Why hugs become memorable
A large-scale survey of adults in the UK shows that hugs are commonly remembered for comfort, support, and understanding, according to a study published October 28, 2026, in the open access journal PLOS One by…
Study suggests having friends keeps cortisol levels low
From the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology press release: Directing a meeting, dialing up an old acquaintance, dictating the perfect tuna salad sandwich across a drive-through window. For business and for pleasure, human…
Chimp study suggests why humans are pickier about friendship late when they get older
From the Harvard University press release: No new friends and no drama. When humans age, they tend to favor small circles of meaningful, already established friendships rather than seek new ones. People are also more…
Study suggests loneliness can change your brain’s social network
From the Society for Neuroscience press release: Social media sites aren’t the only things that keep track of your social network — your brain does, too. But loneliness alters how the brain represents relationships, according…
Study suggests ‘feeling obligated’ can impact relationships during social distancing
From the Michigan State University press release: In a time where many are practicing “social distancing” from the outside world, people are relying on their immediate social circles more than usual. Does a sense of…
Study discovers what your friends’ brains look like when they think of you
From the Ohio State University press release: If you ever wondered what’s going on in your friends’ brains when they think about you, new research may provide a clue. It turns out that the brain…
Study suggests positive relationships boost self-esteem, and vice versa
From the American Psychological Association press release: Does having close friends boost your self-esteem, or does having high self-esteem influence the quality of your friendships? Both, according to a meta-analysis of more than two decades…
Study looks at how social media communities affect friendships
From the Rice University press release: Your chances of forming online friendships depend mainly on the number of groups and organizations you join, not their types, according to an analysis of six online social networks…
Study suggests you probably made a better first impression than you think
From the Association for Psychological Science press release: After we have conversations with new people, our conversation partners like us and enjoy our company more than we think, according to findings published in Psychological Science, a…
Study suggests high status-signaling may deter new friendships
From the Society for Personality and Social Psychology press release: When it comes to making new friends, status symbols actually repel people from making friends with us, according to new research published in the journal Social…