The Upside of Body Odor
New research suggests a lack of personal hygiene can inspire feelings of pity and generosity.
Prosocial Behavior
What's Stopping More of Us From Being Environmentalists and Feminists?
Canadian researchers report people hold negative views of political and social activists, and their unwillingness to associate with such people dampens the likelihood of changing their behavior.
Need Help? Ask a Virtual Superman
New research finds people who flew in virtual reality were more eager to help later.
Women Eye Dance Moves to Find Thrill Seekers
How to spot thrill-seeking men on the dance floor, "sweet" personalities in public, and bidding fever on eBay.
New Studies Help Boy Scouts 'Be Prepared'
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful — and the subject of much research after a hundred years in existence.
Strong Social Bonds Promote Health, Belonging — and Torture
New research finds people who feel a strong connection with their social group are more likely to dehumanize outsiders.
'The Fair Society' Calls for a New Social Structure Based on Equality
Social critic Peter Corning argues for a new social structure based on equality, equity and reciprocity in his new book "The Fair Society."
Teddy Bears Soften Pain of Social Exclusion | Miller-McCune
New research from Singapore suggests touching a stuffed animal can counteract the tendency of ostracized people to engage in antisocial behavior.
Is It Ever OK to Spank My Child?
Academics come to semantic blows over challenging the baby boom orthodoxy that physical punishment for children is always a bad idea.
Childhood Memories Provoke Charitable Behavior
New Harvard University research suggests childhood memories stimulate selflessness.
The Merits of Cultivating Selflessness
A UCLA researcher argues that rather than assuming people are basically selfish, government could more profitably encourage pro-social behavior.
Uplifting Ways to Access Your Better Self
Researchers find physical elevation seems to trigger pro-social behavior.
Visual Cues Make Children More Helpful
A new study finds 18-month-olds who were subtly introduced to the concept of togetherness were far more likely to help someone in need.