudes toward immigrants and other social groups. It found that individuals who are sensitive to disgust are more likely to hold biased views, particularly if they also have certain ideological beliefs, such as a desire for social dominance or right-wing authoritarian views. Specifically, a higher disgust sensitivity led to more negative views about out-groups due to these ideological factors rather than just fears of disease. Who this helps: This research helps policymakers and educators working to reduce prejudice in society.

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Researchers studied how people feel about things, like food and brands, that start with the same letters as their names. They found that while there was no real difference in how much people liked animals or foods based on initials, people did prefer brand names that began with their initials significantly. This matters because it shows how our names can shape our preferences and choices in everyday life. Who this helps: This helps marketers and companies understand how to connect with consumers more effectively.

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This study explored how people respond to persuasive messages depending on whether they come from a group they belong to (in-group) or a different group (out-group) and how uncertain they feel about those messages. The researchers found that people who often feel uncertain about their beliefs were more likely to carefully think about messages that didn't match their expectations, while those who are more certain about their beliefs only did so when the messages matched their expectations. This matters because it shows that how much uncertainty people feel can affect how they interpret information from different social groups. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and communicators understand how to better engage with audiences by considering their level of certainty or discomfort with uncertainty.

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This research looked at a type of unconscious bias called aversive racism, which affects how White people perceive and interact with Black people. The authors found that this subtle form of racism can lead to misunderstandings and distrust between the races, making it harder for them to communicate and work together effectively. This matters because it negatively impacts opportunities for Black individuals in various situations, such as job selections, and creates barriers to better race relations. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and anyone involved in interracial interactions.

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Researchers looked at the membranes of cow corneal cells to understand how they handle bicarbonate, a substance that helps with fluid balance in the eye. They found no increase in ATPase activity, an enzyme important for moving bicarbonate ions, when bicarbonate was added. This finding suggests that the way these cells secrete bicarbonate might be directly linked to another enzyme that regulates sodium and potassium. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand eye health and could benefit patients with corneal problems.

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This study looked at the thickness of facial tissues in 50 healthy American children between ages 4 and 15. Researchers found that three specific areas of the face—above the upper lip in girls, the chin in boys, and the forehead in both genders—became thicker as the kids got older. Although some measurements decreased with age, the findings help create accurate models of children's facial structures. Who this helps: This benefits medical professionals and researchers creating facial models for surgical planning or prosthetics.

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This study looked at how behavioral treatment can help parents manage common issues their children face, like trouble at school or difficult behavior. It found that parents need to recognize a behavior as a problem, ensure the child can control it, and that someone in the family can learn strategies to address it. The study also highlighted that self-help resources can be beneficial, and some cases might need specialized help. Who this helps: This benefits parents who are dealing with challenging behaviors in their children.